Happy New Year friends! How quickly the holidays flew by in the Bell house. Thomn and I both had 10 wonderful days off from work and made the most of our time with S. We introduced her to many of our Christmas traditions that she was too little to understand last year, and thoroughly enjoyed the two days that it took her to open her presents. There is something enchanting about opening presents with a toddler; our days may go faster than any of us would like, but when it comes to opening presents they sure do know how to slow down and savor the moment. Every present that was opened was played with in the moment and enjoyed, until eventually, our remaining pile of modest gifts brought Christmas morning back for a second day.
Two years ago, we took a babymoon to Grand Rapids prior to S being born and decided that was just what we should do again before T4 arrives. So, the three of us packed up our bags and headed out the door for a delightful trip to our favorite city. We had 2 days of seeing some of our favorite people, eating at our favorite restaurants, and exploring new favorites for years to come. It was our first time taking S to the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum and taking her swimming at the hotel pool. Needless to say, she loved both. I, for one, am a huge fan of the warm cookies and milk from room service…Yum.
Our 10 days off also marked our first trip to the emergency room with S. With a high fever that just wouldn’t quit, we received some of the best care imaginable and an antibiotic for an ear infection. Our last days of vacation were spent cuddling and loving our sweet girl all while enjoying the twinkle of the Christmas tree lights.
I began the 3rd trimester on vacation and it has suddenly hit me how little time we have left as the three of us. Before we know it, our days will be spent adjusting to having a new baby with us. I have very few expectations for what S is going to understand about having a baby in the house prior to it actually happening, but something so endearing happened when we picked her up from school on Friday. She ran up to me, placed a hand on my belly and whispered “baby.” At least for now, the novelty is there. As expected, this trimester has also brought the need to ready the house. We’ve decided to make the unused office area a playroom and the hope is to have this space ready for S to use in the next month. So, hang in there with me, between cleaning and painting, I have been thinking about my next blog already…my last trip to the OB’s office which has had me stewing for weeks. Until then, here is a picture of S on our trip to Grand Rapids to keep your heart happy.
When you are all packed up and ready to go, but you need to wear the life jacket to the car.
Love to all, Christina
