Helping to Grow my Garden...and My Testimony

A shout out to my mom - the best mom in the whole world! Some people say that everything they learned they learned in kindergarten. Well, everything I've learned, I've learned from my mom. She is always, always there for me. And now I know, if it weren't for her, I wouldn't have a testimony...or a garden, because she is the one that gave me the foundation and basics for growing both!

My mom came and stayed with us the end of June, for three days, to help get our yard in shape! I kept watching weeds pop up here and there (okay...everywhere!), but I wasn't sure really which were weeds and which were plants. My mom knows this stuff, so I called on her expertise. She came and helped us do some (okay...a lot!) yard/garden TLC. We pulled weeds, we planted flowers, we hoed, we raked, we sweat, we got bit by ants...

I wish I would have taken some "before" pictures. Darn the darn.

Here is the gardening guru!

Tyler planted bushes, mowed the lawn, and did all the "manly" things we asked of him!

Um...notice mom's arm? Ya, she'd had surgery early in the week, but that wasn't going to stop her from helping us. She's the BEST!!!

Me! Planting. I loved making our yard beautiful, but the best part was learning from my mom. I don't believe I will ever be too old to partake of her wisdom. And, pretty sure, no matter how hard I try I will never be as smart as she is. Oh how I wish I could be.

We did several of these cute flower pots.

Where was Holland this entire time? Being naughty, of course. She got her shots (remember) on Wednesday. The day before my mom arrived. She cried Thursday through Saturday of that week. She did sleep a little, here and there. Don't worry. No matter how much she cries, we still love her. How could we not? =) Plus, this was all in preparation for her big day on Sunday, July 3!

Newborn Photoshoot

These were taken when Holland was nine days old. Our photographer, and friend, kept saying, "She is NOT your typical newborn!" Apparently most newborns just sleep through the entire session. But no, not Holland Bliss! She was wide awake and wanting to know exactly what was going on. It ended up being a LONG session just so we could get a few pics with her eyes closed. And, we only got a few nakee pics...'cause she peed on the blanket and chair shortly after undressing her. Lovely!

I seriously cannot believe that this little girl is all ours. We enjoy every moment with her and are so happy that she is part of our family. Thanks, Kathryn, for capturing just how precious our baby is!

Holland was Shot!

Three times! On Wednesday, June 29, Holland's little world was rocked (or should I say pricked?)

Here she is BEFORE getting her two-month immunizations...

  ...and here she is AFTER!

Pretty sure she is no longer a fan of her pediatrician (Michelle Chamberlain).

 Poor little thighs! She was not a happy baby for the next THREE DAYS! Apparently, one day for each shot her mean parents made her get.

It's About Time...

Don't you think it's about time that I add a post about Holland?? Ya...I know. I've been a slacker. It's almost as if I've been learning to be a mom, taking care of a newborn, trying to figure out how to survive with serious sleep deprivation...or all of the above. Almost!

Today our little lady is two months old! And, as cliche as it may sound, the time really has flown. It's been so much fun (and a lot of work as well!!!) watching Holland grow over the past several weeks. I sometimes stop and wonder how we ended up with such a cute little girl. And then I remember, it's because her parents are so darn cute!! =)

Anyway, here are some pictures so you can see how she's grown. We love her, we love her, We. Love. Her.

 

Fave Pics: Week One and Month One. She just happened to stick her pointer finger up. What luck! And then Week Three. Seriously, I guess she was NOT loving that particular week. Such a hard life being a baby!!

Holland Bliss Pace

Meet our new little lady; Holland Bliss Pace.  Born 8:21 PM, 4/28/2011.  6 pounds, 11 ounces.  20 inches long.  A little bit of a cone-head, big hands and big feet -- but we still love her. :-)
Mother is resting well, as is daughter.  Father, who is writing this (as if you couldn't tell), is a little tired and late for work.  But now you all know.

It was worth a try...

Due Date: This Wednesday, April 27.
Attempt To Induce Labor Early: Jumping on my parent's trampoline.
Doctor Said Today: We won't consider you "over due" until NEXT Wednesday, May 4.

Any other labor inducing ideas? I'm not sure I can survive another week!!

BFFs...Pregnant!

Um...I guess it's obvious who is due first!

Pic taken last Sunday, April 17.