Nursery Update

The nursery is finally coming together! After going in to a bit of panic mode on my end, I have to say, I am loving the end result so far.  We are still waiting on a few key pieces (glider - will be here this weekend, and nursery prints) but otherwise, it looks great! I am very thankful for a husband that has put together and taken apart a crib for me, and put together another crib, plus a changing table and nightstand.  The crib is from Pottery Barn Kids, and the nightstand and changing table are Ikea. Best part is, they look great together! I am anxious to get the yellow accent pieces in the room, as well as the floating shelves that will be going on the wall that the nightstand is against.  I think they will all bring a nice touch to the room.

Imagine with a yellow crib sheet

Baskets coming soon

We are 32 weeks today! Can you believe it? The baby is almost 17 inches long, and 4 pounds now, and is gaining on average 1/2 a pound per week, while I am gaining 1 pound per week. Doesnt seem fair, I know, but the baby wants what it wants! I can't wait for the coming up weekend- my first baby shower! I am so thankful to have two amazing friends hosting a friends shower for me this weekend, and then next weekend my mom and sister are hosting a family shower for the Little One.  Little Baby Danielson is already so loved and spoiled! David and I are thankful to have such wonderful, supportive family and friends in our lives.  Pictures to come!

Update:

Up 17 pounds (on track to gain a pound a week from here on out), no cravings really but I am loving all the fresh fruit right now, peaches especially! Belly button is still in!! LBD (little baby Danielson) moves like crazy, mostly at night when I am trying to sleep!!

The nursery is finally coming together! After going in to a bit of panic mode on my end, I have to say, I am loving the end result so far.  We are still waiting on a few key pieces (glider - will be here this weekend, and nursery prints) but otherwise, it looks great! I am very thankful for a husband that has put together and taken apart a crib for me, and put together another crib, plus a changing table and nightstand.  The crib is from Pottery Barn Kids, and the nightstand and changing table are Ikea. Best part is, they look great together! I am anxious to get the yellow accent pieces in the room, as well as the floating shelves that will be going on the wall that the nightstand is against.  I think they will all bring a nice touch to the room.

Imagine with a yellow crib sheet

Baskets coming soon

We are 32 weeks today! Can you believe it? The baby is almost 17 inches long, and 4 pounds now, and is gaining on average 1/2 a pound per week, while I am gaining 1 pound per week. Doesnt seem fair, I know, but the baby wants what it wants! I can't wait for the coming up weekend- my first baby shower! I am so thankful to have two amazing friends hosting a friends shower for me this weekend, and then next weekend my mom and sister are hosting a family shower for the Little One.  Little Baby Danielson is already so loved and spoiled! David and I are thankful to have such wonderful, supportive family and friends in our lives.  Pictures to come!

Update:

Up 17 pounds (on track to gain a pound a week from here on out), no cravings really but I am loving all the fresh fruit right now, peaches especially! Belly button is still in!! LBD (little baby Danielson) moves like crazy, mostly at night when I am trying to sleep!!

Worst Blogger Ever

I feel like a horrible blogger lately! Although, in my defense, there has been LOTS going on.  For starters, I had SHINGLES! Can you believe it?! They were horrible, and I had a pretty minor case, so I definitely have sympathy for those people that have it covering half their bodies, rather than in my case, where it was just my upper left side.  Thank goodness you can take the medication to clear it up during pregnancy.  Aside from being very uncomfortable for two or so weeks, it cleared up pretty quickly, and I am now happily on the mend. 

In the last three weeks I also decided that the crib and dresser we previously had purchased (and put together - the crib) needed to go.  They were off as far as white colors went (one more yellow/antique than the other), and together they took up way too much room in the nursery.  So, back they both went, and our new crib from Pottery Barn was lovingly picked up and put together by David this weekend.  The rocker will be here by the July 22 (so they tell me at least- we are already a month behind when it was supposed to be delivered!) and I can't wait to see it all come together! I have picked up a few odds and ends here for the nursery, but still need to pick out a ceiling fan, changing table and night stand.  I'm thinking a trip to Ikea is in our near future.

