tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9045926149722184092024-03-13T00:58:19.733+01:00Kidd's Ringleslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.comBlogger733125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-21401043487864571292016-03-08T20:52:00.000+01:002016-03-08T20:52:03.013+01:00Welcoming strangers into my home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For <i>16 weeks</i> now, we have had a young refugee couple from Syria living with us. They have been married a little over a year and for the majority of that time have been separated from each other, since he made the journey to Austria alone and got everything in order so that she could come legally.</div>
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Let me backtrack a bit and tell you how it all started. As the refugee crisis really started to explode here, facebook was buzzing with articles, videos, pictures, etc. of the situation. I read a lot. I saw a lot. I was moved. I was troubled. But what could I do? I had a three year old and one year old at home.</div>
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<i> ... I could teach some German. <b>But when?</b> </i></div>
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<i>... I could donate clothes and other items that were needed. <b>But that didn't seem like enough.</b></i></div>
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<i>... I could give money. <b>But I wanted something more tangible. </b></i></div>
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I would put my youngest to bed and during those days, she needed lots of TLC in order to get to sleep. I kept thinking about the refugees and how they didn't have a home. I kept hearing the verse from Matthew 25:40, '...as you did it to one of the
least of these, you did it to me.’ I thought of our new house. Our BIG new house {no, it's not huge, but we have more space than the 4 of us need}. I couldn't stop thinking, we need to help someone! We need to take someone (or two) into our home. We prayed about it and now here we are. </div>
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<span class="p">There are definitely big culture differences between us, but we're
enjoying learning about each other and how we each do life. We
definitely have lots of laughs together trying to communicate with one
another and it's not easy having awkward silences, because there's simply
not much to talk about with our big language barrier. But we do have times
of laughter, where something finally is understood. We can
play games together {my wonderful husband is great with explaining games}. We teach them German and end up having a really good time together. We also shake our heads and wonder about the way they do things.</span> </div>
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<b>So here are some things we have learned during our time together thus far:</b></div>
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<i>- sacrifice -</i></div>
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Our sacrifice of giving up our home doesn't even come close to the sacrifice they have made to be here in a safe country. They have given up everything to start a new life. They have to learn a new language, culture and find new jobs. They may never see their family members or certain family members ever again. So very sad! They live in the fear of not knowing who might die during the next attacks in Syria. A few weeks ago, they lost two cousins and it was a very close call for her sister and brother-in-law.</div>
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<i>- profit -</i></div>
We may have given up of all our private us time by having someone else in our home, but we have gained new friends. Friends that don't believe what we believe and therefore we have the terrific opportunity to live Christ out right before their very eyes. <span class="p">Sadly we do not always exemplify Christ as we should, but that's human and also needs to be seen.</span> They are so thankful for our home, family and help.<br />
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<i><span class="p">- love - </span></i></div>
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<span class="p">They LOVE, Love, love children, especially ours! And our kids love them in return.</span></div>
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<span class="p">Our kids get kissed, snuggled, chased, and candy given to them.</span></div>
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<span class="p">They get youtube videos shown to them. </span></div>
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<span class="p">(still working on not too many videos being shown! like I said very different culture. But my oldest has learned to come to me and ask if she can, before they watch them. Well, she does this most of the time, but not always)</span></div>
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<span class="p">They are always welcome in their eyes. The other day I asked what he wanted to do for his birthday and he simply said kiss my youngest cheeks! :) </span></div>
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<i><span class="p">- diligence -</span></i></div>
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<span class="p">They are hard workers! She cooks every other day for us. We came up with a cooking routine so that everyone gets the food they are used to getting. Our meals are quite different from each others. Not bad, just different. They clean up the kitchen just about every night. We put kids to bed and come down to an almost spotless kitchen. They wash, dry AND put dishes away! {most days I just let things air dry and put it away the next day} I've definitely enjoyed this new normal for us! :) </span></div>
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<span class="p"><i>- different countries can have very different diets -</i> </span></div>
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<span class="p"> She is a vegetarian, so in my mind that means she eats lots of vegetables. This is only semi true! They don't eat veggie sides like we do. I've often made a meal with your typical three parts to it - meat, noodle/potato/rice and veggies - they don't eat veggies like that. We are the only ones at the table that eat them. They do eat a salad, but not boiled/steamed veggies. Very interesting! </span></div>
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<i><span class="p">- humor - </span></i></div>
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<span class="p">It is possible to have a good laugh despite a language barrier! We do not understand everything we want to say, but we do laugh a lot together. We often laugh that the men don't understand their wives, even with talking the same language and we the women know what the other one is trying to say.</span></div>
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<i><span class="p">- communication -</span></i></div>
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<span class="p">At first, it took some getting used to with trying to explain things - either using body language, google translate {which is DEFINITELY not reliable} and using simple words. At first for them, they would laugh at each other and how silly they would look, but now it's our normal and we just all laugh together trying to make things understood. </span></div>
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<i>- cooking -</i></div>
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I always, always cook with a recipe. I'm definitely not someone who can make up a meal as I go. She very rarely uses a recipe. One day she watched a youtube video to make something a bit different, but generally she just knows what to put in. She uses a LOT more oil and salt than we do. I keep having to refill the salt shaker that we use for cooking and the HUGE oil that takes us forever to go through has been replaced a few times! </div>
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<i>- daily routines -</i></div>
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They are night owls and they rest/nap late in the afternoon. Some days my girls get up from their naps and they are going down for their rest. Now things have semi gotten more like our routine, since their German class is at 9 am and they have to get up for it. They don't eat three meals every day or not around the same times that we do. Sometimes their breakfast is our lunch and they have a rather hefty midnight snack!</div>
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<i>- don't sweat the small stuff -</i></div>
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Everyone does things differently. You don't have to come from a different country for this to be the case. At first, I was a bit uptight when things weren't done in my new house the way I wanted them to be done...small things...esp in my new kitchen. I'm learning to address some things, but let other things go. </div>
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<span class="tL8wMe EMoHub" dir="ltr" id=":3u.co" style="text-align: left;">But
all in all, despite all the differences, we are all human, created in
Gods image. With all the political debates, fears, and partially
justified worries about crime and terror, we must not forget to see
