33 Weeks

Apparently, I got all off schedule remembering to take belly pics on the even weeks.  Oh well.  This is our only baby born in an odd year...maybe it's par for the course???  After a lonnnngggg two days of celebrating Christmas...this is what this prego was looking like.  Not. So. Hot.

31 Weeks

I've decided black is the best pregnancy clothing EVER!  Although, this isn't a maternity top...so whatever.  Since I didn't get a full belly shot @ 30 weeks, I had Baker take this one at 31.  It's getting closer!

30 Weeks and Christmas stuff...

Yes, this is the only picture I got of my belly @ 30 weeks.  It was sooooo cold the day we went to get our tree, that we decided to bundle up and go 5 minutes down the road and support the local boy scouts.  Our Christmas tree cutting adventure turned into picking out a tree from the Four Square Church parking lot ;)  We still had a blast and found it amusing when Luke didn't like the tree I picked out.  "No!  Not that ONE! It's too little!  We need a BIG ONE!"  So we ended up with a taller, imperfect, crooked tree that met Luke's requirement of what he thought a Christmas tree should look like.  It was still a great tree in my eyes.  As long as you didn't view from the side to see just how crooked it was - HA!

Thanksgiving 2010

So thankful for this awesome family...that has been entrusted to me!  What a tremendous blessing and priviledge to call them my own. 

And to know my Heavenly Father feels the same way...well, that's just incredible! 

28 Weeks

Still growing!

Baby Wearing

With Baby #3 coming into our family in the next couple months, I have a question for all the baby wearing mommas.  What carrier(s) did you use and did you like them?  Here are the two I have been looking at:

(photo compliments of Target.com)

 The Moby Wrap

(photo compliments of Ergo.com)

Ergo

For my first two babies I used the Baby Bjorn, and wasn't overly impressed.  Mostly, it hurt my back.  If there is a carrier out there that doesn't put strain on your back, and allows you to have two free hands, will you PLEASE let me know?  Much thanks :)

A Great Wolf Birthday Blast

Since all four of us have birthdays in the fall, (September, October and November) my mom and step-dad took us to Great Wolf Lodge as our gift!  We had a blast, and what a great idea!  No cardboard or wrapping paper to clean up and no toys to pick up everyday for the next year (or more)!!!

Both my kiddos luv water and can play for hours...

 Our little family of four

He loved the yellow slide.

She loved floating around on her back.  Why swim or walk when you can just lay back and bob around?  Silly girl didn't have a care in the world which included knowing if she was floating right into people!

She also ended up being completely FEARLESS.  She wanted to, "go on the BIG, wello slide!"  And she did...again, and again, and again.  She also asked while we were in the wave pool to go on the "BIG slide," as she pointed to the ceiling.  Unfortunately, she was pointing at the heating/cooling tubes.  Ha, ha, ha!!! 

We had an awesome time and can't wait to go again sometime!

24 Weeks

 I have a folder full of pictures and blogs to write...however, these days it obviously just isn't a top priority.  Here is a picture of me...on my birthday (which was wonderful by the way)

at 24 weeks pregnant with a

...baby BOY! 

Baker won out.  I wanted to wait until the baby was born to find out the gender.  Baker...he didn't want to wait.  He had legit reasons and he saw during the ultrasound.  I however, did not see during the ultrasound.  Baker took me to breakfast and gave me the envelope with our ultrasound pictures in it.  I opened it and started bawling like a baby.  STUPID HORMONES.

I wasn't sad because it was a boy...we have talked about wanting another boy forever it seems.  I was sad because this is probably our last baby.  We have talked about 3, wanted three and now...we will have three.  But...there's this part of me that doesn't want it to be over.  And sitting there at breakfast, for the first time ever, Baker admitted that maybe we weren't done with three either.  That made it even more confusing for this hormonal preggo woman. 

We don't know what the future holds, but that's okay. 

That is part of what makes life stressful interesting!

My Birthday Wishlist

My birthday is later this month...and I always love to go shopping for fall clothes and shoes to refresh my fall and winter wardrobe.  However, this year being six months pregnant it's a little hard to go shopping for cute jeans.  I mean really...who wants to spend a lot of money on jeans that won't fit in 4 more months???  Not me!  And honestly, there's not many stores close by that carry cute maternity clothes.  So...I've been keeping my eyes open for gift ideas other than clothing. 

Our current camera we bought the weekend before Luke was born...almost 4 years ago!  It's taken a beating and I'm concerned it's gonna go out on me when I need it the most.  Meaning...right when the baby is born.  Ha ha!  So I've had my eyes on this updated version of our current camera.  On sale @ Costco this month! 

I've decided that watches are a great accessory.  And I luv the Fossil chunky watches...and I luv HOT PINK!  How cute is this???

 And of course a new purse always helps a girl feel cute and trendy!  This bag from Fossil comes in various colors.  I love the metalic silver.  And the purple.  And the red.  Go figure!