In baby news, I am now 30 weeks! I can't believe that in 6 short weeks I will officially be "full term".  I know I say (write) this every time, but it really is flying by! It seems like time goes by faster in the summer months. I have my two showers coming up at the end of July, begining of August, and I can't wait to celebrate baby Danielson! We are also getting closer to narrowing down our list of baby names.  We still arent 100% set on one for a boy or girl, but have two or three for each, versus 100's for each, which was where we were at a few months ago!

Here is the latest update:

How far along? 30 weeks  

Total weight gain: about 15lbs, give or take a few at my last appt (it fluctuates a few lbs on a daily basis).  

Maternity clothes?: oh yes! I am rotating between my maternity dresses and other dresses that I have that are still working with my growing belly.  Dresses are much more comfortable I am finding in this heat

Stretch marks?: not too bad.

Sleep: pretty good! I get up a few times a night to use the restroom, but fall right back to sleep

Best moment this week: having five days off!

Miss Anything?: not at the moment

Movement: Baby D is very active! I am starting to feel hiccups too.

Food cravings: not too many, although fruit still always sounds delicious, as do pastries, and cheese  

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Gender: unknown.  anyone care to guess?
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: the ever growing belly and some back twinges  
Belly Button in or out?: an "innie" for the time being, althought it is getting shallower by the day :) 

Wedding rings on or off?: on

Happy or Moody most of the time: happy, happy, happy! Althought David would probably say I am moody as well :) blame it on the hormones!
Looking forward to: Baby D's two showers coming up

I feel like a horrible blogger lately! Although, in my defense, there has been LOTS going on.  For starters, I had SHINGLES! Can you believe it?! They were horrible, and I had a pretty minor case, so I definitely have sympathy for those people that have it covering half their bodies, rather than in my case, where it was just my upper left side.  Thank goodness you can take the medication to clear it up during pregnancy.  Aside from being very uncomfortable for two or so weeks, it cleared up pretty quickly, and I am now happily on the mend. 

In the last three weeks I also decided that the crib and dresser we previously had purchased (and put together - the crib) needed to go.  They were off as far as white colors went (one more yellow/antique than the other), and together they took up way too much room in the nursery.  So, back they both went, and our new crib from Pottery Barn was lovingly picked up and put together by David this weekend.  The rocker will be here by the July 22 (so they tell me at least- we are already a month behind when it was supposed to be delivered!) and I can't wait to see it all come together! I have picked up a few odds and ends here for the nursery, but still need to pick out a ceiling fan, changing table and night stand.  I'm thinking a trip to Ikea is in our near future.

In baby news, I am now 30 weeks! I can't believe that in 6 short weeks I will officially be "full term".  I know I say (write) this every time, but it really is flying by! It seems like time goes by faster in the summer months. I have my two showers coming up at the end of July, begining of August, and I can't wait to celebrate baby Danielson! We are also getting closer to narrowing down our list of baby names.  We still arent 100% set on one for a boy or girl, but have two or three for each, versus 100's for each, which was where we were at a few months ago!

Here is the latest update:

How far along? 30 weeks  

Total weight gain: about 15lbs, give or take a few at my last appt (it fluctuates a few lbs on a daily basis).  

Maternity clothes?: oh yes! I am rotating between my maternity dresses and other dresses that I have that are still working with my growing belly.  Dresses are much more comfortable I am finding in this heat

Stretch marks?: not too bad.

Sleep: pretty good! I get up a few times a night to use the restroom, but fall right back to sleep

Best moment this week: having five days off!

Miss Anything?: not at the moment

Movement: Baby D is very active! I am starting to feel hiccups too.

