Terrific Two's!

Well folks, we have a 2 year old! Cannot believe that this time 2 years ago I was eagerly awaiting the visits from 2 of my best friends. They were coming to meet the first babe our little college group had had. Malachi was born at 4:51p.m. 25 days early! I am reminded of a few crazy things that lead to that fateful day where our little "messenger of God" was born. The day before was my parents' anniversary and I was dead set on getting a lot of things accomplished. It was Memorial day 2 years ago on May 30-so I had they day off. I wanted to get my hair cut, but no place was open; had to get fresh undergarmets because I was set that I would get all sorts of fresh stuff when Malachi was born; cleaned both bathrooms very well-it needed to get done...GROSS. And I started reading the books that were given to me about how to know when you go into labor and what to do before you go to the hospital. We hadn't taken a class yet, so I wanted to be sure I would be somewhat prepared. Little did I know that at 11p.m. that night my water would break....I wouldn't know it was my water until 2 and half hours later. Only to have my mom bring me to the hospital!

I still "make-fun" of Mike about that morning-if you can call it morning. It was 1:45 when I went to the bathroom again, and once again-thought I nearly peed my pants...(which turned out later to be my water). I called my mom, not knowing what to do. Then I called OB...then I woke up Mike and asked if he wanted to take me in for what I was sure was a false alarm. Since I woke him in the middle of a dream, he asked if my mom could bring me. I called her up and she came on over. After saying hello to a lady that goes to my church (she works at the check-in) and going through testing it was certain Malachi would be there sometime on the 31st! So Mike got called, he showered and came over, and then proceeded to get called into work-after he called in saying he wasn't coming! But alas, by dinner time our wonderful first born was here!

Since that moment our lives haven't been the same. There were some crazy times where I feel exhausted and not excited to get out of bed in the morning. BUT those are far outweighed by the days where I am so thankful that God has entrusted me with this wonderful, crazy, loving to laugh, little man.



On another note, for the past week Nathaniel has mastered how to roll from his back to his tummy (only on the right side).

Thanks for all your prayers!
The DuFrenes

They see me Rollin' they hatin'

Well we have  a second roller! For about a week (I waited to be sure it wasn't a fluke) Nathaniel has been rolling from his tummy to his back. This morning he did it 3 times in a row-twice to the left and once to the right. I'm pretty proud of that little guy! He has survived having a big brother that is very "loving" to the point of smothering him. I would rather have a super loving big bro than a super jealous all the time big bro, though!

We have also cut the illusive mohawk. Nathaniel's hair was almost as long as my finger, so we trimmed it up.

Before and After.

the left-over hair! Quite a bit there.

We love Cat in the Hat. And who needs pockets when you can wear overalls!Almost a month after we celebrated with her but HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEMAW! My (amy) mom with the big-kids.

Thank you for all your prayers. We are on a wonderful rollercoaster

The DuFrenes

May!

It has been a very long time since I last wrote to you all! I am truly sorry, this whole mom of 2 things really takes it out of you. I am learning how to handle the extra amount of work required as well as the extra amount of energy...though we aren't quite there. Malachi and Nathaniel have been sharing a bedroom for awhile now. It is going well at bedtime, not as great for weekend naps. So we are trying to navigate that a little bit.

Since our last writing, Mike and I lead a group of youth to an event called MOVE. At this event we head to Minneapolis, worship with other Covenant youth from the area, hear from a fantastic speaker/worship team, serve an organization in the Twin Cities, and learn about something that we might not know about. This year's theme was Invisible: Who are you not seeing? We learned how families who struggle to feed themselves deal with their finances and what type of resources are available, we served at ARC Thrift store where they work with those with disabilities (helping them and their families find resources to make their lives as "normal" as possible). This was a wonderful event, and one I look forward to each year.

Nathaniel has been doing wonderfully at daycare. Malachi is extra protective. We noticed this more when our daycare gal was on vacation and she had someone come in to help. Malachi wanted to be sure that this "new" gal knew how to best treat Nathaniel. We are getting really close to potty training Malachi. My guess is that we'll really start the weekend before his second birthday! YES I SAID SECOND BIRTHDAY! Can you believe that 2 years ago I was huge with our little man! Unreal how fast the time flies. Malachi is signed up to participate in our church's VBS this summer. He is a year too young, but as I have to be there each night (I am able to find Nathaniel's childcare, but it is harder with Malachi). I'm excited for him to be there and have fun with the other kids.

I think that covers our crazy life in the past month in a nutshell. As we look for prayer, please think about my sister. She is due with baby #2 in June, but her first came 6 weeks early. We are, as of today, 4 weeks early. She is allowed to go "anytime" but she and her husband just bought a house and closed on Thursday. We are all working hard to get it ready for the babe, but we are a bit nervous. If you could please pray we get things done for her, that the doctors know how to "deal" with her, and safety for both her and the babe.

Thanks!
Amy

I'll try to stay on top of this a little better :)