Saturday, May 31, 2014

28 weeks { bumpdate }

Well hello there, 3rd trimester. I knew I'd see it soon... but wow, that was quick. I'm technically 29 weeks today... and I'm REALLY excited and sad at the same time about how quickly this pregnancy is going... so many mixed emotions. Just the other night, I spent nearly 30 minutes laying down in bed and talking to my "little bug"... telling him how sorry I was that I usually don't give him much attention until the end of the day. I promised him that I'd try and give him more attention... you know, belly rubs, throughout the day... and so far, he's really loved that. He's starting to push his little bum out while I'm sitting down and resting, and stretching his little feet... and this week, we went to the pool A LOT. I think he LOVED the water, which doesn't surprise me... Marley did too (inside the womb, and outside as well!)

I had my glucose test this week... and I'm sad to say, that I failed. I did with Marley... so it's not REALLY a big surprise. I'm hoping that since it was "slightly" elevated, that perhaps I'll pass the 3 hour test, but definitely not holding my breath. My midwife checked measurements of the belly, and I'm measuring at 29... so I'm definitely right on target with the newest due date of August 16th. She also felt his head already in position. So, that's GREAT news. Marley was exactly the same way, nestled her little head right in place.. and kept it there.
















It's so hot, and it's only May (almost June)... How will I do 2 more months with this bump? I'm already huge! I'm definitely carrying a lot lower with this guy... I can't imagine how it'll feel when he actually "drops". I've already perfected the waddle... not sure how I'll be getting around by August. I think someone's going to have to roll me.

Cravings: I'm still munching on ice like it's my job. I'm loving most fruit still, but nectarines... they completely have my heart.

Turn Offs: Most days, I'm still having to force coffee down. When it's iced, it's okay... but warm/hot... not so much.

Daddy's thoughts on the pregnancy thus far: We were laying in bed this morning, and both girls were playing in bed with us... and he looked at me, and stated, "How are we going to fit one more baby in this bed?" ... I think the idea of 3 is a little daunting... but you know us, we'll make it FUN!

Charlotte's thoughts on the pregnancy thus far: "Baby brother is naked right now, right?"... "Does he go pee pee inside your belly?"... "Do you think he'll look like me, or like Marley?" (Bless her little heart!)

Marley's thoughts on the pregnancy thus far: She DEFINITELY likes my belly right now... uses it as her pillow.
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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Happiness is Handmade.

When it comes to finishing touches for my office/craftroom/homeschool area... there's nothing like some great prints. Lindsay, from Pen and Paint... makes the most beautiful creations. I have followed along in her journey for quite some time now... and just yesterday she reached 5 years in the "handmade" scene... so proud of her. I'm fairly certain I have a print of hers in NEARLY every room of the house. Each creation, is vibrant and totally makes me smile when I look at it. If you head over to her shop... you'll see what I'm talking about. There's something there, for everyone.























This is my typical scene... my little one schooling right beside me as I sew. 



















I received the sweetest package in the mail not too long ago (her wrapping is just about as precious as her creations)... and knew immediately that the 5x7 prints enclosed NEEDED to be in my office. They pertain to sewing... so there's no better place for them, than nestled above my sewing area on my shelves. I wanted a way to switch out the prints, you know... depending on my mood. So instead of using a typical frame, I opted for a small 5x7 clipboard.  now, every time I sew... I can look up and admire these sweet little prints... they fit into this space, perfectly. It wasn't even planned, and yet, the colors fit into my office PERFECTLY. Thank you sweet friend... for adding some colorful inspiration to my creative space. 













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Friday, May 23, 2014

3 years down... so many ahead...

Wow... another year down... it's been 3 years since we first laid eyes on our little Charlotte. She wasn't "officially" ours until June, hence her Gotcha Day... however, in the moment we met her, we knew she was ours... you can read more about that moment here. 3 years ago, we never knew what TODAY would look like... what would become of Charlotte? And it's so fun to see her become exactly who God had in store for us... and to live out the plans He has had for her since before she was born...

