Catching Up

Well, to say that I have fallen behind on blogging would be an understatement! My last post was in October and now here we are almost in April, agh!! Time has flown by and lots has happened since I turned 30. So this post will serve as the update on everything our family has been doing for the past 5 months!

At the end of October, we had a big 60th birthday party for my Dad, which ended up also being a SURPRISE 30th for me as well! It was a fantastic night with family and friends, and I am very grateful to my mom especially for pulling off one heck of a surprise! We had people come in town from all over to celebrate with us, which made for such a really special occasion.

60 and 30!

Sweet friends

Mom and me

Party animals still standing at the end of the night!

Michael trying to get the mic from JK so we can toast Dad!

So thankful for him

We also found out in late October that were were expecting baby #2, which made things even more special!! Michael and I feel so extremely blessed that we have been able to get pregnant twice so easily. This pregnancy has been quite different from my first-- this time around I was throwing up constantly for about 8 weeks, so our first trimester was rough, but worth it of course. Thankfully Jake and Michael took loving care of me and had a lot of patience! We have decided not to find out the baby's sex, which has been fun as well. We knew with Jake, and thought it would be fun to keep it a surprise this time. So needless to say, we are all dying to know if Jake is going to have a baby brother or sister come July 4th!!

Announcing we are pregnant!

Halloween was really neat this year, we went trick-or-treating with a group of families at our friends the Moerer's house. The kids had a great time going from house to house together and yelling "trick or treat" at each door. Jake was Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story. We also went to a fun Halloween party at the Robbins' the next day, who always have lots of fun things to do at their house!

Ready to trick-or-treat!

Jake's Aunt/ Godmother Ashley surprised him by dressing up as Jessie!

Jake & friends at the Robbins' house-- amazing we got this shot with everyone looking & smiling!!

In early November we went to Fort Worth for a surprise weekend celebrating Michael's mom, Gail, being cancer free for 5 years. She didn't know that all her kids and grand kids were coming, so she was elated! Then, a few weeks later we went back and had a fun Thanksgiving in Fort Worth with Michael's family. We also had a chance to see close friends that we wish we saw more often. And Jake loved being with his cousin Lawrence, now a big brother to baby Andrew, who was born in December!

Gail's surprise weekend

Celebration dinner with Michael's family

Michael's best friends in Fort Worth

Jake w/ Uncle Chris and cousin Lawrence on Thanksgiving

Christmas was really neat this year because it's the first time Jake understood about Santa, which Michael and I loved. We woke up Christmas morning and spent time just the three of us at home, and then headed to my parents to open more presents. Later that afternoon we went to my grandmother's to be with the rest of my mom's family for dinner and yet open more presents! I love being with everyone in a full house, cooking, laughing and just hanging out. Christmas is my favorite time of year, and I am always really emotional for some reason. Being prego and having so much gratitude for how blessed we are, this year I was especially overwhelmed with joy and thankfulness. As I sat with my husband and son in church on Christmas Eve, I couldn't help but cry silent tears of happiness and thankfulness. God is GREAT.

Joyful on Christmas morning

At my parent's (Michael & JK have matching jerseys)

Christmas pic w/ Lovey & Granddad

Nana gave Jake a chocolate Advent calendar just like she gave mommy when she was little!

JK w/ his presents (wearing his new soccer uniform and shoes!)

