That Person

After a few minor bumps in the road these past few weeks, I found myself thinking and counting my blessings.  I hate to be preachy on our blog, but writing is quite therapeutic for me :-)  I am so grateful for the blessings in my life.  I have a husband who has AMBITION, drive, and honors his committment to provide for our family.  I am extremely thankful for these qualities he possesses.  Because of his decisions I am able to be a mom in the truest sense of the word.  I have the cutest, most playful, friendliest, happiest little boy in the world who blesses me each day with his loving personality.  I learn so much from being his mom, more than he could ever learn from me.....even though I am determined to teach him Baby Signs.  I am expecting another little boy to join our family in just two short months, a welcomed surprise that has really opened my eyes to the importance of family.  I come from a great family and have awesome parents, siblings, and grandparents who show unconditional love and support continually.  My in-laws are awesome in their own right, too, and I am blessed to be a part of their family as well.  I have the gospel in my life, and it is a blessing night and day to have the beliefs I do.  My prayers are answered through the kindness of friends and service of others.

Of course, I could keep listing blessings, but these by far are the most important to me.  When I am down, overwhelmed, or tired, I remember these blessings.  When things don't go as planned and life gets in the way, I remember these blessings.  When actions of others hurt, intentionally or unintentionally, I remember these blessings.  I find comfort in a smile from stranger, refuge in the words of a song, solace in an unplanned visit from friends, and even relief in a good cry.

Sometimes, we just need someone to show us just how blessed we are.  I am thankful for those people in my life.  I hope that I can be that person to someone else.  That person who smiles at a stranger, that person who offers words of encouragement, that person who stops by just to say hi, that person who will understand "anytime" tears.         

Air Show, Bratfest, Marathon, BBQ, Karaoke, Drums!

Our Memorial Day weekend was lovely!  There was so much going on, I feel exhausted just thinking about it.  It is sure great having a husband how is almost a doctor.....we love the perks :-)  One such example is we had the opportunity to go to the Air Fest, an awesome airshow featuring the Canadian Snowbirds and Wisconsin Thunderbirds as VIP's with the hospital Keith it at. 

We took my dad with us for the show on Saturday.  It was sure hot, but fun nonetheless.  Stryder loved seeing the airplanes, although I would recommend ear plugs for any child seeing a show like this.  Some of the F-16's were quite loud :-)

We also took our friends, Jeff and Nicole.  They have a cute little boy about a year older than Stryder and Jeff is a doctor himself!  (Having just graduated from Vet School).   It was lots of fun to go with friends. 

Of course, my husband, who can strike up a conversation with a tree branch, started talking to the pilots and crew.  These guys were based at Hill Air Force Base in Utah.  Funny ;-)

I couldn't resist a close-up pic!

We were all smiles; Stryder especially.

The next day, my mom and brother ran the Madison Marathon.  We attempted to see them cross the finish line, but it was complete MADNESS when we got up by the Capitol where they finish.  They were handing out free sandwiches and even beer, yes beer, to the runners, so needless to say it was one crazy atmosphere.  There were so many people and it was sooooo hot that they ended up cancelling the marathon at the 4 hour mark (which means you can continue at your own risk, but you won't receive an official time.)  Keith and I both decided that maybe next year, we will do the half marathon---if the weather stays cool, that is.

So after my mom and brother had a chance to rest for the afternoon, we all headed off to BRATFEST!  Ahh....only in Wisconsin do they sell brats for a buck and a half and you can buy fried cheese curds by the bucket.  It was great fun and I think we even helped set the record by consuming a total of 11 brats.  Above is the picture of us by the Weinermobile, but we weren't there for the hot dogs!

After you purchase your brats, you head over to one of the many "Condiment Tents" to dress your brat.  Relish, onions, brat sauce, you name, they got it.

And just to illustrate just how bad of parents we are, Stryder ate: one full brat, funnel cake with strawberries, blue and pink cotton candy, and even a few sips of Cherry Coke.  Of course, we all pigged out on this stuff!

For Memorial Day, we got together with our friends, Brittany and Shane and Jeff and Nicole, for a BBQ and karaoke party.  Shane played the drums while we sang.  I especially loved Keith's rendition of Rascal Flatts dedicated to me :-)  Stryder wanted in on the action, so he decided he would play the drums, too.  He loved it and was a natural!