Food cravings: not too many, although fruit still always sounds delicious, as do pastries, and cheese  

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Gender: unknown.  anyone care to guess?
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: the ever growing belly and some back twinges  
Belly Button in or out?: an "innie" for the time being, althought it is getting shallower by the day :) 

Wedding rings on or off?: on

Happy or Moody most of the time: happy, happy, happy! Althought David would probably say I am moody as well :) blame it on the hormones!
Looking forward to: Baby D's two showers coming up

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there! I am thankful to have THREE wonderful fathers in my life (not to mention countless others that I have looked up to over the years).  My dad, Eric, Father in Law, Dean, and my very own daddy to be, David. 

Dad and I on my wedding day

 My dad was such a great dad to us growing up.  He went to every dance recital (heck, he was IN most of them!), football game to watch me cheer, school event, etc.  I have the best memories of working out in the yard with him, tinkering around with different projects he was working on, and listening to his stories before I went to bed most nights.  I can't wait for him to be a grandpa (Papa).  He has so much to teach about tools, woodwork, etc, and is going to be amazing with this little boy/girl. 


Dean, David and Lester Danielson

Dean is an amazing father and father in law! He had to be a great dad to put up with David for 18+ years ;) (I kid, I kid...sort of!). I hear all the time about the ski trips, river rafting days, and little league games that Dean did with David.  To this day they still spend quite a bit of time kayaking and going on ski trips.  I know that will continue with this little bundle of joy too! This little boy/girl is lucky to have such an adventerous grandpa to show them the nature ropes!

Dave and I last summer

Where to begin? I couldnt be happier to be welcoming a little life in to the world with this man.  David is the yin to my yang, and the perfect calming balance to my crazy "need to have everything planned" mentality.  I am thankful for his relaxed approach to life, yet I always know that I can count on him to do things for me, and our family. He is always willing to try something new, and if he doesnt know what he is doing, he will learn.  Our baby doesnt know yet how lucky he/she is to have him for a Daddy for the rest of his/her life.  I love how much he already loves our little one, and I can't wait for him to get to hold Baby Danielson.  90 more days to go!

Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there! I am thankful to have THREE wonderful fathers in my life (not to mention countless others that I have looked up to over the years).  My dad, Eric, Father in Law, Dean, and my very own daddy to be, David. 

Dad and I on my wedding day

 My dad was such a great dad to us growing up.  He went to every dance recital (heck, he was IN most of them!), football game to watch me cheer, school event, etc.  I have the best memories of working out in the yard with him, tinkering around with different projects he was working on, and listening to his stories before I went to bed most nights.  I can't wait for him to be a grandpa (Papa).  He has so much to teach about tools, woodwork, etc, and is going to be amazing with this little boy/girl. 


Dean, David and Lester Danielson

Dean is an amazing father and father in law! He had to be a great dad to put up with David for 18+ years ;) (I kid, I kid...sort of!). I hear all the time about the ski trips, river rafting days, and little league games that Dean did with David.  To this day they still spend quite a bit of time kayaking and going on ski trips.  I know that will continue with this little bundle of joy too! This little boy/girl is lucky to have such an adventerous grandpa to show them the nature ropes!

Dave and I last summer

Where to begin? I couldnt be happier to be welcoming a little life in to the world with this man.  David is the yin to my yang, and the perfect calming balance to my crazy "need to have everything planned" mentality.  I am thankful for his relaxed approach to life, yet I always know that I can count on him to do things for me, and our family. He is always willing to try something new, and if he doesnt know what he is doing, he will learn.  Our baby doesnt know yet how lucky he/she is to have him for a Daddy for the rest of his/her life.  I love how much he already loves our little one, and I can't wait for him to get to hold Baby Danielson.  90 more days to go!

50 Shades of Gray

Who knew there were so many shades of gray?! Certainly not me!! After putting up 10 different gray paint samples, we finally settled on a winner.


Two of the 10 paint samples that went up



The winning color!

The final product right after the tape came off from the stripes.

I have to hand it to Dave, cousin Jimmy and friend Scott- they did an amazing job! I am so happy with how the colors turned out, and can't wait to put it all together. So far, we have the dresser in place, the bookshelf somewhat organized, and the crib is going up tomorrow with the bedding.  I love watching it all come together!

