Teeny Peep Bumpdate- Weeks 13-15

Happy Friday y’all!  I know you must be thinking that I am out of my mind bombarding you with SIX bumpdates in one week.  I surprise myself, I promise!  And get this, 6 posts in two weeks…..holy moly!  I think I might have hit my blogging grove again (it only took a few months; don’t hate).  Okay anyways, I think since I had a bumpdate overkill this week, that I am so close to being in real-time again and will only post these once a week. Yippee skippy!

Bumpdate with Dutch at 13 weeks

Date: 7/18/15
How far along: 13 weeks
Fruit-size comparison: A peach.....how are we at a peach already?!
Developmental milestones: The baby's intestines are coming out of the umbilical cord and into his/her body, and vocal cords and teeth are beginning to form.  This is so hard to imagine, but if we're having a girl she already has 2 million ovum (or eggs) in her ovaries.
Maternity clothes: If I'm at home I'm still rocking leggings or yoga pants which are non-maternity, but if I go out I'm wearing maternity shorts.  Tops are still a mixture, but hiding this bump is completely impossible now.
Weight gain:  I'm still down about 10 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight
Stretch Marks: I've got plenty of kisses from heaven from carrying Dutch.  I applied lotions and such daily with that pregnancy, but to be honest I don't think I'm even going to try to prevent future stretch  marks.  I absolutely love these badges of honor and I'm so proud to wear them.
Sleep: Ehhhhh I'm doing better than last week since I figured out the pillow wedge, but it still isn't the best sleep.  I still wake up with some back pain but it's not too bad.
Best moment of the week: I don't have a particular moment, I just love being pregnant.  I am so joyful and grateful for this gift that I can't help but smile everyday.  Everyday is a great day, even when I'm puking and fatigued it is still the best day ever.
Movement: No but I am definitely looking forward to it.
Cravings: Chuy's jalapeno dip and mashed potatoes and I had them both Yummmmmmm
Gender: This week I'm leaning more towards thinking our baby is a girl, but I had 2 dreams this week of baby boys....so I don't know.
Belly button in or out: Innie
Wedding ring: On
Anything making you queasy/sick: Still almost everything under the sun: food, smells, thoughts, temperature....It doesn't matter what it is, I can puke over it.
What I miss: Nothing that I can think of
What I’m looking forward to: The Mr. and I have been throwing names back and forth and I think knowing the gender would at least help narrow the options down.  We are really looking forward to having a name for this baby.
Labor signs: Nope, and I'm totally okay with that.
Symptoms: Fatigue, nausea, heartburn, peeing every hour....you know, the normal stuff
Nursery: There isn't going to be a new nursery.  We plan on having Dutch and Teeny Peep share a room.  It's not that we don't have the space; we do have another bedroom, but we would like our kiddos to share a room when they are younger.  We're thinking this will be a great opportunity to continue building character with our children.  And to be honest, Dutch didn't move into his nursery until he was eight months old so the new baby will probably stay in our room about the same amount of time and then we will do a transition of some sort.  Of course we don't know what it is like to have two children and exactly what it will be like, but this is how we think we are going to try to start.
Emotions: I think I've maintained balance in that I'm mostly on the happy end of the spectrum, although I cry a lot (happy tears).  Some commercials or happy moments (like watching Dutch see the circus for the first time), make me tear up, which I think are good things to tear-up about.  I did have one moment this week, where the Mr. wanted to give me some alone time (which is sooo nice) and he took Dutch out and they went to a sports store.  I was sitting at home on the couch resting and started crying because I just missed them both so much.  Seems a little silly, but I just like to be with them all the time and I just hate being away, even if it is only for a couple hours.

