Friday, April 29, 2011

Keeping Up with the Hubers

WE'RE HAVING A BABY!

So perhaps that title only makes sense if you're my husband or Jenni Huber or perhaps a select other folks, but there is nothing more fitting.  Jared works with Jenni's husband, Andy - and when Andy shared the news that they were pregnant with their first, Jared couldn't help but boast about being their inspiration (after all, he had a lot to brag about with baby Jordan and did so often).  If my memory serves me right, Jared was also the self proclaimed inspiration for Andy Kummerer's first off spring, among a few others...

It was around April Fools Day (earlier this month) when Jared brought home the 2nd and 3rd pregnancy tests, that would later confirm that we are having a 3rd baby!  Since the first test (weeks earlier) said "not pregnant", part of me wondered if these tests were a product of a warped minded individual who was marketing some sort of always positive pregnancy test through Spencers or something! But part of me shrieked with excitement (after getting over the initial shock and disbelief)!

Jared and I were both giddy.  I said to him, "Do you know what's funny?"  And he responded with, "that we make fun of the neighbors." Ok, not where I was headed, but hilarious nonetheless!  I think they must have 7 kids now. Jared fell in to deep thought, enough so that I couldn't help but stare at him to see how long it would notice.  And finally he said, "Is Jenni pregnant with their 3rd?"  And I knew where his mind had been - that little competitive bug in his belly is indeed trying to keep up with the Hubers!  So Jenni, to answer your question, although it wasn't conscious, I would say that you can absolutely claim credit for inspiring our baby #3!!!

And kids, let this be a lesson to you, it only takes once! We've gotten the batting average to prove it!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

[The idea for Wordless Wednesday was stolen from the girls' Aunt Mel.  Thank her with a visit to her blog and a comment if you love it!  http://ourrinkerfamily.blogspot.com/]

When the big sister's at school... the little one will sit in her seat!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Easter Eggs!

Our Easter weekend and Good Friday got off to a wonderful start when Daddy made everyone breakfast.  After eggs, sausage, and biscuits, Jordan and I went to the movie theater to see Hop, but were disappointed to learn that it was SOLD OUT!  Jordan was given the choice to go shopping or to go home... and she chose... "stay here."  So... I did what any mother would do and bought a ticket for the next showing of Rio... 25 minutes later and in 3D, but still the best option.  The young man working the ticket counter seemed to feel sorry for my disappointed little girl and gave her free admission!  After 20 minutes of previews, Jordan declared to the entire theater that "we have no food" and went on to tell announce that I "forgot" to get her food [repeatedly]... so we shared a pretzel while enjoying a great little flick.  After a very long nap, we painted Easter eggs!!

The whole egg crew...

Each egg received special care by this very special egg handler.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Groovin' to a Rhythm

Today is Day 3 of stay-at-home momhood, and the girls and I are finding our groove!  Our morning routine isn't perfect, but it's better than I had anticipated.  Once I get myself ready, I can run Jordan's bath water around 7:30 and have her downstairs and dressed by 8:15'ish.  That gives me enough time to get Karter freshened up, and both girls fed, before we scramble out of the house around 8:55 (I already admitted it wasn't perfect).  When Karter and I get home, we enjoy bath time together, eat a little more, and then settle in for her nap.  When Karter naps, it's a great time for me to do laundry, put away dishes, and pick up a little around the house! Those tasks are sometimes impossible when Jordan is home, and the busy morning allow for flexible afternoons. I suppose I don't really mean flexible. Yesterday, we had OT and PT from 3-5p in Akron. Today, we headed back for Speech at 130p and now have an appointment to see a house at 5p, so flexible was the wrong word - 'manageable' may be more appropriate...!  But so long as there is time to play and sing, we are still full of smiles!! 
Talking on her new phone from Granddad Buck and Grandma Sudie!

Tummy time is so much sweeter with a friend <3

Painting!

"Mama took me to Walmart and all I got was this silly hat."

Guitar pick in hand and ready to rock the world!

Bath time!

Nap time!

Discovering time!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

I consider it a success!

Friday was the start of something wonderful!  It was my first day as a stay-at-home mama.  The morning started out with 3 excited girls, eager to get things going in the right direction!  With 3 full bellies, we had Jordan to school a few minutes early!  Sure, mama didn't have time to put socks on, but those are the details that we'll work out with time. 

Karter and mama did a little Walmart and BabiesRUs shopping before picking Jordan up at school.  What I shouldn't mention is that we swung by the school 2 times before actual pick up time, just to make sure that we wouldn't be late. 

Once back at home, we played and hung out, and when both girls went down for their naps, I began painting the kitchen.  I didn't finish, but it wasn't for a lack of trying!  Tim and Flo (previous homeowners) didn't do us any favors with the striped white painted walls which have been a pain to cover!!

So as the day came to an end, I couldn't help but smile inside.  The day was an absolute success and was enjoyed by all!!

Grandmother came to visit later that evening and spent the next morning with the girls so that Jared and I could get to our 2nd mediation for Jordan's lawsuit.  Just 2 months shy of 3 years, we have reached resolution.  Our agreement didn't leave anyone excited, but I think everyone involved is relieved.  It is difficult to know how things would have turned out in court next month, but we'll never have to find out.  What Jordan receives will make a difference in her life, and that makes the whole thing a success.

Jordan lights up when she sees our attorney, who she affectionately refers to as "my friend, John".  3 years ago, John was the first person to mention the words "cerebral palsy" to me.  The words weren't welcomed, but they needed to be said.  Once we started understanding Jordan's condition, we could help her better.  And the more time I spent with John, the more knowledgable I became about what Jordan was going through.  And the more knowledgable I became, the more questions I asked when we were with her doctors.  And the more questions I asked, the more actions they took.  And now, 3 years later, Jordan is sitting on the floor unassisted playing with a puzzle with a bright future ahead of her.  What John has done for this family cannnot be measured and cannot be expressed with words, but consider this my attempt - he has given us hope, he has given us guidance, he has given us strength, and now he has given us resources to help Jordan have the fullest life possible for her.


Wow.  2 big successes in 2 short days!!  I wonder what tomorrow will hold!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Changes

We have experienced many changes already in 2011, but the biggest is yet to come.  In a couple of weeks, I will be leaving the corporate grind, for a new kind of grind.  I will be beginning a new adventure as a stay-at-home mama.  I can't even begin to explain the millions of emotions that are running through me.

The decision wasn't easy.  It was obvious, but it wasn't easy.  But alas, I have communicated my notice at work, and ready or not, it's almost time.