She's Walking!

After 4 weeks of sitting and crawling, Lydia is walking again! I cannot tell you how excited I am! I took her to the pool yesterday and played with her in water up to her chest. She eventually got comfortable with the extra buoyancy and started walking in the water, which has since transitioned to walking with help on normal ground, and now walking all by herself. Though she has a heart wrenching little limp and is very slow, I could not be prouder! I really do feel joy- that the Lord is mindful of me. The thought of having a crippled toddler and a newborn was a little overwhelming for me- and moving to top it off. But now it feels like I can move forward with things. I just finished my "To do before the baby comes" projects. Now all I need is my mom here and I will be set. She comes out Wednesday, which is another huge reassurance. The picture is a sampling of some of the pregnant women in our ward right now. I know we missed at least 3 that are also due within the next few months. The two I am standing between have already had their babies. I've decided that when none of your maternity clothes even fit, it is time to have your baby.

2 weeks

I have two weeks to go until they will induce me, so as you might imagine, I am getting quite anxious. My stomach hasn't grown too much more since the last photo I posted, but I am still huge! The photo doesn't do my discomfort justice. ;) I am trying to fill my time with fun activities for both Lydia and I. She got her cast off a week ago, which was a very traumatic experience, but she still won't walk on it. She seems to have mental block, but she is starting to stand on it, so that is progress. It has tried my patience having to carry her around everywhere. This is definitely a time of learning for me. I do feel at peace though. Things will come as they may. (It has just taken me several weeks to get this perspective)
There hasn't been too much happening other than the pregnancy, Lydia's leg, and our move, so I guess I am out of things to write. Perhaps next time there will pictures of a new baby to post! Let's hope!

The leg

Lydia has learned how to cope with her broken leg and cast quite well. She crawls around now and has even figured out how to do a gimp walk for a few steps. She has a tremendous amount of patience! Her cast has really limited her summer activities (like taking a bath!) but there is still sidewalk chalk, watching movies in her new chair, and playing with her little brother to be's car seat. The great news is, her cast comes off THIS FRIDAY!! Only three weeks. We were incredulous!



This morning we were invited to go pick blueberries with the Galbraith's - a most wonderful family in the ward that has somewhat adopted us. Lydia was so excited, she wanted to sit on the porch and wait for them.







Lydia absolutely loves Courtney, the Galbraith's youngest daughter. Here she is helping Lydia pick delicious blue berries.


On the pregnancy front, I have found my energy levels increasingly decreasing, thus my lack of posts. The baby continues to grow and I continue to be uncomfortable and and anxious to hold my baby boy. To add to all the fun, we found out we are moving across town the day after I am due. Mike will be in charge of the move- I've delegated that to him. I figure I will not know where anything is for the next several months, but oh well. As long as there is toilet paper in the bathroom and a plate to eat off of, that is just fine with me.

Not all fun in Ohio

It's true. It isn't all fun in Ohio. On Sunday, Lydia was having a great time jumping on the trampoline with her cousins and broke her leg in two places. She didn't fall off, just got bounced wrong. It was a long day going to the ER and then being sent to the children's hospital in Columbus, but she is doing great now. She just can't walk for the next 4-6 weeks! Thankfully, Lydia is being very patient just crawling around, however Mike and I aren't really enjoying carrying her everywhere. She gets heavy quickly with her cast on.

Amish

We also went to Amish country while we were in Ohio. It is so neat to see the culture. I thought I would include a few pictures that I took from the car.














As interesting as all the farming is, my favorite part about Amish country is the food! If you are ever in Charm, Ohio, stop by the Truck Patch and get some Cinnamon rolls! They are the most exquisite thing ever! Or try the pie, the homemade icecream, or the donuts! Ohh, it is all so good! Needless to say, I gained some weight while we were in Ohio, but I'm supposed to be gaining weight right?!

Horses, Four wheelers, Birthdays

Well the trip to Grandma and Papa Hansen's was a success. Lydia had a great time, but was ready to come home. She loved riding Grandma's pony and waving to everyone. I also caught her trying to steal her cousin's grapes.













For her Birthday, we had all of her cousin's over for a bar-b-q and cake with presents. Lydia (as always) loved the frosting. Papa helped her open her gifts while all the cousin's eagerly circled her waiting for her to not be able to open something so they could jump in.
Lydia also loved riding with Papa. She would ride the tractor with him and also the new four wheeler. I guess all the fun tired her out, because she fell asleep on the four wheeler!

Mike enjoyed scout camp and came home exhausted as well. He slept all day when he came home. He had lots of stories to tell about roasting starbursts, shooting bow and arrow's and and kayaking. It sounded like fun to me!