In February, Jakey turned 3, which I still can't believe! He wanted to have his party at his one of his favorite places, Pump It Up, which is full of indoor bounce houses and slides. He had such a great day and that weekend could not have been more special and fun. Michael had Monday off, which was Jake's actual birthday, so we took him shopping for his unsurprising request: baseball gear! He picked out eye black, wrist tape, and a new bat and PINK glove! That night we celebrated at my parent's with family, more cake and a yummy dinner. Jake's birthday is another thing that gets me really emotional. I think in part because during his first two years, we were going through such hard times, especially his surgeries. When I seem him in front of a birthday cake, it hits me at my core and makes me want to fall to my knees and thank God that my son is happy and healthy, and that our family is whole again. I always cry when singing "Happy Birthday" and this year was no exception. We are unbelievably blessed and there is not a day that goes by that I don't remember that. I will never forget Jake's 3rd birthday and how peaceful and special it was. He truly is a big boy now, saying and doing new things almost daily. He keeps us laughing and is quite the entertainer! I am constantly in awe of him and what he is capable of. He is super affectionate and loving and yet such a wild one, always on the move! He has a HUGE imagination that cracks Michael and me up. He is ridiculously athletic, but he also loves music, reading, and to sing and dance (or play "rockstars" as he calls it). He is so happy at school and adores all of his friends. He is very much a typical boy in that he gets great pleasure in getting dirty and making a mess-- such as intentionally jumping in puddles or rolling around in the dirt! He is obsessed with anything car, sport or dinosaur related. Being a mom is the best job and I would not trade it for anything!

Ready to Pump It Up!

Blowing out candles while sitting in the birthday throne

Stegosaurus cake

Birthday pic w/ Auntie

3 years old

Baseball ice cream cake at Lovey & Granddad's

With Spring fast approaching, Michael and I realized we had the opportunity to get a way for a few days during his Spring Break, something we have never done since Jake was born. So I started working on a surprise trip for he and I with the help of my mom, the master trip planner. In the meantime, we went to the Rodeo! Jake loves the rodeo-- the games, the food, and watching the cowboys ride bulls and broncos. He even won his own prizes this year by shooting hoops!

Such a handsome cowboy

Pitching to knock over bottles just like Dad

Shooting baskets

Riding the horsey

Baby chics were his favorite

I eventually surprised Michael with plans for our get-a-way to Scottsdale. But the weekend before we left on our babymoon, we went to Sea World with our good friends, the Eichers. Their kids, Audrey (or Ace as she is affectionately called) and Archie, are two of Jake's best friends, and in spite of cold, rainy weather in San Antonio, we still had a blast! I was really proud of what troopers our kids were, and I know there are more fun adventures in our future with the Eicher family, whom we love so much! It's so special to see your child bond with other kids, especially when their parents happen to be your close friends. We are so grateful for their friendships and we love their kids like our own. Ace melts my heart calling me "Bree Bree" and I can't get enough of Archie's cuddles and hugs. Jake has made it a mission to steal a kiss from Audrey whenever he can, asking her one night, "Ace, are we friends?" and she said "yes", to which his response was, "oh then we should kiss!"

Playing at the pool

Bedtime after swimming

Arriving at Sea World

He will find ANY excuse to kiss Ace!!!

Jake & Archie at the sea lions

Best friends for life

Group shot at the end of the day-- JK refused to look at the camera!!

Then it was off to Arizona for Michael and I, for a much needed little vaca! What made this trip even more fun was that MLB Spring Training was going on, so we got to catch two games and even see one of Michael's TCU team mates, who is with the San Diego Padres now. We stayed at the beautiful Montelucia Resort & Spa, and pretty much just slept in and relaxed for three days! I fell in love with Scottsdale and we can't wait to go back. It's such a neat desert town and has perfect weather! Of course we came back with tons of loot for Jakey, who is still asking when we will be taking him to Spring Training in Arizona!! A big thank you to my parents for taking care of Jake for us, he had such a blast with them and didn't even miss us, which was quite evident when we could hardly keep him on the phone for more than a minute because he was just too busy having fun at Lovey & Granddad's!

Spring Training, Cubs vs. Giants

This pic was for Jake and baby S :)

Padres vs. Diamondbacks

Near our room at the resort

6 months prego w/ baby #2!

My favorite view at the resort, so pretty!

And I guess that brings us to now... We are immersed in baseball season at the Settle house! Jake is in absolute heaven each week going to watch his Daddy coach the St Francis boys, and we have made friends with many of the families. He loves to cheer and talk to the players in the dug out, and they are all very sweet to him. After each game, he goes onto the field and hits balls with Daddy, gleefully running the bases and sliding into home. And he even looks the part, always insisting that he wear his "uniform" to every game. Michael had shirts made just for Jake that look like the team's jerseys, and he got him a hat to match too. There is no question that he idolizes his Daddy and wants to be just like him!

