Waiting Doesn't Equal Fun...

Still no Jude!! I can't believe he isn't here yet! I guess mommy's insides must be pretty comfortable- haha. We are scheduled to be at the hospital at 5:30am on Monday, so we know he will either be here Monday sometime, or wait till Tuesday weeee hours just like his big brother :).
But nonetheless, can't wait for him to get here!! Can't wait to see who he looks like and how big he is. Such an awesome thing.
I'll try to keep up on some updates and some pics as the baby arrives.

3 CM

Any day now!! Come on Jude!!! Dialated to 3 CM as of our appointment on Wednesday. There is a lot of pressure and a lot of head moving :), but no real steady contractions yet. I'm thinking this weekend there will be a trip to the hospital, but we'll see.
I'll keep you posted!

Count Your Blessings

Not that I can put too much information about some things on my blog, well, not until I know more details myself! But some really awesome and scary things have presented themselves to Matthew and I in the last few days. Not only are we expecting a little surprise called Jude in the next few weeks, we're also expecting our life to take some dramatic steps career wise. I'm petrified of some of the time I'll have to spend away from the babies, but everyone (aunt jul in particular) tells me it's better than waiting to when they are old enough to know I'm gone or away for periods of time. Which is ultimately true- I just think it's going to be hard for me to be away for periods of time with out giving kisses or hugs or getting them...
Rachel tells me to think of the future and what opportunities we're opening up to as a family. Mom tells me she still cries when she thinks about being away from Timmy and he's 29. :)
But- life is crazy.

Keep it sane readers.

THE HOUSE IS FOR SALE!

HORRRAYY!! the house is officially for sale. A scary, but fun and exciting process! we're hoping for a quick sale (obviously like an home seller) so that we can know what to expect for our family's future. With Jude on his way, and Jackson getting so stickin big by the minute, we're anticipating a lot of new and BIG changes. As many of you know, and know us well, Matthew and I like to do all the big things, life changing big things, at once. :)
But we are still looking all over the place (always Butler County) for where we might want to live? There are so many things in the playing cards now that it's hard for us to decide on what we want/need at this point. Obviously we know Matthew has a great position at IbisTek and he will be employed with them for a few more years to come! :) And with me starting the agency process, we're hoping I get offered a site that is conducive to where we all want to be! I would love for the boys to go to the Mars School district, but we still have some time to decide on which schools they'll be attending, well, we think there's time, but Ev will be turning 3 (THREE!!) in December... just crazy.
Welllll, that's all for now. As my brother always ends his post with something catchy, as will I.
Keep it interesting families! :)

A few pics of baby Jackson.

Hi Fall- we've been waiting for you!

If you read my husbands blog, you can see why fall is so important to him :). but for me, it means a lot of things- new baby boy will be here soon! Holiday's are just around the corner and then hello 2011. I'm not sure how I feel about 2011 almost being here, I mean, not almost, but kinda really because with baby #2 coming in October, the rest of the year is going to fly by. 2010 has been good in a lot of ways but also bad in a lot of ways...
I'm excited today because I was able to get out a long sweater to wear in to work today, and I love sweater and boots weather! :) So, hello hunting and warm sweaters on cute little boys with a lot of fun fall pics to come!!

House Shopping

I really don't claim to be much of a shopper. I have no desire to spend time searching for the best deals or bargain hunting, but when it comes to things like house shopping, I get extra extra excited! We've decided we've out grown our little house on Bonniebrook. The house has been good to us, we'll most likely bring both of our babies home to this house, and we created many wonderful memories as Mr. and Mrs. Zirnsak in that house, but... like other thing, it's time to move on.
Unfortunately, my loving husband and I have a very different desire of where we'd like to move. Me, I loved to move towards Cranberry/ Mars area. I have never lived in an area that has "neighborhoods" or fun street names. I have a desire to give that kind of living a try to give the boys the chance to experience neighborhood living and also different from good ol' butler. Matthew on the other hand, wants to buy 220394029348 acres and hunt all the time. :) So, needless to say, we're having a hard time finding a place that fits both of our desires right now. BUT today, there was a light at the end of the tunnel. I was searching the home listing websites when two surprise potential houses popped up! One is Matthew's dream home, literally. It's a log home set on 3.1 acres, it's quite beautiful but not in the school district I want. The other home, IS in the school district I want and sits on 1.65 acres, but the inside is what I love the most! :)
I do believe Matthew is on the phone with the real estate agent of the log home as I'm typing- God bless his excitement and love of so many things. :)

