Ice cream, chess, and coaxing with kisses

The night before last, Adam and I stayed up much past our bed time...we played chess on his iPad and ate [my very favorite as of late] crushed vanilla bean ice cream from the carton.

It made for a good night :)

But the combination of not getting sleep and eating too much sugar has resulted in this pregnant mama feeling rather sick. Ugh... How did I ever survive college?? ;)

I had a tickle in my throat yesterday, and today it's all sorts of soar and I'm slightly congested. Thanks to vitamin C, peppermint tea, and a good, long rest while Little B napped, I feel a bit better. But I'm just praying I get back to 100% before this baby arrives. I want...no, I NEED to be able to smother him or her with kisses! Any and all good-health vibes sent my way would be much appreciated :)

Oh, and smooth-labor vibes are welcome too :)

Today is our babe's due date! He or she is definitely still cooking. But we've been doing lots of coaxing with sweet kisses from big brother. Come out little one! We're ready for you!

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Spiritual Health:

Read "The Power of Scripture" by Richard G. Scott. LOVE HIM.

"Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high. They can become the key to open the channel to communion with our Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ."

What's been making me terribly happy lately...

1. Taking Brooks and this baby bump of mine on lots of walks the last few days.

2. Regina Spektor station on Pandora + our new iHome (I've never had one...basically changed my life:)

3. Enjoying an enchilada picnic at the park with my boys.

4. Getting texts from my sweet Mom checking on me.

5. Making a "BIG brother" T-shirt for Brooks to wear when he meets the babe.

6. Back rubs from my sweetheart...especially when he focuses on my lower back.

7. Crushed Vanilla Bean ice cream.

8. Catching goodnight-kisses between my boys...kisses that quickly turned into a jumping-on-the-bed session ;)

9. Contractions. Yes they make me happy, because they're not bad yet, and I know they're helping get our baby here.

10. Pictured below, tonight's breakfast-for-dinner of green german pancakes and green milk for dinner in honor of St. Patty's day :)

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Spiritual Health:

Watched this powerful video. Loved seeing how the Holy Spirit affects so many different people, and why it's so important to them...what a blessing the companionship of the Spirit is in my life.

Physical Health:

Looooooong walk with Brooks...and I gave myself a mini pedicure, which gave me quite the stretch! ;)

Little B's 2nd Birthday

Wednesday we had a wonderful day being together, just the 3 of us, for Brooks' birthday :) The day included...

breakfast at Kneaders in our PJs,

paper crowns for the birthday boy,

facetiming Grandma and Grandpa Stum,

birthday-suit action while playing with balloons from his party,

Brooks taking a looooooong 3 hour nap,

toy shopping,

going to McDonald's for dinner (and sneaking in some DQ),

watching The Lorax.

And in between all of that there was lots of dancing and plenty of tickle-fests.

A simple, but oh-so sweet day. WE LOVE YOU LITTLE B!

Happy Birthday son :)

Dear Brooks,

Tomorrow is your 2nd birthday!! This Mom of yours can't believe it. You have been such a wonderful son the past two years. You've taught me so much.

Your dancing has taught me to let loose more and be silly.

Your tears have taught me to look at other mothers with fussy babies and children with a more understanding heart.

Your obsession with wooden spoons and metal bowls (for fun drumming sessions) has taught me that the best toys don't cost a thing.

Your sweet smile has taught me to be more optimistic.

Your ability to fold your arms and say "amen" has made me appreciate and love prayer even more.

Your curiosity at times has taught me patience.

Your hugs and kisses have taught me to never underestimate the power of physical affection.

Overall, you have taught me to love more fully. I am a better person because of you.

Your Dad and I can't wait to see what this next year holds in store for you, our big two-year old boy! Love you to the moon and back. Happy Birthday (tomorrow) sweetheart!!

Love,

Mom

PS -

Daddy date to the park

While we're anxiously awaiting the arrival of our little baby, we're also soaking up these last few days where it's just the three of us. So Saturday evening we took advantage of the gorgeous weather and went for a walk to the park.

We all know Brooks loves the park! He'd set up camp & live there if I let him ;)

But oh, when Daddy comes along...and we bring a picnic and sidewalk chalk and it's t-shirt-wearing weather...it manages to get even better.

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Spiritual Health:
Read the First Presidency's message for March... "Why Do We Need Prophets?" by President Uchtdorf. Loved it! So grateful for our prophet and inspired leaders.
"God loves all His children. That is why He pleads so earnestly with us through His prophets. Just as we want what is best for our loved ones, Heavenly Father wants what is best for us. That is why His instructions are so crucial and sometimes so urgent. That is why He has not abandoned us today but continues to reveal His will to us through His prophets."

Brooks' 2nd Birthday Party!

Saturday morning we had an early celebration for

BROOKS' 2nd BIRTHDAY!!

His actual birthday is coming up on Wednesday...it's still sinking in that my Little B isn't so little any more :)

It was a PJ party and we had a waffle bar with all sorts of yummy fixings...fresh fruit and berries, homemade syrup (thank you Penny!), ice cream, fudge, caramel, and some tasty bacon & sausage. We lucked out, and I think it hit the spot of the kids and the adults ;)

Some of our wonderful family (missing those who live far away!) and a few of Brooks' closest friends came to celebrate with us. We all had a great time eating, visiting, laughing, playing...you know, what all fun 2-year-old birthday parties are made of.

And everyone was so generous!! Brooks received so many thoughtful gifts (some that he's already loved playing with!) that will make for some fun times this spring and summer! But don't let the last picture deceive you ;) it was during present-time that he actually had a couple pretty good melt downs. That boy is Mr. Independent and was not in the mood to open a.n.y.t.h.i.n.g. Yowza. Thank goodness he was surrounded by people that love him no matter what :)

And the candles in the our cinnamon roll "cake"...yes there are most definitely more than 2. But that's because our little man loooooooooves to blow out candles of any kind, so after singing "Happy Birthday" he got to blow them out, a couple times. His friends and cousins even joined in!

Thanks so much to everyone who came!! We love you & your families to the moon the back :) Adam and I are so grateful to have such incredible people in the life of our son.

Happy Sunday

Who's so happy when Daddy gets home from early morning church meetings??

Little B and me :)

Especially when lots of snuggling and tickling ensues...followed by waffles with whipped cream and strawberries and blue berries. Mmmmmm :)

Goodness I love my little family.

Happy Sunday!