We've had our fair share of challenges in the last 3 years... would we trade it in for anything else? NO WAY. These challenges have not only shaped her, but have taught us so much. It's hard to even picture life without her... I've said it before, and I'll say it again... she was meant to be a "Davis" through and through.


















SO many changes since we met her 3 years ago... 

-  Her hair must have grown crazy amounts of inches... I still remember how brittle and short her hair was the day we met her. 

- Glasses, and hearing aids... items that she literally cannot live without, but did for so long, before she was ours.

- 12 out of 20 baby teeth were removed when she first became ours... we've watched her learn to chew steak and eat mostly everything with minimal teeth... even learned how to speak.  Now we get to watch as those empty spaces are filling up with beautiful... healthy... teeth.

- She went from 18 lbs (people, that's how much Marley weighed at her 9 month check up), to a whopping 40.2 lbs. So healthy... so strong. 

- She grew many many inches... those legs are a mile long, and will be our doom when she's older and the boys come around.

- Developmentally has grown leaps and bounds... They say, for every year that a child is institutionalized to add another 6+ months to their time frame for "normalization" aka, to catch up to age appropriate behavior... For Charlotte, that would be nearly an additional 2 years of "work" to get her to where she should be... and I'd say, she's there. 

But above all the changes... she's remained Charlotte, the sweet bundle of compassion and encouragement, the one that knows no stranger, but rather... loves on all. A light... who above all fixes her eyes on Him.

"Love like I'm not scared
Give when it's not fair
Live life for another
Take time for a brother
Fight for the weak ones
Speak out for freedom
Find faith in the battle
Stand tall but above it all
Fix my eyes on you
I fix my eyes on you
I fix my eyes on you..." - Fix My Eyes, for King and Country 
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Thursday, May 22, 2014

Growing... Growing... and More Growing..

It's my favorite time of the year... when the flowers and plants are taking off... and growing like crazy. The garden has been a little rough this year, and we're trying to work out the kinks... but I'm happy to say, that the strawberries are in full bloom and turning red. They are scrumptious, and just about every other night, we are able to go back and pick a whole bunch. There's nothing better than fresh picked berries. The spinach, kale, brussel sprouts and broccoli are taking a little longer than expected... being that we planted them SO long ago (since they're cold weather crops)... hoping we'll get a little out of them before the heat burns them off.









Not only are the plants and flowers growing... but my babies are too.. Charlotte's legs continue to become "mile long" legs... Marley's teeth are coming in, and she's so great at her "So big" answer, when you ask her , "How big is Marley?" ... and of course, my ever growing belly... 
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Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Prince Charming

Like lots of girls... Charlotte has loved every single Princess and Prince created by Disney since we brought her home from Ukraine. We never really introduced her to it... she just sort of flocked to it... sort of this magnetic, or gravitational pull. She has most princesses... and so most of the time, these days, she's on the hunt for the princes.

Whenever we have to go to the outlets... usually when the girls have a growth spurt, and they desperately need new pajamas... Charlotte "requests" that we check out what's new at the Disney Store. She loves window shopping, but becomes extremely giddy when she can pick a doll from "the wall". You all know what the wall is, right? That huge wall that has all of the Disney characters (princes and princesses) on it... In the outlets, the prices are fantastic... and lets face it, I get 15-20 minutes of Charlotte "ohhhing" and "ahhhhing" most of the items, that it gives my ears a break from her little chatterbox. She earns stars with her chores and good behavior, in order to pick a doll from "the wall"... and a bit ago, she earned enough, to stop in and pick a doll... she's been on the hunt for Prince Charming... so she knew exactly what she was looking for when we entered the Disney Store... cue the funny story:

We walk in to the Disney Store:

Greeter: "Good afternoon Princesses, what can I help you find today?"

Charlotte: "I'm here to find Prince Charming."

Greeter: "Well, I hope you have good luck with that... I've been looking for my Prince Charming for many many years..."

Charlotte: "Well, why... he's right over there, on the wall."

