Dragging my Feet...

A while back I posted a whole diddy about being content, embracing living in our small house, starting to do more projects, yada yada yada.

That didn't happen.

The house is still on the market (for sale by owner now).  We are getting several calls, but doors aren't opening right now.  To say I'm "okay" with this would be a lie.  BUT, I am trying to put on my optimistic glasses and stay focused on the positives.  Lower mortgage, less house to clean, rubbing elbows with the loved ones, you know the sappy things people say when they live in small houses (and for the majority are true but at times you just want to scream GET UP OUT OF MY SPACE!!).

Truth be told, we are fine.  We know there is a reason we aren't moving, unbeknownst to us.  Someday we will look back and that reason will be so clear and we will be thankful.  But, one must not live in the future or one will miss out on the present.  So...  I do what I do best, I make a list.

I had a come to Jesus with the husband last night and went over the list with him.  I have categorized things by monthly goals and waved my hooray pennant in attempts to fire him up to get on board of the project "keep my wife from going insane by renovating and changing a few things in the house."  Up first is the guest room.

Our house has two, technically three, rooms.  Our tiny room is devoted to Henry's space.  This used to be our office/library (because we have more books than we know what to do with).  So, when Henry was cooking in the oven, we decided to keep the guest room as is, move the desk to the living room, store several books, and transform the tiny space to a lovely nursery.  Because we would totally be out of here by his first birthday.  Note to self, don't put a timeline on life events.

Now that Henry is getting a little older and his toys are TAKING OVER MY LIVING ROOM, plan C is going into action.  Our guest room will be changed into an office/play room by the end of September, so help me.  Because we have a tiny house, the bed has camouflaged nicely as a storage unit.  Under the bed are several bins of shoes, wrapping paper, and who knows what else.  Project purge is underway currently.  I am finding new homes for the shoes (and getting rid of several pairs, sigh), selling my large stash of gift bags in a garage sale, and clearing out closet and drawer space.

The donate and sale boxes runneth over.  

Once I have cleared out under the bed, the bed itself and my beloved bedding will be posted for sale.  Then, the magic happens.  A blank slate to do with as I wish.  Painting will happen (cough, cough, husband doesn't know this yet), a new furniture piece will be bought, and I will have my office space back.  Not to mention the toys will have a home. 

So, here's to the first thing on the list.  Now I finally have something to write about!!! 

If you know of anyone looking for a magnificent queen bed, adorable gray bedding, and striped sheet set, you just let me know. 

Road Trippin'

My car has gotten some miles on it in the past two weeks. I've been to a small town close to Arkansas for a home study (such a sweet family, I really love my job), Henry and I adventured to KC to see my college gal pals and all their littles, and we are currently on our way back from OKC where we attended my cousin's wedding.  Through all of this time in the car I've come to terms with something about myself...

I HATE BEING IN THE CAR!

Oh good gravy people!  According to my husband, I am quite the backseat driver. Which is silly.  I like to consider myself as extending my roll as his helper in all areas of our time together. So why not in the car?  Aren't statements such as; "You're driving like a grandma, speed up!", "You have no idea where we are! Why don't you EVER look up directions!?", "Seriously, if ya drive over the butt tingles again, guard yourself cause you're gonna get hit."  helpful?  He totally loves it and it draws us closer and closer with each passing mile. 

Just last night while venturing back to our hotel... Late... Following my brother in law (who didn't know where the heck we were)... In a city we are never in... I revealed to Chris I die a little each time we are in the car.  All the while placing the seatbelt over my forehead and leaning forward.  Dramatic?  I think not. 

I like to keep things interesting and the husband on his toes. 

Now, driving by myself can be both good and bad. I love controlling the radio, I love my quiet space, but I hate having a numb butt after 30 minutes and knowing I am trapped for the next x amount of miles. Add a kid to the mix who hates stop lights and being restrained and I'm surprised I still have hair. 

But, alas... The past two weeks of traveling have been filled with a rewarding meeting with an amazing adoptive family, tons of laughs and love with the ladies I did life with during my growing up years, and a sweet reunion with family I don't see enough.  So, I am cursing the Dunkin' Donuts coffee which is not decaf and which is making me feel like I am crawling out of my skin. Because I've still got 3 and a half hours in the car and the warm fuzzy feeling I currently have can only last so long.  Freaking toll booths and husband who wants to be the next American Idol are bound to wear on me. (I love my husband. And he loves my sarcasm. Have no fear.)

11 Months

Let's see if I can post your 11 month entry during the week you turned 11 months.  Wouldn't that be an achievement?

I have been sappy all week due to you hitting the 11 month mark.  I don't know if it is how pictures are starting to look little boy like rather than baby like, the fact that we are one month from your first birthday and the planning is actually underway, but I am so sad.  My itty bitty baby isn't so itty bitty anymore.  You don't cry as much when I leave, the cuddle time is minimal (because you are always on the go), and those rolls are slimming down.  Dear Henry, you are growing up too fast.