people individually. Politicians need to take care of the big picture,
and we can pray that they are doing so wisely, but we are to treat
everybody as our neighbor, and we are told to love our neighbor as
ourselves.</span></div>
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leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-59601155827149587512015-10-29T20:33:00.000+01:002015-10-29T20:33:12.106+01:00Fall Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjLoWfhgSu45_n_XTpqRBeo_nqCgq-fjPSOwBbYRQIlqN7YeFOCDurSMxRS3t9VIUHE8G2GRUCVEheAWEdaKvkP0ps75h-jIHa3lc99ozgQF6ek5cNRbMjkosz6F5-cOV0MoFhUOCLx7k/s1600/IMG_3880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjLoWfhgSu45_n_XTpqRBeo_nqCgq-fjPSOwBbYRQIlqN7YeFOCDurSMxRS3t9VIUHE8G2GRUCVEheAWEdaKvkP0ps75h-jIHa3lc99ozgQF6ek5cNRbMjkosz6F5-cOV0MoFhUOCLx7k/s400/IMG_3880.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
Once again, way too much time has gone by and this poor little blog has left untouched for far too long. So embarrassing! I just don't feel like there's more to say. Life is busy with my two little ones. Evenings I'm tired and don't feel like writing and no idea what to write about. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7PqXEEJnjy-6KxRxuETbxY-CWKsYSah45iNhfqnqy0PQXcAa4ZBUkPUgYL2HsZ4L2bjCfw8S5wCsWtQ9ozV32fO2ufcnrRyToAidcKC_6UF6TDhzyYOe0a3qFVwbD9RO-dnTp_RyLL1X/s1600/IMG_3854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7PqXEEJnjy-6KxRxuETbxY-CWKsYSah45iNhfqnqy0PQXcAa4ZBUkPUgYL2HsZ4L2bjCfw8S5wCsWtQ9ozV32fO2ufcnrRyToAidcKC_6UF6TDhzyYOe0a3qFVwbD9RO-dnTp_RyLL1X/s640/IMG_3854.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's just some random things that come to mind:<br />
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- we've been in our home for over a year now! Sunday was our one year anniversary. Crazy how fast a year has gone. And amazing how long this year has been.<br />
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- Our littlest one is slowly have more better nights than worse! Shocking, I know! So great. It doesn't mean that she is any easier during the day though. Oh well, wait, yes she semi is, but not always. She is still as stubborn as all get out and is not always a happy camper, but we are getting there!!{Cute story for tonight: I put her to bed and she waved and blew a kiss to her sister as a goodnight}<br />
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- Our big girl is talking loads these days and it's so fun to hear what all she comes up with. She's very observant and so sweet with her little sister. She gets frustrated when she tries to do things alone and it doesn't work. Her frustration brings on tears. We're working on it. She loves Bible songs these days and requests to sing several every night. {Thanks, Grandmommy, for our new ritual!} :)<br />
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- Baking keeps our kitchen-living/dining room much warmer. So I do my part as often as I can in order to warm things up. lol<br />
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- Our fence came a little over a week ago. Finally things are feeling more done here!!<br />
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- I've been enjoying a series called <a href="http://www.lifewithtruth.com/write-31-days-lessons-for-my-daughters/">Lessons for my Daughters</a> this month. Pop on over to Lauren's blog and read for yourself.<br />
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- I made <a href="http://www.thelifeofawifeblog.com/2011/11/apple-pie-squares.html">these</a> recently and they are just sooo good. Definitely a recipe to save for fall.<br />
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- Bought this <a href="http://www.77onlineshop.de/Eight2Nine-Damen-Winter-Parka-abnehmb-Kapuze-mit-Kunstfell-4-Taschen-by-Sublevel-blau.htm?websale8=77onlineshop&pi=15090358&ci=000031">jacket</a> a few weeks back and am LOVING it! I didn't <i>need</i> a jacket, but it had <b><u><i>everything</i></u> </b>I was looking for in a jacket. So my wonderful husband was <strike>happy</strike> reluctant to say yes, but he finally did. I'm so glad he did, because it's so nice and warm and really is the best jacket!<br />
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Well, here's to more updates in the future! :) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobsPNEn5ekctjVS4yPySZBefDc46Za2Wk-5usD0Eq4GygcHewyrhdUMc7nN1W3qu-YhX52RygWCKFYYZeytvX58WeVO8Mgiuz3H_NJVJqQazkh0-xh0g5bmQaqZVshOnzZcQIbvy8eVOR/s1600/IMG_3863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobsPNEn5ekctjVS4yPySZBefDc46Za2Wk-5usD0Eq4GygcHewyrhdUMc7nN1W3qu-YhX52RygWCKFYYZeytvX58WeVO8Mgiuz3H_NJVJqQazkh0-xh0g5bmQaqZVshOnzZcQIbvy8eVOR/s400/IMG_3863.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-84376833267602965342015-06-26T15:56:00.000+02:002015-06-26T15:56:13.546+02:00NUK Magic Cup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOBcNAoKkWLxljbck0l-3SQgUKf-LRwZ3w63em1U8uTdMZ0akGhJv_2x2MN3HueRo5_xPDI60eM3AM3v6Efmuw1izi-sr7XHTmAqI3p-wWQNr3FcDYbSfNmZ78CZRLidBQ2i2gk_4o7OW/s1600/IMG_3044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOBcNAoKkWLxljbck0l-3SQgUKf-LRwZ3w63em1U8uTdMZ0akGhJv_2x2MN3HueRo5_xPDI60eM3AM3v6Efmuw1izi-sr7XHTmAqI3p-wWQNr3FcDYbSfNmZ78CZRLidBQ2i2gk_4o7OW/s320/IMG_3044.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Getting your little one to drink is not an easy task and switching from a bottle to sippy cups and then normal cups can be challenging. NUK has designed a new sippy cup. Finally a sippy cup that doesn't have little parts to wash! Check out what it's made out of: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMp7W84MSueJH1TBFa8YrM0llSWsxsO4GujWSkBMSxBrmTkMfKoNPxY4STRzVfpZxjJ6-i-j3cdWHu8Z_joEi_nCdVCS-VrtnPeuADbqf4lBC1Y8hXElAzqrDLtrKmePF5_dB5y0vIAj4A/s1600/IMG_3058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMp7W84MSueJH1TBFa8YrM0llSWsxsO4GujWSkBMSxBrmTkMfKoNPxY4STRzVfpZxjJ6-i-j3cdWHu8Z_joEi_nCdVCS-VrtnPeuADbqf4lBC1Y8hXElAzqrDLtrKmePF5_dB5y0vIAj4A/s320/IMG_3058.JPG" width="320" /> </a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The cup has three parts. A silicone part (the pink one) and two plastic parts. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Just pop the pink part into the turquoise ring and then screw it on the cup - DONE! Doesn't get much easier than that.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And it doesn't matter where your little one puts their mouth, they can drink from it from any side! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfNZpjLsjEA4psLf8wKDFvaQRNIsvU-35X_tKdblbQ7nSHgvoy-5lUvYiBDTEJUDwykhdH4EjQMpQnPzyseb3fsFDQhts0N8d_lQDNz4Z6RI-kcpoepQ6adcC5UVC6Dq604n8qdF3YUF3/s1600/IMG_3055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfNZpjLsjEA4psLf8wKDFvaQRNIsvU-35X_tKdblbQ7nSHgvoy-5lUvYiBDTEJUDwykhdH4EjQMpQnPzyseb3fsFDQhts0N8d_lQDNz4Z6RI-kcpoepQ6adcC5UVC6Dq604n8qdF3YUF3/s320/IMG_3055.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> It's a perfect fit for little hands. Although the tipping to actually drink is still a bit tricky and needs a little help from bigger hands, but once your little one is bigger this shouldn't be a problem anymore.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4z5w4Be5KajeDVhY_KRU6wlkW49c3KH7ZlvE3PGw25ffgQHXu-OrB8LPdOxeLXGt2a7bUFn9YW9k29ENt-6cBLq_y3dGtzhaiwSET77Yy3uPckQn4D2JHzJcgJIijtPXNFT1uy3sY03qE/s1600/IMG_3042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4z5w4Be5KajeDVhY_KRU6wlkW49c3KH7ZlvE3PGw25ffgQHXu-OrB8LPdOxeLXGt2a7bUFn9YW9k29ENt-6cBLq_y3dGtzhaiwSET77Yy3uPckQn4D2JHzJcgJIijtPXNFT1uy3sY03qE/s320/IMG_3042.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> They say it's leak proof, which for the most part it is, however after turning over like the picture above, there is a little bit of water, but not much. And when it gets tossed on the floor, then there is a little bit of a spill. But nothing too dramatic. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAD6Lugn53jTfHAHtYJvTs0eco7OKv7brvWW9hkCfDrdZ3Gy2EXbz2Y6AYVlQGtLigjSNY0z37c-kbwVa9BImO_hRzLnch2EbNRldrXyHLMwNBTGTsAdA2c1QUgXlbdQc4N15Mygi3YZ3I/s1600/IMG_3033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAD6Lugn53jTfHAHtYJvTs0eco7OKv7brvWW9hkCfDrdZ3Gy2EXbz2Y6AYVlQGtLigjSNY0z37c-kbwVa9BImO_hRzLnch2EbNRldrXyHLMwNBTGTsAdA2c1QUgXlbdQc4N15Mygi3YZ3I/s320/IMG_3033.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I gave the cup to my 10 month old and for the first initial try, she didn't know how to drink from it, but then the next time, she had it mastered! :) I would definitely recommend this cup to other moms.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>If you want to know about the cup, check <a href="http://www.nuk.de/nuk-magic-cup-250ml-with-drinking-rim.html">here</a>. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Disclosure: I received this cup from NUK to test in exchange for a review. All opinions are 100% my own. </i></span></span></div>
leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-61897245882324367272015-05-18T15:13:00.000+02:002015-05-18T15:13:12.041+02:00Photos from here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSVxYEUVaKFD7p42e7nGj1ZL3KSEzn1Zo1Mtke90L1kMOBDxB1Hm7Iy-RsDE1ntTisPxXqy6KqpMoz0ETnTAFaGRlIjbnJynjJ-oEJiUwBaVSqDQu7bGSNH6vpjhArgfq5rdUb5zxgY14/s1600/IMG_1021.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSVxYEUVaKFD7p42e7nGj1ZL3KSEzn1Zo1Mtke90L1kMOBDxB1Hm7Iy-RsDE1ntTisPxXqy6KqpMoz0ETnTAFaGRlIjbnJynjJ-oEJiUwBaVSqDQu7bGSNH6vpjhArgfq5rdUb5zxgY14/s400/IMG_1021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yes, she has developed a love for cHoCoLaTe and she asks for some after every meal! </div>
