It's a Van Leeuwen world: February 2013

Monday, February 25, 2013

Rain, rain, go away...

Sometimes when it rains, it pours. . .

February has been an extremely difficult month for our family.

After having a miscarriage and trying to deal with everything that comes with that (heartache, pain, disbelief, and overwhelming sadness), just two weeks later we find out that Will no longer has a job. The bad economy has caused his company to make cuts and layoffs.

We are trying our best to remain optimistic and know that the future

will hold great things for us, but it's so hard right now.

Until then, we're learning to dance in the rain

(or in our case, the snow).

Monday, February 18, 2013

St. George get-away

February 15-16-17

Here are a few pictures from our weekend away.

We had a great time soaking up the sun and relaxing with family.

The weather was AMAZING...just what we needed.

We went to Snow Canyon and enjoyed playing in the sand dunes.

We went on a hike and even climbed a small mountain.

It was so nice to get out of the cold Salt Lake air.

On our way back, we stopped by the St. George Temple.

It was nice to relax and feel at peace.

We finished the day with some fun at a park and enjoyed

a walk in the warm, sunny weather.

Perfect weekend.

(proof Will and I made it to the top!)

Vacation is hard work!!

Friday, February 15, 2013

St. George here we come!

Today, we're heading off to sunny St. George Utah.

It's about 4 hours south of Salt Lake City.

We can't wait to get out of the snow and enjoy the sunny,

60 degree weather!!!

We are in need of a break away from things and can't wait to

wear short-sleeved shirts and roll the car windows down!!!

Baby #2...?

On January 3rd, 2013 we found out we are expecting our second baby!

We couldn't be more excited! Our hearts are so full of gratitude and love towards our Heavenly Father for sending us this sweet baby to love. We were so excited to grow our family and have siblings for Reagan to play and grow up with.

Sadly, after nine weeks of pregnancy we would find out that our sweet little baby didn't make it and I would soon have a miscarriage. After emergency ultrasounds, blood draws, more tests, waiting and waiting and waiting...we finally learned that our little baby no longer had a heartbeat.

Heartbroken. Sadness. Disbelief.

We were so excited to be parents again. We wanted to have another baby, so why was this happening? Heartbroken we drove home in tears trying to figure out what we were just told. Nothing made sense. Everything was perfect, my hormone levels were good, I felt good, and I was ready to be a mother again. Sadly, that would not be the case (for now).

We know that trials, happiness, and sadness are all a part of life. I am grateful that I do feel comforted by our Saviour Jesus Christ as we go through this one. I hope that one day I will get to meet this special little baby. I know that there is a bigger plan, one that I am not aware of at this time, but the Lord knows what I need to experience in this life and with His help, I know that Will and I can make it through this.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time in our lives.

We appreciate them so very much.

I have found much comfort in prayer, talking with others who have experienced the same loss, and reading and learning from others.

The LDS talk below helped me out tremendously.

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1989/07/coping-with-the-heartache-of-miscarriage?lang=eng

Thursday, February 14, 2013

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I can't believe another year has begun.

We wish you all joy and happiness in the year to come.

2012 in a flash...

We have had such a busy, exciting year.
Here are a few glimpses of the excitement!

January 2012

Our baby girl is growing way too fast.

She's holding her own bottle and everything.

Raising a little girl is hard work!

February 2012

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

This week we went down and stayed with Will while he worked

on a job in Cedar City.

It was nice to relax in the hotel and spend the evenings with him.

The weather was a little warmer than Salt Lake.

Reagan and I even went out for a little walk...in February!

March 2012

We have had beautiful weather even though it's just March!

It's normally still chilly this time of year.

We took advantage of it and even got in a quick photo shoot!

April 2012

Happy 1st Easter, Reagan!

May 2012

Reagan's first airplane ride...all the way to Virginia!

She did so well on the plane.

Looking out of the airplane window was her favorite thing.

We had a blast visiting family and friends. We were sad to leave.

Virginia and Utah need to be a little closer together!

Pappy and Reagan

Memaw and Reagan

(great) Grandma Joyce and Reagan

June 2012

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!!!

Checking out the elephants at the zoo with dad.

July 2012

Hittin' the road on a 10+ hour road trip,

headed to California/Disneyland/California Adventure!!!

(Reagan and mommy's FIRST EVER trip).

Reagan didn't mind the LONG car ride, but was very happy to get out and stretch.

We had an amazing time making wonderful memories.

We can't wait to go again one day!

A special thank you to Craig, Liz, Ben and Margie for letting us be a part of it all!

We love you guys!

We have officially been in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans!

August 2012

Back to Virginia for another visit. This time Reagan and I went with my sister Karen.

It was nice to have help on the plane, especially since this little one is very close to walking (and quick at getting away). Reagan loves her auntie Ka!

It was good to visit Pappy, Memaw, Grandma, Grandpop Alvin, and Cindy, and other family and friends.

We also went to Busch Gardens and had a lot of fun. Reagan was too little to ride anything, but she enjoyed looking at everything. She really liked dancing to the music at the neat shows.

Riding the horsie at Busch Gardens August, 2012

September 2012

Happy Birthday to our sweet little Reagan!!!

We can't believe our little girl is ONE!!! We had a party with family and friends.

It was so much fun to celebrate our sweet little Reagan.

The weather was sunny and warm, so we ended the day with a stroll around the block.

What a perfect day!!!

Daddy and Reagan

Mommy and Reagan

October 2012

Carving pumpkins!

Daddy, let me "help" you!

November 2012

Reagan loves to blow kisses. It's her favorite thing.

Reading stories about baby Reagan.

We're trying out the "big girl" bed.

She loves that she can get in and out anytime she wants too.

We'll see how this goes!

December 2012

My sister Karen got married to an awesome guy in December!

Congratulations!!! We are so happy for Andy and Karen!

We are excited to have them living close, just 5 minutes away.

Just married......................

Despite a double ear infection,

Reagan posed for a few photos.

Nana Liz made her flower girl dress. Thanks Nana, you are amazing.

Dad, mom, and Reagan

Merry Christmas

Putting her "R" on the tree.

Oh, the excitement and magic of Christmas!

We were so excited to have my parents in town for Karen and Andy's wedding,

and they stayed until Christmas.

It was fun to have them here during the holiday season.

We are so grateful for the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. We are blessed in countless ways. His love for us is felt daily. May we always remember His sacrafice for us and count our blessings at Christmas-time and throughout the rest of the year.