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Bumpdate with Dutch at 14 weeks

Date: 7/25/15
How far along: 14 weeks
Fruit-size comparison: A lemon (isn't a lemon smaller than the peach from last week? I think I remember asking myself this same question when I was pregnant with Dutch)
Developmental milestones: If we have another thumb sucker on our hands, he/she is already doing that in the womb. The baby is wiggling, making lanugo and urine, and the kidneys and spleen are working hard on developing.
Maternity clothes: Still the same as last week.  I really love maternity shorts (I'm already debating if it's okay to wear this post-pregnancy....like years post-pregnancy lol)
Weight gain:  I'm still down about 10 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight, but that doesn't seem to stop by belly from poking waaaaaaaay out!
Stretch Marks: I've got plenty of kisses from heaven from carrying Dutch.  I applied lotions and such daily with that pregnancy, but to be honest I don't think I'm even going to try to prevent future stretch  marks.  I absolutely love these badges of honor and I'm so proud to wear them.
Sleep: I wake up with a lot of pain in my middle back, and I have a few potty breaks during the night, but when I'm sleeping I sleep hard. I'm pretty sure a train could come through the middle of the house, and if I wasn't up for a potty break, I wouldn't know it was happening.
Best moment of the week: I was taking a nap yesterday and I'm almost certain I felt a flutter.  I know it's early, but it was just like when I felt Dutch for the first time except less aggressive.  I would put money down that I felt the baby kick.
Movement: Not sure, but I think so.  I was laying down to rest today, and felt some flutters on my right side. (This is exactly as it happened with Dutch, but he didn't flutter, he full on punched me right in the middle of the gut) I waited for signs of digestion, but nothing happened.  Later in the week I felt it so much more. 
Cravings: Broccoli and salad!  If I can keep this craving up throughout the pregnancy that would be awesome.
Gender:  I think I'm thinking girl this week.
Belly button in or out: Innie
Wedding ring: On
Anything making you queasy/sick: The heat is killing me.  Dutch and I go on a walk every morning and every evening.  On Monday this week it was so hot during our morning walk that I ended up puking on the side of road while I was talking to a neighbor. Glamorous, right?
What I miss: Since I've been on pelvic rest I have not been able to baby wear Dutch.  I absolutely loathe that we can't snuggle like we used to when I would wear him :-(
What I’m looking forward to: We have a baby appointment this week and I'm looking forward and praying for a great report.
Labor signs: Nope, and I'm totally okay with that.  I will say that I've already started prepping my body for labor.  I've been starting my exercises on my labor ball and stretches.
Symptoms: I think I'm finally starting to feel a little less nauseous when I'm not in the heat and maybe I can start eating some more.
Nursery: There isn't going to be a new nursery.  We plan on having Dutch and Teeny Peep share a room.  It's not that we don't have the space; we do have another bedroom, but we would like our kiddos to share a room when they are younger.  We're thinking this will be a great opportunity to continue building character with our children.  And to be honest, Dutch didn't move into his nursery until he was eight months old so the new baby will probably stay in our room about the same amount of time and then we will do a transition of some sort.  Of course we don't know what it is like to have two children and exactly what it will be like, but this is how we think we are going to try to start.
Emotions: When I first wrote this I was feeling like I was hitting my stride, but it turns out I wrote too soon.  I was sitting on the couch with the Mr as he was watching TV and I kind of zoned out and he asked me what I was thinking (I guess I had a worried look on my face), and I said, "I think I'm freaking out" I was thinking about the first day when my hubby goes back to work and I would be at home by myself with 2 little babies under the age of 2 years old!  Oh my goodness how am I going to do this?!  How will I take care of two babies by myself?! How will I load the car and unload the car to get groceries? How will I tell one child to wait while I tend to the other and still make the first feel loved? What will I do if they don't nap at the same time (which I realize is going to happen A LOT!)? So many "What if's" rolling around in my brain.  I know women have been doing this for millions of years, but this time it's me haha I know it will be tough at first but I'm sure we'll get some kind of routine (eventually) and we'll figure it all out.  With love we'll make it through, right?