You are a curious little boy who wanders around the house.  I love taking you to new places and watching you explore.  You are starting to stand on your own, but you don't realize what you are doing yet.  I am totally fine with you not learning to walk yet.  You get around just fine with your bear crawl ways, walking is just another step in the growing up process that I am not ready for.

You continue to be a healthy little eater.  Popsicles are a fun treat that you enjoy.  It is a messy mess, but so stinking cute.  We are sticking around the seven teeth mark.  I see a few more starting to come in, but for now we've got seven.  You have a gap between your two front teeth that is adorable.  I'm crossing my fingers you inherit your father's "perfect bite". 

Your personality is hilarious.  You focus on details and squeal with delight.  You definitely are an observer and it takes you a little while to warm up.  Once you feel comfortable though, watch out!  You give grins out freely and have the cutest little wave.  Everyone loves to hold you because of your fluff, you prefer to be down exploring. 

You can say "dog" pretty clearly and continue to look around for "Jaja" when he isn't in the room.  You mimic syllables which is so fun.  You are definitely more vocal over the past month.  

You are as cute as cute can be and I can't get enough of you!  I give you a million kisses a day because someday I'm sure that will be embarrassing.  Fair warning child, you're still gonna get them. 

10 Months

Another very delayed post.  Mom of the year award, thank you so much.  I am terrible about uploading pictures.

I can't believe we are already at month TEN!  You're little personality shines more and more each day, little one. Every night after you go to bed, Chris and I sit and talk about how cute and sweet you are. We are smitten beyond belief.

You have SEVEN teeth now. SEV-EN!  Four on top and three on the bottom. It is so silly to see you giggle with your mouthful of little toothers. You like to bite your momma still.  You think it is hilarious, I however beg to differ. Pureed food is very rare nowadays.  You love table food.  Chicken, veggies, fruit, whatever you can get into those chubby hands and shoveled in your mouth.   

You are everywhere. You have started to cruise a little around the furniture, but crawling is your preferred mode of transportation. You bear crawl on the hard woods to keep those nubby knees protected. 

You are a sweet, happy little fellow. We chit chat through the day. "Dada" is your favorite phrase now. I think you say hi every so often and you say Jaja when you see Jasper. You light up when you see other kiddos. We are very blessed to be surrounded by lots of littles, so we have lots of fun play dates.

You recognize your grandparents now, which they love.  You reach for your grandmas and give lots of smiles to your grandpas.  We are so thankful to live close to them.  They ask to watch you often and it is so fun to see you bond with them.  You will be begging to go to their house before too long. 

We couldn't imagine life without you. It is hard to believe we are starting to plan your first birthday party!

Getting pictures out of you is a full body work out.  You just go go go.  I love it!

9 Months

LOOOONNNGGGG overdue nine month post.  Like two months past due.

Whew, another fast month.  When I wrote your 8 month post you had just learned to go from your belly to a sitting position.  It seems like from there you just took off.  Before we knew it you were standing up in your bed and then crawling.  Now you pull up on EVERYTHING, crawl EVERYWHERE and are a busy, busy boy.

Your top left tooth is through and the right is shortly behind.  The teeth on either side are starting to show as well.  That means that pretty soon you will be a six tooth wonder.  Teething has not been too bad (knock on wood).  You still drool and chew on everything.  You have also picked up the new trick of biting your mother.  So not cool, child.  You've put your new teeth to good use in the feeding department.  You still eat your pureed food for the most part, but you are into table food.  Peas, carrots, puffs, eggs, bananas, and perhaps a few nibbles of whatever is on my plate (you love pancakes).  If your rolls are any indication, eating will not be a battle with you.

You are much more vocal these days.  Momma and babababa are your favorite sounds.  You've got until Father's Day to master the dada.  You sing and dance, which is awesome.  You have also started to reach to the sky for no apparent reason from time to time.  It is hilarious and you talk to me while you are doing it.

You are still a momma's boy.  You love your dad and I am so excited to see your relationship grow as you become older.  I am eating up this time though because I know it won't last for forever.  The day will come when you will be off at the batting cages with your dad or on the golf course.  For now, I will gladly pick you up when you reach for me.

Your facial expressions crack me up.  I would love to get inside that little head of yours to hear your thoughts.

We are spending much more time outside which has been so fun.  You love to go on walks, swing, play in the grass, and explore.  This month has been chopped full of learning.  I am excited to see what is next, but again am ready for things to slow down.

Love you little baby boy. 

I also failed to take a picture with the chalk board for month nine.  Thankfully, the wonderful Meg White took pictures on his ninth birthday, so it's all good.

What a Month!

June has been a cra-cra month you all. 

CRA to the ZY!!!

We have been go go go the majority of the month. From family visiting, weddings, get aways, garage sales, and a whole other slew of things I can't even recall because I'm over it. 

