soon and very soon

My husband, the extremely talented photographer, has captured some pretty sweet moments this past week as we count down the days until we meet baby girl #2.

a day in the life of mercy isabel

Here are a few shots of Mercy’s everyday activities lately.

Our friend Ramin brought over an inner tube the other day because he knows Andy loves to tube in Boulder Creek. Mercy helped herself and decided to have a little party in the tube.

She can’t seem to get enough of her cooking set these days. She serves us up all kinds of treats and even enjoyed her own real sandwich while snacking on a pretend tomato during lunch today. She actually took the time to cut up the sandwich into tiny little pieces with her pretend knife and then use the pretend cutting board as a plate while she ate every single bite!

Mercy’s been sleeping like a champ in her toddler bed and is completely fine with the fact that her “old” crib is for the baby. It’s fun to watch her climb into bed on her own, especially on days when she’s soooo ready for her nap and doesn’t even need prompting to start her nap.

we love water

We went to the Boulder Reservoir the other day with our friends Natalie, Lauren, Isaiah, Meggan, and John. We whooped it up and relived fond memories of growing up near lakes in the Midwest. Mercy thoroughly enjoyed herself in the sand and Andy thoroughly enjoyed repeatedly throwing Mercy’s little squealing body way up into the air as they played in the water.

mercy and her buddies

Mercy had a blast at Andy's birthday party. Here she is with some of her friends...

Special moment with Mercy and her friend Jaydn.

Mercy hanging out with her buddy Colton.

Our friend Kelley checks out the action at the batting cages with Mercy.

Mercy joins in on Ramin and David’s conversation.

The lovely Tara Swanson with Mercy.

fun parks are for 30-year-olds

To celebrate Andy's birthday, we went to a fun park nearby with some friends

(Andy’s goal was to not feel 30).

Go-Karts! Will Mercy enjoy it?

Andy certainly does.

It’s confirmed. Mercy’s a fan.

A big one.

andy is 30!

For Andy’s 30th birthday (Finally! I’m no longer alone in the 30s!),
we had a little Zenz party when Andy got home from work.

Andy and Mercy blow out the candles.

Quality time on the couch.

the blessing of girlfriends

My dear friends threw a baby shower a few weekends ago for Karin and me (we’re due the same week). It was such a special morning full of great conversation, fabulous food, prayer, and adorable baby gear, of course. The new baby and I were spoiled immensely by the girls’ generosity. Thank you, beautiful ladies, for such a wonderful time together!

The girls--front row from left: Shauna, Karin
Middle row: Julie, Katie, and me;
Back row: Jenny, Meggan, Jen, Amy, Nat, and Mandy

Love that Julie and Nat so much.

My wonderful friend Meggan.


- Fellow prego buddy Karin.
Some of the women from our Bible study at a recent girls’ night out.
From left: Kelly, Meggan, Nat, Karin, me, and Amy.