Transitions....

I recently posted on facebook this status, "How many major life transitions can one cram into 4 weeks? Apparently the Collins family can cram 3: moving to a new house, Dave starting a new career, and adding a new family member to our family of four."

Many would look at that and think we are crazy.  I even look at it and think that we are crazy.  But the truth is,  I couldn't be more thankful to be going through each one.  Because of that I believe the Lord has given me the peace that surpasses all understanding.  I know that the timing on each event is perfect, because my Perfect Creator has already planned each one in advance.  We are super excited to be settled in a new home before Dave starts the academy and the baby comes.  We have been so blessed by my dad's generosity but are looking forward to having our own space and a little more room to spread out.  A family of 5 living in 2 bedrooms would have been a little tight.  As far as Dave starting the academy just one week before the baby's due date will be interesting timing but perfect none the less.  I am very thankful to have family and friends in the area to help out when needed.  My mom will be staying with us for a bit after the baby is  born as well as my mother-in-law.  I am praying for a July 9thish birthday for our girl so Dave can spend a little time with the baby and the rest of the family before the busyness and stress of the academy hits.  But most likely that is only in my dreams that that will happen.  Most likely I will have this baby one week to the hour past my due date, just like my other two.

I am currently in the middle of packing up my dad's house with a belly that is about to pop in a few weeks (and also gets in the way of this task as well).  Dave is running almost every morning (or afternoon) to get ready for the police academy then coming home and helping pack.  In between all of this I am going to weekly doctors appointments, trying to deal with cranky kids (bunk bed transition is still rough), a clingy boy (I think he knows he is not going to be the baby anymore), and the normal duties around the house that can so easily get out of control if I do not stay on top of them.  Besides going a little crazy at night when my body has had enough but the kids and still pushing it to go, life has been really good.  I love my family and I am a blessed wife and a blessed mom.  I have the two most amazing children that make me laugh, smile, cry and melt, sometimes all in the same day.  I can't get enough of them!!!  I have an equally amazing husband that is so helpful with the kids and around the house each and every day.  He adores me and loves our kids like crazy.  Like I said, I AM BLESSED AND THANK GOD FOR EACH NEW PHASE OF LIFE THAT WE ARE ENTERING INTO.

Here are some random pictures of life these last few months;

Kessler enjoying some Nutella and toast.

Playing in the crib after a bath.  

Callie with her very special Eeyor.

I love this picture.  My girl is a die hard princess at heart.  But what you can't see is the boxing glove that she has on her other hand, ready to pound anyone who says the wrong thing.  A perfect balance of pretty girl and tough girl.

Yama and the K-man.

Playing in the pool.

Bathing beauty.