He gives and takes away...blessed be the name of the LORD.

Today was supposed to be a very exciting day. The day was finally here to go to the Dr. for my first prenatal visit for our second child! I had been waiting for this day for weeks! I couldn't wait to hear the little heart beat and see the little one forming inside of me on the ultrasound screen. I was going to waste no time getting home so I could announce it to the world (well, at least to my fellow bloggers and facebookers) that we were expecting!! But, God had different plans this go around. Last Saturday I had some light spotting. I called the Dr. Monday morning and they assured me that although it was not something to take lightly, it was probably nothing to be concerned about. Unfortunately, by Tuesday evening it was getting worse and by Wednesday I knew I was losing the battle I did not want to fight. Having a miscarriage is never something that you think is going to happen to you so it was very unexpected. It has been a difficult week, a disappointing one... But I continue to raise my eyes to the Lord where He gives me comfort and hope. Hope of another life to come.
So, today is a bittersweet day. I am grieving the loss of my sweet child but looking forward with hope of another to fill my arms very soon. The Lord does not take something from our hands without filling it with something better. I'm hanging on to that!

I love this picture!

Merilee just sent me this picture that Mom took when we were there.

Yes we are wearing the same shirt;

it was our Valentine's gift from Mom.

Doesn't Nate look like a little politician? :)

It's amazing all three kids are

actually looking at the camera.

What a goof!

Cousins!!

Nate and I flew down with my mom to visit my sister and family in Missouri last week. We had so much fun!! Keeping up with three toddlers definitely kept us busy! It was so fun to observe each of their personalities... so different. Nate had a blast with his cousins, and loved flying on the airplane! He even came home with a few new words! Here's a few pictures from our week.

I am sitting here ready for church and waiting for Derrick to get ready (isn't it supposed to be the guy waiting on the girl??) so I thought I'd post a photo or two from the last few weeks.

Derrick's birthday January 19th

(notice the picture Nate colored for Derrick)

My little boy who loves to read. And I love that smile!!

Streaker!

Nate loves to take a lap around the house after his bath.

He thinks its so funny!

All in a day in the life of a 22 month old

Nate turned 22 months on the 16th. I can't believe my baby is nearing two!
I thought I'd capture a few "every day moments" for those of you who feel like you miss out being so far away. I left out all the tears, fits, and poopy diapers...thought you could just imagine those. ha ha :)

Breakfast. Enjoying his toast with jelly.

What a treat!

I love this picture because I see it every day.

He watches out the window while I take our dog outside.

He usually waves, which is what I always told him to do at first to

make my momentary absence more bearable. :)

Heading out to do some errands...

Hooray!! Movie time! His favorite time of the day.

Watching "Bob the Builder," his new favorite.

Getting out of the house.

It always seems by the afternoon we need a

change of pace if we're going to make it till evening and still be sane.

Here we are headed to the park. It was fun. We were definitely the

only ones there and there was only one slide and one swing that wasn't covered

in snow but he didn't seem to mind.

After each trip out he always insists on "driving" for a bit before we

go inside. I thought this picture turned out neat with the reflection

off the window.

Okay, we are coping now. "Mom is making supper and I'm getting

tired. When is Daddy coming home?"

Notice there is a new addition to the bunch.

Since he wore off all of Mr. Lion's tags, he now requires "Andy the Antelope" as well.

(His christmas gift from Daddy)

Poor Mr. Antelope doesn't know he is just being used for his tag.

Daddy's finally home!!!

I don't know who's happier, Mommy or Nate!

Bath time!! I'm getting a bit sleepy...

Little drummer boy

As I have mentioned earlier, my little boy loves the drums! These were taken at my uncle and aunt's in Glendive, MT the day after the wedding. Nate was in heaven!! Everyone was actually quite impressed how well he could keep the rhythm. Mom and Dad gave him a drum set for Christmas and he has been playing it daily. He even hears the drums in music we listen to and often has to run get his drum so he can play along. The best thing is that I found a great way to keep him entertained while I'm in the shower in the mornings... we bring his drum in and I sing every song I can think of while he drums along. He does it the entire time without losing interest! Isn't he just the cutest??