mihoshigurl

This holiday season has me in a thoughtful and reflective mood. Within the last year my little family has undergone a lot of major changes. We have all moved from Eastern Minnesota to Western North Dakota. The move took over 12 hours and 10,000 miles to complete. We also transitioned from a two bedroom apartment to a three bedroom house. Instead of using a daycare provider or the assistance of friends and family, we now have a full time nanny to care for our girls. I have changed careers from apartment reception (relatively laid back, leaving lots of time for side projects) to working two reception type jobs that are much faster paced. The girls have grown so much that it is unbelievable. My husband works hard and is also helping with projects around the house (like hanging up outside holiday lights in the harsh wind, thanks so much honey). Life has become pretty settled for a bit. So, with a day off, after cleaning and putting our little darlings down for a nap, I spend time thinking. I remember the last year with fondness and look forward to the next one. North Dakota is a land of opportunity like no other right now. My husband and I plan on seizing these days, no matter what they may bring, to make the most of each moment. We are learning to stand alone and are looking forward to whatever doors may open up for us next with greatest anticipation.

On Monday, July 9th I had my second little girl. Her name is Cheyenne Emily Moncrief and she weighed 6lb 4oz and was 19 inches long. She has black hair and blue eyes. Cheyenne is very quiet, like the yang to Zoe's yin, opposite but complementary to her. Zoe loves her baby and so do my husband and I. We are happy to be home. Sorry if I've been slow to respond to messages but we are home now, even though we've been busy for awhile.

:boggie: My baby shower on Saturday went great! I received so many special and amazing gifts. The time was well spent with so many lovely people. Zoe had a good time participating too and she is starting to get excited for her little sister's up and coming arrival. My husband and I are so very greatful for everything that all who were present, and even some of those not did. Since this is my 2nd marriage, I did have a few things from Zoe that were saved but I did loose a lot from my prior divorce. Between all of the shower gifts on Saturday, the remaining hand-me-downs from Zoe, the few special outfits my husband and I purchased, and the boxes of hand-me-down's from Rich's sister on their way to us via Amtrack, we should have more than enough clothes to last our little one from birth to 24 months. It is such a huge blessing! We also got a crib, pack and play, and highchair which are all brand new. My husband's mom gave us a bacinet and crib mattress that fits just right into the new crib. Plus we got tons of other stuff we knew we needed and some things we didn't know existed but we will totally use.
Everyone had a blast playing games, eating, and talking. It was a regular hen party. My husband's family has done so much to welcome me and Zoe into their's that we feel like we've been part of it much longer. All our friends were so awesome with time spent and some of them made the most beautiful homemade quilts.
My baby's god-mom, Melody, went totally above and beyond the call of duty in hosting this party. She made sure all guests were looked after and did such an awesome job with decorations, games, and food prep. She also brought some presents for Zoe and encouraged others to do the same so she would not feel left out or jealous.
I am so happy and content that words sem almost inadiquate. This was all way beyond expactations.

OMG I can't believe this idiot on the news. He actually thought he could get away with syphening gas from a police car and then photographs it and sends it to everyone on fb! Now he's trying to sue the creator of fb. What a moron!

It is official. We had our 5 month ultrasound today. Zoe is going to have a little sister! She will have another girl to play with. YAY!