... been meaning to do this

We have had so much going on in the Williams' household since little Anna was born. I feel like I am just getting the chance to breathe... luckily it's nice Spring air I'm breathing! :)

After Anna was born and Tim went back to work, I found myself wondering... "What was I thinking?" I had a newborn at home and an almost 2 year old. My body was still racing with loads of pregnancy hormones and I found myself ready to cry all the time. Maddy was into everything and needed 115% of my attention while Anna needed 120% of my attention! Then... everyone got sick. Maddy just had a cold, but with massive amounts of snot! It was everywhere because of course she doesn't know how to cover her mouth or nose when she sneezes. Tim had something yucky and I had a sinus infection and fluid on an ear. But poor Anna had it the worst, RSV. It was mild and we treated it at home. But we found ourselves in the emergency room two nights because we just weren't comfortable with how she was breathing. She was so congested. It was the most pitiful and sad thing I have ever seen.

With some time and God's healing we are all back to being healthy. I know that first part sounded kind of negative.... you know the "what was I thinking" part. Well I say that because I learned a big lesson with the whole sickness episode. I LOVE taking care of two healthy girls!!!!! There will be some tough spots as there is with any mom at home with children. But God did not give me anything I couldn't handle. He gave me two perfect precious daughters.

Gosh. I am so incredibly blessed. Here comes the bragging! Madison is just the smartest little 22 month I've ever met! She can already count to 10 in English and in Spanish. She sings along with you to teh ABC song. She can read a couple of words already: mommy, daddy, baby, grandma, and hi. Her language is so clear and she is putting at least 5 or 6 words together to form a sentence. Some of those are questions. I just really couldn't be more proud of her. She uses her manners all of the time also. We were just in Michael's today picking out invitations for her birthday party and she said, "excuse me" as we passed this older lady. The lady turned around and mentioned what wonderful manners she had. It's the little things that make me smile.

We are potty training Madison right now. She is doing great! I think in no time we will be down to just a pull-up at night.

We are planning Maddy Jo's 2nd birthday party! On April 11th she will turn 2, but the party is gonna be on the 9th. We decided on a Bubble Birthday Bash! She loves bubbles and we have a great screen porch, deck, and back yard area where we can host her party. She is most excited about all of her "friends" coming and about the cake. :) She announces to everyone when she sees them that she is having a "Bubble party with cake."

Madison is at such a fun age right now. A very wise and special friend of mine told me to count these years as the "terrific twos." I think I'm beginning to see that as sooo true!

My sweet Anna Beth is growing bigger every day. She is going on 2 months old. It seems I may have missed a week and a half of her life when we were all sick. :( They just grow so quickly. Her face is changing so much. She is smiling at me so much more. I tell ya, those smiles... they melt the heart. I used to wonder how I could love them both... there is no doubt... I love these girls so much it hurts sometimes. I am so blessed. So so blessed.

I am so excited for this new chapter of our lives. We have felt a very clear calling on Tim's life. This summer he will continue with a couple more prerequisites so that in the fall he can start work on his Master's degree. In order to teach full time at the college level you need your Master's. Tim is such an amazing teacher. I am not just saying this. Over and over, semester after semester he gets amazing reviews from EVERY student! They ask him to teach the next class up so they can have him again. He continually has positive results from students in his GED course. I think he had 5 students who passed the math portion of the GED this semester. So with all that being sad we go to being a family of a full time student and bread winner. I'm so thankful for my husband and all that he does to take care of us. He works SO hard. I wouldn't and don't ask for anymore than I have. I am so blessed.

In just a short couple of months we will pack up (again) and move to Wilmington. We will be there for at least two years (which is how long it should take Tim to finish his degree). Then God only knows where will be after that. Most likely back to Jacksonville to work full time at the Community College. Tim really enjoys the staff that he works with in the curriculum department. His boss is very easy to work with and does everything she can for her teachers. It's his ideal working situation.

Wilmington should be fun. I will miss my mom being so close. Even though it's not Phoenix... or Africa. She comes over in the afternoons and even during the middle of the night sometimes. :) I know it's only for a short time. I've especially enjoyed out chats over coffee. It's been nice. But I will enjoy being closer to things that Madison will enjoy! The Children's Museum in Wilmington is so fun and Maddy hasn't been. She will love it! Also there is a YMCA in Wilmington and we look forward to being members there. They have swim classes Maddy can do and all sorts of activities. So that part of Wilmington will be nice.

So yeh, there is lots going on and lots to look forward. My prayer is that I can stay in the present as I look forward to what the near future holds. Sometimes that is difficult for me. Luckily I have a birthday party to plan! That should keep me busy!

Well that's all for now!

Bobbie