Who knew there were so many shades of gray?! Certainly not me!! After putting up 10 different gray paint samples, we finally settled on a winner.


Two of the 10 paint samples that went up



The winning color!

The final product right after the tape came off from the stripes.

I have to hand it to Dave, cousin Jimmy and friend Scott- they did an amazing job! I am so happy with how the colors turned out, and can't wait to put it all together. So far, we have the dresser in place, the bookshelf somewhat organized, and the crib is going up tomorrow with the bedding.  I love watching it all come together!

25 weeks :)

We hit the 25 week marker today! I can't believe I have been pregnant for longer than we have left in the pregnancy.  15 weeks to go :) 

We had a great few days this past weekend.  We have gotten in a lot of pool time in the last few days with all the hot weather (before this crazy, freak storm rolled in!), and BBQs as well. We BBQ'd Friday night with the Towne's, and then on Saturday while David was at the Franklin HS section baseball game, I started my registry at Buy Buy Baby.  Talk about a fun, but overwhelming process! I'm thankful my mom was there with me, and also all of my friends that have sent me their "must haves".  It's funny though- everyone's "must haves" are so different! I know it is on a baby by baby basis, but some "must haves" are others "can do withouts".  I'm trying not to register for too much, but for something so small, they sure do need an awful lot :)  It was so fun picking out all the little details though.  I think my favorite scan of the day was for the "Crazy Coupe". For those of you unfamiliar with the Crazy Coupe, below is a picture.  My sister and I spent many an afternoon in one of these, peddling up and down the driveway with Ryan and Danielle Hanlon.  I think at one point we even had one of us holding on to the top of it, while one steered, and one pushed us down the driveway.  Safe, right?!

How far along? 25 weeks  

Total weight gain: I would guess about 10lbs

Maternity clothes?: mostly my regular clothes with a few maternity items mixed in
Stretch marks?: no

Sleep: much better lately. I am now sleeping with a body pillow, which has helped the last few nights 

Best moment this week: starting the registry; feeling a body part poke out (probably a heel or an elbow)

Miss Anything?: not at the moment

Movement: baby moves like crazy now! I notice it mostly after I have eaten, or when I am laying down. I can see the movements now too, rather than just feel them- pretty cool!

Food cravings: fruit, sugar doughnuts!  

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Gender: unknown.  anyone care to guess?
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: the ever growing belly and some back twinges  
Belly Button in or out?: an "innie" for the time being, althought it is getting shallower by the day :) 

Wedding rings on or off?: on

Happy or Moody most of the time: happy, happy, happy! Althought David would probably say I am moody as well :) blame it on the hormones!
Looking forward to: seeing Baby "D's" room come together 



We hit the 25 week marker today! I can't believe I have been pregnant for longer than we have left in the pregnancy.  15 weeks to go :) 

We had a great few days this past weekend.  We have gotten in a lot of pool time in the last few days with all the hot weather (before this crazy, freak storm rolled in!), and BBQs as well. We BBQ'd Friday night with the Towne's, and then on Saturday while David was at the Franklin HS section baseball game, I started my registry at Buy Buy Baby.  Talk about a fun, but overwhelming process! I'm thankful my mom was there with me, and also all of my friends that have sent me their "must haves".  It's funny though- everyone's "must haves" are so different! I know it is on a baby by baby basis, but some "must haves" are others "can do withouts".  I'm trying not to register for too much, but for something so small, they sure do need an awful lot :)  It was so fun picking out all the little details though.  I think my favorite scan of the day was for the "Crazy Coupe". For those of you unfamiliar with the Crazy Coupe, below is a picture.  My sister and I spent many an afternoon in one of these, peddling up and down the driveway with Ryan and Danielle Hanlon.  I think at one point we even had one of us holding on to the top of it, while one steered, and one pushed us down the driveway.  Safe, right?!