Ready for Daddy's game

Peas in a pod

And I'm almost in my last trimester, starting to waddle along a bit with my baby belly growing each week! Jake thinks its a boy and wants to name the baby "Chocolate". We don't know why, but he has never wavered in this, which is so funny! I am feeling good and hoping that lasts. Very surreal to think this summer we will become a family of four, but we are soo excited! I know Jake will be an awesome big brother, he is really sweet with babies and such a good helper already. We are also excited to be remodeling our master bathroom, something we have wanted to do since we moved in nearly 5 years ago! Here's to hoping its completed before baby S makes his/her debut!!

Hopefully I will get some more posts done over the next three months, because I'm sure once our little one arrives I will be on another hiatus for a while...but maybe I will at least post some pics of our newest addition!!! For now, we are soaking up time alone with Jake and savoring special moments with him, as we know it will change forever very soon. It feels good to be writing again and I know someday I'll be so happy to have these entries to reflect on. More than anything I am immensely grateful to God for where he's gotten us. I can't wait to see what the second half of 2012 has in store. I think it will be full of lots more laughter, love and precious memories... AMEN.

We give praise and thanks to You, O God; Your wondrous works declare that Your Name is near and they who invoke Your Name rehearse Your wonders.   Psalm 75: 1

Happy Birthday to my Granddad & Lovey! (by Jakey)

Hi, I'm Jake and I'm two and a half, and I'm doing my first post on Mommy's blog (well, Mommy is helping!) Last week our family celebrated TWO birthdays, which means we ate lots of yummy cake!! I am my grandparent's first grandchild, so that makes me very special. Earlier this week, my Granddad turned 60, and then my Lovey had her birthday a few days later... It was fun to sing and make special cards for them. We brought Granddad donuts and kolaches in the morning before school, and we got Lovey her favorite color flowers, blue. My grandparents are very special to me and we spend a lot of time together. I am very lucky they live so close to me. When mommy needs a babysitter they are almost always around to help, and if she and Daddy need a date night I can just spend the night with them. I even have my own room at their house, but I prefer to sleep in their bed snuggled between them, it's just more fun!

We do many fun things together, such as going to the mall to ride rides and play games, and eating at my favorite places such as James Coney Island. I love to play at their house because of all the fun toys they have-- some were even my mom and Aunt Ashley's when they were little! Usually I eat Cheetos or a Popsicle while I'm there too, since Lovey & Granddad know how much I love those. I love to play ball, especially baseball with Granddad, or football so we can wrestle! Riding in Lovey's car is the best because she has some of my favorite songs to listen and sing along to. They even took me to an Imagination Movers concert, which is one of my favorite shows to watch.  Granddad has his own chair in their den to watch TV, and they even got one for me that's just my size so we can watch together! Wizard of Oz is one of my favorites to watch over there, and Lovey sings the songs to me. Sometimes Lovey or Granddad will come with Mommy to drop me off or pick me up from school, which always makes me excited.

And this year they promised to take me to the rodeo again so I can get dressed up like a cowboy and ride a horsey! Lovey grew up with a horsey and she always talks to me about riding. They even used to sing me a silly song and bounce me on their knee when I was a baby, called "Ride that Horsey". We've been on some fun trips to our lake house and to Sea World in San Antonio too, which I can't wait to go back and visit again. I loved riding in the boat and seeing Shamu for the first time. We also love talking on the phone to each other, and sometimes I sing to them while I play my guitar over the phone, which they really like a lot! Granddad taught me a funny trick, and I love doing to it people. I say "what's that?" as I point at their shirt, and when they look down, I tap their nose and say "boop!"  Everyone thinks its pretty funny! While its clear I inherited my parent's athletic ability, particularly my Dad's, Lovey says my dramatics definitely come from Mommy, hehe! Many times when Mommy or Daddy comes to get me from my grandparent's house, I don't want to leave because I'm having too much fun!

