Preparing for baby

As I looked at the calendar today, I could hardly believe my eyes - can it be that I will be a mother of two in just 10 days? In some ways (physically), I couldn't be more ready to have him here. But, in other ways, I am scared to death about how our lives will change with this new addition...and I find myself wishing I had a little more time just the 3 of us. The past 4 years have been so special with Lauren and I’m still unsure of how it will be dividing my time with two. Yet, I also know that giving her a little brother is, in many ways, one of the best things we can do for her.

And, I have to admit I am very curious to learn about this great mystery that is raising a little boy. I can only hope that he will have the same sensitive spirit and compassionate heart that his big sister does…and that the two of them will have a close friendship like the one that my brother and I shared growing up.

Two years ago, almost to the day (March 1st), Ryan and I renewed our commitment to each other and to the Lord. From that moment on, we have been purposeful about seeking His direction for our family and following His will. Nolan’s arrival so near to that anniversary couldn’t be a sweeter or more meaningful gift from the God that has never ceased to show us His faithfulness and redeeming love.

A Special Valentine's Day

Being away from home and not having found a good babysitter yet, we knew this was going to be a different kind of Valentine’s Day (translation: no date night for us). But, I was determined to make it special and fun. So, I let Ryan request the kind of dinner he wanted me to make (he asked for chicken parmigiana). Then, I recruited Lauren to help me bake and frost a heart-shaped cake “for Daddy”. I decided we would eat in our formal dining room, which rarely gets used, and decorate it nice for the holiday. Lastly, we all dressed up and “pretended” we were going out to eat at a fancy restaurant. (Maybe Bistro de la Smith?)















After our yummy dinner, I introduced a new idea to our family. We have been teaching Lauren lately about serving other people…and how that starts at home. She has really caught on and has been doing little things and then saying, “That’s how I can serve you, mommy.” So, to get her further excited about this, I made a little craft: a heart out of construction paper that I stamped, laminated and wrote on (see picture below). I presented this to her and Ryan at the table and explained that anytime you do something to serve someone else in the family, you can leave the heart behind to show them that you did it because you love them. It can be anything from folding the laundry to cleaning up a room without being asked to making someone else’s bed for them. Lauren was very excited about this idea and hopefully it will be something we’ll all use on a regular basis.















Lauren and I then surprised Ryan with the cake we had baked and decorated earlier in the day (see picture below) and we all enjoyed eating it! Overall, it was a very fun Valentine’s Day, even though it was slightly different than what we normally do. And I’m sure that Ryan and I will be able to get out for a date when my mom comes to stay with us – we’re definitely looking forward to that!! :)

The Smith Infirmary

The last couple of weeks have been quite interesting for the three of us. It all began with Lauren, who came down with a fever and cold two weeks ago. Then, Ryan caught the cold, but seemed to get over it fairly quickly. Although, just when we thought he was back to normal, he developed a terrible cough. Around that same time, I came down with the same fever and cold that Lauren had. Ryan was getting worse every day, so we decided it was time to take him in to see the doctor.

Yesterday, he went in and was diagnosed with pneumonia. Then, today, I went back in to be seen by the doctor and was diagnosed with bronchitis. So, we make quite the coughing pair! :) The good news is that Lauren is completely healthy now and back to normal (she is the one taking care of mom & dad). Thankfully, Ryan and I are both on antibiotics so we are finally on the mend, which is good because we have 4 weeks to recover before the baby comes!!