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But no, she doesn't always get it. ;) </div>
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This little one LOVES standing any- and everywhere. She's been enjoying her big sister's kitchen these days! </div>
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I love having them squeal, giggle and snuggle with each other! I'm so thankful they have each other. </div>
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Smoothie Season has started here! </div>
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This has been our life ... playing. Standing. Snuggling. Reading. Going out on walks. </div>
<br />leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-831951093596689752015-03-26T21:10:00.003+01:002015-03-26T21:12:01.717+01:00the little thingsMy day is filled with doing little things...<br />
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<i>wiping noses</i></div>
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<i>changing diapers</i></div>
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<i>fixing hair</i></div>
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<i>brushing teeth</i></div>
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<i>doing dishes</i></div>
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<i>straightening up books and toys that land everywhere</i></div>
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<i>tying shoelaces</i></div>
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<i>doing load upon load of laundry</i></div>
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<i>folding said laundry </i></div>
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<i>putting on hats </i></div>
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<i>making sandwiches </i></div>
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<i>putting littles down for a nap</i></div>
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<i>and on </i></div>
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<i>and on </i></div>
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<i>and on.</i></div>
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Sometimes I get tired of the mundane.<br />
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I get tired of life right now being so .... regular ... every day seems so the same. I was talking to my sister the other day about it and I said, I wouldn't want to change it, <i>but yet</i> sometimes the mundane gets to me. I get restless. I feel like the hamster running round and round the wheel and it's always the same. {just different friends and playdates}<br />
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Today <strike>over breakfast</strike> while feeding the baby, I listened to a podcast {ahem, <span style="font-size: x-small;">part of one</span>}. And this really got to me:<br />
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<i>Love well in the little things. With <b>great love</b>. </i></div>
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<i>Which is part of a <b>very big thing</b> - raising a <b>family</b>!</i></div>
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If I love well in the little things, I help my children become better human beings that can change their worlds later on! Raising a family is not a little thing, even if it does include so many little things right now. In the midst of the mundane, the little things, I am bringing up two sweet little girls (maybe more one day) that can one day do amazing things! What a privilege and honor that is! How dare I get bored with the little things. How dare I not do those little things well! <br />
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And so I continue with the little things. I continue to work on loving well. Being patient. Being gentle. Not always easy. Way too many times, I loose my cool and my precious little babies experience a selfish, tired, impatient mama.<br />
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How grateful I am that they are quick to forgive and love no matter what. It's been such a great reminder to me of how our Father is quick to forgive and loves us unconditionally! AND I've been reminded over and over again how great God's grace is! His grace that stops me from being even worse of a mom. His grace that allows me to be gentle, despite two whiny voices demanding I take care of them each right now. His grace that holds back harsh words that want to come out of my mouth and rebuke my sweet little toddler that just wants to help and be a part of what's going on. Thank you, LORD, for your grace! It amazes me! leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-34379151508365313842015-03-16T13:51:00.000+01:002015-03-16T13:53:34.130+01:00hospitality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We've been living in our wonderful new house for almost 5 months now! Crazy! At times, it still doesn't feel real and other times, it seems like our apartment life was FOREVER ago.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our big wish and prayer for our house was that it would be a place where people would...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">... feel at home ...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">... be pointed to Christ ... </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">... be encouraged ... </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">... feel loved and accepted ...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I came across a study on </span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hospitality by <a href="http://shereadstruth.com/category/plans/hospitality/page/2/">She Reads Truth</a>, I knew it was one I wanted to do. Felix and I love inviting people into our home, talking and playing games with them. I <b>love</b> cooking and baking. I was curious what would be shared in the study on Hospitality and so far I have not been disappointed. I may have only done three days so far, but I have already been pushed and given some thoughts to think on ... here are two quotes from it or inspired by the study that I wanted to share: </span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">--- Isn’t that true hospitality? Putting yourself in their place, loving
them for who they are, and inviting them into the safe place of
friendship. --- </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">--- Learning to love someone by thinking about what they need.---</span></span></i><b><i></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These things have me wonder how I often I have really love someone by thinking about what they need. And I'm talking about beyond needs like food<span style="font-size: small;"><i>, etc</i></span>. How often do I love my little family by putting myself in their place? How many times have I put myself in my guests shoes and given them a safe place? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My prayer and wish and hope is that this new home of ours will be just that people. I want everyone who enters through our door, to feel loved, cherished, and understood. I want to meet their needs and give them a time that will encourage them and make them feel loved! </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Lord, help our home to be a safe place for our guests. </i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Help us make them feel loved. </i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Give us discernment when we invite people into our homes.</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>May we put our needs below the needs of our guests. </i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i> </span></div>
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<b><br /></b>leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-28390429094547035782015-03-09T15:01:00.001+01:002015-03-09T15:01:06.856+01:00Life in pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today was scone making morning to prepare for some guests coming over the next couple of days. Hope there are still some left for when they come, they are soo yummy! </div>
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Z kept saying, Mommy, cookie, ahh. {guess someone else liked them, too!}</div>
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On our way home from church. This little one was so tired, but she's not a big sleeper in the car, or if she does sleep, it's only for the last tiny bit! </div>
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Z's moving out because of all the construction in our house :) lol ... that's what it looks like!</div>
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Felix decided to tackle the task of mounting the hand rail going up the stairs.</div>
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Love Saturday morning snuggles! Everyone is very invovled in the book that is being read. </div>
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Someone's working hard on the pre-crawling stage</div>
leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-19500033574760391822015-03-03T14:19:00.003+01:002015-03-03T14:19:47.688+01:00Life is busy. The two littles keep me on my toes and exhausted. But life is good! I have so much to be thankful for and so much to enjoy.<br />
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Since, I can't seem to find much time to blog these days and have missed the last few weeks of Monday Gratitudes, I thought I'd switch things up a bit and do one of these again. I haven't done one of these in ages! <br />
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~ enjoying<br />
...blue skies and sunny days<br />
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~ looking forward to<br />
...spring, of course, who isn't, right? <br />
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~ reading<br />
...books with Z. She loves book and I love that so much!<br />
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~ thankful for<br />
...health, even though we were sick a LOT this winter, I'm thankful that we are just sick with normal illnesses and nothing serious!<br />
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~ loving<br />
...my handheld vacuum cleaner that has that great extension so you don't even have to pull out the big vacuum cleaner for quick and easy cleaning. <br />
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~ eating<br />
...sweets. I can't stop munching on things some days. <br />
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~ excited about<br />
...summer and a big wedding taking place in our family! This will be the first time our family has all been together in FIVE YEARS!<br />
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~ googling<br />
...baby food recipes<br />
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~ considering<br />
...that it may be time to cut my hair. Someone little is constantly yanking on it!<br />
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~ cooking<br />
...baby food<br />
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~ listening<br />
...to Z as she talks more and more and copies what she hears, it is soo funny and cute!<br />
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~ loving<br />
...watching A and Z play, laugh, snuggle and enjoy each other.<br />
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~ planning<br />
...trying to be better at planning my meals and using what we have onhand. I love trying to get everything you need at the grocery just once a week, instead of several trips throughout the week. <br />
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~ watching<br />
...Covert Affairs!!<br />
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~ wearing<br />
...sadly, still wearing lots of scarves, hats and big coats. I wouldn't mind packing them up and putting less layers on the girls! <br />
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~ wishing<br />
...I had some time to go to the mall, shop and just enjoy some me time! One day, I'll be able to do that again. <br />
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~ hoping<br />
...A's sleep schedule gets a bit more regular. Teething has thrown things off a bit. I'm also hopeful that some teeth will pop through soon and not cause so much discomfort!<br />
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~ thankful<br />
...for technology that allows me to keep up with my family that is spread out all over the world. leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-22598931712030922212015-02-02T22:53:00.000+01:002015-02-02T22:53:49.827+01:008. Monday Gratitude <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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We had a busy week last week. Well busy in the sense that we were busy with each other {<span style="font-size: x-small;">and being sick again!</span>}, but not busy in the sense that we got out and did a lot. Last week, potty training was on the plan! And so we did. Z did great. I am so proud of her. We are still learning and figuring everything out, but so far there have been very few accidents. We even went to two birthday parties and church! {<span style="font-size: x-small;">ahem, and one included a small accident</span>} It's not as difficult as I was picturing it to be. It just still makes me a bit nervous, but we'll get there! :)</div>
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Oh, yes and then we got sick. Again. We just can't seem to stay well this winter. Oh well. This too shall pass.</div>
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Real quick, because once again it's late and I need to get to bed! But I do want to take time to jot down some things I am thankful for...so here we go:</div>
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- an almost potty-trained toddler or should I say for the most part potty trained ... not sure how to label her right now! :) </div>
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- beautiful, glorious sunshine today</div>
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- a phone call with my great-aunt</div>
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- a washer and dryer to take care of our little accidents that Z does have</div>
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- we girls all took naps today at the same time and I even had some time to watch a TV show!</div>
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Enough for now! </div>
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G'night from my side of the world!</div>
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leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-66999260546578293002015-01-27T12:59:00.002+01:002015-01-27T12:59:32.699+01:00Monday Gratitude on Tuesday # SEVENI'm sorry that my blog has turned into a once a week, not so exciting blog post. My two littles are just keeping me a bit busy and I don't feel like there's much to report. We live life. We play. We read. We sleep. We eat. Nothing exciting ...<br />
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But nonetheless, here's my list of things I am grateful for:<br />
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- a husband who is so very patient with me and the kids<br />
- a little girl who has had a great start on potty training, today is the first day and so far no accidents! YAY! So proud of her!<br />
- A has been going to sleep better on her own - always exciting!<br />
- yesterday we were able to get some bookshelves! I look forward to being able to unpack a few more boxes, once they are built.<br />
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Guess that's it for now. Have a great week!!leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-37370499718055850012015-01-19T21:10:00.002+01:002015-01-19T21:10:34.891+01:00Monday Thankfulness # 6 It's Monday. Again.<br />
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How did that happen?<br />
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Today started off normal. Had a strange inbetween. Then ended up normal again.<br />
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I'll spare you the details though. <br />
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I'm thankful for...<br />
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...babies that sleep past 7 and sometimes even past 8! I enjoy sleeping "late"!<br />
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...a walk with my sister-in-law to the store and around our neighborhood.<br />
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...frozen biscuits that I was able to make and freeze a few weekends ago.<br />
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...a quiet evening when all babies sleep.<br />
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...a note in my mailbox informing me that my Crocs order was to be delivered, but since I was out, is ready to be picked up!!<br />
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...some successful online cloth-diaper-second-hand-shopping!<br />
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...a washing machine that cleans those cloth diapers of ours.<br />
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...a husband that puts Z to bed.<br />
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...magic jack that makes my parents just a phone-call away and that for dirt cheap!<br />
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The End!<br />
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What are you thankful for today???leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-78974478105346830222015-01-12T11:29:00.000+01:002015-01-12T11:30:46.255+01:00Monday Gratitudes {5} and some pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hum. I missed last week. Whoops. </div>
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Here are some things I'm grateful for today:</div>
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-medicine and doctors for my little sick girlies</div>
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-hubby coming home tonight after being gone for a few days</div>
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-happy little girlies, despite being sick</div>
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-a warm home in all the crazy wind we've been experiencing</div>
