SUMMERRRR! I have a mad crazy passion for the heat and summer! Kyle well not so much, he could live in fall temps all year long. So getting the chance to go visit my family in Virginia for a MONTH in the summer was something I just wasn't going to pass up. And yes I said a month. I have a really close relationship with my parents so going for a month was an easy decision. We spent many a days at the beach, long walks, and lots of laughing.

 We spent the 4th of July there. It was one of my summer bucket list items. My folks live in Williamsburg, VA so I don't know of anywhere else in the US that can feel any more patriotic. We listened to the reading of the Declaration of Independence being read from the Colonial Williamsburg Courthouse steps. It about gives you chills even in the hot, humid July heat when the people dressed in full colonial costume are cheering as it's read. It was pretty awesome. Later we got to enjoy the fireworks right down on the palace greens.

Breckette was a little fish when it came to spending time in the water. I really wasn't sure if she would stay out and just play in the sand or enjoy sitting close to us on the beach but touching the water. Yeah - NOPE! That girl went charging into that water with no fear, and good luck getting her back in! It was awesome! I was so proud of her.

And while we were there she learned to ride her "bike". Boy she was so excited, but if I'm being honest so were the rest of us. There is just something about seeing the joy. If you have a child then you know the kind I'm talking about. The kind that radiates from them so strongly you can feel it deep in your soul. That's the kind of joy she had and I LOVE IT!

It was really fun to get to have my very best friend get to come visit while there too. It was almost like being in high school again. Late night talks while laying on the bed. Deep conversations about our men, life, faith, the future, and of course WEDDING! She was my maid of honor and now I get the honor of being in her beautiful Kentucky wedding this September. I seriously couldn't be more excited for this girl. She deserves the love she has found in TJ and it will be a joy to get to celebrate their marriage. Also, if you need some great makeup tips check her out here. You can thank me later ;)

Kyle came out and joined us for the last part of the trip, and boy were we ready to see him! I didn't tell Breckette that he was coming so when we walked in after I picked him up at the airport I think she was in shock! It was adorable. That girl and her daddy!! I love their relationship. She was on cloud 9 seeing him there. Kyle and I got some very much needed no-kid time thanks to my parents. It was just what we needed.

Meet Braden Rex Ostrand

Welcome to the world - Braden Rex Ostrand!

November 16, 2015 was a beautiful day to welcome our son Braden Rex Ostrand. He came at 8:57am weighing 8lbs 7oz of pure boy!

I don't think I can explain in words how many emotions came with Braden. I knew what to expect, but I didn't at the same time. We had made it through all the baby stages with Breckette, and she seems to be doing fine. I mean, we have our days where I sure wonder whose kid she really is! I mean I sure didn't teach her....THAT did I! haha. Yet, there I was holding this new squishy bundle of yummy baby boy and I wondered - am I really cut out to be a mom to two?! Can I do this? To say

I was overwhelmed would be an understatement, because even with all those questions I felt a deep sense of peace and an overflowing of love. I watched as Breckette came and saw her big brother for the first times and her eyes lit up with excitement! She had no idea what was in store, but she was thrilled.

My dad  {aka: Bapa} 

This photo warms my heart!

All newborn photo credits go to Chelsa Schaefer Photography - Check her out! She is fantastic.

Breckette Ann Ostrand

 

 

 

Dear Breckette Ann,

On March 8, 2013 you changed our lives, and oh how my cup overflows. You are the center of our world, my sweet girl. Your name is unique much like you are. You are special and one of a kind. We just felt a tie to the name Breckette not sure why, but it just fit. Your middle name, Ann, comes from your Grandma and Nana. It's extra special you see, because it is their middle name too!

When you first arrived you didn't even cry just looked up at your daddy and the two of you stared in wonder at eachother. It was a rare special moment that only the two of you will forever share.
It wasn't an easy fight to get you here. Your mommy and daddy faught hard for you, baby girl, just as we always will. But you came into this world as the light of our lives. You were the most perfect 7lb 5oz little girl I've ever seen. With the most radient blue eyes. A blue that only rivals that of the deep ocean or the most perfect clear summer day. Breathtaking! (They are much like your daddy's eyes...just as I prayed for) Your hair was a spitting image of mine..dark! Although, it didn't stay that way for long. Gourgeous, simply gourgeous is what you are!
When we finally got to take you home it was probably the most scary thing I've gone through. I didn't know what to do. I was a new mom with the biggest gift of her life and you were mine to take care of. I read all the books I could on preparing for you, but here we were just your dad, me and you. All those late nights of just me and you....well I wouldn't take them back for anything! It wasn't easy but we've managed just fine. You and me baby girl, we conqured our fears and trials and created memories along the way. I don't think I could as for anything more.
You were so loved on by so many! You are one lucky girl!! You had people coming in from all across the US just to see your beautiful smile. And boy did you smile that beautiful smile for them and anyone else. I pray there is never a doubt in your mind how much you are loved. It spans across the US by people who have never even met you, yet love you more than words can describe. And that doesn't even come close to how much we love you.

I'm gunna fill you in on a little secret...your daddy is a big softy when it comes to you. Oh how I wish you could see him with you from my point of view! The love and bond you two share fills the room like the warm light from a blazing red sunset. It fills me with more joy than words could possibly describe. And you eat it up. You are his biggest fan. When you look at him, you can see it all over your face that he is your first true love, your prince in shining armour, your hero, YOUR DADDY. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
My sweet sweet girl time is flying by. The first 6 months of your life zipped by far too fast. If only I could some how slow it down or save it in a jar just to be able to look back at these moments. But thats not possible so I sit back and watch in awe of the beautiful gift that you are. You are growing and developing and changing everyday and we couldn't be more proud of you.You are so smart! Watching you learn how to smile, roll, laugh, sit, play and now eating it is such a wonderful journey.
The Lord has blessed us beyond belief. Your gentle spirit is unfolding in front of our eyes and I cannot wait to see what the Lord is going to do with it. He has big plans for you and of that I'm sure!
And that smile, oh that smile!!! You are so quick to smile and I pray that you stay that way. Latch onto that joy and keep it in you forever. You light up a room and fill it with so much joy just from that smile. Never let that go , my love.

You are my joy.

With all my love,
Mom