First Steps

Lucas finally took his first steps today at almost 17 months! We have all been "walking" with him, and he seems excited so we are just working on the confidence part.

I love how Christian wanted to help :o)

Lasts

"Goodbyes" are never easy, and after a little over 3 years, it is time for us to say "goodbye" to Sumter, South Carolina, Shaw AFB, and all of the wonderful friends we have made during this assignment. We are going to miss Sumter...but mostly because of the friendships and memories here. There have been lots of details and waiting, but everything is slowly coming together with our move and transition.

We have a strong potential for a rental home in Fort Collins, Colorado that is very close to the house I rented with a couple of girls in college. We currently have a temporary lease agreement since we have not yet seen the home. In addition, after unceasing prayer we were blessed with an offer on our house this past Saturday! The negotiating didn't get us as high as we had hoped, but it is time to say "good bye" to this beautiful home we love.

We attended a going away party with Steve's co-workers this past weekend and it was such a blessing to hear their kind words and affirmations; they spoke so highly of Steve and I know it was such an encouragement to him.

We have also said goodbye to close friends in the neighborhood, my MOPS group, Christian's preschool, etc. The packers come tomorrow and the time that we have anticipated is finally here, and as always there are tears, but we are looking forward to what lies ahead...Colorado!

Christian's last day at school:

Feeding the animals at the Treehouse Nursery down the street from us:

One last trip to Swan Lake:

And last but not least, enjoying one last day at our home in South Carolina:

Mother's Day 2013

I had a wonderful Mother's Day last Sunday. The boys spoiled me by allowing me to sleep in and Steve got the boys dressed and fed them breakfast (Lucas is always a hungry hippo and wants to eat first thing in the morning when he wakes up around 8:00.) I was greeted by a sweet card in bed, flowers, breakfast, and of course, chocolate! The rest of day was low-key and relaxing. :o) I love these sweet boys!

Flowers

I just can't get over how pretty the flowers in our yard are this year. We are going to miss these beauties! (But not the weeding or bugs!) Oh yes, and a couple of cuties at the bottom. :o)

17 Weeks

If I thought my second pregnancy with Lucas flew by, I had no idea just how quick time could go this time around. It's hard to believe I am almost half way through this pregnancy! I have been so busy keeping up with big brothers Christian and Lucas, as well as trying to sell our home here in South Carolina, find a new place in Colorado, and deal with all the details involved in a military move.

I had an OB appointment at 15 weeks, everything looked good and the baby's heartbeat was 146 beats per minute. I also felt the baby for the first time on Wednesday at 17 weeks (there is nothing greater than feeling a baby's stirring for the first time.) I will have my last appointment here at 19 weeks and then see my new doctor in Fort Collins at 21 weeks. Not sure when I will have the big gender reveal ultrasound (they were adamant about not being able to do it at 19 weeks...much to my disappointment.) Otherwise, I am feeling great and have gained much more energy. Here is a belly shot taken on Mother's Day at 17.5 weeks:

Compare: 16 and 18 weeks with Christian

18 weeks with Lucas (same shirt and location!)