Sunday, June 29, 2014

32 weeks { bumpdate }

Another 2 weeks has gone by... whew. To imagine having 8+ more weeks left... seems crazy... but somehow, I know, it'll happen... and when it's all said and done, it'll have felt like it passed by so quickly.

From about my 30th week onward, I've hit the "uncomfortable" stage. Some nights are definitely better than other nights, but waking up to pee 8x... no fun. I'm definitely starting to feel like the tossing and turning and getting up all night, is starting to "prepare" me for those early morning feedings... and I can't say I'm excited about it. It happened not that long ago with Marley, so it's still pretty fresh on my mind. Feeling like a zombie... that was no fun... definitely my least favorite part about the newborn stage.

I'm trying to embrace every moment... caring for an 11 month old, makes it pretty tough (for those that have had or are having back to back pregnancies, I think you'd agree.) I'm excited for life to sync back up again to a new rhythm, a rhythm where my two babies nap together (hopefully), and we can enjoy adventures... and continually reminding myself... "just get through the first 6 months... and you'll be fine" ... "keep them alive each day, and consider that a win."

In the last few weeks, I've had a ton of Braxton Hicks... and have felt like my tummy has grown like crazy. Still measuring at the right speed, and heard baby boy's heartbeat, a 140. A little slower than usual... as the midwife says, "He's just getting bigger, and bigger means slower heart rate, and that he'll be getting ready to come out soon enough". We'll know more about his size and positioning (even though he seems to remain head down and ready) at our ultrasound appointment this week. I'm excited to see him again... it's been SO long (since my 18 week check). I love hearing his heart beats at each appointment, but there's something about "seeing" them... peeking in through a "window"... that just makes my heart go pitter patter. The last time, he looked JUST like Marley... melt.my.heart.

















Cravings: ice, peaches and watermelon.

Turn Offs: nothing bothering me at all.

Daddy's thoughts on the pregnancy thus far: "It's time to take pictures ... AGAIN?"

Charlotte's thoughts on the pregnancy thus far: We share our "name of choice" with Charlotte... and she approves, with 2 thumbs up. She loves to call him "by name" each time she says "good morning" or "good night"... She loves feeling his butt stick out, and says she's giving him "spankings" as she taps on his little bottom. He moves every time he hears Charlotte or Marley's voice.

Marley's thoughts on the pregnancy thus far: Poor little girl, has NO idea that she'll have to SHARE Mommy soon... she's all about me these days, which makes it tough to get anything done... but more so, I'm holding her all the time, which is definitely putting pressure on my belly, and stressing it out so much more than I'd like.
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Saturday, June 21, 2014

School Sessions: Chapter 10...

School's out for the summer... well, at least for a little break. Charlotte officially finished all of her work that I've had for her for Kindergarten... and today's review day, was just amazing. She could read all of the directions to each activity by herself, and barely needed my guidance. That right there, is already a win in my book. She followed the directions perfectly, and I may only have helped her twice at the most. She's so excited to have a bit of a break... and to be honest so am I...

Bring on.... 1st Grade... But first... Happy Summer Everyone!





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Wednesday, June 18, 2014

It Usually Always...

After celebrating so much the last few days (Charlotte's 3rd Gotcha Day, Father's Day, Marley's 11th month birthday)... we're in a lull... and that's okay. It's time for me to start getting my act together, and start getting projects done... all while putting my feet up at the same time. I've had a little too many Braxton Hicks for my liking, and a semi scare for me yesterday (no worries, midwife assured all is well)... so I'm just going to sit with my feet up today... all day, the best I can. I can totally paint, and sew, and build things will relaxing, right? 

But before I start putting the last few days behind me... I had to share how we celebrate... it usually always involves good food, a family adventure and tons of laughter. I couldn't love my family any more than I already do...seriously.













































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Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Dear Marley { 11 months }

Dear Marley...

To think that in one month, we'll be celebrating your first birthday... is mind blowing. You are 11 months old... we've made it 11 months, and yet it feels like just yesterday we held you for the very first time... a tiny little 7lb peanut... itty bitty, and completely helpless... and here you are today... close to 20lbs, full of spunk and pizzazz, and definitely an independent/stubborn little girl.




