How far along? 25 weeks  

Total weight gain: I would guess about 10lbs

Maternity clothes?: mostly my regular clothes with a few maternity items mixed in
Stretch marks?: no

Sleep: much better lately. I am now sleeping with a body pillow, which has helped the last few nights 

Best moment this week: starting the registry; feeling a body part poke out (probably a heel or an elbow)

Miss Anything?: not at the moment

Movement: baby moves like crazy now! I notice it mostly after I have eaten, or when I am laying down. I can see the movements now too, rather than just feel them- pretty cool!

Food cravings: fruit, sugar doughnuts!  

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Gender: unknown.  anyone care to guess?
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: the ever growing belly and some back twinges  
Belly Button in or out?: an "innie" for the time being, althought it is getting shallower by the day :) 

Wedding rings on or off?: on

Happy or Moody most of the time: happy, happy, happy! Althought David would probably say I am moody as well :) blame it on the hormones!
Looking forward to: seeing Baby "D's" room come together 



Sunday Funday (and a little catch up)

Sorry to all for the lack of posts lately! It has been a crazy few weeks of work and fun in the sun for us at the Danielson Home. We are getting things ready for the nursery.  Unfortunately, we are having to send the dresser back we got at Macy's due to a few marks on it, but they are sending a replacement that should be here in a matter or days. The crib arrived last week, and so did the baby bedding.  The bedding is PERFECT! It is exactly what I envisioned.  I can't wait for the glider to arrive so we can see it all together.  Dave and I also went on Friday afternoon to pick up a few paint samples.  He is going to get the colors up this week, so we can decide which grey and which white to go with - who knew there were so many options! It is hard to find the perfect shade, but I have faith :)

As of today, we are 24 weeks! That is 6 1/2 months according to "What to expect when you are expecting".  I still can't believe how fast time is flying.  I think it will go even faster now that the summer time is here.  Time always seems to move faster in the summer.  Below are a few pictures from this weekend at my old neighbor's graduation party.  I used to babysit Jimmy when he was younger and now he is off to college in the fall! Makes me feel old :)  then again, I'm the pregnant one!!

 Kelsey and I (sister of the graduate, and one of my bridesmaids)

Me, Mom and Baby "D" @ 24 weeks!

UPDATE

How far along? 24 weeks  

Total weight gain: 9 pounds at my last appointment

Maternity clothes?: mostly my regular clothes with a few maternity items mixed in
Stretch marks?: no

Sleep: well, AC unit has been replaced, and sleep is better, but still not great! My allergies are continuing to get the best of me, but I am extremely thankful for Patenol eye drops!

Best moment this week: a blessing of the baby from Fr. Leon

Miss Anything?: allergy medication!!
Movement: baby moves like crazy now! I notice it mostly after I have eaten, or when I am laying down.  They say that when you are walking and moving around a lot, the baby gets lulled to sleep. 

Food cravings: fruit, sugar doughnuts, green olives, cheese ... not all at once though!  Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Gender: unknown.  anyone care to guess?
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: the ever growing belly
Belly Button in or out?: an "innie" for the time being, althought it is getting shallower by the day :) I have to admit, it's a bit weird to see your belly button change shapes 
Wedding rings on or off?: on

Happy or Moody most of the time: happy, happy, happy! Althought David would probably say I am moody as well :) blame it on the hormones!
Looking forward to: seeing Baby "D's" room come together 

 

One more thing...

 

A HUGE THANK YOU to all the men and women that have or are currently fighting for our country and our freedom.  We dont thank them enough, and yet we owe it all to them! Home of the free because of the Brave.

Sorry to all for the lack of posts lately! It has been a crazy few weeks of work and fun in the sun for us at the Danielson Home. We are getting things ready for the nursery.  Unfortunately, we are having to send the dresser back we got at Macy's due to a few marks on it, but they are sending a replacement that should be here in a matter or days. The crib arrived last week, and so did the baby bedding.  The bedding is PERFECT! It is exactly what I envisioned.  I can't wait for the glider to arrive so we can see it all together.  Dave and I also went on Friday afternoon to pick up a few paint samples.  He is going to get the colors up this week, so we can decide which grey and which white to go with - who knew there were so many options! It is hard to find the perfect shade, but I have faith :)

As of today, we are 24 weeks! That is 6 1/2 months according to "What to expect when you are expecting".  I still can't believe how fast time is flying.  I think it will go even faster now that the summer time is here.  Time always seems to move faster in the summer.  Below are a few pictures from this weekend at my old neighbor's graduation party.  I used to babysit Jimmy when he was younger and now he is off to college in the fall! Makes me feel old :)  then again, I'm the pregnant one!!

