an almost 3 yr old and A messy 10 month old

Myla is almost 3, wow it seems very hard to believe that only 3 years ago I was sitting here beggin to be done with being pregnant. Now I have a beautiful girl, that is growing up and becoming such an independent child.

We took Myla's friends Connor out to ice cream to celebrate his 3rd birthday.

And Van boy-well he loves to eat and recently became a fan of smoothies. I had taken the lid off the cup but forgot to take the cup away from Van. This is what happened in about 1 minute.

doulaing

As some of you know I have started my process of becoming a doula!!

Doula-is an assistant who provides various forms of non-medical and non-midwifery support (physical and emotional) in the childbirth process. Based on a particular doula's training and background, the doula may offer support during prenatal care, during childbirth and/or during the postpartum period. A birth doula provides support during labor.

I am very excited to assist Mom and Dad's in having rewarding, amazing and loving births. I was lucky enough to have 2 awesome birth experiences. I came out a stronger woman after the births of Myla and Van. Not to mention how good I physically felt just hours after birthing the babes. I had thought about becoming a Doula since I had Myla. My friend Jessica's birth of her second child help to spur the final push needed. I had assisted Jessica and Eddie in some pre labor work and just loved helping them talk about the upcoming birth. An out of town trip and an early babe made it not possible for me to help Jessica and Eddie during the actual birth of their super precious little girl Piper.

But that experience got me excited and ready to begin the training. So I just signed for a Doula training next weekend. I then need to attend 3 births and take care of other paperwork stuff. So if you know if anyone in need of a doula, please let me know. jodi

living easy this summer

Summer time in Duluth, I love it and absorb it every chance I get. I easily remember the coldness of Winter and embrace all the heat. So most days Myla and I spend the morning in the backyard. Playing in her sandbox, taking care of the gardens and our raspberry bushes or pick up trash on our block. Our neighbors Jo and Kylie, who is 18 months often join us. Myla is definitely aware she is older than Kylie and tends to be pretty bossy with her. But I am excited to see their friendship grow and can imagine them playing together peacefully someday.

We get out often going to the reservoir, the canal, throwing rocks in Lake Superior and playing with friends. We have pulled out our outdoor fire pit and have had smores a couple times. Myla of course loves those special nights. Summer is fun and we are definitely enjoying it.

Myla, Van and I spent last week at my friend Jill's cabin in Nisswa area. We had so much meeting her 3 month old daughter Auna and getting out of the city for a few days. We had a fun time doing the "local" thing in Nissaw. The late morning before we left Jill got the boat out and took us for a nice relaxing ride around the lake. By the end of the 45 minute ride all 3 were sleeping.