We've hit sooooo many milestones this last month. You've been crawling for awhile now, but you pull yourself up on everything... and climb up onto things. We often find you in the dishwasher, in the cabinet door shelf under the sink... literally anywhere there is a set up, you figure out a way to get up there. If we had stairs, we'd be in major trouble. You understand how to get up them, but  no idea how to get down, yet. You are so articulate... talking ALL the time, it truly amazes me. Here's a list of words you say, accurately, and often:

"Eye" (Hi), "Buh" (Bye), "YAY!", "Kitty Ca" (for kitty cat), "Daddeeee!" (Daddy), "CeeCee" (Charlotte), "New Bu" (New Butt... aka Diaper), "Ba Ba" (bottle), "Num Num" (for snacks), "Na Na" (we think is Mommy)

You seriously are so verbal... we never imagined we'd have an early talker... oh goodness, you're going to talk as much as Charlotte... just watch. You understand much of what we tell you too, the best is watching your reaction each and everytime to "No!"
















You dance to music... well, it's more of a bounce of your knees, and a hand sway, or a hands clap... but it's SO cute. Whenever you see Charlotte playing with her friends on the trampoline, you head over to the door, and bang on it, until you are let out... you ALWAYS want to join them, with whatever they're up to. You love her, and hardly want to spend a minute away from her.

You've been in the pool probably 4/5 out of 7 days a week... and you ADORE it. You're turning into a tan little baby, even with SPF 80 on! It must be because you've inherited Mommy and Daddy's olive skin tone. Everywhere we go, people say, "Look at your brown little baby." Those blue/gray eyes POP so much and your hair is lightening from the sun. You could live outside if we let you. Whenever the door opens, you crawl right to it...and if it closes before you've escaped, you cry hysterically.

4 teeth up top have made their way through this month. They're definitely through your gums, so the worse part is over... but oh my, those were some rough sleep nights for you... and nap days... and well, lets just say our "adorable happy baby" was replaced with "miserable crabby baby". They say all babies dealing with teething differently, and lets just say, we hope your baby brother deals with it differently. We know something is up when your fingers are constantly in your mouth, temperature spikes to a fever, and you're completely clear snotty.

But overall, you are the most pleasant little ray of sunshine to be around. Whenever we're out and about, you wave to most (although, you favor the veterans on base)... and flash your little smile. But, you do like to stick close to Mommy... you've definitely hit the "stranger danger" phase, full blown.

We can't get over how much spunk you have. You are totally FULL of character... character that we just adore and can't get enough of.

We love you Marley... keep being you,
Daddy, Mommy, Charlotte and Baby Brother


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Monday, June 16, 2014

30 weeks { bumpdate }

I made it to the 30 week mark last week, and hit the "single digit weeks remaining mark" on Saturday... and I'm starting to breathe some fresh breaths of relief. SO many days, I think, "I'm OVER this whole pregnancy thing"... but, it's really usually said because my body is super uncomfortable, and because I had a really tough day with the girls (Marley has been a teething wreck). Ultimately, I'm still feeling completely blessed to be experiencing pregnancy ALL over again... even if it's sooner than I would have liked. God is good, He works in completely mysterious ways, and has the best sense of humor EVER... and lets face it, I like a guy with a good sense of humor. 

The last midwife appointment I had, brought along the same news as last time... little bug's head remains down and in position... he pretty much rolls his bum from side to side and digs his toes right into my ribs... it feels GREAT. No weight gain the last 2 weeks, and heartbeat remains a constant 148 for him. We are also trying some natural remedies right now to regulate my thyroid, to prevent (hopefully) subclinical hypothyroidism that seems to be a possible (but more so likely) post partum problem.

