A Sniffle and A Snuffle

My Connor Boy is having a sick day! 
He is a runny nose, crabby boy, coughy throat man.
#1 remedy = A homemade bed on the couch + Juice bottle + Disney Movies + Mommy's snuggles!

A Fairy Note

Dear Bells,

We love you so much already and are so anxious to meet you. I wait to hear your first cry, which will melt my heart. Knowing you are here and healthy, will be such a comforting melody. Our first baby girl. You peek into my dreams a floating little fairy leaving me with thoughts of your darling face. I long to dress you up in bows and carry you around, all ours to show off to the world. Greeting you is the foremost thought in our minds as the day gets closer, and as you grow inside of me.

Daddy can’t wait to hold you in his arms and feel your soft new skin. He imagines what color your beautiful eyes will be and he is eager to look into them for the very first time. We can’t wait for you to meet your brother Connor. He presses kisses on Mommy’s belly and gives me hugs just for you. He thinks it is funny that Mommy has a special belly, but he is careful and so sweet about it.

We have an outfit already for you to come home in. We wonder how you will fit into it; will it swamp your tiny body? Or will you be bursting at the newborn seams? I remember with Connor it was a time of nervous anticipation, but with you we are prepared and content. Our emotions are centered, centered on our Bella Marie Stanger. As anxious as we are we look at the calendar and can’t believe that your arrival is so near. We are just weeks away now and things are moving quickly. We often imagine wrapping you in warm blankets to shelter you from the cold and having your sweet presence in our home. I can see Connor staring in awe of you and your miraculous little shape, tickling your tiny toes and being Mommy's biggest helper. I know that we will be watching you sleep and in hushed tones talking of your beauty for months to come.

Oh how we long to welcome you into our family, to watch you learn and grow. What a treasure it will be to have you here, sharing in our love. We adore you already, our little fairy Bells. 

Love,

Mommy, Daddy and Connor

September Brings ...

A chilly wind, signaling the onset of Autumn.
A daily reminder that our baby girl is on her way
    and needs warm clothes to wear.
A mad rush for sharpened pencils and heavy books.
A tired Daddy with lots of work.
A rambunctious 15 month old boy that is
   outgrowing everything he owns.

A Mommy who is often tired and uncomfortable from her
    8 month belly.

A long awaited ant free home, so far (I hope I am not jinxing it)!
A smoky, roasted marshmallow filled breeze.
A warm home with lots of cuddling and tickles.
A HAPPY FAMILY!

It is sad to say goodbye to Summer but Fall is looking good.
Thank You September!

BYUI Mothering

My brother Daniel just came to Idaho. He was staying with us and has started attending BYUI! I feel like I am basically raising a teenager. He even calls me Mom sometimes. It makes me laugh. Since I know all the ins and outs of Rexburg and BYUI, he has a lot of questions and so I get a lot of calls. I don't mind. I am glad to be here for him and help him out. I had NO ONE when I came. And it feels SO good to be doing what I wish someone was able to do for me. But in the long run it made me all the stronger, and I am grateful for it.

So for the last couple weeks:

We have done some of this....

Moving him into his apartment and setting him all up,
I was very particular. So I think Daniel really did feel like
 I was Mom most of the time!

And some of that....

Okay really shopping for groceries, apartment items,
 school supplies, and clothes made up the majority of our "fun"!

And a whole lot of this!

Walking around BYUI campus! Walking, walking, walking.
8 Months pregnant and totally capable, yes I am pretty much amazing. 

We also spent the weekend of Sept. 11th having a celebration for his 18th BIRTHDAY!

Imagine the 8 to go along with the 1, we only
had a one left over from Connor's first birthday!

Yummy GOURMET cupcakes, from the Cocoa Bean Cafe!

Love you Daniel, and happy we could help you while you adjust to the CRAZY COLLEGE LIFE!

Follow Me Today

Want a sneak peek into Connor's life? Well follow him around today and you can see what a fun 15 month old we have here, in our home.

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A Day with Me

I woke up around 7:30 today. Daddy got up with me and since Daddy had started getting ready and then played in the bath with me. 

Then Mommy got up and gave me some breakfast. Chocolate chip waffle and some craisins. While I ate I watched Cat in the Hat on TV.

Then Daddy had to leave for work. I hate this part of the day, because Daddy is my best buddy. So I watch him leave, and I usually have a very hard time. 

Mommy and I decided to go to my room and play some, practice some hoops, and get lots of tickles. 

Then I helped Mommy do the dishes and the wash. While Sesame Street played in the background. I watched a little. 

Mommy had to do some work on the computer and I started to get really tired. And I am "Oscar the Grouch" when I get sleepy. So Mommy changed me and sung me to sleep, and I took a long nap.

Let me tell you a secret, I HATE DIAPER CHANGES.
So I squirm and scream and I make it very hard for Mommy.

When I woke up I was so excited because it was time for Mommy and I to go on a walk. We had to eat some lunch first, but I was too excited to eat. On our walk I couldn't hold back my run, I love being independent and just going everywhere. While Mommy chases me.

I love strolling, and Daddy was already home when we got back. He gave me lots of cuddles. I love playing with Daddy. Chase is my favorite game!

Mommy and Daddy sat and talked and watched TV for awhile, and I got bored. So I got into a little mischief. But don't worry I helped pick up. 

Then my Uncle Daniel came over and gave me lots of kisses. I played with him in my room and ran around the house with the hyper-jitters. We went out to eat with Daniel and it was pretty fun, but I was ready to get back home. 

After all that I got a treat because I was so good at the restaurant. Daddy and I shared an otter pop at home! YUMMY!

Mommy and I played peek-a-boo for awhile, and Daddy put on some music and we all danced. I love to dance with Mommy and Daddy! It wore me out though!

Mommy took lots of pictures today. And after all that I wanted to take some too. 

And by the end of the day, 8:30ish, I was ready for a rockin, storytellin, teethbrushin, bottle drinkin, BEDTIME!

I hope you enjoyed following me around today!

A New Trick

Someone in our family discovered a new trick...

I adore this picture!

We recently gave up on trying to duck tape all the drawers. So I just emptied them and tried to find a new place for the contents. And then my silly boy found out that when the drawer is empty it makes quite a good spot for climbing and playing in. good thing it is a sturdy bottom drawer.