valentine's day

Happy Valentine's Day!

This has always been one of my favorite days :)

I'll be honest, it kinda feels like Valentine's Day every day over here. I know....gag. But seriously, this little cutie is just full of love and happiness all.the.time.

He waited his good sweet time to ask me to be his Valentine though! Just yesterday morning he asked....

"Mommy, will you be my valentine?"

And after I picked up my heart that had melted completely to the floor I said, "YES!"

The feeling is completely mutual little man.

Later that day he was flashing smiles at Phin-dog too. I assume he was just sharing the good news ;0) 

We're celebrating today with swim lessons in the morning, a nice hearty nap in the afternoon, and bed time around 6:15 :)  Daddy has to work, so we'll smoother him with hugs and kisses on his next day off!

xoxoxox

6 years

It's hard to believe it's been 6 years....

I thank and praise God for blessing me with such a faithful and gentle man - you fit my heart perfectly.

 Happy Anniversary to my love, best friend, and most loyal confidant. 

happy love day

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Love my 2 guys...

and little furry monster....

more than words can say! 

xoxox

praying for our little man

During our weekly devotional last night, Ryan asked me what we should be praying about. 

Of course, I said Little Man. 

Then I went on to tell Ryan how I've been doing a really good job not worrying about him all.the.time. and just enjoying the experience so far. And that even though I know there's the risk of him being born with some disabilities {physical and mental} I've really just pushed them out of my mind.

THEN I realized what I was saying and GAAAHHHH! my baby could be born with symptoms from this genetic disorder Ryan and I carry.

Ryan very honestly confessed to worrying about it more than he should and I did a double: GAAAAHHHH! 

{Ryan never worries}

And my stomach did that nervous flip. You know the kind.

I know in my heart that he will be born perfect and just the way God intends and that the unknown is scary for every Mom {new and not new}, but still! The worry instantly set in and we talked a lot about how Baby Boy could be born differently than we've been picturing these last few months.

We took a few minutes to be dead real and serious about the whole situation. We talked about the chances of him being a carrier, having symptoms, not having any symptoms, and what to do with it all.

And I know that any baby can be born with a genetic disease and his/her parents never know about it and they grow up perfect! BUT the reality for us is that we do know. Whether we like it or not we're well aware of our baby's risk of being a carrier and until we get the blood results back it will be of my mind.  

It's easy for even me to say....he'll be fine! The chances of him being a carrier and having severe symptoms is low. We shouldn't think twice about it. Parents are given scary information by doctors all the time and in the end it's nothing!! 

I want to be positive, but I don't want to be naive. We aren't planning for things to be different than anyone else, but we also want to be somewhat prepared if they are.

So with that being said...I've decided it's time to stop denying and start praying for Little Man, even if he is growing 100% healthy in there. Naturally, I'm praying for him to grow and be strong, but I'm also praying for myself. Am I ready for a baby? Ummm...no. Haha! Am I ready for a baby that could have disabilities? I want to be, if I have to.

My love for him runs so deep it's crazy.

visit south

Like I mentioned before, I headed south after my last day of school to visit my parents and sister for a week. {Yes, that was a month ago!!}  

It was kind of a whirlwind going the day after school got out, but I was homesick to see them!

I had a fabulous time! 

It's not easy being far from everyone, but I do feel blessed to have the chance to take the trip. Once I'm done working, I plan on making more visits and hosting more guests 

{family read: come visit!!}

One of the neat things I get to see when I visit, is my parents interaction with my nephew and niece -- they are wonderful grandparents! I simply can't wait to see them love on our kids one day!!

A little evidence....

Wrestling like boys do. 

Holding hands to stay safe. Adorable.

Letting little A lead explorations.

Giving a ride home {Asher did enjoy this...even though he's frowning. haha}

 And sweet snuggles from Grammy. 

Didn't get many pictures of anything or anyone else! HA! 

Pictures of the outlets, TV, and restaurants just aren't that exciting or nearly as darn cute!!

our anniversary

I've second guessed a lot of the choices I've made, except one.

Saying that infamous "yes" to Ryan's proposal was the best decision I have ever made and not once, for a fleeting moment, have I thought it was the wrong choice.

We were designed for each other. God had us together for a long time -- I can just tell :) 

If this face doesn't say how I feel about Ryan, I'm not sure what will. 

Right then Ryan knew he was marrying someone crazy enthusiastic and super special! ha

Oh that's better :) Lose the crazy, welcome sweet embrace. Ryan looks so young to me here!

Over the last FIVE years Ryan has taken me on a lot of fun trips and vacations. Some of my favorite memories are from these trips!

First time in Canada!

Zip lining in Mexico!

 Day trip to Hershey Park! Meet "Chop" the new Hershey Cow {yes, they're becoming more culturally diverse :) } 

And so many more! 

I will say....I might be most excited about our anniversary trip to Hawaii this summer! Making more memories HERE in a few weeks! 

So he not only takes me on the best vacations and surprises me with the best presents....

during his busiest time at work ever I went and bought our sweet Fuzzhead even though he didn't really want a dog. 

Then they fell in love...

And became best friends. Because that's just how Ryan's heart works. 

And if his heart isn't impressive enough, he's got a big brain to fall back on. 

I've never been more proud of Ryan than when he endured 2 years of intense SRO {senior reactor operator} training and tests, only to come out at the top of his class. He operates a nuclear power plant. I'll say that again in case you didn't catch it -- he.operates.a.nuclear.power.plant.

Who does that?!

Just this guy who hugs puppies on the side {see above}. 

His good looks don't need spoken about, they speak for themselves.

Love you sweet man! I'd never be this happy without you. 

You're more than I deserve.

xoxo