Pediatrician Love.

Kaleb had his one year appointment today (One month late, yep... super mom here; I'm blaming this one on insurance companies.) and can I just brag about my pediatrician for a minute? Okay, only HALF joking. But, seriously she is pretty great. Although, maybe I just find her great because I am used to a different "system" in Europe. It was so refreshing to take Kaleb to a doctor's office here that is what I was used to growing up. Naturally what we are used to seems normal although essentially every mom across the world has their own version of normal. I mean really, what is normal anyway?

Our little man now weighs 33 inches and weighs 28 pounds. I read somewhere the other day that a general rule of thumb is 10 inches of growth the first year. Sounds about right to this first time mama! (In Kaleb's case it was about 11.) No first steps yet, I should probably start some sort of pool as to when they will occur. He has two signs down now, "more" and "drink." Although now he seems to be confusing the two. Regardless, watching him sign and say "moa" is pretty darn cute.

Rest assured, the doctor seemed to be content with all my answers, how we are doing things and Kaleb's rate of growth. (There is a reason "moa" is one of this first words!) Isn't it funny how reassuring that feels? Maybe it is just me, but it feels good to at least think I am doing something right. Far too often I carry too much guilt, thinking I could be doing something better or accomplishing more.

Bravo to all my other mama friends out there- you are all doing a fabulous job wherever you are. It isn't always easy. Forget the never ending "to do list." Instead focus on everything you are doing right. When you think of all those sweet hugs, kisses, smiles and giggles.... nothing that you "didn't get done" really matters after all. -Suzanne

Keeping up Appearances.

It all started with one comment yesterday, this thought process of mine. As Kaleb and I walked out of the Bass Pro Shop yesterday a man in a pickup truck (yes, we live in the midwest!) stopped alongside us and said:

"Someone needs to take a picture of you two. Seriously, you should be in a catalog or something."

I don't know if the man saw us inside of the store or whether he just saw us walking out of it. I'm not sure if he saw Kaleb delight in watching the fish, point at all the stuffed animals, watch in awe water fell from above us into the pond below. Did he see Kaleb make friends at the checkout or wave "bye bye" to the cashier? Not sure. But for illustration purposes let's pretend he did. (Because honestly my first thought was, really? I am sweating in jeans as I carry a 28 pound "baby" through the parking lot with stuff nearly falling out of my diaper bag!)

Our time there was just a small slice of our entire day, you see. Maybe for those thirty minutes I looked like one of those moms who has it all together. Trust me, I don't. He didn't see me drag Kaleb off the stairs seven times in a row and put him in "time out" until he finally obeyed. He wasn't there as I ran around like a crazy lady trying to track down Kaleb's social security number because apparently I am less organized than I realized. Nor did he see the state of my house after digging through everything before I realized I didn't even have it. And, I'm thinking he didn't know that I hadn't even taken a shower for the day.

You see, sometimes we see others and think they have it all together. We see them laughing together, smiling and enjoying themselves, but we don't always see what else they are going through. It is easy to think, "Oh man, I wish I had their obedient children" or "I wish I had their easy life." But, we all have our own struggles. No one has a perfect life.

Did the man who complimented me mean it? Maybe. (Or perhaps he was just hitting on me as my dear husband so kindly pointed out.) Whatever the intention, I am thankful for the reminder to really enjoy the moments when everything just seems right but to also embrace the trying times as I allow God to shape me through them.

Summer break is (un)officially over.

Cue the "gasps" soundtrack now. I finally have a new blog post. I figured it was about time, considering the last one I wrote was before we left Holland to head to the States for the summer months.

Fall is in the air, even if it is only mid-August. Windows have been left open at night, leaving a cool aired out house in the mornings. The crisp air reminds me that my summer is nearly over. Kids are returning to school, the school supply aisle in Target is picked over, and thus.... I feel the need to be more productive once again.

Summer was fabulous, we were fortunate to travel and spent a lot of quality time with family and friends. Pictures will come eventually.... unfortunately I spilled coffee on our computer the other day and thus we are dealing with photo issues once again. Oh my luck. Fortunately I had enough common sense to quickly back everything up via Time Machine, so let's hope that it worked.

To ease any curious minds, we do not yet have a job lined up, which is why we are still in the States. We had a couple of offers that fell through, and thus we are back to square one. I have a peace though, that God will provide as He always does. After spending an extended amount of time here two years ago, I am trying to remember to just enjoy each day instead of wishing it away.

In the meantime, I have always thrived on routine. I used to look forward to school starting just so I had a forced schedule once again. Crazy, right? Please tell me I'm not the only one. It is time to start tackling some home improvement projects around here while Kaleb naps. A mirror in the garage is begging me for another coat of white spray paint. ;)

Happy Monday to all, and here's to seeing us in the blog world a little more often!

-Suzanne