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Bumpdate with Dutch at 15 weeks

Date: 8/1/15
How far along: 15 weeks
Fruit-size comparison: An apple
Developmental milestones: Our growing baby is moving amniotic fluid, joints are moving, and is beginning to curl up (We saw all three of these on the ultrasound this week!).  The baby can detect light on the outside of my stomach
Maternity clothes: I pulled out my maternity clothes from Dutch and I have way more than I remember having.  I also ordered some more jeans and leggings for the fall, because I'm pretty sure you can't have enough of those.  I'm not in maternity pants yet but I don't think it will be long until I am.
Weight gain:  I finally gain 1 lb!  Still down 9 lbs but at least I'm starting to gain.
Stretch Marks: I've got plenty of kisses from heaven from carrying Dutch.  I applied lotions and such daily with that pregnancy, but to be honest I don't think I'm even going to try to prevent future stretch  marks.  I absolutely love these badges of honor and I'm so proud to wear them.
Sleep: Better, this week.  I sleep very hard once I fall asleep.  This week it has taken me a little longer to fall asleep at night.
Best moment of the week: By far, our appointment this week was the best!  We got a chance to see Teeny Peep!  This baby has definitively grown in the last three weeks.  The baby is already very squished in mama's womb; another very long and skinny baby. Teeny Peep is already curled and moving like crazy.  We tried to get a gender peak but Teeny Peep wasn't ready to share that with us yet.  The doctor did notice that I have a low lying placenta (not placenta previa), and I had this with Dutch as well.  I was put on pelvic rest with Dutch at 21 weeks, but I was put on pelvic rest at 6 weeks with this baby, then I was excused from it at 10 weeks, but put back on at 11 weeks due to some bleeding.  The low lying placenta coupled with my blood condition (my blood is incompatible with my babies) will probably keep me on pelvic rest until the baby arrives. Pelvic rest is pretty much a step away from bed rest.  It just means that I can't lift anything, no strenuous activity, no exercise, etc. Due to some bleeding at week 11 I had to have some blood work done at this doctors appointment and should get the results back some time next week.  My doctor was very glad that I have put on a pound especially after losing so much weight.  I've only gained one pound, but at least it is a start. My blood pressure was 96/52 and the baby's heart rate was 145.  All in all, it really was a great appointment and we loved to see our Teeny Peep :-)
Movement: After seeing the baby on the ultrasound this week, the baby is definitely already squished in my uterus (I guess that's what happens when daddy has long skinny genes with a mama who is pretty short.).  I spoke with the doctor about whether or not I have been feeling movement and he said that most second time moms can feel their babies move about 4 weeks sooner than their first pregnancy.  Since I felt Dutch at 19 weeks, and I'm now 15 weeks and the baby is already so long, I probably am feeling him/her move.  When watching the ultrasound we saw Teeny Peep move and I could identify those movements internally, so I think it's safe to say that I am officially feeling this little boy or girl moving and I absolutely love it.  I mostly feel the movements when I'm laying down and being calm, and it isn't regular yet, but when I do feel it, I can't help but smile :-)
Cravings: Broccoli and salad!  If I can keep this craving up throughout the pregnancy that would be awesome.
Gender:  This week I think girl and the Mr. thinks boy.  At the ultrasound this week, Teeny Peep was being modest so we didn't get a peak.  The big anatomy scan will be this month so hopefully we'll see then.
Belly button in or out: It's an innie, but it is already starting to get flat.
Wedding ring: On
Anything making you queasy/sick: Not that I can think of, nausea has gotten much better this week.
What I miss: I can't think of anything here either.
What I’m looking forward to: Enjoying the rest of the summer and getting to our anatomy scan.
Labor signs: No, thank goodness.
Symptoms: Nausea has gone away, and I'm starting to get an appetite back with some cravings. Energy has come back and my belly is definitely growing.  I still am having to take lots of potty breaks. And of course I'm feeling the occasional movement now.
Nursery: There isn't going to be a new nursery.  We plan on having Dutch and Teeny Peep share a room.  It's not that we don't have the space; we do have another bedroom, but we would like our kiddos to share a room when they are younger.  We're thinking this will be a great opportunity to continue building character with our children.  And to be honest, Dutch didn't move into his nursery until he was eight months old so the new baby will probably stay in our room about the same amount of time and then we will do a transition of some sort.  Of course we don't know what it is like to have two children and exactly what it will be like, but this is how we think we are going to try to start.
Emotions: This week after our appointment, even though it was a good appointment, I've been a little more emotional as we try to make decisions for delivery.  They are tough decisions and I just think I know the answer sometimes, and other times I am a sappy crying mess.  Friday I cried the entire day (like big ugly cry) because I just didn't know which answer to choose.  We are praying through this and looking for God to give us peace and wisdom.

