Today, Elwin turns seven months old!

Here are some things he has been up to:

- trying new foods (hesitantly)

- dealing with his first cold

- sitting up all by himself

- rubbing his tongue over his first two bottom teeth

- watching Josiah (always!)

- still crying desperately when Josiah is upset

- rolling all over the place and spinning in circles

- trying to push himself up onto his knees

- loving music

- feeling a bit shy around new people

- really enjoying toys, or anything he can get into his mouth

- getting used to the car, ans more comfortable in his next stage car seat

- laughing loudly on the swings at the park

- crying when getting dressed...laughing when getting undressed

- sucking on his socks and toes

- developing very fast reflexes

- playing in his exersaucer

- sleeping through most nights, but mostly not in his own crib

- sleeping in late if he has his own way

- sometimes feeling overstimulated by too much noise or too many people

- loving hugs and kisses, and giving lots of wet ones of his own

- wearing size 12-18 month clothing and size 4 diapers

- weighing about 24 pounds

- bathing in the big tub instead of the baby one

- not loving the camera

Lately, I have been...

...watching laundry pile up after our washer broke down. Finally bought a new one today and can't wait to get it hooked up so I can start washing again!

...feeling extremely thankful for the privilege of having laundry facilities in my place (and remembering the days when I didn't!).

...looking forward to getting our house back together after having to pull the entire contents of our laundry room into the living room to get the washer in.

...getting back into our schedule, as our regular activities resumed this week.

...pleased with how much Josiah loves his preschool.

...trying not to worry about some news.

...sorting clothes (does this job ever end, or slow down at least?!).

...exploring some part time job opportunities.

...not exercising enough, and needing to make this happen more regularly in the winter months.

...reading and learning about my kids, and God.

...not sleeping well. Elwin often sleeps in our bed, and I find it difficult to get into a deep sleep. Because the boys share a room we are having some issues with getting him to sleep in their room. It could be worse, but it could be a lot easier too.

...wondering when some things will get easier and trying not to lose hope in the process.

...enjoying inside time with my boys.

...fighting a cold (and losing miserably).

...wishing I had more time to spend with friends in my week.

...wondering where I will be in five years from now.

...recognizing some toxic things in my life, and trying to move forward despite them.

...feeling unmotivated in the kitchen. Since Christmas, I have really been struggling to get my meal planning back on track.

...celebrating and grieving the fact that Elwin will most likely be my last baby. At least we are going out on an adorable note! I just always thought I would have four. Sometimes it is hard to let go of my plans when they are obviously not God's plans.

...feeling frustrated with gluten. Why is it in everything I like?! And why are the substitutes so wretched? And why does this craziness have to start now? And if was aggravated by post-pregnancy hormones, will it eventually go away?

...catching up on Elwin's baby book and calendar. Having to make up loosely guess almost an entire months worth of content isn't so terrible (for a second kid), right?!

...going to many appointments and scheduled activities.

...feeling very busy and I'm looking forward to things slowing down a bit this week.

Me: ...scrambling around, rushing, stressing.

Josiah: "God loves you, Mommy. You don't be worried. Pray to God."

Me: "Thanks, Josiah. I really needed to be reminded of that right now." (continuing to do chores)

Josiah: "No, Mommy. You stop and pray out loud to God, right now."

Out of the mouths of babes...with a little sass thrown in!

Second Hand

I love second-hand shopping (big surprise!), and have learned a few tips I thought I would share (after a very successful shopping night):

1) If you don't love it, leave it...it often looks a little uglier when you get it home!

2) If it doesn't fit perfectly, and you're like me who never fixes anything, then don't bother. It'll probably end up in the back of your closet hogging a hanger while it waits for that new zipper or alterations.

3) Check closely for stains, missing buttons or belts, broken zippers etc. The black marks (bale marks) will wash easily, but I find grease stains impossible to deal with after somebody has laundered them incorrectly.

4) Make sure the item hasn't been altered (for example, the length of the pants may read 34", but when you try them on you'll realize a much shorter person enjoyed them before you [and don't convince yourself that they'll look great as capri's...they likely won't!]).

5) Don't over do it. Just because they are cheaper, it's not cool to buy three times as many. You'll end up having stuffed dressers/closets, and you'll have defeated the purpose of trying to save a few dollars. I find this more of trap if I go too frequently.