Charlotte proceeds to "the wall" and the Greeter and I just smile and quietly giggle... If only it were that easy.

Oh, I love my sweet girl... Nevertheless, she marched right over to "the wall", found Prince Charming, and 2 minutes later, was ready to head home. It was the quickest trip to the Disney Store that has ever happened... and oh my, it's a short little "funny" that I will never forget.




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Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Happy Mail, Makes a Heart Happy

There's nothing quite like receiving a sweet package in the mail... to completely MAKE your day... or your week, or your month... happy mail, is the best. I've always loved sending off sweet little bundles... picking out pieces or making something just for the person I'm sending it to... it's so personal and unique... since we live in a culture full of electronic mail. It usually allows for me to pray over that person as I'm crafting or putting it all together. Last month, I received the SWEETEST little package... seriously, look how adorable it is... from Mandy, of Mandipidy.


She is an amazing artist... creator... and everything in the package (including the wrapping), was definitely the most amazing eye candy, ever. Such a beautiful, creative soul... and I've never even met her (in person). If we lived near each other, there's no doubt I'd hunt this girl down, and turn her into my bosom friend (gotta throw an Anne Of Green Gables line in there). I've been following along on her journey... and watching closely as her family has grown (expecting baby #3 soon)... and just adore her heart that she has for her family, for others... but most importantly for God.

I love the fact, that I can come in my office, look up... and spot her beautiful mini canvas, knowing she made that for "me"... (I also ordered one of her prints from her shop, and it's ready to be framed and stuck in my living room- for a future blog post). She recently opened up a new shop, Mandy England Art and Design... and you NEED to check it out. I'm eyeing this little gem, and by the end of the day, it might just be in my checkout cart... as well as this one. It's one thing to adore a piece of art, because it's gorgeous... but it's another thing, to adore a piece of art because it's gorgeous AND you adore the person behind that art... Thank you sweet Mandy, for that happy mail... it totally made my heart happy.

She's also got this amazing coupon code going on right now for her shop: use NEWDESIGN to get 20% off any print... and go grab a mini canvas while you're at it!
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Sunday, May 18, 2014

26 weeks { bumpdate }

It's amazing how the time seems to be flying through this pregnancy... it's pretty sad, really. When I was pregnant with Marley, I definitely felt like I had "time" to enjoy the pregnancy... and it's not that this one isn't being enjoyed... it's just that I'm SO busy with Marley and Charlotte, that I go most of the day without even thinking I'm pregnant. Then boom... I lie in bed, and I feel little bug's kicks. During the day, the girls have my attention, but as soon as I'm ready for bed, and my feet are up and I'm resting, that's when this little boy wants my attention. He loves to show off during that time... and even Daddy was able to feel him for quite some movements the other night. Those movements are getting stronger and stronger each day.. and I've felt him twist and turn recently (always makes my stomach a little uneasy- like butterflies for a few seconds).

In 2 weeks, I'll start my regular 2 week checkups with the midwife, instead of 4 in between... which makes reality kick in, that it's getting closer and closer to his due date. I'm about 10 lbs up on the scale... which feels like a lot, because of the weight that was never lost from Marley... but, I just need to be okay with it. Back to back pregnancies is pretty brutal on the body. I knew it was going to be rough, but wasn't sure how rough on my body... now I know. I'm sure the fact that I'm tending to a 10 month old doesn't help too much.

I was carrying lower for awhile, but recently I've started to feel the stretch back up in my ribs and kicks seem to be moving higher... which means, he has found ROOM to move around. Those growing stretches are so not fun, but with him moving up a little higher, I feel more relief on my hip and lower ligaments... but now, it makes breathing a little more difficult!















Cravings: Nectarines and icey pops.... really anything ice. I can pretty much crunch on ice all day long. I was the same way with Marley... so it doesn't surprise me, that this little bug loves it as well.

Turn-Offs: coffee is still forced down...

Daddy's thoughts on the pregnancy thus far: I think he enjoys the trips to the ice cream store, just about as much as I do.