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-helping hands while hubby is gone</div>
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-a sister-in-law next door to help pass some hours while our guys are gone</div>
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Onto the pictures of our past few weeks:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0ROOkioZmF9zIlOT7VdW4pkjsvm4D97XVXjErrxpi77afVbl_2lqrIQSx4No9MBzww-pXjP5s3mkio-htgSYORkvwAv2i5URqTykxluR_AMI7kmC_1SxOPVicRdqBCewGyVsbjCO85-M/s1600/IMG_0003.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="213" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby's First Christmas</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2bS16zhKeNJwA3hqSo1L-YdNlPWvtqZGUwSrz181EIOKQ_ITvjhrdsFKm78NCqAuPYKdEFO6mTK8xhTu6DC8jwXNqfuw1mk0v9Du0LIHh25YaBLwS1VFmfmQFHB5o_vhqOZbyflUEY8O/s1600/IMG_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2bS16zhKeNJwA3hqSo1L-YdNlPWvtqZGUwSrz181EIOKQ_ITvjhrdsFKm78NCqAuPYKdEFO6mTK8xhTu6DC8jwXNqfuw1mk0v9Du0LIHh25YaBLwS1VFmfmQFHB5o_vhqOZbyflUEY8O/s1600/IMG_0153.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas with her this year was soo fun! I was super excited to give her her gifts. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtl5yARA2MpBev9Jg74_Ko602SncAotL3sJHgSSW0S9wgjsOcAosj-Qj8u7mUzCBDQ78UXeE1cLTUcfu7u3_OYoLMSi0LRO7jKWXJksfp1AXzNcx8BfVbh1Q-xtn8WSKPNIhvnT58cfos/s1600/IMG_0155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtl5yARA2MpBev9Jg74_Ko602SncAotL3sJHgSSW0S9wgjsOcAosj-Qj8u7mUzCBDQ78UXeE1cLTUcfu7u3_OYoLMSi0LRO7jKWXJksfp1AXzNcx8BfVbh1Q-xtn8WSKPNIhvnT58cfos/s1600/IMG_0155.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best we can do for a Family picture...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFrv2v2ltZcDI5QYSh1lsHTl3Wly8aNxEEfkmPEqPUYfb4Fpwb6Ul4XLDn0-hmkyea7G51NNhsZoRbpBJy4vOoifhFVJG2oBgZJ4S2yVAfud1tnvPpLioOGJOEoMSEkR34pP4UcMfB41P/s1600/IMG_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFrv2v2ltZcDI5QYSh1lsHTl3Wly8aNxEEfkmPEqPUYfb4Fpwb6Ul4XLDn0-hmkyea7G51NNhsZoRbpBJy4vOoifhFVJG2oBgZJ4S2yVAfud1tnvPpLioOGJOEoMSEkR34pP4UcMfB41P/s1600/IMG_0194.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's getting so big!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QASOE-2lyZVgVrg7k1E2rUOPgcPBnRdBPfhD7jsQhom0KQb8V-sXT35ustW4mmjdvuG79ueLSRFJx-NmZnJewLg0qZMlHHq81HW3gIFwoKBmwnOj4Qu4ObEiFfrdrmuvWji3ELElss38/s1600/IMG_0202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QASOE-2lyZVgVrg7k1E2rUOPgcPBnRdBPfhD7jsQhom0KQb8V-sXT35ustW4mmjdvuG79ueLSRFJx-NmZnJewLg0qZMlHHq81HW3gIFwoKBmwnOj4Qu4ObEiFfrdrmuvWji3ELElss38/s1600/IMG_0202.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had such a good visit with my parents! And they were a HUGE help!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1_zuQAoiUv4xXVEnBz2i_cDXQT8v_OlVlDyBl1PgTbg10tEONfJKNUD1vDY7aDM3DUkE-cW7EgSJJ9JhrATpZC-Q7RLUMcc_waLNsRqTrteo5qsIoeZmYe1Sb7Igoe6w63kDobgfGQJU/s1600/IMG_1669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1_zuQAoiUv4xXVEnBz2i_cDXQT8v_OlVlDyBl1PgTbg10tEONfJKNUD1vDY7aDM3DUkE-cW7EgSJJ9JhrATpZC-Q7RLUMcc_waLNsRqTrteo5qsIoeZmYe1Sb7Igoe6w63kDobgfGQJU/s1600/IMG_1669.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little kitchen helper</td></tr>
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<br />leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-683678526104690462014-12-29T22:50:00.000+01:002014-12-29T22:50:05.406+01:00- Monday Gratitude - 4 - <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So many things to be grateful for today:</div>
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- my parents are here for a week long visit! :D YAY! </div>
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- snow, snow, snow! </div>
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- helping hands for our house projects</div>
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- mom cooked dinner</div>
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- relief for baby gums that are teething </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPNnPbNzlB3qHBJ3Mobbw3jFSWjCb3SxEeZKtqmOSCvmJ7apNeQAAoh64koXcD_ivpqrefMKp6fbXNNah83mM3LsnqlPGpuPyYEpkw8-Z3hd9-GzZrLIZRqHSsIWCQ23gQ4QJfFyLDIJR/s1600/IMG-20141228-WA0007.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my silly girl pretending to sleep</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFL12Xmw-c-Id9M7sZzRBo9rL-o6-cL5r409ITosKn-Yj-CwpEul_KfL4_l2eL4EYg39nPItHFa1maQ7d3Uvi5n6kIabSgG08HVzuzMHBm4O7eb2-xjR-T_0r1PFwPWfbhGIlqkLn-tX-h/s1600/IMG-20141229-WA0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFL12Xmw-c-Id9M7sZzRBo9rL-o6-cL5r409ITosKn-Yj-CwpEul_KfL4_l2eL4EYg39nPItHFa1maQ7d3Uvi5n6kIabSgG08HVzuzMHBm4O7eb2-xjR-T_0r1PFwPWfbhGIlqkLn-tX-h/s1600/IMG-20141229-WA0002.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">someone is enjoying the bumbo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4oXmCl_F-b9sQknBhE8tovHZzBr9zhd19qKJvPrkCgcR7bYPlRPprh86VHsOpuSOvH_kfY8z49Eu-NiwjyboZ5oy3HRrE1CdHZO4e0_5apPTwSrQb4ddj6-zP80qijeIAPNfGC67nZnB/s1600/IMG-20141229-WA0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4oXmCl_F-b9sQknBhE8tovHZzBr9zhd19qKJvPrkCgcR7bYPlRPprh86VHsOpuSOvH_kfY8z49Eu-NiwjyboZ5oy3HRrE1CdHZO4e0_5apPTwSrQb4ddj6-zP80qijeIAPNfGC67nZnB/s1600/IMG-20141229-WA0004.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">someone else is, too! ;) </td></tr>
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<br />leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-58316213277447343172014-12-22T20:13:00.002+01:002014-12-22T20:13:51.016+01:00Monday Gratitudes #3It's Monday. Again! But this Monday is a welcome one.<br />
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Because....<br />
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...Christmas is days away!<br />
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I love Christmas. I love all the traditions and being with family. I love giving (<span style="font-size: x-small;">and getting</span>) gifts! :)<br />
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But despite all the fun and wonderful events that take place around Christmas, it's good to remember what Christmas is truly about. Today, I read in the Advent Reading from John Piper about how miraculous and grand the true meaning of Christmas is - the birth of Jesus Christ. And that is so true! We often get so caught in hubbub of the holidays, that we forget that Christmas is about God becoming man. Christmas is about the ultimate gift being given to mankind. Christmas is about peace being brought to man in a peaceless world. Take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas!<br />
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So here are my Monday Gratitudes: <br />
- hubby has a few weeks off work! YAY for holidays that fall right smack in the middle of the week!<br />
- beautiful, glorious sunshine <br />
- my parents are coming this week!!<br />
- a helpful husband who steps in when I'm not feeling well<br />
- being able to nap and rest today, but also get a few things done!leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-85880646098199050362014-12-15T21:15:00.000+01:002014-12-15T21:15:00.613+01:00Monday Gratitudes Part 2Here's part 2 for my Monday Gratitude list! I gotta be honest, I'm impressed I got around to it! <br />
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- an unexpected Christmas box from a sweet friend in Germany <br />
- a nice, long visit with a friend<br />
- the grace to deal with a disobedient toddler in a loving way<br />
- a washing machine and dryer<br />
- phone calls with various family members<br />
- a good nap<br />
- babies that go to bed easily<br />
- getting a Christmas tree put up this weekend<br />
<br />leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-55416722904577198202014-12-08T22:36:00.001+01:002014-12-15T21:15:30.142+01:00Monday GratitudeA friend posted on <a href="http://www.lifewithtruth.com/my-thankful-list/">her blog</a> her thankful list, which was inspired by another blogger, who writes Monday Gratitude posts. I thought this was a great idea! So in hopes of blogging more regular, I'll try to post Monday Gratitude posts.<br />
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Here is mine:<br />
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1. a holiday today!<br />
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2. an extra day with hubby besides just a weekend, where he was gone lots of it anyways<br />
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3. a baby girl, who is four months old today, who is happy, healthy (just a little under the weather right now) and so sweet!<br />
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4. my sweet, happy, easy-going two year old<br />
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5. our new home!<br />
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I was hoping to write more, but the day flew by ... hopefully, I'll have more time soon! :) leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-65880760291449573692014-10-22T21:06:00.000+02:002014-10-22T21:06:58.803+02:00~ MOM'S daily ~ #starkeMütter ~ <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week is crunch week for the house. Saturday is THE. MOVING. DAY.!!!! </div>
