Needy.

Since Henry turned two, he's been much more needy than usual. Like, if we go to a party, he mainly wants to just hang out with Adam instead of being a social butterfly and dancing around (like he used to do). If I try to go work out at the Y, he cries when I drop him off at the childcare whereas he used to just run over to the trucks and play. He mainly wants to just be at home with the four of us.

I'm trying to be sensitive to this and keep things simple and close to the home-base as much as possible. I, personally, like to roll and go pretty often but Henry does not seem to be all about that and, since I am a stay-at-home Mom, I am fortunately able to do just that: stay at home and let Henry hang out.

The weather has been lovely so being at home isn't a bad thing at all- we are able to play in the yard and go on walks and cuddle up and read books. Adam think that it's a growth spurt- Henry just doesn't feel so hot and is needing extra sleep and nurturing. So, meanwhile, we have 3 weeks left in Erie and I really don't need to go to the Y so we will just stick close to home and enjoy these last 20 days.

Warmth.

One major thing that I will miss about Erie is this time of year: when, after months of a grueling winter, the weather finally starts warming up (like the high is 60 today! What, what!) and everyone and their mama and their granny is outside. It makes you feel happy and full of hope to see families out playing and kids riding their bikes. Darn you, Erie, this weather is making me more nostalgic about missing you. Must focus on winter...must focus on winter...

Okay but one more thing: this weather makes me super unmotivated to pack boxes or to get ready for our big yard sale this weekend (over at our friends' house).

Four Years.

Adam back in January of 2008, White Coat Ceremony

May 30, 2007: Adam (age 24) and I (age 23) drive over 1,300 miles from Waco, Texas to Erie, Pennsylvania and move into our new little home. We spent the summer getting our home set up, attending every festival in town & (me) looking for a job. It was an amazing summer but medical school was looming and we weren't sure what to expect. From some of the horror stories that I'd heard, I thought that it would be pretty awful.

1st day of medical school- 2007

It wasn't. Adam quickly established a routine, waking up absurdly early to study and then heading to class for the day. His nighttime studying was less intense and we usually went on a walk before or after supper. I began working as an admissions counselor at the pharmacy school on August 13th and was able to connect with some amazing girls (My dear Girls Group!).

Adam would tell you himself. He was not a very disciplined student before medical school. But he totally stepped up his game for medical school. He viewed entry into medical school as a gift from the Lord and was such a good steward of this gift. He fought to make his family a priority and he fought to study hard, wanting to be the best doctor possible. Adam even listens to lectures as he falls asleep. I don't completely get this- maybe it's like osmosis, you absorb the information in as you REM? I prefer white noise, myself. Regardless, the boy worked so hard and he is who I would want as my doctor in the ER! Someone who cared and was always learning and studying and liked medicine...

1st day of 2nd year, 2008

At the beginning of Adam's second year, we found out that we were pregnant with Baby Henry.

Adam continued studying his pantalones off in school and he was feeling out specialties and trying to find out what he was passionate about. Meanwhile, I got bigger (and so did Adam! With Henry, he gained weight with me. Happy! With Elliot, he lost weight. Grrrr.) Henry was born April 21st, Oh Happy Day! Adam prepared for Step 1 of his boards with a newborn snuggled on his chest.

1st day of 3rd year, 2009

In June of 2009, Adam began rotations. Every four weeks of 3rd and 4th year was a new rotation. Adam really liked almost all of the specialties but found emergency medicine to be the best fit. He likes the diagnostics and using his brain, thinking fast and he also gets to do procedures and intubation. Next year, he'll be at a level 1 trauma center and that is exciting for Adam!

1st day of 4th year, 2010

3rd and 4th year were a blur. Henry was here, Step 1 of the boards, Adam was doing a new rotation every month and I got pregnant again towards the beginning of 2010. Adam took Step 2 of the boards, he applied for residencies, interviewed and matched for emergency medicine at JPS in Fort Worth. Elliot arrived October 25th of 2010. We spent numerous hours with dear friends walking through this same season and enjoyed our growing family here in Erie. I can't believe how these years have flown. The Lord has taught us dependence on Him and has richly blessed our home.

I'm so proud of Adam. He's worked and played and lived and loved well during these four years and he's going to be an incredible physician. He's already the best husband and dad that I know.

I love you, Adam.

More Pictures from Slumber Party (Stolen)

Too tired to post anything else but these pictures from our slumber party...brooke took them, I think ? My brain is turning to mush...

mama & e embrace the camera with wet hair

Inspection & Siblings

The inspection is complete! They were here from nine to eleven-thirty. (it was the inspector, the realtor & the buyer). Is a super-long inspection good? Bad? The boys and I were gone during the first two hours but caught the tail end when the inspector was confused by my bath faucets (from 1935) and was telling the buyer that he could take a hot shower or a cold bath. I clambered up the stairs to demonstrate the usage of the warm water handle. See, buyer? You can have a hot shower and a hot bath.

Now the inspector comes back tomorrow to inspect outside of the house. Then he makes a report. Then we wait to see what buyers say about the report. Meanwhile I may stress-eat everything in our refrigerator. Little joke.

So, lately, Henry has been very two. Like, he says, Bear Noooooo anytime that Elliot touches him. Or he's a great sharer with others, usually, but not with Brother Bear. Oh, noooooo. I am hoping that when Elliot starts crawling and can play more that Henry's dislike of sharing and being touched by his brother will not increase. I so want them to be close. Well, we are half-way there: Elliot loves Henry and laughs at everything Henry does. Henry will sometimes give Elliot hugs or attention in exchange for awwww, you're such a great big brother from his parents but we hear a lot of, No Bear!

Crazy May.

Dear Bethany & Justin at our slumber party

This is already a crazy May. Friday, we hit it off big with my 3rd annual Girls' Group slumber party. It was legendary! We made a mix tape, friendship bracelets, played Just Dance & ate junk food. I love my girlfriends.

Saturday night, we all threw a Happy Adopting shower for our friends, the Lynne's. They had just finished their adoption classes and are in the middle of interviews so we had a big party with their favorite foods, drinks & treats. It was such a cool celebration- over at Brooke & Freeland's. (Shout Out- Brooke did a ton of hard work for the party & made it look so cute with her decorations.)

Yesterday, we had an Open House. Actually, let me back up: Last week, we got an offer on the house & accepted it. They are approved for their mortgage but the inspection is TOMORROW at 9 a.m. Once that is done, I will feel like whew. Yes. The house is sold. But we had the Open House anyway since our realtor said it's always wise to have back-ups.

We have had get-togethers and parties every weekend with our friends and I have loved it! However, Henry is pooped. He spent most of the Lynne's party asking Adam if they could sit in our car (and they did most of the party). We had some good down time today, only leaving to go to the Y and the grocery store.

Speaking of grocery store, taking my boys to the grocery store is hilarious. Henry is in that little car attached to the front of the buggy, Elliot is strapped to my chest & I am grabbing food left and right. The only hiccup today was the check-out line where lots of shiny & colorful gum packages were displayed right within Henry's eye-level and arm-reach.

Love to you all, going to go pack up some boxes for our yard sale. (I told you, May is crazy!)