What My Younger Self Didn't Know.

 It's funny to think back now to my younger self.  The little dreamer.  The girl that had high hopes to have children one day, and to be lucky enough to be called "Grammie" too.  Another weekend to reflect on the quote about the days being long but the years short. Shopping in Target looking for pacifiers that aren't made in China.  Or sizing up crib sheets and curtain lengths. Showed each other diaper sizes comparing what ones we think she'll use the most of first. Wipes should be made with water, and again, not in China. So many details we worked through.  Preparing for a baby. 

Staring at my baby as she struggled to put her shoes on over her ever-growing belly.  Listening to her talk while losing her breath as the baby is really pushing up on her ribs at this point.  Making her favorite breakfast each morning hoping she could slide out of her office to eat and nourish herself first. Staring around their home they've made quite the nest of. Watching her move around their home baby-less just knowing within weeks she'll have her heart outside of her body for the rest of HER days.  

Last weekend was grammie-mommy nesting mode.  Giving her my ideas, while listening to hers. Checking out the way clothes and "Swaddles" are made now. 

If someone could have told me this would unfold.....

That my baby would be preparing....

For the biggest most beautiful life choice, yet the hardest chapters. 

She had a baby shower given by Liz, her mama-in-law at a Tea House in San Juan Capistrano to celebrate the baby with her college Sorority sisters and roommates. Her sisters she "Studied" abroad in Italy with. The many memories those girls built together. 

From this...Italy/Germany/Spain.....2016

To now.....2024

A few married, a couple engaged getting married this year, a baby on the way, and one more secretly waiting to announce next. EEEEKK!! 

While nesting Kali's room tackling ideas of what goes where, the laughter ensued reminiscing of our soccer days and the many many hours we'd travel to fields and practices, to now be sorting onesies by color and size.  

Life....

MY baby....

MY little girl....

From those days....

To these days....

The days come and go.  We're officially on baby watch.  I have my little bag packed to offer what I can if given the chance when she's laboring. We're tucked away in the Arizona desert just hours away.

 Mama might be miles away but I will make it happen when the time comes. 

Until then, we take twigs. We give our labor of hands in love.  I encourage her during these last tough belly super full weeks. lol.

The bad back aches will subside.  The memory of the movement of the baby will subside, but she's lucky enough to feel life.  The Grace we've all been given. 

I'll never claim to be a fitness mom or model, but I'll always stand up with it comes to the word Motherhood.  It's my biggest pride and award in this life. Becoming a grammie is an extra bonus. 

Navigating this new chapter with love, patience, and lots and lots of gratitude....

Hope everyone is doing well this fine March weekday....

I miss my girl. My friends, and the salty air. But this season is so beautiful..

These are the days.....

What I didn't know was my mid-life would be so beautiful. 

Thank you, Jesus!

This Mama Lisa 

Shower The Baby.

On February 10, Kali's long-time best friends Madison and Mackenzie hosted a baby shower for baby Rapoza. Hosted at the home of Shelley and John Jacobs.  Such a beautiful shower tucked away in the home that Kali spent many many days and nights with her bestfriend.  And second mom. 

Maria, and Roxanne, long-time friends of mine and Kali's were there behind the scenes making sure the room was filled with love and champagne. lol. Another example of the pages and chapters turning while staring into the eyes of girls that have witnessed so much among ourselves and our girls. Full circle watching them become wives and now mommy's. 

Last year were many celebrations, weddings and most of all showers. In fact, when Kali was putting together her invites we both sat on the phone holding back giggles of ohmygosh these showers and celebrations seem so close.  But in God's timing, our little baby girl came at just the right time for all of us. She knew her presence in this world was so needed. 

Bill and I were at the local swapmeet here recently and found ourselves almost buying a large ceramic turtle to put out back so Baby will have something fun and silly to greet at the lakehouse.  A symbol of sorts. Raise your hand if you remember going to your grandmas, or a special family member's house who had something fun you looked forward to reaching. At my grandma's it was the cookie jar stashed up high but we knew she'd give us one the minute we'd walk in. Or her big rug in the family room that was shaped in a circle and we'd sit on it watching our beautiful grandma whisk around her home. At my grandpa's house, he kept frozen grapes for us.  So maybe for us, we'll have large ceramic turtles out back. jk LOL!!

k, getting off-key here.  

The baby shower was beautifully handled by the girls. Grant showed up with flowers and filled his truck with all things baby. I took Kali her baby book, and the book I wrote to her through the years.  Along with all of her baby blankets and dresses she used and wore as a newborn and little girl. I left some behind so I can cherish her wearing them here. I hope. I have her little games like Hi-Ho-Cherry-O here so we'll all play that some day too. 

A gathering of family and friends who have been part of Kali and Grant's life for some time.

Cousins and aunts made the trek down to celebrate the latest little birdie coming into our lives.

And now we nest. Now we settle her nursery in to blossom and grow!

Don't blink!

Happy weekend to you all,

This Mama Lisa