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My wonderful hubby is working very hard to get everything ready on his end and I've been packing, packing, packing on this end {and doing some unpacking in the new house!}! It does seem quite endless and the chaos that comes with packing is starting to drive me nuts. But there is a flicker of light at the end of this seemingly endless tunnel. I cannot believe our journey has taken us this far and that we'll be <i>moving</i> and <i>living</i> in the house we've been planning for almost<i> two years</i>! Craziness! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's amazing how much stuff a household has!</td></tr>
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A few weeks ago, I applied with <a href="http://www.nuk.de/">NUK</a> to be a tester of their products and report on my blog. I was super excited, when I got an email from them saying they enjoyed my blog and would love to have me on their team of blogging moms! </div>
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Today, I'll be introducing the first product they sent me. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiH-9SYOdb2la0GyWK-OAQagjCmuGhDHpd3jKiljVA2zVu13_HpU_79eC_dHt6Z8iiC1uTYSERZaQaT5_xx9_cwI_zVMC4fuoOkcvinpPeoXdiW7jtrUwf2kFlGiF8VkVTTDPR2C-yQUo/s1600/IMG_9617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiH-9SYOdb2la0GyWK-OAQagjCmuGhDHpd3jKiljVA2zVu13_HpU_79eC_dHt6Z8iiC1uTYSERZaQaT5_xx9_cwI_zVMC4fuoOkcvinpPeoXdiW7jtrUwf2kFlGiF8VkVTTDPR2C-yQUo/s1600/IMG_9617.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.nuk.de/nuk-mom-s-daily.html">MOM'S daily</a> (click to read more - all in German though) is an orange and passion fruit juice drink filled with vitamins and minerals that busy moms need. I'm a HUGE juice-aholic. I drink juice for every breakfast and I was excited to try their vitamin-mineral-juice to help me through the stressful and long days of packing. At first, I was little bit disappointed with the initial taste of it. I was imagining something extremely delicious and don't get me wrong, it is very good, but maybe the orange flavor was a bit overpowering for me. I'm not always a huge fan of the flavor orange. HOWEVER, I am still excited to drink it every morning and I'm glad I have three more left in the fridge for the next few days. I feel like the price is a bit steep for a drink of this size. I'm not sure I would buy it again, unless it was on sale. </div>
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I really like how NUK is broadening out and coming up with a product for moms. It felt nice for them to recognize just how much moms do. They list how many hours of sleep a mom looses, how much breast milk a mom produces, how many calories a nursing mom burns, how many kilometers a mom walks to put a crying baby back to sleep, and how many diapers a mom changes. I appreciate them realizing how strong moms are. #starkeMütter #strongmoms</div>
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Thanks, <a href="http://www.nuk.de/de_de/kollektionen/moms-daily.html">NUK</a>, for encouraging moms! Well done!</div>
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<i>Disclosure: I received these bottles from NUK. All opinions are 100% my own. </i></div>
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So let me catch you up on our life!<br />
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My due date came and went and there was no sign of baby (no surprise there!). I had check-ups all week long and at the last check-up on Friday, August 8th, the midwife said, you'll be back tonight and you'll have this baby. I thought, "Ha! That'd be nice. I don't believe it, but we'll see." I wasn't feeling anything! I drove home and sure enough almost as soon as I got home contractions started. They started coming pretty close together pretty quickly. I called Felix several times - at first just saying, things are starting, then, maybe you should start coming home, and then finally, hey, you need to get home NOW and then, where are you now?!! :) I was kinda nervous, because the contractions were not very far apart and I had no idea what the normal procedure was with going to the hospital and all, since my first baby was induced. It was quite the new experience for us...going to the hospital with contractions and experiencing the whole thing not being planned! :) <br />
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Our precious baby girl, Alya Evelyn, was born about four hours after getting to the hospital (we didn't need to hurry to the hospital quite as much as we did). We are so thankful for another healthy baby girl and another safe delivery, with even less complications than with the first. Recovery has been much quicker with baby #2, which I am also extremely thankful for!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81m-fCoh5Ss_dg4IjastSXBzbW8h90JtW5kZfRokiWSsiKmcneg3K_C_WRsBZFuJY3lZSe6qHOuaE6u0PoRodU9didogPxl0VHTH-yAz-idy_dlhSHTbSlgs66AVz6qyk0nskFVX5PHPa/s1600/IMG_8832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81m-fCoh5Ss_dg4IjastSXBzbW8h90JtW5kZfRokiWSsiKmcneg3K_C_WRsBZFuJY3lZSe6qHOuaE6u0PoRodU9didogPxl0VHTH-yAz-idy_dlhSHTbSlgs66AVz6qyk0nskFVX5PHPa/s1600/IMG_8832.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
We were able to go home Monday after she was born. So we just spent the weekend in the hospital and then came home to my waiting parents and the big sister! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ddzs7fEkquPxQ24RebITd7XSJ_AlYbMawIoMfZmQ7UzcDFE5QiZasCq1ApVYjTaGMbcWiL6S1mdMppzmghOmMs7fEJJ97mbsedw3Thzub36LWV0pbDLQq07b-IPKWt3QDJxCQPhKMJ1Z/s1600/IMG_9207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ddzs7fEkquPxQ24RebITd7XSJ_AlYbMawIoMfZmQ7UzcDFE5QiZasCq1ApVYjTaGMbcWiL6S1mdMppzmghOmMs7fEJJ97mbsedw3Thzub36LWV0pbDLQq07b-IPKWt3QDJxCQPhKMJ1Z/s1600/IMG_9207.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jd5J_XBLA5HhnfvkRBm6uwx4oiBZ-uhOwGy-r3xMdnr191Xj-QhlzVxS2eNuYLAuJZiLAsl_4oOypoX_s4gqQ84zxcaptk1QVYocjuyrStmCpfCofG2UwVvUgrBSrxl1l10IIeTRNiB2/s1600/IMG_8882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jd5J_XBLA5HhnfvkRBm6uwx4oiBZ-uhOwGy-r3xMdnr191Xj-QhlzVxS2eNuYLAuJZiLAsl_4oOypoX_s4gqQ84zxcaptk1QVYocjuyrStmCpfCofG2UwVvUgrBSrxl1l10IIeTRNiB2/s1600/IMG_8882.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Zoey has been a GREAT big sister. She gives kisses, sticks in the paci, brings diapers/wipes/the works. There have been no signs of jealousy, just a little too rough loving going on. :) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXlibSXUyFmeqGQccYKGjXUaxQnxb0W486Lwz0bu8ot0qJ2GkQ9JgNcl9mveD4Rg2lvg9Z0enZHtFSvjspCzr-pojMOg-BAVUIqUvo6fmVROBRrJH6fIQELaaDs4tSpBUR3tSfT6wUHzY/s1600/IMG_9137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXlibSXUyFmeqGQccYKGjXUaxQnxb0W486Lwz0bu8ot0qJ2GkQ9JgNcl9mveD4Rg2lvg9Z0enZHtFSvjspCzr-pojMOg-BAVUIqUvo6fmVROBRrJH6fIQELaaDs4tSpBUR3tSfT6wUHzY/s1600/IMG_9137.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
The transition from one child to two has been quite the transition for me. I've seen some ugly, sinful sides of me, which I am not proud of. However, I've experienced a very forgiving two-year-old and an even more forgiving Heavenly Father. As my sister told me, it's a good reminder of how weak and sinful we are and how great our need for the Lord and forgiveness, grace and mercy is!<br />
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Even with this revelation, we still have rough moments/days. But I'm clinging to the verse in James that talks about being slow to anger, and quick to listen.<br />
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The other big thing happening in our lives right now is of course our house! It's moving quite along. Felix continues to be such a hard worker. He's done electric stuff, painted, worked on the outside entrance, and the list goes on and on. I've been home with babies and he's been working long hours at the house. I'm thankful for all that he is doing for us. It does make for long days though, but this too shall pass and we'll have a beautiful home!<br />
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Here's a little preview: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BKFThPvWhJ9r9se61XGMseYvhSN6-N7bytkTHBEUOV2cxKNp91XPLD7x5YDvzFHYhAdjVAHXht2hUwLQIVWNBhYNb0602bqYtWDB3n1A2J-ffjb9XP18maSZjTAv-x_g-Bd7FmfvuI5d/s1600/IMG_9153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BKFThPvWhJ9r9se61XGMseYvhSN6-N7bytkTHBEUOV2cxKNp91XPLD7x5YDvzFHYhAdjVAHXht2hUwLQIVWNBhYNb0602bqYtWDB3n1A2J-ffjb9XP18maSZjTAv-x_g-Bd7FmfvuI5d/s1600/IMG_9153.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the almost finished bathroom! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kppSBF100D8GsOYLIvBECQmN8NyR1Nv-rqHgEXEBV1SJtQa-huVtdRGouxFn_h-8iDyWOo9XRbBHtNxttg5g5mvP5wKlAgC8_q0k00dMS-OvNnrqimwmS6Wxnelru6lpFitl26NuwUD4/s1600/IMG_9172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kppSBF100D8GsOYLIvBECQmN8NyR1Nv-rqHgEXEBV1SJtQa-huVtdRGouxFn_h-8iDyWOo9XRbBHtNxttg5g5mvP5wKlAgC8_q0k00dMS-OvNnrqimwmS6Wxnelru6lpFitl26NuwUD4/s1600/IMG_9172.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our hallway to the front door</td></tr>