Charlotte's thoughts on the pregnancy thus far: Daddy is going to have to take a bath with baby boy, because they will have the same "parts"... just like you, me and Marley take a bath, because we are girls." ... oh dear girl... you and your thinking.

Marley's thoughts on the pregnancy thus far: She likes to "pet" my belly... I doubt she understands that there's a baby inside (until he makes his grand appearance)... I think she thinks I'm just fat.
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Saturday, May 17, 2014

Dear Marley { 10 months }

Dear Marley Wren...

Our sweet little Marley Moo... or Marley Pants... or Mars... or whatever we call you these days. We have so many nicknames for you, and you definitely look whenever we say each and every one of them. You're so vocalic... constantly babbling. This house, between you and your sister, is going to be one LOUD house.

















So many changes from month 9 to 10... you officially have your 2 bottom teeth, and are working on some up top. What's strange, is that your canines are coming in, before your middle ones... so you're MISERABLE at times. Since they come in from your sinuses... you have a bit of a fever, and clear snot... and the last 2 nights, you've had some restless sleep. Hoping they break through the gums soon, because once they do, you're a lot sweeter. Honestly, the only times you seem to be miserable, are on these terrible teething days. You've also learned how to crawl and pull yourself up into standing position this month. It's been great to see how you started, and where you are at right now. You're a crawling master... one minute you're on one side of the room, and the next, you're on the other. We find you in the funniest places, exploring... and often times, getting into things you shouldn't be. The greatest find so far, has been the bird seed... or maybe the time you tasted both wet and dry food for kitty cat. You're a proficient clapper whenever we say, "Yay!" and you stretch your arms so big above your head when we ask, "How big is Marley? SO BIG!" ... you're not always 100% on board with waving... but you do manage to wave to others when I'm not looking (at the grocery store you do this often to the retirees), and they just melt at your sight. Can you blame them? 
















You are growing in leaps and bounds... this month you weighed in slightly over 18lbs, and over 28 1/2 inches long. You are one tall baby. Your hair continues to grow longer and longer... in fact, the little wisps by your ears tickle you... and you're often brushing them away. We've had to start brushing your bangs to the side, again... the feeling of it hitting your eyes, annoys you.

You love self feeding... in fact so much, that you're starting to like more chunks of solid food, and less pureed food. You really like cut up grapes, yogurt, watermelon, the crust on bread, grilled chicken (this one is recent, you hated meat pureed), zucchini noodles and broccoli... oh, and we can't forget pancakes. You are one eating champ... and it's fun to actually share meals with you now.

We can't get over how quickly the time is passing... which means you'll be 1 years old soon... and it also means that your baby brother is just around the corner with his grand appearance (Freaks Mommy out just a bit).

We love you sweet baby girl...

Love,
Daddy, Mommy, Charlotte and Baby brother.
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Thursday, May 15, 2014

A Juggling Act.

Multi-tasking... is literally the ONLY way to get things done around here... I'm definitely one of those people that when asked if you could be any animal... answers, octopus... yeah, how amazing would it be to have 8 arms to do whatever you'd like all day? Imagine how much you could actually get done...

{stuck in my day dream.... snapping out of the image of me with 8 arms....}

Motherhood is a continual juggling act... and the more kids you throw into the mix... well, you get the point. Often times, I'm running around folding a piece of laundry from the basket, at the same time that I'm placing a dish in the dishwasher, or collecting pairs of shoes that are just laying around. I'm not too great at staying in one place, doing all the dishes at once, or folding all the laundry at once, because my kids are always distracting me, or grabbing my attention (especially since Marley is crawling EVERYWHERE). And then at the end of the day, I wonder why I have a crazy mess waiting for me... yeah, juggling is apparently not my thing.

But, I do my best, and that's all I can do. When we're outside, I don't have to worry about "mess" too much, and just get to play with my kiddos while I weed the garden... or pick up sticks... or clean out the cars... etc. There's always something to be done... but just remember to have fun while doing all those things.















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