I'll keep you posted (blogged) on the whole new life change! :)

Jackson

Jackson is active. I sometimes forget to put a lot in here about what he's doing around this time in his life, but it seems it's always changing! The kid is bright! I mean, he's my child so of course I'm going to say he's accelerated, but he does take me off guard sometimes. For example, Jackson knows what his shoes and socks are. He knows how to say each. Last night we were getting ready to leave mom and dad's house and I said, "jackson, please find your shoes so mommy can put them on." Don't you know, he walked over to where his shoes were sitting on the chair and brought them close to me. He didn't hand them to me per say, haha , but the fact that at 16 months he was able to locate his shoes and bring them to me to put on was a very big accomplishment! :)
And this morning whenever Matthew was getting him ready to go to Terry's, as he was putting his socks on, with eyes closed, Jackson wanted to be sure to let daddy know that he was putting his "socks" on. He's so funny.
His newest favorite word to say would have to be cereal. I'm not sure why he finds it so enjoyable to say, but it is sometimes just said out of no where for the fun of it! :)

Big Baby Boy

So I am currently 28 weeks pregnant. My "due date" is October 25th but will be getting induced on October 18th due to a very special wedding event (trav and ann!) that is happening on October 23rd. Jude is huggge in my belly. Or well, at least he feels huge! I don't remember Jackson feeling so big at this point in the pregnancy, I can really only remember Jackson feeling huge towards the end and the uncomfortable feeling! So, I feeling, or well hoping, that Jude comes early! That way I don't have to get induced and hang out in the hospital for my long labor history.

July 26th

Yesterday, Matthew and I celebrated our two year anniversary! But honestly, it feels like it's been about 15 years. I'm not meaning that in an ohhh there is no romance, or excitement remaining in our marriage, I mean that as in, holy crap, so much has happened in that two years that I can't believe it's only two?????????? You know, for example, one son, one on the way, one house, trying to move out of it, four jobs, starting the process for a new one, school graduations... that's just to name a few things that has happened in our short time as Mr. and Mrs. Z.
But Matthew, thank you for these wonderful two years. full of love, BABIES, tears, hugs, and memories that will last for 2X20 years.
And, me being fairly pregnant and tired as all get out, our second anniversary was spent with Jackson at home around the kitchen table eating Chinese food. well, Matthew eating Chinese food and it not tasting that great to me. :) To next year babe!

Vacation 2010

Me and my family (Matthew, Jackson, and baby Jude in my belly) traveled up to Erie for 3 days. It was a lot of fun but definatly different when vacationing with a little baby, because naps and bedtime are still very important times during the day! below are some pics from our time in Erie! Love family and little sub babies!! :)

and p.s. Jackson loves the water! note his running in all on his own!

I'm sorry, did someone say July 8th?

I feel like the summer is flying. I think that is normally the case for summer, but holy cow!! I think a lot of it has to do with me finishing up these classes and the stress of that, plus the fact that I'm pregnant and I always think in my head, "the baby will be here after summer." I'm assuming that's why everything is flying by so quickly, in anticipation of Baby Zirnsak #2. As of today, will be named Jude Timothy. :)
Matthew and I are planning a few night get away to Erie with Jackson in about a week. We really don't have the funds to get away away for the summer, but getting to take Jackson to Lake Erie for a few days to play in the sun, will be well worth it! We'll also be celebrating our two year anniversary this summer! Crazy, I sometimes forget we even had a wedding. Things just fly by so quickly when you're living a life full of so many changes. So, remember to slow down and take in the sights. There are a lot of good ones out there.

Baby Boy #2!

Due October 25th! Doing great and swimmin' around! :)

My Two Boys!

Yes, the Zirnsak's are having another boy! We're very excited to know that big brother Jackson will have his very own best friend in the house at all times! :) Not that I don't expect fist fights somewhere in their futures, I still love that they'll always have each other!