I figured I should give an update on the latest creation by Les and Keith.....our baby boy, still in utero of course!  It seems this pregnancy has flown by!  I can't believe I'm already in the third trimester.  It has been uneventful (thank goodness) and fairly easy (knock on wood).  I can't believe in three short months or less, we will welcome another baby boy into our family.  It is true what they say, every pregnancy is different!  Everything from morning sickness to the way my belly looks is different than my pregnancy with Stryder.  Below are some highlights from my pregnancy thus far:

14 Weeks!

 I'm not showing too much yet.....The first trimester was the most difficult.  I was extremely tired and nauseated and got sick much more than I ever did with Stryder.  I felt bloated right away, though didn't gain weight during this trimester at all--I acutally lost a little bit.   I resisted the urge to wear maternity clothes, since I figured I'll be wearing them for most of the summer anyway.  As far as cravings, I really just wanted bland foods...potatoes, noodles, bread etc, and Sour Patch Kids.  Other than that, no real strong cravings; other than for SLEEP!   

17 Weeks!

I am still not showing a ton yet.  Guess all those P90X Ab Ripper workouts are holding the baby in pretty tightly!  I begin to feel less tired and more energetic, HOORAY!  We also found out this week that we are having a boy and we are OVERJOYED! 

20 Weeks!

Starting to show a little more....and I'm glad no one up to this point has asked me if I am expecting.  We waited with Stryder until 20 weeks to tell people we were pregnant and did the same this time, too.  I have so much energy and feel good with my little manageable tummy!  Our fetal anatomy ultrasound went great....the placenta is right where it needed to be (a concern since it was a little low with Stryder) and the anatomical parts looked good, too.  We got another confirmation that we are having a boy :-) 

24 Weeks!

Enjoying my tummy and love wearing a mix of regular and maternity clothes.  I definitely am less tired and gaining an appetite.  Keith loves the fact that certain parts of my anatony are enlarging (I'm not talking about my belly :-) and Stryder is starting to point at my belly when we ask him where the baby is.  I don't have as many Braxton-Hicks contractions as I did with Stryder.  But I am showing alot more than I was with him at this point. 

27 Weeks!

Finally reaching the third trimester!  I am feeling a little more tired and hints of uncomfort are becoming more and more frequent.  I feel like my belly is growing too fast for its own good!  But my doctor says I'm measuring just right.  I have also been getting heartburn at night (boo!) and have to pee nearly twice as much druing the day and night (boo, boo boo!)  It is hard for me to carry Stryder around with my baby bump, thankfully he is walking now.  I continue to hope that my labor will be as easy as it was with Stryder (45 minutes and completely natural), too, but that I am not put on bedrest either (2 weeks watching Judge Judy re-runs on tv).  Ahhh, only time will tell I guess. 

10 INCHES!

I recently cut off 10 whole inches of my hair.  It has been a goal of mine to grow my hair long enough to donate to Locks for Love.  I don't know why I have always wanted to do this, but I assure you that I will do it again in another few years.  It made cutting my hair the best feeling ever.  I have had it long enough for about 2 years now and wanted to make sure I wasn't going to have cutter's remorse.....but now I can't believe I didn't do it sooner.  I really love my long hair, but my short hair is so stylish and EASY!  I no longer look like a polygamy wife :-)

Yup, definitely reaching the point of "polygamy hair...."

My friend, Katie, who is a hair stylist, cut it for me.  She is super talented and did a great job.  Most of my hair was gone in the matter of just a few seconds, though.  She just put it into a pony tail and CHOPPED it off!  The pony tail gets sent into Locks for Love and the organization gives you a nice little certificate for your service :-) 

It's short and cute now and I can do soooo much with it!  A lot of people tell me it looks healthier too.  Needless to say, it was a much needed improvement! 

Mother's Day

We all had a great Mother's Day this weekend!  Last week, my mom took me to see The Lion King on broadway.  It was amazing!  I fully recommend it to anyone!  We ate at this delish greek restaurant before the show where we both had huge gyro's.  Yum Yum!  It was very special and fun to spend the time with my mom. 

