About 4-5 months ago we tossed around the idea of building down the road from our current home, and starting the investing of owning a rental home and our new home. We thought that this could be a great time and investment for future and retirement, etc. SO, we went forward with it, and God willing, we began the process of it all. Right after looking into it, and beginning the building (well really just picking out our choices and options of a pre-built floor plan we found), things got crazy! We found ourselves really saving our pennies, diving into our budget options, meeting with people and banks, and working with the building company to get what we liked and stay in budget. This is something that we never have done together, and I am pleasantly surprised to find out that we didn't kill each other in the process. :) It actually wasn't bad. There were some opinions that differed, but the more stress related issues came when closing and waiting. We were very excited with the outcomes. Ok, SO, during the midst of this all happening, we had Zoe's birthday party in March. She turned TWO! We had family and friends come, and we kept it fun and simple. She loved Sesame Street characters, so we decorated and had fun with that. Easter, Mother's Day, and Chris' birthday have always gone on in the last several months, so it's been fun! She is a big girl now, and it was pretty funny to see the immediate changes that come with two. Zoe, here are the things you now do as a big two year old:
- TALK.... you've talked for a while now. But you speak in clear sentences now. And you are LOUD! You love to sing and talk and talk and talk and talk.... :) You get this from your momma!
- You love to be independent. You want to do everything yourself. "Me do it, or my turn, or Zoe's turn."
- You had a picky phase, and are somewhat still in it. You call every new food "spicy" and then when you finally try it you get really excited and say, "It's not spicy!"
- You say "I love you" to me and daddy all the time. We soak this up every single time!
- You are really silly.... You walk around the corners in the house and pop out saying "Prise"! You like to surprise us all the time.
- You ask your Mims something when mom or dad have already said no... you are learning how to play us all! :)
- You pray before bed every night and list of every.single. friend..... :) Then you give us kisses and say how you love us. Of course we give you loads of kisses back!
- You talk about Jesus and the other day in the car you said you see him in the sky with God. You said that you love him. And it never fails that you still call Noah from your bible book, Santa. Every time.... lol.
- You say that your daddy is your best friend. And then the next day it is Mickey Mouse! ha!
- You absolutely love playing outside still and it is a very sad day if it's raining all day.
- You always need kisses on your boo boos, and a kiss always makes it "all better now".
- You have never sat and watched Frozen, but somehow you walk around singing it at the top of your lungs.
- You have recently been potty training now that mommy is home for the summer, and you have done great! We are only on day three, but you have only had a total of 2 accidents in three days.... and both of those times have been when you were playing with your friends. You have gone on the potty several times by yourself. I am pretty hopeful! We are trying not to stress it, but you seem to be excited about it so I am going to continue to "no diapers" except at night time as long as we can until it all clicks. You have done wonderful, and so far have made this an easy process. * fingers crossed!
- We brush your teeth and get all the "cavity bugs" off of them. You laugh the whole time because it tickles you when you brush.
- Your favorite foods are still: pizza, spaghetti, green beans, peppers, watermelon, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, strawberries, blueberries, french fries, veggie pouches, and milk/apple juice/water. You also love Popsicles and snow cones since it is summer time!
- You love to swim and will be going to the lake soon for a fun family vacation!
- You are a good girl, but a stubborn little girl. You most definitely have a mind of your own! You have also decided to look at mommy or daddy and put your hands on your hips when you say "no". This doesn't end well for you. You also act way dramatic and have been known to throw yourself on the floor and make noises if you know someone is listening. We are learning to walk away and leave you there to be your own dramatic self! It's always a little comical, but we try to not let you see us laughing!
- You look like you are a bouncy ball when you run, but you have yet to fall over! You literally just bop and bounce as you run... similar to a bobble head doll with pig tails! :) We all think you are going to fall over, but you never do. Quite the opposite... you are very coordinated and love gymnastics and dancing! I am going to try to get you into some classes for fun this summer.
So, you have turned two, you are now potty training, and to finish off the post, we are in our new home! You love it and love your new big bedroom. Your toys have a ton of space now, and we are currently going through all of the applications and people that are interested in our previous house to rent. We are praying for the right renters, and know that the ones that didn't pan out were because God was protecting us from that! He is in control of this crazy life of ours, and we are excited to be observing and acknowledging the blessings he has given. I am off of work for the summer time, and am in much need of rest and relaxation with my little family! I can't wait for the many swimming days, play dates, and fun that I will have with my little two year old baby girl over the next few weeks! Here are some pics from the last few months!