Happy Birthday Dad

Today is Dad's birthday. I really can't remember what we did last year, but I'm sure it had something to grilling out and strawberries over short cake. :) I miss him. I miss him the most when I'm outside and the sun is shining. These are some of dad's favorite things, I'll put them here to be able to read whenever we want. 1) Sunshine 2) Rain (funny, I know!) 3) Gardening in the rain 4) Freshly mowed grass 5) Cucumbers and anything else "from the garden" 6) The "no shirt in warm weather" rule 7) Moving boulders around for the thrill of it 8) Grandbabies and berries 9) Hunting like an Indian 10) Camp fires with beer 11) Any good meal 12) A hard days work 13) His truck and the fact that it could potentially climb Mount Everest if need be 14) Josie and a stick 15) Front porch and coffee 16) Being uncomfortable while watching tv in the garage 17) "yelling" at mom 18)picking on Curt 19) slicked hair 20) his cell phone 21) his camera 22) Birds at the bird feeder 23) Anything God made.

Squirmy Baby!

The little baby Zirnsak in my belly has become very active! When they say you really "feel" baby #2 more than first baby, they are right! Just one day I fel the baby alll day long swimmin around, and ever since then, I feel movements all day long. It is such a wonderful and crazy thing! We will know the sex of Baby Zirnsak #2 on June 1st!! Keep your fingers crossed for 10 fingers and toes! :)

Music Man

I have been listening to my iPod on shuffle since my boss has been out of the office. It has been freaking awesome. As much as I love music and rockin' out, I'm pretty surprised I never became a musician, as a matter of fact, as much as my siblings also like to rock out, I'm surprised one us didn't become a rocker. Well, professional rocker, because we all rock pretty hard to music whenever it's on. :)
But with my iPod on shuffle, I really have the opportunity to hear all kinds of music throughout the day. Like right now, Red Hot Chili Peppers "love roller coaster" is playing and I can't tell you the last time I listened to this song! Always a thrill for the next song!
So, keep the music loud fellas!!

Happy Mother's Day

Yesterday was my second mother's day! And it was a very special one! When I walked up the stairs from my shower a little sleepy baby and his daddy were waiting for me to give me my gift! Jackson, in his knowing way, got me a bird feeder! He is such a sweet boy! :) I haven't decided on where I want to hang it, but it is really nice and I'm excited to enjoy the 34234809283094 birds that fly around our yard already. I know another little being that will love the bird feeder and her name is Mailey! Our springer spaniel, a bird dog. :)
But thank you Matthew for a wonderful mother's day full of all my favorite things, sleepy babies, food, and sleep. :)

The Sun Is Shining

But it's not feeling too happy. Ever since dad has been gone, I feel like there's a lot missing. I don't know if it's just because he's gone or if it's the thought of him being gone?? I honestly just feel like he's going to show up, or call, or write a note. I'm not sure how to get through all of this. And I can't say that Dad and I had a close relationship to where we called everyday or carried on long detailed conversations whenever we did spend time together, but he's still my dad and there's still something just gone from my life. It's an awful feeling to have someone just ripped from you. Death is never easy but at least whenever someone falls sick or hurt, you can prepare yourself and say your goodbyes and I love yous. We had no idea. God just decided that was the time for dad and didn't take the rest of us in to consideration. Growing up in the church you're taught to not "question" why God does the things that He does... I mean, we were always taught to question the meaning or the definition of things, but not really ever question the "why the heck?". But at this point, I can honestly say I can't stop questioning... I try and try to just tell myself I'll never know WHY but I can't. I have to keep questioning and questioning this path and why God put us on it. I think me not going through this like I need to is affecting my relationship with everyone else in my life. I am hoping to see the "window" that will shed some light open.

Feeling Pregnant

Today, I'm actually feeling quite pregnant. According to my last ultra sound, my due date has been moved back to October 25th from October 4th. Which is very disappointing on many ends, 1) what pregnant woman ever wants her due date pushed back?? 2) Trav's wedding is October 23rd...
Luckily, I have a fantastic doctor who told me she would induce me October 18th (Monday before wedding) if I have gone on my own by then. I am a lot happier and I think everyone else will be a lot happier with the baby actually being OUT of me at the wedding instead of turning me in to a walking side of a building.
I'm still feeling super duper prego today and I don't know why? My office mate Meagan actually told me, "not to be rude, but you're really showing today". I made fun of her for saying she was being rude. But for whatever reason, Baby Zirnsak #2 is getting big today! :)