I am very thankful for my Granddad and Lovey and all the wonderful things we do together. They make me feel so special and I'm lucky to have them. My middle name is the same as Granddad's: Knox. It's just like his Dad's middle name, so we all share it and that makes me proud. It was a great week celebrating them, and I can't wait to make many more memories together. This weekend we are throwing a big birthday party for my Granddad and I can't wait to dance with everyone, I have some really good moves! It will be fun to have all our extended family and close friends together.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY GRANDDAD & LOVEY, I LOVE YOU BOTH TO THE MOON & BACK!!!

Hugs, Kisses, High Fives & Fist Bumps,
Jacob Knox

Margaret's Chair

I have always been a fan of using furniture that has been passed down from family members, especially older pieces that have a lot of character or special meaning. My Grandmother, Margaret passed away in April of 2010, but while she was still living, she was always worried that not enough of her things would end up being wanted or used by her family once she died (kind of strange but it was almost like a joke in our family). I think it really was about the fact that wanted to be remembered, and was scared of being forgotten. She was a total spit-fire, full of energy and exuberance. She had almost traveled the entire world by the time she died, and yet was still planning a trip to China! Her laugh and zest for life are what I miss the most. And I miss her soft, sweet smell.

At a ranch in Montana, on our last vacation together. Isn't she precious.

I was really close with my Grandmother, especially being her first grandchild. She was extremely proud of her 5 grandkids. I was fortunate to grow up living just around the corner from her, so she was always very involved in my life and everything I did. She was a teacher and guidance counselor at Memorial High School for many, many years, which is my Alma mater. Even though she retired before I got there, it was clear she had left her mark, because when faculty learned my last name was Love, they always wanted to know if I was related to her and would tell me how much they adored her. She loved to sing and was really involved with her church. She also volunteered and traveled a lot. She enjoyed eating out and seeing movies too, and I can recall the embarrassment I felt as a child when she would sneak snacks and drinks from home into the theater and open her canned soda-- LOUD for all to hear! We had tons of wonderful family vacations over the years too; one in Colorado where she was brave enough to get on a down hill snow sled with me! She was over the moon when Jake was born and so excited to see his first birthday. Now that he's talking, I can just imagine what kind of conversations they would have together, and I know he'd be the apple of her eye. I hate that she isn't seeing him growing up, but I'm so thankful she was here for his first year.

In the last few years of her life, Grandma's health was declining and our entire family made the difficult decision that she would be safer and healthier in an assisted living home. So we all gathered together for a weekend and helped her go through her entire house to figure out what would move with her, what would be donated, what her family wanted, and what was just trash! Although it was an emotional weekend as we realized she would be leaving the house my Dad and his brothers grew up in, it was also a neat time as a family going through so much memorabilia. It's times like that when you appreciate having a close family who pulls together during a hard transition. We shared lots of laughter and tears, reminiscing and saying goodbye to the house that had been her home for decades.

Among the things I chose were a small gold antique side table, and her silver chest that stored her fancy dining silverware. She loved bluebonnets and had many paintings throughout her house. I took the largest one and it's now a focal point in my den. Another small one hangs in my bedroom. And the one she had hand painted by a friend for Michael and me while we lived in Chicago hangs in our entryway. She wanted us to have a piece of Texas with us while we were out of state. Whenever I travel, I bring one of her rosary necklaces with me, just like she did. After she passed, my sister, cousins and I received bags of her jewelry and a letter to each of us explaining every piece she had picked to give us. She left me her wedding ring and my great grandmother's wedding ring, which I wear often. Simple gold bands that I never expected or knew I would receive, but that embody such incredible meaning. And I can't help but think of her whenever Jake wears his Astros t-shirt. They were her favorite team and I know she'd be thrilled that Jake loves them too.

Probably the most memorable item I inherited from her house was a dark blue velvet arm chair that sat in her living room. She once told me she guessed it was at least 40 years old and that she'd gotten it when my Grandfather, Knox was still alive. I distinctly remember her sitting in that very chair the day that my mom, Michael and I went to her house to tell her I was engaged. Perhaps that is why I have such a sentimental attachment to it, because there is an image in my head of her sitting in it with a huge smile on her face, cackling with joy as we shared our news. Or maybe its the fact that this chair has worn my family's history for so many years, long before I was born. There were memories made in this chair, happy family times shared by all of us. But it had been sitting in my garage until I could afford to have it redone...

