Baby Boy

12/15/15

My dear baby boy,

How exciting it is to be that much closer to finding out who you are. Right now I know you are my son. I love saying that. I think I've said it out loud a hundred times since we learned you are a little boy. My son. My little baby boy. Oh my heart just overflows thinking of you and knowing that you are ours. 

" Take my hand, I'll teach you the Way to go. Through the joys, through the tears, the journey of the years…may you trust Him in the end. He is faithful til the end".  I pray you learn to love yourself; to love others like Jesus loves. I hope I can show you what that love looks like and how to extend it to everyone. I want you to always know how loved you are. Every part of your being is so very much cherished. I'll learn how to love you better each day we have together. 

"May His light fill all you are; and the jewel of wisdom crown your heart… May my mistakes not hinder you; but His grace take hold and guide you through. He will keep you till the end." Motherhood is exciting to me dear one. My whole being is looking forward to loving you, teaching you, and helping you find your way in this world. It's scary too because I've never done this. But I'll figure it out. Your dad and I will make mistakes. But we'll all learn. We'll learn even more how much we need our Lord and how always we'll rely on Him. 

One day you'll be grown, moving mountains, being a husband and father of your own; changing this world. But for now you are my baby boy. Now that I know you are my son I am so anxious to meet you. See your face and hold your hands tight in mine. But all I want right now is for you to grow. Grow strong and big; grow, grow, grow! For we'll meet soon enough. 

I love you my son. 

xo mom

Gender Reveal party

12/13/15

We had our gender reveal party this last weekend for little baby Hartmann. After the ultrasound appointment we drove to our friends Ben and Shelby's and dropped of the very sealed envelope with the results. It was really hard not to peak during the ultrasound but once we were home and headed to our friends it got easier. Once we had the envelope out of our hands it was a relief! No more urges to peak. 

We had everyone wear pink or blue in honor of their guesses. Our family and friends gather around, we ate some home-made pizza (thanks to my dad!) and salads and then couldn't wait any longer. Everyone placed their votes and gathered around the cake. The votes were in and the odds were in favor of a girl! 

Boy or Girl …..  ? ! ? !

It's a ……. 

BOYYYYYY!!!!!! 

We were seriously so excited and a little relieved! We were talking and planning as if this little one was going to be a boy and it would have a little shocking if the cake was pink inside. Of course we would be thrilled if we were having a daughter or a son, it was just really fun that our gut-feelings were right! 

Oh son! We can't wait to meet you!

xo /  leah 

Tree Hunting + the series of unfortunate events

December 4th, 2015

We got our tree last weekend and it was such a great day! The weather was really perfect and the girls just loved running around the tree farm.  We wanted to get a tree that was short and fat this year. Last year we got a "Charlie Brown" tree so this year it was the fat one. We thought we chose the perfect one, one we thought would fit the corner in our living room perfectly. Let's just say we got the height right this time, but it's way to wide for the space! We laugh at it every time we see it. Just too fat!

The day was pretty perfect up till the last 10 minutes. To start with the series of unfortunate events we have to go back to Thanksgiving day. 

Cory and I made the turkey and stuffing this year using this recipe. It turned out really awesome! Probably the best turkey I've had and I'm really trying not to be biased there ;) I ended up burning my hand pretty bad though in the process. Don't touch a pan handle right after it's been in the oven… duh! 

Going back to our tree hunt, Gretta got attacked by another dog that was there. While I was trying to "save" her she accidentally took out my legs and I had a pretty nasty fall. I couldn't walk for a whole day and it's still taking some time for my knees to feel better. She walked away just fine but I was pretty banged up. 

At work this week while helping a rather large client into a recliner I got one of my fingers smashed in the recliner. So now I've got some scars from the turkey, a limpy gait, and some pretty bruised fingers. I hope this is the end of these not so pleasant events. 

In other more wonderful news, we hit 20-weeks growing this little one!! My belly is officially bigger and here to stay for a while. Cory mentioned the other night "well I guess you really are pregnant! Can't deny that now!". We can't believe we are already half way there to meeting this little one. 

Hope everyone is enjoying getting into the Christmas mood! Get those trees, be safe, and enjoy!

xo / leah