Watch out Tim Allen....

Our last week could totally be a part, maybe a very very small part, of one of those pure michigan ads.

Bryan and I say over and over again all summer long how lucky we are to LIVE in a place that other people come to VACATION. The beach is such a great escape on a weeknight, and a quick trip to swim in the lake or walk on the pier is so easy when it's so close to home. We're loving the hot (so hot!) summer, and hope that the next month is as full of Michigan summer fun as the past months have been.

Blueberry Picking at Gold Barn Blueberries


Beautiful Michigan blueberries. Yum!

Wading into the waves in Lake Michigan

Macy's first trip to the beach. Although completely unaware,

I think she loved it as much as the three of us did.

Around here lately

Here is a peak at what we've been up to over the past

week and a half as we're adjusting to our new family of four:

Bryan wasted no time putting both girls in the stroller to take a walk to the park. Elise was so excited to finally have her baby sister sitting next to her!

Here's the first of 12 pictures of Macy. My plan is to take a picture, just like this one over the next 12 months. While everyone is surprised at how big she was at birth, she still feels like such a little peanut to me!

Since it's been sooo hot over the past few weeks, we've spent lots and lots of time outside in the kiddie pool. Bryan even got in to cool off the other day, which Elise just loved.

This was rare moment to see Macy's dark dark blue eyes. So far, she's a very good baby. She nurses great and sleeps even better! No complaints from this mommy!

Since Macy takes a lot of my time, I have found myself suffering with some mommy guilt about all the times I have to ask Elise to wait or tell her that I can't do something with her because I'm busy with the baby. So, I tend to give in more than I normally do. For example, making Jello is Elise's most favorite thing to do in the kitchen, and, even though we didn't have anywhere to take it, we boiled up the water and made this orange finger jello. If you haven't tried orange finger jello in a while, I recommend giving it a try. It's delicious! :)

Meet Macy

She's here! Macy RuthAnne Linn was born into our family on Tuesday, July 12, at 5:26am. She weighed 9 pounds 5 ounces, and is a very healthy baby girl.

Bryan and I are so blessed to welcome this sweet baby into our family. We're all adjusting well, and big sister Elise just adores Macy. In time, I'm sure Macy will adore Elise, too. :)

While We Wait

Baby Linn was due on Tuesday, July 5Th. Three days ago. Now we're looking into another weekend, free of any plans, and trying to come up with fun things to do to pass the time while we wait for our baby girl to arrive. And, yes, I've heard all the tricks to starting labor, and NONE of them work. (for me anyway) And so we wait.

We've had a great time keeping busy this week. The fourth of July started with breakfast at the beach with my dad's side of the family, and then Bryan, Elise, & I stayed for the afternoon and took full advantage of the gorgeous weather. What a perfect 4Th! Tuesday was a concert at Lawrence Street Park in Zeeland, where Elise braved the big amphitheater steps and sat with the other kids (w/o mom & dad!!) on a blanket near the musician. In my very pregnant state, that made me a little emotional. When did she get so big?!? Last night brought dinner downtown and the street performers with a few friends. Elise even got to run in the splash pad right before heading home. Tonight may just be errands for a few last-minute things and dinner at home.

So, we're staying busy and yet very very anxious to meet this little girl. I know everything about my little family will change the moment this child enters our lives. And, I love thinking about our new family of four and how we'll be. I love knowing that Elise will have a sister, and what a blessing that will be to them both. But, I'm also soaking up all this special time, just the three of us, before all that change arrives. Somehow it's a little sad to think life will never be this way again. Elise will share us for the rest of her life. We won't love her any less, but it may feel like it sometimes, at least to her, at least in the beginning. The thought of all that adjustment for her makes me quite nervous about the next couple days and weeks.

So, while we wait for baby Linn, I am enjoying my time with Elise. I'm easier to persuade into one more story at bedtime or an unexpected stop at the car wash for popcorn. She gets extra hugs and kisses, and lots and lots of time talking about how much mommy loves her and always will. We talk about the baby and how she'll need lots and lots of love and attention from us. She's excited about the baby too. So, so, excited. And as much talking as we've done, I can't imagine a child more prepared for what's to come. And, yet, she has absolutely no clue! The plan will be lots of love, lots of patience, and lots of prayer for understanding as we all adjust to this big change.

Hopefully my next post has our exciting news and pictures of the newest member of our family! I'll keep you posted. Until then, the waiting continues..........