I use to have two of these Starbucks cups.  A venti cup and a grande cup.  I used them ALL THE TIME!  My kids loved using them too!  Unfortunately, both of them busted within a week or two of each other and I had to throw them out.  I was sooooo bummed.  I can't wait to get my hands on another Venti cold cup.  And seriously people...I know there are TONS of other companies making these cold cups in cute prints.  But it's not the same as the real deal.  Just so we are clear. 

PS - I have visions of taking this cup with me to the hospital.  Big plans for this cup.  HUGE!

About a year ago my MIL introduced me to Philosophy skin care.  Up until that point I was a very faithful Mary Kay skin care follower.  I saw a big difference in my skin.  I really...really...like the philosophy skin care!  This is the skin care set I tried and loved.

 This particular vitamin C serum is awesome!  It reduced the redness in my face, evened out my skin tones and softend my skin.  This stuff rocks!

 Smallest, but certainly not least is my most favorite chapstick EVER!  I love mint and I love how it feels on my lips.  One chapstick seriously last me a year or more.  I gave this to Baker in his Christmas stocking one year...found it a year later unopened and took it back for myself.  He totally missed out.  Oh yeah...you can find it @ Bath and Body :)

Oops...how could I forget this awesome fragrance by Philosophy?!  This fragrance is light and smells like a mixture of vanilla and blackberries...so yummy!  I love the fruitier fragrances and I've had my eyes on this one for almost a year now.

There 'ya have it.  Whether you wanted to know or not...those are some of my birthday wish list ideas. 

GIVEAWAY LINKS

Be sure to visit my SIL's blog ...and hurry!  She is giving away a purse!  Not only that, she's doing giveaways all during the month of October, so be sure to check back often!

This might be a great time to start thinking ahead for Christmas gift...heh???!!!

Check out this great giveaway by a long time ago friend of mine from junior high! Win custom made notecards for yourself AND a friend!

nesting instincts: no more chemo - let's celebrate with a giveaway!!!...: "beautiful Audrey, age six Our sweet little friend Audrey is now six years old and is in the first grade. Sounds pretty normal, until I ..."

What Kind of Mother Are You?

I was blog hopping the other night...when I ran across Steady Mom's Blog and her post on being an Introverted Mom. 
She included a link to a little quiz you can take, so I thought to myself...why not?
Here's THE LINK if you're interested and want to take the quiz yourself.
And for your enjoyment - these are my results (as provided by motherstyles.com).

Your type is: INTJ —The “Individual Integrity” Mother

“My kids are better off arguing their own point of view than telling me, ‘But everyone else is doing it.’”

Individualistic and independent, the INTJ mother is both a role model and teacher of how to be an individual and live life with integrity. She is introspective, defining her own success from within, and generally confident in her decisions. She is unlikely to be persuaded by her children saying, “But all the other mothers are doing it.”


The INTJ is competent in providing for her children’s basic needs, but she is likely more focused on developing their self-esteem and confidence. Observant and insightful, she puts great importance on independent thinking and self-sufficiency, yet she is comfortable providing protection and boundaries.


Self-motivated and intense, the INTJ works hard and takes life seriously. As a mother, she lives for those moments when she can impart knowledge and offer her children perspectives on life and important issues.

If you take the test, let me know what your mothering style is.  It made me look at myself a little more realistically and realize that the strengths I see in other moms don't necessarily mean that I'm lacking in the motherhood department.  God made us each unique and knew just what type of mothering our children would need.  Isn't that awesome?  I definitely need to be reminded of that from time to time...and I bet you do too.

Boy or Girl? That is the Question.

Today I go in for my "BIG" ultrasound.  I'm now 20 weeks or halfway through my pregnancy.  Because we have a boy and a girl...we have talked about not finding out what we are having.  Of course we are praying for healthy...all working organs etc.  That is our first priority.  We have everything we need.  We have boy stuff.  We have girl stuff.  We have baby stuff.  We have a crib, diaper pail, stoller, carseat, bouncy seat, changing table, swing and the list goes on...and on...and on. 

Quite frankly...Baker says enough is enough. 
Three babies is enough. 
I have times have said two was plenty. 
However, I'm just now getting the hang of this whole pregnancy thang. 
I mean seriously, I'm just getting this down. 

Anyhow...this is most likely it.  Therefore, we are thinking of being surprised when our baby is delivered.  We get mixed reactions when people say, "what are you having?"  Some people say, "I couldn't do that."  While others say, "that's exciting!" 

So, the questions is...do you think we can do it?  Do you think we can wait and avoid looking at the ultrasound screen during our appointment?  And what is your experience?  Did you wait until you delivered to know what you were having or did you find out during your ultrasound?

Only time will tell (wink, wink)!

Excuses...Excuses!