6) Labels can be very helpful if you aren't sure where to start looking. I once found a $200 pair of jeans for under $4 because I recognized the brand.

7) Still shop and browse for new clothes regularly. It'll help you stay in touch with what is current, and sometimes you'll find really great sales on new items (like the lined black trench coat I got online last week for just over $20!). And some new items on sale can be almost as cheap anyway (like t-shirts).

8) Don't buy underclothing (please!), unless you are really desperate (even then, please go to the dollar store instead!). I won't name anyone here...but it needs to stop!

9) Shop off-season. The summer is when I have found some of my nicest sweaters (because it is too darn hot to try them on but I do it anyway because I am just that cheap!).

10) Have fun! If you need a laugh, then try on something crazy- or that you just wouldn't put on!

11) Smell it before you buy it! Sounds disgusting, but not as bad as ending up with something musty or smokey. (I bought a used book once, unknowingly, from a smoker. Since I have a sensitivity to smoke, it was not an enjoyable read!).

12) Although there is a great sense of pride and excitement involved in finding a great item or haul, remember that God provides all we need, so He may have put that item there just for you. Thank Him when you leave!

What we've been up to:

Downloading the Christmas pictures! Chris was off for the week, and we enjoyed many visits with family and friends, and some quality time with our own family. Here are some of my favorite holiday pictures:

And since Christmas, we've been...

Playing games:

Shopping online (it had to be a red track suit!):

Feeding Elwin:

Reading lots of books, new and old:

Skating in the backyard:

In true Josiah fashion, he insisted on going by himself on the second day he was on skates. I am so proud of him! I think he is like his dad that way...he picks up new athletic skills so easily a lot of the time. Although he had lots of tumbles, he managed to skate about 30 feet at a time! If anyone is in the area, please feel free to stop in and skate with us!

Book Ideas?

I am looking for books on feelings (different types and how to identify your feelings) to read to a preschooler, and wondered if any of you have any recommendations? Thanks!

In 2011, I ...

...was pregnant, and gave birth to my second son.

...recovered from a c-section.

...started doing administrative work from home for Chris. He left his job to start his own business.

...organized and sorted and de-cluttered.

...was reminded to take care of myself better, and set some new boundaries.

...felt the support of old and new friends.

...struggled with letting go of the mom's group I was attending because I didn't feel it was right for Josiah.

...reconnected with my Bible in a new way.

...enjoyed the challenge of three simultaneous book studies (with lots of homework!).

...realized that my pregnancy with Elwin seemed to trigger a gluten intolerance, which has not been easy to deal with.

...felt lonely and isolated at times. Even with great friends to make fun plans with, the days can get long being home alone with the kids.

...let myself off the hook, and gave myself permission to not have to do or be the best in every situation...maybe felt a touch of His grace in new ways.

...worked through more past crap. Those painful struggles never seem to end. They serve as a constant reminder that things will never be perfect in this life, and that my hope should be in the next one.

...sought help for some parenting issues that I have been battling through.

...continued to serve in the ways that I could.

...stayed home too much, and did not have enough times out with Chris. It has been harder than we thought to make dates happen.

...missed some extended family members. Although my family was far from perfect growing up, I did experience a lot of connection and support from some extended family. I think since having kids that I wish I could be closer to that again. This year, I found myself longing to be close to those who I know would stop in for lots of tea, and spend quality time with me and my kids.

...felt thankful on many occasions for my wonderful kids and husband.

...missed vacation time (since most of it was used up on baby time).

...watched Josiah turn three, learn to do new chores, start preschool, dress and undress himself, recognize and draw numbers and letters, make new friends, problem-solve, potty train (YAY- we're completely done!), become an amazing big brother, play some new games, learn to swim, have his first sleepover, identify and talk through his feelings, and grow taller and stronger.

...watched Elwin turn six months old, roll over, sit up without much assistance, and start to eat solid foods. Also got to know his little personality, and watched him grow like crazy!

...felt God move in some areas, and continued to wait on him on others.

...trusted that He knew best at times, and worried at other times because I just couldn't see it.

...wanted to be closer to Him.

...needed His help to forgive, and to trust again.

...didn't feel ready for some of the places He wanted me to go...maybe I'll be more ready in 2012.

Happy New Year!