What I’m Lovin’ Wednesday: Urban Tot Cot

Hey, remember when I was actually on top of things in my life and had a cool new thing to share with you every Wednesday?  Do you remember? I hardly remember.  It seems like an eternity ago hahaha  Oh well, let's not dwell on the past.  
Dutch goes to school for about 4 hours a week: two hours on Tuesday and Thursday each.  It’s really important for us to make sure that he is getting those social and developmental skills.  He really seems to enjoy being with his friends and teachers and he is learning so much so fast; this makes us happy and gives us reassurance that we are attending to all of his needs as he grows.  Dutch attends a Montessori school so once a child has met all of their developmental milestones in one class they are moved to the next class.  In July Dutch was moved to the Infant II class and I was told that he now needed a bedroll.  My immediate response was, "What in the world is a bedroll?!" hahaha #firsttimemom  When I discovered that a bedroll was a napmat I got to work searching for the best fit for Dutch.  That is when I stumbled upon the Urban Infant Tot Cot.

I found this awesome bedroll on Amazon: it was a decent price (some bedrolls are insanely priced if you ask me), had fantastic reviews, and matched exactly what I was looking for.  It arrived in 2 days and I posted the picture above on Instagram of Dutch practicing with his new bedroll at home before we took it to school with him.  He really seemed to enjoy it so we gave it a try. Y'all, I can honestly say that not only does Dutch love it, but so do I and so does his teacher! 

Why Dutch loves it: The bed roll is super soft, and has everything he needs in one spot include a little pocket for a lovie, a pillow, and a blanket.

Why mama loves it: I love that the material is gentle on Dutch's skin.  I'm also a fan of the various prints there are choose from that aren't silly animated characters and are gender neutral.  I love that everything came with the bedroll and I didn't need to find separate blankets or pillows to fit this particular bedroll; it truly is an all-in-one design.  I really appreciate how lite it is to to carry.  There is a convenient strap that I can just throw over my shoulder to tote his bedroll home.  Speaking of getting it home, this is the easiest thing to wash!  I can throw the entire thing in the washing machine!  

Why the teachers love it: Dutch's teachers love that everything is all connected and in one place so it is very easy to roll up.  Everything, even the pillow and blanket, roll up together.  At school the bedrolls are rolled out onto mattresses and this bedroll comes with elastic loops on the corners that easily hook onto the edges of the mattress so the bedroll stays flat.  There is also a great spot on the front where I have his name so that the teachers can quickly identify his bedroll, roll it up, and place it into his cubby.

I don't think that I can rave enough about the Urban Infant Tot Cot!  It really is the perfect design and I'm so glad that we chose this one.  If you have a little one in school, even if only for a couple hours a week, this is a great bedroll for naps and I highly recommend it.

Obligatory Blogger Disclaimer: I was not paid for this post; I just really like this brand.

Teeny Peep Bumpdate- Weeks 10-12

I’m trying my best to catch up with these posts so that they are better and in real-time for you.  Again, so what I’ve posted today is more than a month behind, but we’re getting there :-)