Over it I say!

I'm ready for June to be done. 

We've got a handful of days left in the month and I am dreading them the most. Particularly Friday when I will be making a trip up to KC to pick up my great grandparents' piano. Why I am I so sentimental about some things?  Seriously!  Why couldn't I have latched on to say my Pa's old marble collection or Granny's kitchen chair. Nope. The piano. My uncle has been kindly storing it for several years and now the time has come to retrieve it. (Don't even get me started on how we will be putting it back into storage because our house continues to sit on the market. Grrrr) 

Today was the icing on the cake. I pray my husband doesn't glance at the blog. 

Some good friends are headed out to get and see their babes from Ethiopia and so we were all gathering at Panera to celebrate the birthday of the daughter of one friend before they take off.  Henry had decided 6 was a great time to wake up this morning (I can't really complain here. He typically sleeps until 8. But rarely does he wake up crying and that was the case today). After some cuddle time, he was quiet enough for Chris and I to get ready. 

Henry and I headed to Target to pick up a gift and all was well (minus him chewing on the cart. Whatever).  We were towards the food section of the store when one wheel decided to stop turning. Rather than looking like a fool and carrying a 22 pound babe and an armload of items to the front of the store I decided it would be brilliant to lift the handle up and wheel the cart on the front two wheels the remainder of the way. Seriously? Not only did I look ridiculous I'm sure, but my arms are burnnnniinnngggg!!! 

I gathered myself and headed to Panera. All was well. Gifts were opened. 510 calorie breakfast sandwich was eaten (and perhaps half of a pumpkin muffin. And coffee. Don't hate).  And then nap time crept up and my son lost it. Not too bad, but my arms were burning and holding a wiggling giant child was not helping. 

So, I gave hugs to my friends. One who is going to pick up her little girl, the other who is meeting her son for the first time (get me a tissue, I can't even handle it) and started to look for my keys. Child still wiggling. Frantically looking through all the diapers (why did I take 12 diapers for a morning outing) I could not find them.  I told another friend I would probably be back in and she might be driving me to my husband's office because I wouldn't doubt if I locked my keys in the car. That's the kind of month it has been. 

Go out to the car.  Doors are unlocked. Radio is on. Keys are in the ignition. 

What the frick?! 

Praise Jesus I live in Springfield. 

Praise Jesus it is June 26th. 

And most of all praise Jesus that I get to meet/see two precious Ethiopians very soon. 

Yup, that sums it up son. 

Yet Another New Chapter

No, I'm not pregnant. 

Now that that's cleared up. I have a whole slew of posts pending. But I forget to attach pictures in a timely fashion. So, apologies to my son who is going on 10 and a half months and his 9 and 10 month posts are sitting and waiting. Apologies to my husband who I wrote a sweet post about last week for our anniversary and intended on including a photo montage. And there are a few attempts at witty posts thrown in the muck, but there's no need for apologies in that department, you all aren't missing out on much. 

But, this post doesn't really have a picture, so we are all in luck. Get excited. 

There's a new chapter beginning round these parts and I'm pretty pumped. My counseling license is up for review this weekend (throw up some prayers about that if you don't mind). So, it's time for something new, cause that's kind of what I do. 

Let's rewind. 

Adoption is a part of my life. Because it is such a big part of who I am, I crave to be involved with it. I love to listen about it, I am blessed to be surrounded by friends who are a part of it, I desire to educate people about it (those kids are cute, but adoption is hard folks), I just have a heart for adoption. It has been a long standing desire to incorporate adoption into my career path. Hence the counseling degree. 

A few months ago during a nap time which at times allow adult conversations to occur, Chris and I hashed out my career. What I have been doing for the past two years has been eye opening and much needed to change my heart in so many areas, but I knew it wasn't something long term. I still have a few clients and will continue to take a few on here and there, but I wasn't settled. So, on a whim I emailed a girl I went to college with who works for a local adoption agency. Sometimes you just gotta put yourself out there. Twenty minutes later, I had a response.  God is so good to answer prayers. 

A couple of months later, lots of paperwork, and some shadowing, I am on my way to writing home studies for an adoption agency!  I am so excited!  This will still allow me to be at home a majority of the time with baby boy, but gets my foot in the door with adoption. It is refreshing!  I'm overly excited to be a part of this process in the adoption journey. 

So, a slight career move is taking place. I admire the counseling practice I work for so much and will continue to be on staff for the boss man. I hope to continue keeping clients here and there because I really do love counseling (despite the crazy frustrations at times). But, happy dance for home studies! 

Now to hopefully get my license in hand soon. Then I can sign my name: Ashley Boschen, LPC. 

 And because I can't leave you without a picture, here's Henry boy reading my quiet book from when I was a babe. He tore a few strings off. We are learning our son is crazy string and destructive, aka all boy.