Nov/Dec 2009 -- Jay and I found out we were pregnant f
or the 2nd time. However, in early November we also found out that this one did not make it past 10 weeks in the womb. Although statistically common for women, it
was sad, heartbreaking for both (all) of us. Thankfully we had Mak to distract us and make us smile every minute of every day... so we soon felt & knew that in time it would come to be...
Jan/Feb 2010 -- Jay & I enjoyed a vacation by ourselves in San Juan, Puerto Rico for 4 days. Mak had a great time at Oma & Opa's house -- keeping them VERY busy. Jay was recognized as part of the "leadership team" at Chase and was invited with only a few 100 others to NYC to celebrate this great achievement. I also negoti
ated a part-time schedule with my work at Resource Interactive which allowed me 2 days at home with Mak a week. Mak continued to go to "school/daycare" and spend time with Cecilia on the other days. Her ability to communicate in almost full sentences was becoming increasingly better - and makes everyone laugh. Her independence and determination starts to peak out as she learns to put on her shoes, socks, backpack, seatbelt etc.Spring 2010 - We find out we were pregnant with our 3rd! We proceed carefully - cautious not to get our hopes up - but excited & anxious nonetheless. (Thankfully as I write this we are waiting for this baby (TBD boy or girl) to arrive any day now.) So as the days of spring came to be - and with it warmer weather - the days I had home, Mak & I would enjoy play-dates with friends, going for walks -- LOTS of walks -- we both like to be outdoors. Mak likes getting dirty and thankfully there are several playgrounds and parks to choose from nearby.
Mak enjoyed celebrating her 2nd birthday with several friends & family members joining us for a great day at the cabin. She had so much fun...enjoyed every minute of the spotlight. It was hard to convince her that other "parties" we attended after her b-day party were not all for her.
Summer 2010 - My belly grows and grows with baby "TBD". Mak loves to paint on her easel in the yard, go swimming and of course walk and/or go to the playgrounds nearby. She practices on her tricycle - and slowly learns how to peddle with help from Mom or Dad. We enjoy several days/weekends at the cabin, Makayla gets to drive the boat (with Daddy closely supervising). We spend a lot of time at the beach area across the lake where she can practice her swimming (blowing bubbles, using a raft, etc.).
She has no fear, and is determined to learn something if she sees other "big kids" doing it. 
I am slowly coming to realize the difficulty of working part-time -- especially in my line of work, it seemed I was putting in the same 40hr week, but in only 3 days. I was feeling stretched thin, with the inability to really focus and succeed at any one thing I was working at (work, Mak, etc.). As a result, (thankfully) Jay & I decide I will resign from my current job and stay home with the kids for a few years...Fall 2010 - Pregnancy is good to me - albeit the rather large belly, which is at this point causes challenges when Mak & I want to enjoy those long walks! But (sigh of relief) I am home now full-time - last day at work was 8/27 - and loving every minute of it.
We have been able to concentrate on some much needed home improvement projects, along with allowing me some time to get ready for baby "TBD". I'm incredibly grateful to have these past couple of months at home with just Mak -- especially before baby comes. It has allowed me to be truly present with her every day and get to know the depth of her personality which is slowly being unveiled in different ways each day. She & I still walk outside almost every day, she is in gymnastics (and loves it), play dates and 1 day/wk at preschool. Mak loves to make "friends" anywhere, she's athletic and brave (thankfully compatible qualities), is very open and communicative to other children and adults. Many people state their amazement of her vocabulary, communication skills and physical coordination/ability. She's very strong-willed - which Jay & I compliment and encourage -- however, it's hard work to direct and guide. The "terrible two's" are certainly fully upon us!TODAY, 11/22/10 - Due date for baby is this Friday 11/26. As of dr. appt this morning - still no further progress (a very frustrating prognosis). So we wait....
Mak will be almost exactly 2 1/2 years old at the time this baby is born. She is extremely excited to be a big sister and has gotten recent practice helping with her baby cousin Kira. She will be a big help to Mom once baby does arrive.
As we quickly approach the holiday season - we have much to be Thankful for...