A lot of people have asked if I'm "getting ready for baby?"... and I kind of have to laugh about this. I never really put anything away from when Marley was tiny, except clothing, so... I've been ready for this baby. We moved Marley to Charlotte's old Britax car seat... and so he'll have Marley's infant seat, and for now, I'll wear him and continue to use Marley's Bob stroller when needed. We'll pick up another crib... eventually, but honestly he won't sleep in it for awhile, so we're not rushing to do that. Otherwise I'm all set with swaddles, basic clothing (keeping it super simple for him), toys, etc... pretty much just as Marley outgrows stuff, he'll grow into them... so, really, this has been the easiest "getting ready for baby" that I could possibly have! My midwife wants me to start baby watch as of August 1st... she doesn't think I'll last as long with this one, but WHO KNOWS... when baby wants to come, baby will come.

The main thing I'm trying to prepare for, are meals. I know that the first few weeks/months are going to be CRAZY! So, I'm going to try and prepare a few weeks worth of freezer meals to help out (starting mid July)... if you have recipes, send them over.

















Cravings: I'm really all about fruit and ice... still. Not much has changed in that department.

Turn Offs: Not too much that I won't eat these days.

Daddy's thoughts on the pregnancy thus far: He's silent most days about the pregnancy... and delivers milkshakes on demand... he knows what's up.

Charlotte's thoughts on the pregnancy thus far: " Is baby boy happy today? Because if he's happy, than you'll be happy."... she knows me WELL! "You should go rest your belly, I'll watch over Mars." Thank you sweet girl, for knowing JUST how to take care of me.

Marley's thoughts on the pregnancy thus far: She likes to flail her legs at my belly full force when I'm changing her diaper... hurts.like.crazy. She thinks it's funny... I don't think it's funny. What I do adore, is how her feet wrap around my belly PERFECTLY when I'm holding her on my hip. She has the best seat in the house (or so I think).
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Sunday, June 15, 2014

Nothing More Amazing Than That

Oh how we love Daddy (my hubby) in this house... to finish off an already fabulous weekend with Father's Day... couldn't have been better. This weekend was packed with celebrating, and I'm definitely okay with that... except that, it usually means for a rough Monday (here's to hoping it's an easy one!)

There's NOTHING more in this world, that I love more than watching my husband interact with our girls... and watching them love on him. It's a beautiful relationship. It's going to be super interesting to see how this baby boy rocks the dynamics when he shows up... but with this I am certain.... He will be a phenomenal role model for our little boy. My heart continually melts into 100 pieces hearing the "I love you Daddy"s that come out of Charlotte's mouth... or watching Marley crawl over to Daddy because she wants him to pick her up. He pursues our girls' hearts... and there really is nothing more amazing than that.

Happy Father's Day Daddy! We sure do love you.








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Saturday, June 14, 2014

You Are Our World

Dear Charlotte, 

Add another year, and that makes 3... Happy 3rd Gotcha Day sweet girl. It feels like just a few days ago, you first became ours... and I have no idea where all this time in between has gone. We can say that we've known you half your life (since you're 6 years old)... but it feels like your entire lifetime.

So much has happened in a year... you finished Kindergarten, you became a big sister (and will have another little one under your wing soon enough!), you got hearing aids, you DIDN'T have eye surgery, you learned how to read, etc... so many great memories of all your accomplishments this year... and you continue to blow us away. You are our world.
















The biggest change we've seen this last year, is stepping into your role as a big sister. It's a big deal to add another "body" to the house... less attention, more responsibility... but you took it on like a champ, and exceeded our expectations. You love Marley... and Marley has so much love for you. It's been a joy to see your relationship with her blossom. And just when we figured out a rhythm... we threw another challenge your way... told you a baby brother was headed your way this summer... and you smiled... so big.You have such a caring, giving, nurturing heart... you were meant to be these little ones older sister. There's NO DOUBT that this was all God's plans for you. It's truly amazing, to watch all the pieces of your beautiful puzzle of a life, come together.






3 years... it isn't long... but it's what's been given to us so far... and we thank God for each day more we have with you.... 

You are such a blessing to us... keep celebrating life precious child,

Daddy, Mommy, Marley (and soon to be baby brother)

Check out 1st Gotcha Day post here.
Check out 2nd Gotcha Day post here.
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