Daddy?

Reed's been having a difficult time understanding Neil's travel schedule. And I seem to be unsuccessful explaining it to him. He's only 2 and doesn't really understand why his Daddy is gone so much. It breaks my heart when he calls for him in the morning or sees to UPS man and thinks it's his dad (this is the only guy he does that for...I guess he does have Neil's frame). But I'm at a loss at a good way to explain it in a way that Reed will understand. We've tried FaceTime and Skype when Neil's on the road. Sometimes it goes well and sometimes it doesn't. In fact, I'd say the majority of the time it just makes it more difficult on Reed because he doesn't understand why his Daddy is on the tv and not here. But then other times we chat and he's fine, ending the conversation with kisses for his Daddy (makes my heart smile).

I miss Neil, too. It's just not the same when he's gone. I'm praying that the Lord will help me to be not be terrified of handling a 2 year old, newborn and two dogs in a mere 5 months. Neil has assured me that his travel schedule will be back to our "normal" by then...but I have to admit I'm still afraid that I'll be completely overwhelmed. I'm thankful to have my family close but don't want to burn them out either. God knows the situation and I take comfort in that.

Reed's growing up fast! You can see his little mind working things out and learning more about how the world works. It's so amazing to witness. He's turning into quite the little boy (definitely not a baby and barely a toddler anymore!).

Trying to prepare myself for Reed's adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy a week from Thursday. I've been prepped to expect the worse but am praying that he does well and it's not as horrible as they say it could be. Already praying and trying to fatten the boy up this next week! His appetite just isn't that great...I think the "thick" throat makes it hard for him to eat. Poor thing...he really needs the surgery and I'm thankful we'll be able to have it done before the Spring/Summer.

Praising God for all His amazing blessings!

Yah Man...It's a BOY!

Neil and I were in Jamaica last Thursday through Sunday. We went to participate in his brother's wedding and to officially welcome his wife to the family. It was a beautiful ceremony and we were surprised by how many friends and family were able to make the trip. The weather was rainy in the mornings and late evenings, but the afternoons were sunny and in the 80s. Neil and I were hoping to be able to go kayaking and water biking...but the weather didn't permit for either. We did get to go sailing which we both enjoyed. We exercised together every morning which was really nice. We used to exercise together all the time pre-kids...but things have changed and we don't get to do it often. It was time together that I really enjoyed. We were in bed by 9:30 every night (I know, we're lame) so we could get up early to workout. Reed stayed here with Grandpa and Grandma. He had a nice time with them. We tried to Skype with him while we were gone but it only upset him. I don't think he understands why we're on the computer and not with him instead. When we Skype Neil while he's traveling it's often upsetting to Reed. We tend to only Skype if Neil is gone for a long time or if we can connect early in the morning (which is Reed's "happy" time). He's a morning person like his mommy and daddy (thank goodness!). My mom loved spending the time with Reed but she didn't enjoy Lucy Lu or Kona Butt very much. She said having the two dogs is worse than having two other children! She said she felt like she was with three kids all weekend (with the dogs making up the majority of the work). Indeed, my two hairy daughters are a lot of work. But I love them (a lot more when they're shaved...hahaha). I couldn't give them away. They were our first children.

Found out yesterday that Neil and I are having another boy! I wasn't expecting to find out for a few weeks but I had a specialist appointment in Peoria and they did a sonogram and told me! Reed will love having a little brother to play with once the little guy arrives. Neil has a name picked out that he loves. I think it's alright but the two people I've shared it with don't like it very much. I guess this is why people oftentimes don't share their name selection with people until after it's final! Lol. I think we'll keep the name to ourselves this time. Plus, I'm not sure we'll have a final decision on a name until we see the little guy in July. The baby looked healthy and I don't need to see the specialist again for 6 weeks. I also saw Dr. Weaver today and she said everything looks great! I'm so glad things seem to be progressing well. I've kept up my activity with this pregnancy (after being on restrictions for Reed), so I'm a bit more anxious about that...I'm not doing anything crazy but I am still running. It's not bad yet...but I'm sure I'll start to feel uncomfortable doing that in the new few weeks. I'll do it until I can't anymore and then move on to something else. I have to admit, I really appreciate being able to keep up my activity level. Sure, I'm exhausted by 1 pm but a 15 minute cat nap does the trick.

Found out today that Reed has to have his tonsils and adenoids out. I scheduled the surgery for early March. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about what his recovery will bring. I've already told Neil that he's not traveling during that week. I definitely don't want to be a single parent that week! The doctor has already prepared me for what he says is often a very difficult 7-10 days post-op. Praying that things go well and the surgery provides Reed with relief and that he begins to breathe through his nose. I don't want him to be a mouth-breather like his mommy! I had my tonsils out at 17 and it was horrible. They say the younger you are the smoother the recovery...praying that's the case for my precious Reed.

Neil's been traveling like crazy and I'm looking forward to March when he says his travel schedule will slow down. January and February have been pretty difficult. He was home 7 days in January and is home 6 days in February. His travel schedule makes me so thankful that we moved closer to family. His travel would be far more difficult for me if I were completely on my own. I worry about the effect Neil's travel has on Reed...I know it's really hard for Reed and that he misses his daddy. I also know it's really hard on Neil and that he misses his son. Praying that God provides clarity as to Neil's future with his current company or a different company. We cannot (nor do we want to) keep up this schedule indefinitely.

That's it for the past couple weeks. A lot has happened and we're thankful to God for His many blessings! Even the difficulties of life are blessings...