Walking

For the past 6 months we have been asked, "Is Ethan walking yet?" Followed by, " Oh-walking is a pain though. Enjoy the crawling while it lasts."

I am happy to report that he is officially a walker and I am one proud and happy mamma. I wouldn't go back to him being immobile. No way! I love that he can get around independently. In fact, yesterday Brad and I were about to vacuum and wash our cars while Ethan just ran around the yard. Love.

Ethan thoroughly enjoys parks. He is very limited in what he can do at this point; however, he keeps himself busy from trying to climb slides to throwing mulch. In general he just loves outside. Right away when I mention going outside he waves his arms in excitement and quickly goes to the backdoor. I can't complain. I, too, love the outdoors and look forward to all the fun times ahead!

He climbs on anything and everything. He is such a ham. Climbs on chairs. Climbs on people. Climbs on the furniture. You name it! 

Summer has been wonderful. August is well underway but we still have one more getaway before summer is done. Next week we go to Minnesota to visit my parents for a long weekend. Looking forward to seeing their new town and meet people out there.

New Job

I have worked for Spectrum Health for 3.5 years already. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever seemyself working in healthcare. I always got sick to my stomach just thinking about the doctor, let alone having to actually go in to be seen. And now I work in the hospital? Odd. Nobody would have thought this would be where I am at. I graduated from Calvin College with an Education degree. That being said, God has a good sense of humor. 

I began my work at Spectrum as a Nurse Technician on a progressive care floor (step down from ICU). Basically a Nurse's aid. Took vitals, got patients up to the bathroom, gave baths, assisted patients at mealtimes, and helped RN with a variety of other things. Then my back began causing me trouble and I changed my role to Unit Secretary. Huge blessing. I loved my co-workers and stepping into a clerical role was right up my alley.

Time carried on and things on my unit began changing in a way that was not fit for me or my family. So-I spent the past 6 months job hunting and finally found the perfect job! I will not be working Sunday's. I have a new boss who puts family before work. I will be working part-time. God is good! I will be working in the Admitting Department at Spectrum Health as a Patient Access Representative. My first day is Wednesday, January 7. I am very excited! I am ready for change. I am ready to stabilize home life.

Brad continues to work for SpartanNash as an Assistant Store Director in Grand Haven. He loves his job and it's a blessing that we can both work and yet not need childcare. Ethan is blessed to have one of us here with him all the time.

Well, better get some rest because I am on baby duty at 7am!

2015 is here already?!?!

First things first. I opened up my blog and was shocked to see that it has been over an entire year since I last posted. So-my New Years Resolution...post more!

Ethan Henry is our bundle of joy that is growing up so quickly. Seems like only a couple of weeks ago we were on our way to the hospital to welcome our son into the world. I can hardly believe he is already 7.5 months old. Time flies!

He loves life. One of the things Ethan inherited from me was my smile. Growing up, I received comment after comment about how bright my smile was and how contagious my smile was. I loved that. It makes me proud that my son also carries that smile. He is a happy, laid-back baby! We hope and pray he keeps that perspective on life.

Ethan loves to play. We are thankful for the many toys that grandpa and grandma have spoiled him with. He is one lucky kid! He loves to lay on his tummy in the living room with his toys surrounding him and they he will just spin around in circles to play with all of them. He hasn't figured out crawling yet; however, I think that is in the very near future. He has just begun to stick his butt in the air and attempt to push, but no success. I sense child-proofing the house is going to be on my next "To Do" list.

For some reason I don't have a picture of Ethan in his walker, but this is what he "runs" around in 50% of the day. He is very good at stearing. He can go everywhere in the house in it. Kitchen, living room, bedrooms, you name it! Just this week he mastered the art of going reverse. His intelligence amazes me. Who doesn't like his walker? Bailey. Poor dog gets run over anytime she tries to eat or lay in her bed. I guess it's good preparation for when this kid is on the move for real.

We look forward to seeing Ethan continue to grow and learn in this new year.

Saturday Morning Beauty

Working PM (7p-7a) shifts is tough. I'm always tired. I rarely see my husband. I miss out on daytime festivities. However, it has a good handful of perks. I only work 3 days a week. I have the BEST co-workers I could ever ask for. I get an 8 day stretch off every month. It pretty much rocks!

 Another perk...God's beauty. This was a sunrise at our house one morning when I got home. Gorgeous! 

God of wonders beyond our galaxy, You are Holy. Lord of heaven and earth.

Where do we belong?

Where do I belong? A question everyone asks themselves from time to time. We all have that deep desire to feel wanted, appreciated, and loved. But...what makes us feel that way? Posessions? Family? Friends? Work? Kids? Our home? Church? School? 

 Brad and I have been extremely blessed. We both have careers that we love! Work isnt a chore but rather something we enjoy on a regular basis. We have been blessed with two fabulous Christian families. Our house is a welcoming home that is soon to be growing as we welcome a little one in May. With all that we have been blessed with, we can't help but be thankful for our relationship with our heavenly father.

 Having said that, we have felt "alone" for way too long. Why? Churchless. Possibly the worst feeling I remember. We have been church shopping for several months and I believe that has officially come to an end!!! We attended Fairway CRC in Jension, MI and loved it. Welcoming environment, friendly people, and a place where we feel can be called home. What a feeling! Belonging feels great. This has been a huge answer to prayer for us as we start our marriage.

We're EXPECTING!!!

On September 8, we found out that we are expecting a little one on May 15, 2014. We are extremely excited!

Yesterday we heard the baby's heartbeat. He/She was plugging away at 160 bpm and active. The doctor kept having to move the doppler since baby was moving around. Julia is on week 13 of her pregnancy and so at this point she can't feel the baby kicking. We look forward to Christmas because by that time we will be able to find out the gender of the baby and Julia will be able to feel the baby moving.

 We will be sure to keep you posted as time goes along! Only 27 weeks to go :)

Detroit Tigers

Every year at Brad's store the high ups come in to evaluate the store and give them a grade. Well, Brad puts in many long hours that week to prepare and it always pays off. This year...fabulous! So, one of the ways he was rewarded was through some free tickets to a Detroit Tigers baseball game.

Last Wednesday evening we went to the game. Besides the Tigers getting creamed 0-8, we had fun. Bailey went off to Camp Bow Wow for the night, that way we didn't have to worry about her. Anyways-the game was great. Sun shining, 70 degree temps, and close up seats :)