Grandma's old chair, before restoration...

So for my 30th birthday present, my parents generously had the worn out chair recovered and refurbished, and it now sits in my den next to Grandma's little side table...such a special gift to me. I picked a bright, yellow orchid to put on the table, because she loved colorful flowers. It's kind of Margaret's corner, I guess. And although it evokes deep emotion in me when I look at it, I can almost picture her sitting in it and saying "It looks good kid, take care of it and don't forget about me, I love you". And now that she is gone, when I miss her, and I think of her as Jake does something she would be so proud of, that chair brings me comfort. So, Grandma, this one's for you. I love and miss you every day and I'm so thankful for the long life you had. You were always an encourager, and for that I'm eternally grateful. I hope you are looking down from Heaven with joy as you see that your fear did not come true; in fact it's just the opposite. Your presence is all around us every day, and that will never change. I love you...

Margaret's Corner, in my den

Turning 30!

For a lot people turning 30 causes some unrest...but for me, as CRAZY as it feels to say "I'm 30", I have to admit that I've felt ready to embrace this new decade. The past two years have wreaked quite a bit of havoc in our lives and I am encouraged looking towards a more peaceful future ahead. I can remember as a teenager thinking that people in their 30's seemed so old and grown up, yet now that I'm here, I still feel young and thriving. Maybe it's because of what we've been through that I have this contentment and happy outlook, or maybe I am just ridiculously blessed, but if life is as good as this weekend starting off my 30's has been, I want a lot more of it! Not to say that we shouldn't expect there to be more bumps along the way in our future, I'm not naive. But I guess I have a renewed confidence in us and in myself, which also brings me a lot of joy.

Yummy cookie surprise

Michael has really gone over the top in his efforts to make me feel special this birthday weekend! He put so much consideration and effort into who I am and what makes me happy and I feel really lucky for his thoughtfulness. He came home from work on Friday with one of my favorite treats, a Big Kahuna, (chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich), YUM! Then on Saturday when I got home from my hair appointment, the counter was decorated with another favorite treat of mine, chocolate chip cookies sandwiched with white icing! On the cookies in icing he had written "30" and "We love u" and there were two sweet cards from him and Jake waiting for me as well.

Pumpkin & flower surprise

On Saturday evening I went to a celebration dinner with my girlfriends, many of whom are also turning 30 this Fall. It was such a fun night being with all of them and I am so incredibly thankful for each of their friendships. It's pretty neat that some of us have been friends for 20+ years and now our are kids are growing up together! I truly don't know what I'd do without them and I feel like I have the most incredible friends in the universe. And I'm SO mad that I forgot to take a picture of us girls together, boo!! I guess I was too busy having fun! It was a great night full of laughter, fun and as always, very entertaining conversation!

Date Night

Sunday may have been rainy but it didn't steal the happiness abounding in my heart. We spent the morning doing some birthday shopping and then headed to lunch at James Coney Island, per Jake's request. While eating, Michael told me he wanted to clue me in on a surprise he'd planned for Monday because he thought I'd enjoy it more if I knew about it a little ahead of time. The past week I have been talking about going to the Pumpkin Patch at the church to take pictures since we always get such cute ones of Jake there each year, so Michael contacted our talented friend Chris Hsieh of La Brisa Photography (who took our family portraits earlier this spring) and asked him to do a family photo session of the three of us at the Pumpkin Patch!! I was so surprised and touched that I started crying in James Coney Island!!! It meant so much to me that he thought to arrange that and right then and there I started praying for the weather to clear up so we wouldn't have to reschedule!

Family birthday dinner

Sunday night Michael and I had a much needed and long overdue date night. The last one we'd had was before we left for Zurich, so it was definitely time! We ate at Brenner's while Jakey had some quality time with his Nana, my grandmother. Dinner was great and it was nice to get dressed up and have some alone time.  I was really happy to find out that Michael had Monday, my actual birthday, off from work for Columbus Day, so we could spend it as a family. We started off the morning with donuts and kolaches-- can you tell I like to eat?! And then I went to the Houstonian for a relaxing massage from my parents. When I came home Jake greeted me at the door and said "Mom I have a surprise for you!" and he handed me a little pumpkin he had decorated and said "it's a special pumpkin I made for you". As if that wasn't enough to melt my heart, he led me inside to a beautiful vase of flowers and more cards from him and Michael.