Bumpdate with Dutch at 10 weeks

Date: 6/27/15
How far along: 10 weeks
Fruit-size comparison: A prune
Developmental milestones: It's hard to believe that all of the major stuff is there, and that for the next 30 weeks he/she will just be fattening up.  Feels like an accomplishment in and of itself.  Teeny Peep is growing bone cells now and will be growing a lot over the next 3 weeks.  He or she is beginning to swallow, wiggling around, growing finger nails and losing the webbing between the fingers and toes.
Maternity clothes: In the morning you can't see a bump, but by the end of the day you can definitely see a baby bump poking out. I got called out this week about being pregnant and I couldn't lie lol I love love love having a baby bump.  I'm rocking leggings and yoga pants most of the time, but for comfort sake if I'm wearing shorts they are maternity shorts.
Weight gain:  None yet since I lost 4 lbs last week.
Stretch Marks: I've got plenty of kisses from heaven from carrying Dutch.  I applied lotions and such daily with that pregnancy, but to be honest I don't think I'm even going to try to prevent future stretch  marks.  I absolutely love these badges of honor and I'm so proud to wear them.
Sleep: I have had some insane dreams for the past few weeks.  Most of the dreams involve guns and a lot of fear. I usually wake up with tears on my pillow.  I've heard of women having crazy pregnancy dreams and this has definitely been me lately.  Eeeek scary!
Best moment of the week: Finding my hand occasionally resting on my belly.  It's so amazing how quickly the body begins to respond so automatically to pregnancy.  It's so innate and beautiful.
Movement: Not yet, but I'm looking forward to it :-)
Cravings: Oh goodness hahaha I don't know if I'm having cravings so much as I'm being soooooo picky about food right now.  Smells will throw me off in a major way so I really have to "be in the mood" for something to eat, and when I want to eat we better eat now or I will be sick.  I want savory things like mashed potatoes.  Oh and I think I would kill for a sub and lettuce wraps......reminds me of my pregnancy with Dutch :-)  I'm insanely hungry but as soon as I eat, I pick at my food like a bird and probably only consume about 5 bites.  See I'm being picky!
Gender: Last week I was thinking girl because I was so sick.  This week I'm thinking boy again because of my food cravings.
Belly button in or out: Innie
Wedding ring: On
Anything making you queasy/sick:  My stomach getting even remotely empty makes me so nauseous.
What I miss: Nothing!
What I’m looking forward to: We have a doctors appointment this Thursday and I'm very much looking forward to hearing a strong heartbeat and hopefully seeing a much bigger and stronger baby!  This week we’re planning on letting the cat out of the bag about the baby :-)
Labor signs: Nope, and I'm totally okay with that.
Symptoms: Nausea and fatigue, but nothing like it was last week.  Oh and heartburn has certainly reared its ugly face again.  I'm skipping the Tums and going straight to the serious stuff.  I learned last time that Tums are child's play with pregnancy heartburn, and I'm going with ranitidine.
Nursery: There isn't going to be a new nursery.  We plan on having Dutch and Teeny Peep share a room.  It's not that we don't have the space; we do have another bedroom, but we would like our kiddos to share a room when they are younger.  We're thinking this will be a great opportunity to continue building character with our children.  And to be honest, Dutch didn't move into his nursery until he was eight months old so the new baby will probably stay in our room about the same amount of time and then we will do a transition of some sort.  Of course we don't know what it is like to have two children and exactly what it will be like, but this is how we think we are going to try to start.
Emotions: I think because last week was just so bad, and I was so sick and so tired that I was a hormonal train wreck.  This week has been so much better and more balanced.  I'm really praying hard for good results this Thursday at the doctor and after that we plan on sharing our great news, and I'm looking forward to sharing!

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Bumpdate with Dutch at 11 weeks