 Kelsey and I (sister of the graduate, and one of my bridesmaids)

Me, Mom and Baby "D" @ 24 weeks!

UPDATE

How far along? 24 weeks  

Total weight gain: 9 pounds at my last appointment

Maternity clothes?: mostly my regular clothes with a few maternity items mixed in
Stretch marks?: no

Sleep: well, AC unit has been replaced, and sleep is better, but still not great! My allergies are continuing to get the best of me, but I am extremely thankful for Patenol eye drops!

Best moment this week: a blessing of the baby from Fr. Leon

Miss Anything?: allergy medication!!
Movement: baby moves like crazy now! I notice it mostly after I have eaten, or when I am laying down.  They say that when you are walking and moving around a lot, the baby gets lulled to sleep. 

Food cravings: fruit, sugar doughnuts, green olives, cheese ... not all at once though!  Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Gender: unknown.  anyone care to guess?
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: the ever growing belly
Belly Button in or out?: an "innie" for the time being, althought it is getting shallower by the day :) I have to admit, it's a bit weird to see your belly button change shapes 
Wedding rings on or off?: on

Happy or Moody most of the time: happy, happy, happy! Althought David would probably say I am moody as well :) blame it on the hormones!
Looking forward to: seeing Baby "D's" room come together 

 

One more thing...

 

A HUGE THANK YOU to all the men and women that have or are currently fighting for our country and our freedom.  We dont thank them enough, and yet we owe it all to them! Home of the free because of the Brave.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing Moms out there! I have so many wonderful "moms" in my life that I am thankful for, but there are two in particular.  My mom, Kim, and David's mom (my MIL), Julie. 

David and Julie at our Wedding 1.16.10

Mom and I at my Sister's wedding 10.30.10



On this journey towards motherhood, these two have been supportive, loving and informational. I hope to be half the mommy to our little one as they were to us, and still are. Both our moms worked while we were growing up, but managed to be at all of our major events, and even the little ones. They raised us with strong morals and work ethic, and we owe who we are today to the two of them (and our Dad's too!). I have always appreciated my mom and Julie, but as I get closer and closer to being a mom in a few short months, I have a true appreciation for all that they have done and all that they continue to do. I hope I let our children learn life lessons like they did, while still offering them my guidance and support.  I hope I raise our children with the morals and values they instilled on us, while still allowing them to explore this crazy thing we call life.  I hope I am able to deal with life challenges with the same grace and strength they both have over the years.  And most of all, I hope to love my children with the same passion, tenderness and care that they love David and I with. 

This is a book that always makes me think of a mother's love.  Its called "I'll love you Forever" by Robert Munsch.

 

