Cute Moments

How cute are they?

How lucky am I?!

I love you Josh and Annabelle!

February Reads: "I Am A Mother"

I finished my first book for the month of February! It's titled "I Am A Mother" by Jane Clayson Johnson. I LOVE it! I actually received it from my mom as a Mother's Day gift 2 years ago, so this was my second time reading it. Even though it was my second time through, I still gained so much insight, love, faith and testimony as I read it. I have been thinking a lot about mothering and parenting lately. I find myself observing different mothering techniques and styles all the time--not in a judgemental way, but in an "inquisitive minds want to know"-type way. What works? What are mothers out there doing to make their lives simpler, more enjoyable, more organized and consistent, more loving, more healthy, more in tune with the spirit? All these questions and more are constantly on my mind, and as a result are a constant focus when I'm out and about in the world. This book doesn't give parenting or mothering "advice;" it simply reminds us of all the wonderful blessings that come from being a mother, and how much we can learn and grow along the way. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

"Cleaning and scrubbing can wait for tomorrow,

For babies grow up, I've learned to my sorrow.

So quiet down cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.

I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep"

"You do not lose your identity when you become a mother; you have the opportunity to more closely identitfy with God, to become more like Him and to enrich the lives of all who come after you."

"And rather than losing my identity with the children, the irony is, I actually feel as though I have further identified my true self. I've worked my way through often difficult and complicated, but very human emotions...and found love and peace and tremendous happiness."

"It is not for you to be led by the women of the world; it is for you to lead the...women of the world, in everything that is praise-worthy, everythig that is God-like, everything that is uplifting and that is purifying to the children of men." Joseph F. Smith

"You can't possibly do this alone, but you do have help. The Master of Heaven and Earth is there to bless you...Rely on Him heavily. Rely on Him forever." Jeffrey R. Holland

Morning Prayers

This morning I woke up to the sweetest sound. Annabelle was in her bed saying her prayers by herself! I listened as she told Heavenly Father everything she was "thankful" and "grateful" for (including, but not limited to, every visible toy in her room) :) She even finished with a sweet little "amen." It was a touching moment that made my day!

Week 20 Ultrasound

Hands by the face? Thumb in the mouth? Hmm...can't wait to find out :)
Look at those long legs! Looks like the Bos genes are dominant in our children!

This past week we had our ultrasound! It was so fun. The baby was sleeping and didn't move around too much, but it was still fun to check him out and peek in on him. It always becomes a bit more real when you can see what's happening inside your body--a little miracle! Everything looked good. He has some fluid in his kidneys, but it's nothing that can't be corrected if needed. All it means right now is a possible additional ultrasound in a little while.

This pregnancy has been so much different from Annabelle! It's interesting how our bodies can react with so much variation to the same thing! Well, I guess it's anything but the same thing when you think about how different each little individual is from each other :) Yet all things considered--even all the difficult physical and emotional "abnormalities" which accompany this journey--carrying and having this little boy is a blessing beyond measure. I am so excited for him to come out and meet his big sister! :)

Poison Apple Girl

Annabelle has been calling herself the "Poison Apple Girl." I asked her if that meant she was Snow White or The Witch?

She replied: "The Witch. I like to be The Witch."

Diluted Orange Juice

I decided to dilute Annabelle's orange juice, and this was her response:

"I don't like it. Make me a new one. It's boring!"

I've never thought of orange juice as boring before, but I guess when there's no kick to it and it's all watered down, it can become quite boring. :)

A Baby Boy!

A BOY is on the way--one of each!

Could life get any more perfect?