Date: 7/5/15
How far along: 11 weeks
Fruit-size comparison: A lime
Developmental milestones: The bones are beginning to get harder, the baby is getting tooth buds under the gums, and nail beds are forming.
Maternity clothes: In the morning you can't see a bump, but by the end of the day you can definitely see a baby bump poking out. I got called out twice this week about being pregnant by strangers: a woman at the 4th of July party and our waiter at a restaurant.  I love love love having a baby bump.  I'm rocking leggings and yoga pants most of the time, but for comfort sake if I'm wearing shorts they are maternity shorts.
Weight gain:  None yet.  Still 6 pounds under my pre-pregnancy weight with Dutch and 2 under my pre-pregnancy weight with Teeny Peep.  Doctor said I need to start eating more and gaining weight (this is a first in my life! Ha!)
Stretch Marks: I've got plenty of kisses from heaven from carrying Dutch.  I applied lotions and such daily with that pregnancy, but to be honest I don't think I'm even going to try to prevent future stretch  marks.  I absolutely love these badges of honor and I'm so proud to wear them.
Sleep: When I sleep I am sleeping hard.  I get up about 3x a night to use the restroom
Best moment of the week: By far the best moment of the week was getting to see our baby at our doctors appointment.  It initially started out as a really bad appointment because the nurse couldn't find the heartbeat with several machines for about 45 minutes.  I was hysterical.  I mean I was already worried about the appointment before it even started because our last appointment had been so concerning with the baby being too small and the heartbeat being too slow, so not getting a heartbeat just had me in tears (I used the entire box of tissues in the doctors office!).  But the doctor finally found the heartbeat (164... at this same stage Dutch's was 168).  We saw the baby moving his/her legs around a lot, like the baby was swimming freestyle.  Lots of kicking and a beautiful brain and spine.  We were so delighted to see this baby moving around and looking so great.  Doctor said that the legs are super long already (a week ahead of schedule....Dutch was a the same way), which makes me smile so much knowing that this baby is already so much like his/her daddy :-)
Movement: Not yet, but I'm looking forward to it :-)
Cravings: I'm still very sensitive to smells and very picky about my food choices but I am getting a lot better.  I'm trying to eat more small meals, which is good because I can't eat large (or even medium meals anymore because I get full too fast).
Gender: After our appointment this week, the Mr. and I are both feeling like it's a boy.  We will probably find out in the next month or so.
Belly button in or out: Innie
Wedding ring: On....but I will say my fingers sure did swell on the 4th of July weekend.  My little sausage fingers couldn't take the heat.
Anything making you queasy/sick:  My stomach getting even remotely empty makes me so nauseous.  I had a few moments this week where I just couldn’t get to food fast enough (forgetting or not enough time) and I have gotten sick at the sink in the kitchen too many times to count (gross, I know).  If I get too tired, too hot, or too hungry I get sick.  Pregnancy sure is glamorous sometimes lol
What I miss: Nothing!
What I’m looking forward to: After our great report I am definitely looking forward to sharing our good news :-)
Labor signs: Nope, and I'm totally okay with that.
Symptoms: Minor nausea, fatigue, swelling, lots of potty breaks, some heartburn, occasional achy back....but really nothing super major
Nursery: There isn't going to be a new nursery.  We plan on having Dutch and Teeny Peep share a room.  It's not that we don't have the space; we do have another bedroom, but we would like our kiddos to share a room when they are younger.  We're thinking this will be a great opportunity to continue building character with our children.  And to be honest, Dutch didn't move into his nursery until he was eight months old so the new baby will probably stay in our room about the same amount of time and then we will do a transition of some sort.  Of course we don't know what it is like to have two children and exactly what it will be like, but this is how we think we are going to try to start.
Emotions: I think I've been pretty balanced this week. Not too much up and down with my emotions, though I do occasionally get teary-eyed (e.g. when the 4th of July parade started I cried because I was just having so much fun and joy watching Dutch discover all of the fun aspects of a parade). 

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Bumpdate with Dutch at 12 weeks