If anyone out there is still reading this blog than congrats!  I simply haven't made time for blogging.  I have pictures.  Tons of pictures to turn into bloggy fodder...and I am way late, still need to download them etc.  In all honesty I was gonna update the blog with Natalie's birthday last week.  We went to the coast for a long extended holiday weekend.  Tuesday we were catching up, cleaning up, grocery shopping and wouldn't ya know?!  I came down with the flu somewhere late in the afternoon right around 3:30-4pm.  The whole nine yards.  Okay, no fever...but everything else.  And it didn't leave in 24 hours.  It stuck around for the rest of the week.  Not all of it.  I got better each day, but I still can't eat much.  And my energy goes as quickly as it comes.  I think my stomach shrunk, which is kinda weird when you're pregnant and food looks so good.  So in case you were wondering, I spent my week sleeping, sipping gatorade and well...I'll leave the rest to your imaginations. 

Here's to a new week...and maybe, eventually some new blog entries!

My Baby Girl Turns Two

Two years ago . . . in 2008

at 8:08 in the morning . . .

a baby girl was born on her Nana's birthday.

One Year Old

August 2010

We love you so much baby girl! 

You are fearless, loving, determined, silly, mischevious and caring. 

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Minnie Mouse Party

That's right.  Another Minnie Mouse birthday party. 
Two years old. 
Two Minnie Mouse birthday parties. 
She likes Minnie.  What can I say?
Here are the invites I found on Etsy. 
Super.  Cute.

And these are the cute stickers I found.

Do you have any favorite links or sellers from Etsy?  I'd love to know!

Sunday Worship Song

We sang this song in church today and I couldn't get it outta my head.  All day, I was singing (in my head of course . . .)

I'm so unworthy, but still You love me
Forever my heart will sing of how great You are.   

In A Nutshell

So, it's been a while since I've blogged.  AGAIN.  Go figure!  This last week was one of those weeks that stands alone when you look back over the course of the year.  Not because it was fun and we had such an awesome and incredible week.  Because the kids were SICK!  Both of them.  All week.  Not together.  They took turns!  And then throw a sick husband into the mix too.  Whoo hoo. 

Monday Luke woke up from his nap looking red.  Not like he got a little too much sun, more like BEET red including his ears.  Sure enough his temp was 102.6!!!  We didn't get to have pizza and go swim and play with his cousins that night.  Total bummer.  Later that night . . . Baker got a temp.  He stayed home from work the following day, and he only does that when he's horribly sick.  Half the time he goes to work sick.  So . . . . BLEH!  The two of them ended up being up half the night.  Luke couldn't sleep and was up from 4am on.  The boys finally went back to bed mid-morning and girlie and I got outta the house as fast as our car could take us.  We got lots of errands done, spent some time with my sister-in-law and nephews and did a little shopping.  A great break which turned out was going to be much needed. 

By Tuesday night around midnight Luke broke his fever.  Whoo hoo!  Still couldn't do much for 24 hrs include go to the gym.  I was so excited to go to my class at the gym Thursday morning because it has honestly been a month since I've attended that class . . . but, alas it wasn't meant to be.  Girlie woke up from her nap Wednesday afternoon with . . . you guessed it!  A 100+ fever. 

The difference between my two children at this point . . . communication skills.  Luke can lay on the couch, drink fluids and watch a movie.  Natalie whines.  And she cries.  And she wants to be held.  ALL.  DAY.  LONG.  By the end of Thursday I just wanted out of the house with a pair of earplugs.  My mother-in-law was so gracious in treating me to a very relaxing pedicure and a smoothie.  Yum! 

And if having sick kids wasn't fulfilling enough, I decided to follow through with my original plans of having a garage sale with my sister-in-law on Friday.  It actually turned out with the best case scenario ever.  Natalie allowed me to sleep for six hours straight on Thursday night- where as on Wednesday night I saw every hour except 5am . . . and maybe 4 (can't remember fo sho).  The weather was cool in the morning, not too hot, not too cold.  Natalie was feeling a little better and we sold most of our stuff and made almost $900.  Not bad for a days work.  Not bad at all.  However, I'm ready to hit the gym again.  I would like to sleep through the night.  And good grief.  I have laundry that's multiplying like rabbits.  Thank the Lord for a new day and a new week!

A Little News . . .

Coming early February 2011. 

A new pair of bare feet to add to our house.  We can't wait!

The Evidence Points Too . . .

Yesterday I went upstairs to change my shirt and "clean-up" aka put on deodorant when I realized baby girl wasn't around. 
I called her name and she soon appeared (weird 'cause this never happens). 
She was G.U.I.L.T.Y.
This is the trail I found.

(Why is it camera's can't focus on messes when you need them too?  There were berries all over the counter and a couple drawers).

Then there were the smooshed berries from her little hands reaching over the top.

But, mostly this was all the evidence I needed of who got into the berries!

PS - It was all over her arms and hands too.  Her hands were purplish/pink!