A Fun Few Days

Well, we've had a fun-filled few days. Natalie and I headed up to Baby Claire's dedication in church this past weekend, which was really fun. We stopped for a few hours in Billings to get her pictures done. I used Kiddie Kandid in the mall this time, and that was quite an experience, but we learned a lesson or two. First, DON'T EVER GO ALONE!!! Thank goodness my friend Lauren met us and hung out, helping to keep Natalie occupied for the hour we had to wait because they were running behind. She's five months pregnant with a little girl, so I convinced her it was good practice! Thanks Brune! You're a life saver. Second, DON'T GO ON A WEEKEND!!! It was crazy.

All in all, it was a good time. Miss Natalie could not have been more patient and perfect. She only napped 20 minutes on the ride up, so I was expecting a meltdown any time. After about $15 in quarters spent on the kiddie rides, it was finally her turn, and she was so excited. She sat and did exactly what the lady asked her to do and just kept saying, "It's my turn! It's my turn!" The lady said she was the best kid she had all day, and I believe her. I hadn't had her pictures professionally done since she was a year old, and I figured this would be the last time before the new baby comes. It really was a bonding day, though, just like the ones every mom dreams about with her little girl. I felt so blessed to have such a remarkable child who never ceases to amaze me. She went potty in the public restroom twice and never had an accident the whole time in the mall, despite all the distractions. She even treated folks in the restroom to a fine rendidtion of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. No fits, no crying and one orange julius later we were done and happy.

Then we were on our way to Suzi's house. It was so much fun to visit and play with Baby Claire. They played so well together (above), and it made me see how great Natalie will be with a brother or sister in a few months. We spent the night and went to church in the morning. It was really nice to see the extended Arlian/Smith family and experience Suzi and Randy's church in Columbus. Pastor Jay gave a great sermon that was touching and inspiring. He asked when our last "God moment" was when we felt God's presence in our daily lives, and I immediately answered (in my head) yesterday with Natalie at the mall. It may sound silly, but it really was a spiritual bonding and maturing for me yesterday as the mother of this beautiful girl. Not that I don't feel blessed each day, but at home it's easier to get lost in daily chores and schedules and miss some special little moments. If if has to happen in a mall, so be it!
On the way home Sunday we stopped by Great Grandpa Chauncey's in Powell to see all the baby lambs and play a bit...
Here is a picture of his beautiful male peacock strutting for the ladies. Grandpa is lucky to have so many beautiful birds right out his front door. Spring has really sprung!
Below is a picture of Natalie and Grandpa feeding the birds, which include turkeys, peacocks, chickens and roosters! She had so much fun.
Well, that was our weekend in a nutshell. Kyle had to stay home because he was on call, and he will be home another week or two, then head back to North Dakota. We finished layering our garden today and will cover it to "let it cook" tomorrow. Thanks again Ray and Cindy!!! Kyle also got to go with me to my doctor appointment today. I'm almost half way there at over 17 weeks already! I can't believe it. To put everyone's minds at ease, they only heard one heartbeat today and I'm measuring exactly normal for ONE child, so no more scare of twins! That would have been a blessing in it's own way, but we're just as happy with one! We will have our ultrasound in two to three weeks and as of tonight will not be finding out what sex it is. It's Daddy's choice this time, and he wants a surprise. Hope you all had a fun and safe weekend. Hugs to all.