Date: 7/11/15

How far along: 12 weeks
Fruit-size comparison: A plum! We have a plum!
Developmental milestones: All of the major systems have developed!  That's a major milestone which makes me very happy!  I can't wait to see them at our anatomy scan.  Of course they need time to fatten up, but the fact that they're established is very exciting.
Maternity clothes: I've definitely popped.  There is no hiding this bump; my body doesn't like to hide pregnancy.  I'm mostly in yoga pants or leggings but if I put real clothes on they are maternity clothes.
Weight gain:  While my bump is growing I am down 9 lbs.  My doc isn't very happy about that, but I just can't eat much these days.  I'm lighter than I've been in years; I'm lighter than I was before I started fertility treatments years ago!  It's weird to think I'm losing so much weight being pregnant and yet the bump is still growing.  Pretty crazy!  Hopefully in a few weeks I can start gaining weight again.
Stretch Marks: I've got plenty of kisses from heaven from carrying Dutch.  I applied lotions and such daily with that pregnancy, but to be honest I don't think I'm even going to try to prevent future stretch  marks.  I absolutely love these badges of honor and I'm so proud to wear them.
Sleep: My back has been killing me.  I'm sleeping on my left side and I've got a pillow in between my legs (the official pregnant sleeping position), but I think the weight of my belly is pulling at night.  I never had this with Dutch, so this was a first for me.  I did some research and found that instead of just hugging a pillow it's better to wedge it between the bed and my belly.  This has worked miracles for my sleep! Thank you Dr. Google!
Best moment of the week: I know this is controversial topic, but just like when I was pregnant with Dutch, I love when other people see my bump and want to touch it.  I absolutely LOVE sharing the joy of pregnancy with others, even strangers. I know how precious this gift is and I cherish it and want to share the joy with others.  So when a lady at HEB asked about this baby I was thrilled to share this baby with her.
Movement: Not yet, but I'm looking forward to it :-)  I've read that you feel your second baby about 4 weeks earlier than your first.  I felt Dutch at 19 weeks, so that means I've got about 3 weeks until I get to feel him/her move :-)
Cravings: It's hard for me to want to eat anything, but one night this week I laid awake from 3am to 4am thinking about deviled eggs, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese.  I wanted them so bad.  When the Mr woke up, he asked me what I was doing and all I could respond was "I want deviled eggs" hahahaha
Gender: I did the pee on baking soda test last week and it didn't fizz which means girl……….  
Belly button in or out: Innie
Wedding ring: On and extra shiney since my hubby had it cleaned for me :-)
Anything making you queasy/sick: Everything and nothing.  I'm just sick all the time.
What I miss: Nothing!
What I’m looking forward to: Seeing our baby at the anatomy scan appointment.  I want to see him or her wiggling around perfectly healthy and happy.
Labor signs: Nope, and I'm totally okay with that.
Symptoms: We had our second breakthrough bleeding and cramping scare with this pregnancy last weekend.  So I'm officially back on pelvic rest and trying to take it easy.  Pelvic rest is pretty much a step away from bed rest.  It just means that I can't lift anything, no strenuous activity, no exercise, etc. Other than that I'm sick, fatigued, and pee a lot.  
Nursery: There isn't going to be a new nursery.  We plan on having Dutch and Teeny Peep share a room.  It's not that we don't have the space; we do have another bedroom, but we would like our kiddos to share a room when they are younger.  We're thinking this will be a great opportunity to continue building character with our children.  And to be honest, Dutch didn't move into his nursery until he was eight months old so the new baby will probably stay in our room about the same amount of time and then we will do a transition of some sort.  Of course we don't know what it is like to have two children and exactly what it will be like, but this is how we think we are going to try to start.
Emotions: Between being sick, and our pregnancy scare this week, announcing to the world that God has blessed us with another baby, and Dutch having surgery, I have been on a roller coaster of emotions.  I've cried a lot this week for both good and scary reasons.  Hopefully this upcoming week if there are a lot of tears it's because of happy things.

The Surprising Road to Teeny Peep & Spilling the Beans

I completely forgot about mentioning the details about learning that Teeny Peep was on the way until someone reminded me (great idea & thank you Jessica!  Can I blame forgetting on prego brain?).  Before when I said that this pregnancy has been completely different in every way from previous pregnancies, I promise I’m not lying!  Everything from how I feel, to how we found out, and everything in between is completely different.  I can’t help but laugh.  God is keeping this entertaining for us, and already teaching us to not compare these peeps in our nest :-)

Around January 2015, when Dutch was 7 months old, I started feeling the Holy Spirit place on my heart the desire to start trying again for more children. The Mr. and I always talked about having a large family before our struggle with infertility and we just didn’t know if it would still be possible now with my age increasing and the amount of time (and money) it took to get Dutch.  To be honest, I was really nervous about moving forward with building our family again, I was still super sleep-deprived and learning how to parent one baby, how could I possible add another? Then one day in March, out of the blue, the Mr. said to me “When are we going to have another baby? I think we’re ready.”  Okay, so he is feeling the Holy Spirit too…….okay, maybe it IS time to expand the family.  We discussed and prayed about it to make sure that this was God’s desire and not our own.  We needed Him to psychologically prepare us for another tough road to fertility and truly provide for us in every way.  It took 4 years for Dutch to be conceived so this could potentially be another long and tough battle.  We knew that God had brought us through before and we just asked that He would do it again.  We truly were buckling up for a bumpy road though.  I was still exclusively breastfeeding and had only had one cycle 5 months prior so not being regular could hinder the process.  I was not comfortable omitting breastmilk from Dutch’s diet just so that we could have another baby.  To me that felt very selfish because I knew how many benefits he was getting from the milk.  Plus, I was aware that nursing doesn’t prevent pregnancy (that is just a myth ladies!!!!)  So I prayed to God that if He wanted it to work out, that I knew He could make it happen.