A mother held her new baby and very slowly rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she held him, she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
The baby grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was two years old, and he ran all around the house. He pulled all the books off the shelves. He pulled all the food out of the refrigerator and he took his mother's watch and flushed it down the toilet. Sometimes his mother would say, "this kid is driving me CRAZY!"
But at night time, when that two-year-old was quiet, she opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor, looked up over the side of his bed; and if he was really asleep she picked him up and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. While she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
The little boy grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was nine years old. And he never wanted to come in for dinner, he never wanted to take a bath, and when grandma visited he always said bad words. Sometimes his mother wanted to sell him to the zoo!
But at night time, when he was asleep, the mother quietly opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor and looked up over the side of the bed. If he was really asleep, she picked up that nine-year-old boy and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
The boy grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was a teenager. He had strange friends and he wore strange clothes and he listened to strange music. Sometimes the mother felt like she was in a zoo!
But at night time, when that teenager was asleep, the mother opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor and looked up over the side of the bed. If he was really asleep she picked up that great big boy and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. While she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
That teenager grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was a grown-up man. He left home and got a house across town. But sometimes on dark nights the mother got into her car and drove across town.  If all the lights in her son's house were out, she opened his bedroom window, crawled across the floor, and looked up over the side of his bed. If that great big man was really asleep she picked him up and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
Well, that mother, she got older. She got older and older and older. One day she called up her son and said, "You'd better come see me because I'm very old and sick." So her son came to see her. When he came in the door she tried to sing the song. She sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always...
But she couldn't finish because she was too old and sick. The son went to his mother. He picked her up and rocked her back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And he sang this song:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my Mommy you'll be.
When the son came home that night, he stood for a long time at the top of the stairs. Then he went into the room where his very new baby daughter was sleeping. He picked her up in his arms and very slowly rocked her back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while he rocked her he sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing Moms out there! I have so many wonderful "moms" in my life that I am thankful for, but there are two in particular.  My mom, Kim, and David's mom (my MIL), Julie. 

David and Julie at our Wedding 1.16.10

Mom and I at my Sister's wedding 10.30.10



On this journey towards motherhood, these two have been supportive, loving and informational. I hope to be half the mommy to our little one as they were to us, and still are. Both our moms worked while we were growing up, but managed to be at all of our major events, and even the little ones. They raised us with strong morals and work ethic, and we owe who we are today to the two of them (and our Dad's too!). I have always appreciated my mom and Julie, but as I get closer and closer to being a mom in a few short months, I have a true appreciation for all that they have done and all that they continue to do. I hope I let our children learn life lessons like they did, while still offering them my guidance and support.  I hope I raise our children with the morals and values they instilled on us, while still allowing them to explore this crazy thing we call life.  I hope I am able to deal with life challenges with the same grace and strength they both have over the years.  And most of all, I hope to love my children with the same passion, tenderness and care that they love David and I with. 

This is a book that always makes me think of a mother's love.  Its called "I'll love you Forever" by Robert Munsch.

 

A mother held her new baby and very slowly rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she held him, she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
The baby grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was two years old, and he ran all around the house. He pulled all the books off the shelves. He pulled all the food out of the refrigerator and he took his mother's watch and flushed it down the toilet. Sometimes his mother would say, "this kid is driving me CRAZY!"
But at night time, when that two-year-old was quiet, she opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor, looked up over the side of his bed; and if he was really asleep she picked him up and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. While she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
The little boy grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was nine years old. And he never wanted to come in for dinner, he never wanted to take a bath, and when grandma visited he always said bad words. Sometimes his mother wanted to sell him to the zoo!
But at night time, when he was asleep, the mother quietly opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor and looked up over the side of the bed. If he was really asleep, she picked up that nine-year-old boy and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
The boy grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was a teenager. He had strange friends and he wore strange clothes and he listened to strange music. Sometimes the mother felt like she was in a zoo!
But at night time, when that teenager was asleep, the mother opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor and looked up over the side of the bed. If he was really asleep she picked up that great big boy and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. While she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
That teenager grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was a grown-up man. He left home and got a house across town. But sometimes on dark nights the mother got into her car and drove across town.  If all the lights in her son's house were out, she opened his bedroom window, crawled across the floor, and looked up over the side of his bed. If that great big man was really asleep she picked him up and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
Well, that mother, she got older. She got older and older and older. One day she called up her son and said, "You'd better come see me because I'm very old and sick." So her son came to see her. When he came in the door she tried to sing the song. She sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always...
But she couldn't finish because she was too old and sick. The son went to his mother. He picked her up and rocked her back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And he sang this song:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my Mommy you'll be.
When the son came home that night, he stood for a long time at the top of the stairs. Then he went into the room where his very new baby daughter was sleeping. He picked her up in his arms and very slowly rocked her back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while he rocked her he sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.