Our Daddy

"Whenever my daddy signs his name he always writes M.D. so that people will all know that he belongs to me. For M.D. means "My Daddy" or something just the same and that is why he always puts these letters in his name. Some letters in his name are small but these are not, you see, he always makes them big like that because he is so proud of me."

There are big changes in store for our family. This is Rhonald's last week of work as a hospitalist at NWMC. After lots of talking, praying and very little sleep (and a whole lot of call) Rhonald has decided to leave his current job. He will begin working at a local urgent care clinic in the next few weeks....working less hours (he was up to 80-100 per week) and spending more time with his family. Although we have been very blessed in many ways by his current job the fact that he is gone so much has been hard on everyone. We are all thrilled to know he will be home more and that he will be doing something that he is really excited about! Praise God for new beginnings!!!

Giving Thanks

We celebrated Thanksgiving a little bit differently this year. Normally we head up to Chicago to be with my side of the family, however this year, Rhonald had to work and because Lily Kate is still so young we decided to stay home. We have so much to be thankful for...beautiful, healthy kids, a strong marriage, a wonderful home and great friends to have dinner with. Honestly I was going to order pizza...very un-Thanksgiving like I know but why cook for 2 1/2 people??? Then, our dear friends from church invited us to have dinner with them and several other "plan less" friends of ours. It was great - great food, great company and it was really great that one of Rhonald's partners took his call for 2 hours so he could enjoy dinner with us. The funniest part of the day was a conversation that I had with Cole over breakfast that morning. I asked him what he was thankful for and he quickly shouted out "Dinos!" Then I said, "I wonder what Lily is thankful for." To which he replied, "I think your boobs." Oh, out of the mouth of babes! It was a great day!!! Although we missed being with our family we are so very thankful to have "family" here to be with as well.

Could They Be Twins???

Cole 2 1/2 months

Lily Kate 6 weeks

Cole 6 weeks

Lily Kate 6 weeks

Ever since Lily Kate was born people have commented to us that she and Cole look so much alike. Rhonald saw it from the beginning as well but, to me, they always just looked like themselves. Last night I got out the book I made of the first year of our blog. Cole wanted to know more about when he was a baby and that book holds every memory, picture and milestone that we have. I could not believe it when I looked at his pictures and then looked over at her - they finally look alike to me. And not just a little bit...a lot! It is adorable. Yes, they still look like themselves but I don't think anyone would never argue that they are brother and sister. So, you tell me, what do you think?

Sweet Cole

Oh Cole...you are and always will be the sweetest boy that we know. I feel so blessed to be your mama and I love you with all of my heart. It is bittersweet to watch you grow up into a big boy. I remember every moment of your life with fondness and I look forward to all of the memories we will make as you grow up. You light up my life each and every day. I am so in awe of your caring heart and ability to love everyone unconditionally. Even though you are only 2 1/2 you teach me how to be a better person every day. Some days I feel I learn more from you than you do from me. You are so smart and so precious and so very, very funny. You are really growing up and changing into a wonderful little boy. I am so thankful to be able to be home with you and witness those changes every day. I still cannot believe that you are mine and I will cherish you always.

Say Cheese

Our sweet baby girl has started to smile! She actually began smiling at about a week ago (at 5 weeks) but I wasn't able to get a picture of it until now. It is hard to make her smile and take a picture all at the same time. Lily Kate has the most beautiful smile in the whole world! It simply lights up the room. She looks so much like Cole to me when she is smiling. It is so wonderful to see that cute grin and know that she is so happy to be with us!!! We simply adore her!

Real Life Heros

About a week and a half ago I became so sick (sooooo sick) with Mastitis. I never, ever had trouble with that with Cole but it came on quickly and horribly. Rhonald was working another 12 shifts in a row and could not stay home to help me so we ended up calling in reinforcements. My parents came as soon as I called them and stayed for a week. My mom cooked, cleaned, did dishes, laundry and shopping. They played with Cole and loved on Lily Kate and allowed me to rest and recover. It was wonderful and so very appreciated. Cole was able to get out of the house and get some great TLC and Lily Kate was able to get to know her Grammy and Pops a little better. Rhonald and I were so thankful to have them here to help and to spend time with them. There are not enough words in the English language to let them know how much we value them.

A Day With Uncle Mark

A couple of days ago my brother, Mark, called to say he would be "near us" (as in 5 hours away at a meeting for work) and he wanted to come meet our newest addition. We were all beyond thrilled! Mark and his family live in Michigan and we have not seen them since Easter. Mark arrived and was able to spend one night with us...not nearly long enough. We had so much fun catching up in person and, of course, playing. Mark works for John Deere and arrived with a toy tractor for Cole - huge hit!!! I was so happy to introduce Lily Kate to him and let him see how much Cole had grown. When he left, very early this morning, I was so sad. These visits do not happen nearly enough....