Jakey & me

Then we got dressed and headed to the MDUMC pumpkin patch for the surprise photo session Michael had arranged!! It's honestly one of the most special gifts I've ever received-- these pictures turned out better than I could have hoped for and I'm SO thankful to our amazingly talented friend Chris for capturing such priceless shots. It was crazy to reflect that a year ago, one of my best friends, Bethany and me took Jake to that same pumpkin patch with his huge swollen jaw, one day before his traumatic second surgery. She, Michael, my family and I spent my 29th birthday in the hospital with Jake while he recovered from what was the worst day ever. This year I am humbled and gracious beyond expression that we are happy and Jake is healthy and fully recovered, so those pumpkin patch pictures are very sacred to me-- they represent renewal and recovery and new beginnings, and also a reminder of where we've been.

3 generations: Ash, Mom, me, and Grandma

Dad and me

Monday evening we had a yummy Italian dinner with my family. It was a great way to end such a special weekend and there is no other way I would have rather spent my 30th than with those who matter most to me. It was so great getting to celebrate with everyone! This has been the best birthday I've had in a really long time. I can't express the happiness and gratefulness overflowing in my heart, there really aren't words. But I am thanking God for where's He's gotten us and loving life with Michael, Jake and our amazing family and friends. We are beyond blessed and I will always remember turning 30!! THANK YOU ENDLESSLY to my husband for making me feel so loved and special this weekend-- the surprise pictures are the best gift ever, I can't stop looking at them. I cannot wait to see what this decade brings...something tells me it's going to be a whole lot of goodness... AMEN to that.

Psalm 16:11  You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore!

I'm a Big Boy Now

Sometime early last Spring, Jake began sleeping in our guest bed instead of his crib. He is extremely long, in the 97th percentile for height, so we figured the queen size bed must allow him more room to toss, turn and stretch! After getting home from our summer away, we finally decided that we needed to give Jake a big boy room and move our guest bed into what used to be his nursery...which meant the crib had to come down...and that was bittersweet. Even though he hadn't slept in his crib in a while, he still played it in (jumping like a monkey) and put his toys to "nap" in there. And I guess I felt like as long as that crib was in there that he was still our baby, not this growing toddler who each day is becoming more of a big boy. But man was he excited when we moved that bed into his room! He was jumping up and down and rolling around saying "My big boy bed, my big boy bed!"

Ta-da!

Little details... he loves his owl nightlight

Thus began my mission to turn his sweet nursery into a big boy room. I didn't want to spend a lot of money, so I used furniture we already had. And I also didn't want the room to be so kid-like that in a few years we would have to update it again when Jake's old enough to have a strong opinion about it, so I tried to make it classic and able to grow with him, while still reflecting his personality. I found a baseball bat lamp that is perfect (except he gets very upset that the bat cannot come off its base so he can play with it!) There are new and old things mixed together, some precious keepsakes and others newly acquired treasures. I drew inspiration from various places, such as one of my fav design and decor websites, OhDeedoh, and from my friend Betsie who so superbly decorated her own son GW's room. I have to say though, as much as we love it, it still takes some getting used to walking into what used to be JK's nursery and now seeing this new big boy room!

Baseball pics & Daddy's college awards

Hanging model airplane from Lovey & Granddad, and the beloved baseball lamp 

His favorite thing to do is bring Michael and I in there to watch the moon and stars projection on the ceiling at night. We love laying in his big boy bed all together and admiring his newly decorated abode. It's proven to be a happy, cozy space for him, which is exactly what we wanted. And when I look around, I think the room looks like Jake, which makes us all happy. It's simple, fun, and laid back. Sweet dreams my precious Jakey, you are such a big boy now!!

JK proudly showing his big boy room!