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<br />leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-80792669226630406292014-07-27T21:08:00.000+02:002014-07-27T21:08:16.972+02:00-- and so we wait -- <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSK2QLVd_hCRz5u0tum74m719vuJ3D-ZndUuh9XRFZ4b3DQc4YtdQgzb4CKSL3CVFnIEw5fZ5PftRIcFmBchg2a7DjyCMr8na2d2THv43_H5NAOCtl0dw2gM7C6UQKMGnFxw3ySrA5uwJv/s1600/IMG_8783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSK2QLVd_hCRz5u0tum74m719vuJ3D-ZndUuh9XRFZ4b3DQc4YtdQgzb4CKSL3CVFnIEw5fZ5PftRIcFmBchg2a7DjyCMr8na2d2THv43_H5NAOCtl0dw2gM7C6UQKMGnFxw3ySrA5uwJv/s1600/IMG_8783.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Due date: </b>August 3rd</div>
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<b>Actual date of birth: </b>only God knows! :) </div>
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I'm really hopeful the little miss #2 does not wait as long as her big sister. But we'll see. They could potentially share a birthday! Not really sure how I feel about that though. I'm hoping she debuts earlier and I can still enjoy <i>Zoey's actual birthday</i>! </div>
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The whole not knowing when things will get started is kinda nerve-wracking. But like so many other life experiences, it's just another chance to work on<i> trusting the Lord</i> that everything will come together just fine! Having a child at home that will need care is definitely an added worry this time around, but we've got a list of people we can call and hopefully whoever can come gets here in the right amount of time! </div>
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It's hard to believe the birth of our <i>2nd child </i>is just around the corner. So exciting and so strange at the same time. Life as we know it is going to change, especially for Zoey. I look forward to our life as <i>four Rings!</i> I'm curious to see how it all goes! </div>
leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-69889422854396641542014-07-20T22:14:00.001+02:002014-07-20T22:14:25.781+02:00summer days <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMSpt871p_TqVWRZxwYutXvKnRffJWdXEnrn2I8eP71ma5qjMNtrxL96vQ55Sw5CcAmDRBMoTvxNlC8taLES0ugWKCGoLxJHbR8mrDJ3noJqJldambxlbyn_Sknj25GUxkWrZpT_oTWDA/s1600/IMG_8749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMSpt871p_TqVWRZxwYutXvKnRffJWdXEnrn2I8eP71ma5qjMNtrxL96vQ55Sw5CcAmDRBMoTvxNlC8taLES0ugWKCGoLxJHbR8mrDJ3noJqJldambxlbyn_Sknj25GUxkWrZpT_oTWDA/s1600/IMG_8749.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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So blogging has not been a priority on my list these days. </div>
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I've turned into a terrible blogger, for which I apologize.</div>
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But here's to a new post! :) </div>
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Life has been HOT these past few days. With a growing baby bump, I haven't been super motivated to get out and do lots. But we have enjoyed different playdates or going to Oma and Opa's house and using their yard and getting our feet (or more) wet in the kiddie pool. Saturday was spent by the pool and enjoying the shade, while Felix worked on the house. The water was freeeezzzzing, but soon Zoey got over it and enjoyed sitting and falling into it. The quietness out there was heavenly. I was able to sit and put my feet in the cool water or just have them up for a bit. It was so wonderful! </div>
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The house is moving along slowly these days. The progress is kinda hard to capture in pictures, so I don't really have anything exciting there to share. It is coming along though and it continues to get more and more thrilling to think about this house project turning into a real house that will some day be our home! I have really enjoyed walking around the various rooms and picturing our life there. I get more and more excited about having a little yard for our girls to play in one day. This summer has really shown me how priceless a little area to play, splash and run around in really is! We've visited several friends with yards and it's just so wonderful for Zoey! To think one day, I won't have to pack up everything and head over to friends to enjoy some green grass and a kiddie pool! I cannot wait! </div>
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Baby #2 continues to grow and is kinda making life a bit more uncomfortable. We have two more weeks until d-day! I'm really curious to see when she decides to come ... early, late or perhaps on time! We shall see. The closer the date approaches, the more nervous and yet ready I feel about having another baby. Today at church, I saw our friends' not quite 2 week old and I thought, "Aww, soon we'll have one like this!" So hard to believe Zoey was ever that small! lol </div>
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I've been doing lots of baking these days. <a href="http://joythebaker.com/2012/06/peach-cobbler-scones/">These</a> were sooo delicious! I also baked some Double Chocolate Chip Cookies that turned into this super yummy, soft baked cookies ... man they were good. Can't find the recipe online right now. Sorry. </div>
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Well, that sums up life here ... </div>
leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-54336407662134514992014-05-19T11:42:00.003+02:002014-05-19T11:42:55.821+02:0021 Months and 29 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Z is getting closer and closer to becoming a 2 year old! It's so fun to watch her learning new things and trying out new things. She's such a little ray of sunshine and brings us so much laughter! I cannot wait to watch her grow into her new role as big sister. I sometimes imagine what it will be like having her come to the hospital and meet her little baby sister. It's going to be so very special. It's been really fun hearing her say new words and to hear what language they come out in. Her body parts are almost all in English. Two words that she often says in German are car and hot {I did get her to say car in English yesterday though!}. Thankfully, some words are the same or almost the same in both languages, such as baby and shoe. She was getting better at answering a question with yes, when this was the case, but now she's gone back to answering in a positive no and we keep telling her, "you have to say yes!" She is so funny! Sadly, she is still freaked out when we go to the doctor, even if it's just something for me. I was hoping her hospital trauma would wear off and she'd be ok again, but it doesn't seem like it will. I love seeing how comfortable she is with other people and will go to almost anyone {minus the doctor ;) lol}. She just loves people, our little social butterfly ... wonder where she gets that from? ;) <br />
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Tomorrow, I have another doctor's appointment {without Zoey!}. I think I'll get to see the baby again!! I've been feeling pretty well these past few weeks, minus heartburn and sometimes a yuck feeling and of course there's the tiredness. But I'm so thankful to be doing better than I was at the beginning!!<br />
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Housewise there hasn't been a lot happening. The basement is standing and they put insulation on. The actual house won't be built until June 24th. Felix, his dad and brother will have to build a supporting wall in the meantime and we've been looking around at fences, tiles, kitchen appliances, and I've even looked at some curtains and lamps. I dreamed about the house the other night, but it didn't look at all like it was supposed to and we had totally different neighbors...it was strange.<br />
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I gained another tutoring student, so some weeks I tutor three times a week. Z does great during these. She loves when the kids come over.<br />
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Well, I guess that's all from my end right now. Hope everyone has a great start to a new week! leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-34508812606582325412014-04-13T20:32:00.000+02:002014-04-13T20:32:29.671+02:00a new week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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24 weeks. Thankfully the hip pain has left! YAY! I continue to have this bleh feeling. It's just not going away. I feel Baby moving lots and it's so wonderful. Zoey comes over almost daily and kisses my bump and strokes it and says baby. I can't wait for her to actually meet her little sister! It's going to be such a sweet meeting! </div>
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Zoey is 20 months old now. Hard to believe she's so close to two!! She's saying more and more words, making lots of animal sounds and starting to figure out different things she can do with her body - dance moves, spinning and spinning and spinning, a tiny little hop off the ground (or not even OFF the ground!). She's such a funny little girl. I'm so thankful for our little sunshine. Out of the blue, she's started to get clingy and need me more often than earlier. It's odd to have her snuggle up to me because people she doesn't see often are around. Makes me wonder what happened to our little outgoing girl ... I hope it's just a phase. <br />
