A Horse for Sara

When I was in MN over the summer

for my Uncle Art's funeral,

my aunt presented me with a rocking horse

that belonged to her daughter, Sara.

The horse survived the house fire

that claimed Sara's life.

Ann gave the horse to Sara

because she is named after her Sara

and to keep it in the family.

The horse was in rough shape.

Missing springs, handles, and quite rusty.

I really wasn't sure if Sara

would ever be able to use it.

To my surprised,

Papa Snegosky restored the horse

and found springs that worked

from his last boat lift.

Nana found a random broom handle

that worked for the horse handle bars.

Sara was able to try it while we were back.

The smile on her face says it all.

She LOVED it!

Such a lucky girl who has a

handy papa with a little extra

time on his hands!

Boll Cousin Time

We drove to Prior Lake to spend

a day with the Boll cousins.

Sara was a little overwhelmed

but warmed up eventually.

I enjoyed some much needed time

with my cousins Amy & Dena.

(we missed you, Denise!)

Kayla & Ali (the older girl cousins)

took Sara under their wings

and made her comfortable by

sharing their iPad.

Snow Play and Visits in Litchfield

Sara & I had a great time with Nana

at the lake Minnebelle cabin.

Gpa stopped over a couple times

to watch Sara play.

Sara enjoyed the snow

thanks to auntie Tasha

who borrowed her warm winter clothes!

We had a wonderful play date

with my childhood friend, Heather.

Heather was my neighbor.

Growing up, we played together ALL the time.

Our moms were best friends too

and went on daily walks together.

Heather lost her mom over the summer

and we reconnected through FaceBook.

This was a visit that was good for my soul.

Not many women our age can relate

to losing their mother.

I look forward to many more visits

and FB messages with Heather.

Mommy got a night out

with her friends Tasha and Elle.

We went to BWW

for some yummy wings.

Sara & I had a wonderful play date

with Bridger while we were back.

Unfortunately, mommy was busy talking

and didn't get a single picture!

We got to meet Bridger's baby sister Emmy.

What a beautiful baby girl!

We also got a tour of

Sarah & Mike's beautiful new house.

On Tuesday, I drove into my work office.

It was good to see my coworkers.

That evening, I met some girlfriends

for dinner and drinks.

Again, no pictures...

We were too busy talking and laughing.

My time spent with these girlfriends

was so wonderful and much needed.

I haven't laughed so hard in a long time.

Matt joined us again on Wednesday.

We drove into the cities

to see his friends Chris & Emily

and meet their 3 year old son, Jack.

Thursday we met my dad, brother

and my brother's girlfriend and her son

for Thanksgiving lunch.

We returned from lunch to find Jeanne!

She gave Sara a gift of crayons and paper

and Sara colored her a picture.

Sara's uncle Alex and his wife Jessica

stopped over to see Sara

and give her an early X-mas present.

We learned the news of another cousin

coming next summer after Sara

meets her brother or sister.

We are excited for Sara to have another playmate.

We joined the Snegoskys

for Thanksgiving dinner.

Sara wore her Big Sister shirt

in case there was anyone who didn't know.

On Friday we decorated for Christmas.

Sara enjoyed seeing the ornaments on the tree.

Especially the one that had daddy's picture

of when daddy was little.

Even Lucy was able to relax once in awhile.

And sneak in a kiss for her sissy.

It wouldn't be Christmas in Litchfield

without the bra Christmas lights.

Godparent Time

MN was a trip of highs and lows.

Like always, I caught a cold on the third day.

Single mommy + pregnancy + sickness = no good.

There were other major lows but, as always,

I will keep my blog positive.

When I look back at my blog,

I only enjoy reading the positives.

There were plenty of positives to share!

On Friday, daddy and papa left for deer camp.

Nana, Sara, and I went to visit Kate

and her new baby Mason

who was born on Halloween morning.

Sara loved meeting "baby Maci"

and gave him many kisses.

These two will have

many fun adventures together.

We were lucky enough to get some time

with Brent, Kate, and baby Mason

toward the end of our trip.

Sara says,

 "Uncle Brent" and "Auntie Kate"

very clearly!

Sara isn't used to having mommy

sleeping in her bedroom.

When she woke up,

She jumped up and down when she saw me.

Sara had a love-hate relationship with Cash.

Toward the end of the weekend,

Sara picked up phrases like

"Cash, no! no!"

and

"Cash, no buggin'"!

Flight to Minnesota

Another trek to MN is in the books.

We flew to MN for Thanksgiving and deer camp.

This is probably our last trip for awhile

since baby 2 will add another degree of difficulty.

We flew to MN on the day mom passed.

I like to think mom pulled some strings

and gave us one of the only empty seats

on the entire plane!

Sara still counts as a lap child and

we basically scored a free seat for her!

We flew during Sara's bed time.

Sara was a trooper and only cried

when I tried to make her sleep on me.

Although she was exhausted,

she just wanted to read her books.

We all arrived in one piece - success!

Swimming Lessons

Sara is back in swimming lessons

The jury is out whether she still enjoys it.

We are hearing a lot of "all done?"

when we're only halfway through class.

She enjoys reaching for toys in the water.

The kicking and splashing tires her out.

Mommy & daddy enjoy our

one-on-one time with her.

Baby, Baby, Baby

Sara is going to be

a BIG sister!

Matt & I are expecting

our second child in June 2015.

I am 10 weeks.

This pregnancy is making

my last pregnancy

look like a total breeze.

I have been awful sick

and worn down.

Sara says "baby" while pointing

to my belly.

I'm not sure how much she understands.

All I know is she will make

a wonderful big sister!

Strawberries have nothing to do

with this pregnancy

but they were delicious.