We Miss You Erie

Matthew and I had our Alumni Weekend (which was a super fun time! always good to see everyone!) in Erie, PA and we have come to discover that we actually somewhat miss Erie. Though it doesn't always have the nicest weather or the most friendly people, it is a "small city with a big city feel" as Matthew would put it. Not that I think we're going to be moving anywhere soon, it's hard not to play with the thoughts and ideas of moving somewhere "new" and developing almost a whole new life.
Butler has been very good to us, and it's where all of our family and friends are, but I do think if you have the desire to move somewhere different even for a period of time, you should do it. I really don't ever want to come to a point in my life and say "well...what if" or "why didn't we...?".
I also think we're both getting a little stir crazy because we're literally BURSTING out of our house now. And with baby Zirnsak #2 on their way, I think our minds are going, where the heck is everyone going to fit?!
So, for now, hello Butler county and all you have to offer! :)

My One Year Old

My little Jackson is such a big kid. Well, he's only one and a few weeks, but to me he seems like such a big kid already. He has successfully learned how to count to three! Sometimes it takes a little coxing because I think he enjoys watching mommmy and daddy get excited about him knowing what we're doing! But just yesterday, we were watching Elmo's World and Elmo was counting something, what I don't remember, but Jackson started counting along with him! Doing his cute little one, two (which is his favorite to say), and finally three that sounds more like tree. It was the cutest thing I have ever heard and experienced. I'm not even sure he knew what he was "counting" but he just knew what Elmo was saying and wanted to follow along! I wish I would've had my video camera to capture his sweet little voice. And we can say Elmo, but it seems Elmo means a lot of things, like Elmo is also used for Mickey Mouse and for any other character on the TV. I love it.
Jackson can also tell you what a cow says and what a dog may say if you asked it to. Obvious ones like Mamma, Dadda, but we're also trying Mailey when we walk in the basement door, but I think the best part is to just hear him try to say things. I always tell him, "look at mommy" and over pronounce the word so he can see how to move his mouth. He tries to do it as best as he can- it's pretty funny to watch.
So, on a side note, being a mom is the coolest thing I've ever done.

Hello Warm Weather and Stupid Sunglasses

So, the warm weather is coming. And we are all siked up about it, getting our flip flops out, bustin out the short shorts, and ripping the sleaves off our T's. But here's one thing that just drives me super crazy, why do people think it's cool, funny, hip, attractive to wear incrediably ginormous sunglasses that take up their entire face? Honestly, sunglasses have the purpose of keeping the sun out your EYES, not off of your cheek bones of forhead. I like a pair of sunglasses that are still stylish for today, but that do not look like I went back to 1986 and borrowed Aunt Bev's old frames.
So, unless your Elton John and can TOTALLY pull off a sweet pair of shades that are for other purposes that keeping the sun from burning your retnas, don't be stupid.

2010

My son Jackson celebrated his 1st birthday on Saturday. His actual birthdate is the 8th, but we had the party on the 10th so that a lot of family and friends could join in the celebration. It was a really awesome, fun, emotional, and crazy day. I can't believe my baby is one year old, it honestly feels like a week ago that we were bringing him home from the hospital. As you have heard since you were younger and as you will hear for the rest of your life, "time flies". And since 2010 hasn't been the most pleasing to me and my family thus far, we need to be thankful for each and every day that we are blessed with. Because unfortunatly, today could be your last day here to enjoy it.
Obivousily I have been thinking a lot about heaven and what my dad's doing up there right now, but I'm having a hard time picturing a place that could give more joy than what a day with loved ones does. Don't get me wrong, my husband and I fight more than we'd probably like to admit to, and I'm not always the most easy going person when it comes to almost everything, but I still like to think we can say we had a blessed day even if it had some rough points throughout. Will we know eachother when we get to heaven? Do we need to know who eachother is or will we be satisfied with others just being present? Will the things you loved so much in your earthly life even matter in heaven? I have never really had the chance nor I guess the desire to just dwell in what my future life entails, but I can't help but get upset thinking about the fact that I may be walking around in heaven and stumbling into dad's freshly manacured garden and not even know it's his...
But right now, my married life has been everything but easy. I know relationships take work, but when you love someone so much, you wonder why the relationship part just wouldn't come so naturally. There is a reason that God made us all different, but sometimes I think life would be a lot easier and less stressful if we all were more alike :)

It's A Dark Day

Luke 23:33-34 -- When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him, along with the criminals-- one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."


