Back to Bayer

This coming Monday, March 2, I am headed back to work. I have been blessed to have the last 16 weeks off with Little Peanut and now it is time to head back to reality. This is definitely bittersweet for me. I really like what I do, and I work for a wonderful company, but I did really enjoy my time off as a full-time mommy. I do know, however, know that I will be much more productive working fulltime. I am the type of person who needs to be organized and have something "to do" every day. I think the structure will prove to be better for both Little Peanut and me. I am also so thankful that God has blessed me with a great job in an unstable economy and that I am fortunate enough to have a job that is flexible and in which I can use my talents.

For those of you who have asked, Little Peanut will be staying with my mother-in-law on Mondays and will be at a neighbor's on Tuesday-Friday. She is a licensed daycare provider, but she only cares for one or two other kids in the neighborhood. We are so fortunate to have such great care available and this is definitely making the transition easier.

Monday, I am sure, will prove to be a difficult day. However, I know, that in the long run, this is the right decision for my family. Please send prayers for us all, including Brad (he'll need them to deal with me (hehe)). Ultimately I am excited to "get back into the swing of things" and am excited to see my customers again. I know that within a week or two, things will have fallen into place and all will be right with the world (at least my little corner of it:)). Thanks Bayer for the opportunity to spend these precious weeks home with my little one and now I am ready to come back and make you proud:)!

Simply Sophie

Little Peanut got "Sophie the Giraffe" for Valentine's Day from Grandma and Grandpa Kuipers. She (Sophie) has quickly stolen his heart. Brad's mom, Sheila, wanted to get Sophie for him as Brad had one when he was a child. She tells stories of how Brad would carry Sophie everywhere he went! Well, Little Peanut is following in his father's footsteps. He is just beginning to be able to grab toys and play with them, and Sophie has become his new found love. It's kind of interesting and refreshing at the same time, that with all of the toys available, toys with lights and music and "bling", my child prefers the simple, rubber, squeaky, dog-like toy that was introduced in the 60's. If you need a gift, for someone who has everything, Sophie may be just the thing. You can find her here: http://www.landofnod.com/family.aspx?c=476&f=201&q=sophie&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1 or here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IDSLOG/ref=s9_k2a_c2_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1T55MXKHAEEVHM4WFJB1&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=463383371&pf_rd_i=507846.

First Playdate with Little Waldorf

Little Peanut and I headed to Kalamazoo today to meet the newest Bayer Baby. Little E was so precious and sweet. Although I know it sounds cliche, I do not remember Little Peanut ever being that small...even though its only been less than four months! He looked SO big next to little E. Anyway, little Waldorf was so adorable with his dark hair and dark skin (one of the benefits of jaundice:)). Though the boys didn't play a lot today, I am sure they will once they get older.

Ashley looked great as well! She is really embracing the whole mommy thing. Little E marks the first of a year of babies around here. Stay tuned for little Mulder, Snyder, and DeBoer all due within the next month or so!

Welcome Little One!

Little Peanut now has a new playmate! My coworker, Ashley, gave birth to little E on Monday, February 23. He was 8lbs 11ozs and is absolutely adorable! Ashley and I went through infertility issues together and went through the excitement and joys of pregnancy together. Little E was definitely worth the wait. Congrats Ashley and Ryan!

Aquatic Center Fun

Last week Thursday, the 12th, my sister Bethany and her kids, A and H, and Julie and J, all headed to the Aquatic Center for some great fun with the kiddos. This was little peanut's first time in the water. I thought he would love it as bathtime is one of his favorite times. He did seem to like it, however he was a bit tired as we went at a time he normally naps. He was in the water for about 10 minutes until Aunt Bethany got him dressed while I watched A and H for her. Afterwards Julie and I headed to a yummy restaurant for lunch. What fun!

First Post

Much to my husband's dismay, I am finally joining the blogging world. I will be referring to our little one as "little peanut" to ease my husband's mind about security. I am doing this mainly to have one place, that I can always look back upon, that documents important events in our family. I realize that the only people that truly care about your child's milestones are you and your spouse and your parents. So, if we are the only ones who read this, so be it. For the rest of you, you are welcome to read as well. But please know that I will not take offense if you are not ecstatic in reading about the first time little peanut eats peas or has a major blowout:)!