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This past week as you know they started with the digging part of our house. Here's what we got to see on Saturday. This week they will start on the foundation and basement. We need to dry weather for it to dry quickly...here's hoping for lots of sunshine over the next few weeks. It's amazing to see what all is happening on the property. The lucky neighbors get to really see each step along the way. Kinda jealous.<br />
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Felix, his dad and brother built this little "hut" for the water meter. It took longer than expected, but I guess that's often the case with projects right. It's just impressive to me that they know what to do! Them building this saved us quite a bit of money, so that's great!! <br />
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Happy start to a new week everyone! Can't wait to see what it brings!leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-58267503569436654032014-04-02T13:27:00.001+02:002014-04-02T13:28:15.503+02:00a little check in on life over here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzORVhNnhNJOocth-pA87GBpJ_B2F1ML0dPelse_X-FO7Ns_Dy2A97YY5jjxEfRW92ZUdINM5xCpcdvn4z9EZLKS1dXnV2A2NnVRE0-wLNKQ_0pOYR8vLY5vxiX_stV4thrlQP0VolL1VH/s1600/baby+reveal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzORVhNnhNJOocth-pA87GBpJ_B2F1ML0dPelse_X-FO7Ns_Dy2A97YY5jjxEfRW92ZUdINM5xCpcdvn4z9EZLKS1dXnV2A2NnVRE0-wLNKQ_0pOYR8vLY5vxiX_stV4thrlQP0VolL1VH/s1600/baby+reveal.jpg" height="400" width="387" /></a></div>
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-- We had our "big reveal" on facebook. It looks like we'll be having
another little girl! We're thrilled for a little sister for Zoey, plus
the bonus of recycling all our baby girl clothes is awesome! But most
importantly, baby is healthy and all is looking well!--</div>
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-- The weather here has been so great. We've been meeting lots of friends at playgrounds and parks and going for walks. It's fun to be able to play on the playground with Zoey now that she can walk and do things! But also very tiring for this pregnant mama! --</div>
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-- We've been doing lots of house things ... looking at doors, fences, different types of floors, kitchen appliances, etc. <b>Next WEEK</b>, they will start the digging part of building the house and then the <b>following week</b>, the basement will be built!! YAY, things are finally getting started!! So curious to see how all this is going to go. We stopped some new neighbors and introduced ourselves and let them now things will be starting soon. Everyone seemed very positive about the changes that are going to happen. Here's to good relationships with the new neighbors! -- </div>
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-- Zoey has been saying more and more words. It's so fun to have her talking more!! She's still a really good sleeper and eater {so thankful for these!}. She's started to really love her baby doll and has even wanted her to sleep with her. She gets super excited when she sees dogs, which is like all the time when we are out and about. She barks and points. -- </div>
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-- I've been trying some new recipes - homemade vanilla extract and a whole wheat bread recipe. So far so good. I'm super curious about the vanilla! Can't believe how long it has to sit. So far the vodka has turned a light brown, a good sign, right? :) --</div>
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That seems to be all that has been happening over here. I guess pretty soon the blog will have more and more house pictures as things start progressing over there. We've been looking for a car, very exciting for us, since we don't have one. I'm hoping we find one very soon and check one more thing off our forever to do list! </div>
leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-30345158147097508252014-03-10T20:27:00.000+01:002014-03-11T21:25:54.046+01:00A look back and a glance forward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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February flew by. We were a bit busy around here. Most of you probably know that Z spent 10 days in the hospital. It was a long time! Praise the Lord she is all better and has no remnants from our time there, minus a red clown nose. ;) She had SSSS, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, which is where your skin gets red blisterings that looks like burns or scaldings. We had some rough days! Poor Z was in a lot of pain the first few days. It was heartbreaking to see her in the condition she was in. She barely moved, didn't really smile or talk. It was sooo sad! When we did finally see a little glimpse of her normal self, it was so very encouraging! We watched lots of the Winter Olympics during our hospital stay {great timing!}, colored, read lots and lots of stories and even skyped with family.<br />
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During our time in the hospital, we really got to see experience the Lord's provision for us. The timing of it all was just incredible. My pregnancy was just getting to the stage where I start to feel a little better. Two of our nurse friends worked on the station where we were. For the first couple of days, they rotated day/night shifts and we got to have friends close by during the critical days. It was so encouraging having someone you know there. The care we received was really great. The doctors took extra precautions with Z and it was great to see them really interested in how she was doing. We got our our own private room the 2nd day we were there, which meant peace and quiet, another huge blessing! Even though being in the hospital with your sweet baby is very hard, we feel very blessed for how God took care of us.<br />
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After 10 days, we were more than ready to get home. All we had to do to take care of Z was put lotion on two times a day and use baby oil in the bath tub. Now, about three weeks later, she's got sweet baby skin again! She has one little spot on the top of her foot that is still peeling, but other than that she's back to normal. It was crazy how her skin peeled off - on her back, chest, hands, feet, neck! I'm thankful not to have all those skin flakes around the apartment anymore! :)<br />
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This week marks the halfway point of my pregnancy. Hard to believe I am halfway there. Sometimes it seems like time stands still and other times it's just zooming by! Last Wednesday, we had another doctor's appointment to see Baby #2. Still no news on what we are having. But baby is healthy and moving around, so that's the important part. I was pretty bummed about not finding out what we are having. In less than two weeks, we have an appointment where they check the baby's organs and hopefully then with the better technology, they'll be able to tell us what we are having.<br />
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Things are moving right along on the house front as well. We got approved for a bank loan! It's great to have that part checked off. Tomorrow, we have a meeting about the house with pretty much everyone involved in regards to the big things around the house (electric, water, foundation, basement, etc.). We will probably get a date then for when they will actually start!! So exciting! I can't wait for things to get rolling there. Poor hubby has been working so hard for our house and planing and organizing sooo very much. I'm so thankful for a husband, who is so diligent and such a hard worker! leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-904592614972218409.post-32784743877881389242014-01-20T20:39:00.001+01:002014-01-20T20:39:49.119+01:00A new normal <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Most of you probably know ... you've seen on facebook or instagram. But it's time to announce on the blog that Baby #2 is on the way!! This is why there's been a very long silence {ahem, sorry about that}, but my new normal involves feeling sick, sick, sick and not having much energy. I'm at that fun stage of pregnancy where I'm losing weight. Food is not a favorite right now, but absolutely essential for feeling better.<br />
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I have <b>THE best husband</b> who has taken on both of our roles and is making our meals. He's been going into work early, so he can come home early. He is loving and serving us soo well right now. I am so blessed! <br />
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Poor <b>Z</b> has struggled a bit with our new normal. I think she's slowly getting used to it. But she wasn't all too thrilled about Mommy taking less care of her. Poor baby! She's gotten super sweet about snuggling a while with me in the morning and after nap time ... I love our snuggles. She is still learning though that pushing on Mommy's tummy is <i>not</i> the best idea right now! I'm so curious to see how she does with have a little brother or sister. She loves babies, so I think she'll just be really excited. She'll be just about two when the baby comes ... perfect timing! <br />
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We still have to be patient and wait a while until we can hopefully find out what we are having. So exciting though! leslie.kiddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00173449950520970084noreply@blogger.com2