Tonight is going to be difficult. Good Friday service is usually one of my favorite of the year. It's taking a good hard long look at your life and asking your self that one main question, "am I fulfilling my purpose here on earth?".
With how I have been feeling these last couple weeks, I'm not sure where my thoughts will go tonight.
But... Glory to God in Heaven and peace to those on Earth.

No Thanks March

So, I don't even know where to begin. March 13th, 2010, my father Timothy J. Reges Sr. passed away peacefully in his bed. It has been about 10 days and we still are in shock over the whole thing. I'm feeling angry and confused in God's plan for our family, I'm not sure how long it's going to take for me to have an understanding or acceptance. So, for now, praying and family is my best bet.

Where is SPRING!?

Sooo, we've been getting teased with the warm weather and sunshine. Today I think it went up to 65 degrees or something, super awesome. I feel like we need to be sitting outside in the sun instead of trapped in the house right about now. If we get any kind of weather change, I'm going to have to keep telling myself it's 60 degrees so I can get through till summer.
Jackson has discovered how to "talk" in long spans. He honestly wakes up and just starts going. I swear the other morning he was saying, "girl girl girl girl" over and over again. It's hilarious to hear him pick up new sounds and how he's working through understanding how to say them all. He's turning in to such a little boy, it's exciting and sad all at the same time! Thank goodness there's another little Zirnsak on the way!! AHHH SURPRISE ENDING TO THIS POST!! October baby here we come!! :)

Trying to get things in place!

Sometimes I feel like things are just all over the place in my life. Things are coming together, this isn't working out, or that isn't happening like I want it to. But for the last few weeks, things have just been wonderful. And not to miss the fact that I have a new baby nephew born 2/28/10- baby boy Emmett is such a wonderful addition to our family!
I have a lot hanging over my head with the whole school thing, I was able to find the 2 classes I needed being offered over the summer and through the online campus. I just have to get it done this summer to avoid getting divorced. :)
Jackson is growing up so fast. He's going to be 11 months old on the 8th. I have been trying to throw around some ideas for a first birthday, but Matthew keeps shutting me down! I think we've some what agreed on a farm theme. It'll be awesome to have all the little boys (and Layla!) dressed up in farm attire! :)
I tried to sleep at my desk today for 20 minutes, didn't work out so well because the stupid phone kept ringing...

Yay!

We decided the home daycare is going to be the best fit! Not only are we pleased with the atmosphere but also with the fact that it's in a home! We really like the family that will be taking care of Jackson, they genuinunly seem to have his best interest at heart.
I really want to join the YMCA. Not only for myself to get in shape! But also because of the activities that are avaliable for little kids. My sister-in-law Julie is taking our nephew there and it just seems to be a great way to get the socializing started for the babies! It's just realllly expensive per month, not sure if it's something we can afford to add to the budget, but I'd really like to try.
I think I want a new job...

Weekend

Matthew was away all this weekend, Jackson and I really miss him when he's gone! Not to forget the fact that sometimes I need a few minutes away from "mom" roll. Not in a "this child is driving me crazy" way, just more a few minutes alone each day. When I don't get those few minutes each day, I find myself losing my patient very quickly and I hate that about myself. I hate Jackson to see or hear me lose my patience. I know that's probably a normal thing in any parenting team, but I still disappointment myself after the moment has passed.
We're going to meet with an in home daycare today! Extremely excited because I am not a public daycare kind of mom! I just do not like the whole system and how it should be working- I don't feel Jackson is getting the attentino and care he needs each day. The owner of the daycare has been great to us, but I'm still not happy or comfortable with the situation.
Enough for now! back to work!

First Post

I've never blogged before, but my friend Rachel, who has a very nice blog, has turned me on to the idea of keeping all of my crazy life in one place!
I am a mother to a ten and half month old son. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me! Well, the second best thing after marrying Matthew! :)
We have the best time as a family. I'm not going to say that times don't get tough and that we wouldn't like a little extra money in our pockets, but over all, we are incredibly blessed. I work four days a week for an Insurance Company and it's still not enough time to be home with Jackson. I feel like he's growing up so fast and that I'm missing those little things that take place in his everyday life. I would love to be a stay at home mom for the time being, but it is just not in the budget.