Home Stretch

My Christmas break has now come to a close. It started out a bit rough with Jewell's surgery and sicknesses, but it couldn't have had a better ending. I'm happy to report that Jewell has truly grown while I've been home these past 2 weeks. She's MUCH more mobile. She even pulled up in her crib for the first time yesterday. I guess it's time to move her crib down from the newborn position :). She can now cruise around the coffee table, color, and say words such as "purple, book, bottle, and apple." She can say others, but has learned those few just this week. She also walks all over the house with her walking toys. Before, she wanted me right next to her to guide her. I will miss having the time to teach her between nap times. However, I'm on the home stretch folks. Just 5 more weeks, and it's baby time. I can make it 5 more weeks. And the best part, I get to stay at home with BOTH my babies from that point on. What a wonderful blessing. If Jewell learned that much while I was with her for 2 weeks, I can't imagine what it will soon be like!

I'm afraid the most recent pictures are on Matt's camera :(. Stay tuned for more later this week!

The Kids

A few days ago one of my dearest friends had to have her appendix removed. I was blessed with being able to watch her little 6 week old Miles for the evening while her husband spent time with her in the hospital. Miles was just a doll. Jewell took a nap most of the time, but she was awake with him for a few hours. I learned a few tricks with balancing 2, and I'm grateful for the practice. I was especially happy to see how gentle Jewell was with Miles. She loved having him around too.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone! This year has brought some wonderful and great memories. I'm glad we have a blog to look back on so we can remember all the fun and exciting things. This year I have 4 New Years Resolutions.

1) Not get pregnant. I want to get used to 2 kids for at LEAST a year, maybe 2.
2) Get back into running. I'd love to be training for a half-marathon by the end of the year.
3) Start cooking new recipes. I'm kind of stuck in a rut. I'm sure my husband will appreciate the new meals.
4) Start sewing or knitting again. Sometimes I have an urge to be crafty :). I don't want to lose those talents.

This year is going to be full of exciting adventures. Moving 3,000 miles away from the most familiar place we know. Matt starting a new job in a different field. And of course, my staying home with the 2 kids. What fun times we have ahead of us!

I trust everyone has a great New Year's. I'll do my best to stay up, but this pregnant Mommy may not be able to stay up too late!

4 Years

Yesterday, Matt and I celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary. It's so neat to look back at those years and reflect on Christ's love for us. He has provided so much more than we could ever ask. In the past four years Christ has:

1) Helped us pay off all my student loans (23 months). During which time I didn't have a full-time job for the first 8 months, and Matt was still considered an intern at his company.

2) Given us most of our furniture for free.

3) Given us our first born child (safe delivery and healthy).

4) Helped us during the loss of Matt's Dad.

5) Provided multiple free lance jobs for my husband.

6) Given us several baby showers to provide for our child's needs.

7) Given us a wonderful church family we can minister with.

8) Strengthened our marriage in some of the hardest times of life.

9) Begun to move us out West in order to serve Him in a different ministry.

The above list is simple, and I know I'm forgetting so much more! But that's the neatest part of all about Christ's love for us. Matt and I have been so blessed these last 4 years. We can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us in the very near future, and the many years to come!

Remembering Dad

This time of year will always bring special memories of Dad Slocum. This year Mom went to visit Dad's Rockford family and was able to bring back Dad's childhood train. Last night, we decided to test it out. We didn't have room to set the entire thing up. And we wanted to do more of a test run since it's over 40 years old! The train worked just fine. Our family enjoyed putting it together, watching it smoke, and laughing together while playing with it.

Slocum Family Christmas

This year we celebrated with the Slocum Family a couple of days after Christmas. Bethany couldn't be there so we skyped while opening gifts. Because we skyped, I didn't think to take that many pictures! I did get a fun one of Matt though. He loves Bill Cosby, and his mom bought him a fun book by him.

Walking Practice

Since I've been home for Christmas I've seen Jewell greatly improve as far as walking and balancing. She's still working on pulling up, but has drastically improved. She's finally starting to walk around with her walking toy all by herself. I'm so proud of her!