On Sunday, Keith cooked blueberry pancakes for everyone.  I also got the most beautiful orchid from him and Stryder.  I don't have a great track record with plants, but this was is so beautiful I promised I will do my best to take good care of it!  We gave my mom a framed picture collage of all the kids, husbands, and grandparents.  Later that day, we had some good friends of our over for lunch after church.  What a perfect day!  Just chatting, relaxing, and eating :-)

I am extremely grateful to be a mother.  It is not something you can describe, even when you try.  I try never to take this blessing for granted.  I am so appreciative for the mom I have.  She is understanding and sympathetic when I am being dumb and pathetic.  She has raised 4 awesome kids and is someone I look up to very much.  I am also blessed with amazing sister-in-laws that set a great example for me.  They are all so talented and have wonderful families of their own.  Even though I never knew my mother-in-law, I know that she was one awesome lady who raised 4 very caring children of her own. 

Stryder's First Birthday!

We took Stryder out on his actual birthday for his first annual "BIRTHDAY BREAKFAST, " a tradition we want to start with all our kids.  He loved the pancakes and french toast and sausage.  Keith and I went home to bake his cake.  Keith had the great idea of make a racetrack cake in the shape of an "S", and it turned out very cute!  We even put his hot wheels cars on it for added effect.  Of course, Stryder loved his little piece of cake and made a mess of himself and his high chair. 

We cleaned him up and let him open his gifts from family.  He has some very generous family members and got a little spoiled for his birthday!  But he loved every minute of it....

A few weeks later, we were threw a little party for him and some guests.  We made it an "Open House" instead of a "birthday party" to fore-go the gifts (remember I said he got spoiled!)  There was a great turnout---about 25 people in all.  We served delicious food....my mom and I had the guts to try making cake pops.  Yeah, I don't think we will ever do that again!  A lot more work goes into these little treats that one may realize.  They made great party favors, though, and were especially delicious, too.

Here it is!  The cake my mom and I slaved over for hours!  Homemade frosting, star-tipped edges, and an oreo crumb crust made it extra special.  We embellished it with Stryder's initials, too. 

The official invitation....

  It was great to have friends there to celebrate and visit with.  The theme of the night was a "Block Party," which was really great since Stryder's favorite thing lately is his stacking blocks. 

We made Stryder his own little cake for these occassion.  He wasn't sure at first what to think about it, but he quickly made a mess of it! 

Since he was so messy, he had to strip down at his own party!  Ha ha...

He had lots of fun with everyone, but by the end of the night, he was about out of energy. 

Much Needed UPDATE!

I just found out that my cute little grandma is reading my blog!  This is new motivation for me to keep it updated and up and running!  So much has happened since my last post and I PROMISE I will work hard to give some much needed TLC to our blog. 

Here is a small little update of some major stuff that happened recently in the Harrop Household:

Stryder turned one!  Don't worry, I have many pics of his birthday, but want to wait to post until after his little party next week.  We made him a racetrack cake and he loved every bit of it!  He is finally walking and talking--much to my happiness--his only word to date is "mama."  (He calls everyone 'mama' though.)

Keith also turned....older.  We did some fun things to celebrate his birthday, like see REO Speedwagon, Styx, and .38 Special in concert.  Happy Birthday to my two favorite boys!

We took a weekend trip to Minneapolis recently.  Keith had never been to Mall of America, which was vast and huge and overwhelming.  Stryder loved the aquarium and Lego Land.  Keith loved the Harley Davidson store.  I loved the tai food we had!  (So did baby brother..........he kicked my guts out when I was eating.)

Baby brother is growing and becoming quite the little kicker.  Our last ultrasound measured his femur length 2 weeks longer than normal.  I hope he doesn't have gigantism.  I am huge already at 23 weeks, but have one pair of normal jeans that I can still wear with the zipper undone.  It makes me feel somewhat normal :-) 

We had a great Easter.  The weather was lovely and we all color-coordinated our outfits, like some stereotypical Mormon family.  Stryder actually got one of those huge Easter baskets that are way overpriced, but it came with a MONSTER TRUCK that he loves.  But, the edible Easter grass (which I thought was the best idea ever)---NOT so good! 

"My mama is really busy chasing me around all day, but when she gets time I promise I'll make her update this blog with lots of pictures of me!"