So at end of March we had confirmation that it was time to start trying to grow our family.  To prepare my body this time of course I did all of the regular things (exercise, eat right, prenatal vitamins, blah blah blah you know the drill), but I also read and applied Feed Your Fertility by Emily Bartlett which removes all toxins from your environment (everything from changing your water source, cosmetics, cleaners, everything!).  I figured even if this didn’t help us conceive they were still healthy measures to take to create a safer environment in our home.  I also used three essential oils: I put SclarEssence behind my ears once a day, Ylang Ylang on my forearms twice a day, and EndoFlex on my heels once a day.  These are all essential oils said to enhance hormonal health.  (Important sidebar, make sure that you do your research and you are thoroughly aware of the effects of essential oils, their drug interactions, and impacts on the body.  Please be well-informed and make sure that your physician is aware and supportive.) The first day I used these essential oils, my cycle arrived (this was too coincidental, or divine timing really, to go unnoticed especially when I typically have one cycle every couple years), so I started counting days.  In April I “ovulated” for two weeks.  This might sound good at first, but it really isn’t.  When I started to see multiple days of “ovulation” I knew exactly where this was headed.  This was exactly what would happen with Dutch: my body over produces so many hormones to get my body to ovulate, for days hormones are elevated getting positive ovulation predictor test, but an ovum (or egg) is never released.  Again this was an indicator to me that this could be another long adventure for us and to mentally prepare myself for a lot of upcoming disappointment.  We attempted to conceive on what we thought was day 14, we prayed that it would happen, but we honestly did not put a lot of eggs in the basket (hehe sorry I couldn’t help myself with that pun).

May 8th was Mother’s day and if I was pregnant I should know by then, but I purposefully didn’t take a test.  I knew that if I wasn’t pregnant, or even if I was, it would take away from my first Mother’s Day with Dutch in my arms and I really just wanted to focus on him.  So the next weekend, May 16th, it was a Saturday, we decided to take a test.  It was one of those with the lines that change colors, not the digital kind.  I took the test and brought it out of the bathroom and into the nursery where the Mr. was reading books with Dutch.  I yelled, “Is that a second line?!” We both stared at it like old people.  We moved it closer to our faces and then further away.  Neither one of us wears glasses but if you were watching us try to read this test you would swear that we both needed bifocals.

“No, there is nothing there”

“Are you sure”

“Uh…maybe, right there?”

“No, we are seeing things, right?”

“Darby, why did you get this kind of test? You never get this kind. You hate this kind.”

“I don’t know. Do you see anything?”

“Maybe it needs more time?”

“It said 3 minutes?”

“Okay maybe let’s wait and try again later”

“Okay, good idea”

I had somewhere I needed to be that morning so the Mr was taking Dutch to the park, and they left so I could get ready.  A few minutes after they left I heard them coming back through the door.  I ran to the living room in full-on “Is everything okay?!” panic mom mode.  The Mr. said he couldn’t stop thinking about the test so he went and got some digital tests.  At this point we laughed at each other.  Because I was out of urine, we both left (the boys to the park, and me to my event).  As soon as I got home I said I would take the test.  The entire time I was gone though, I knew that there were two lines on the test from earlier.  I had that inner glimmer and I just knew.  I don’t remember much of the event I attended; I was in a different world.  I raced home and immediately took the test.  In the bathroom I watched the test immediately change to “pregnant”.  There was no need to wait the entire time.  I came out of the bathroom in complete and utter shock. What just happened?!?!?!?! I was changing my clothes to go tell the Mr. the news when he ran into the bedroom.  “So? So? What did it say?” (insert water works that could fill the entire Atlantic Ocean here) “We’re pregnant!” I think I scared the Mr. with the amount of crying I was doing.  I was instantly ecstatic and petrified. 

How were we going to do this?

How could I have done this to Dutch so soon? He wouldn’t understand having to share mommy!

How are we going to do this?!

How did this happen on the first try?!

How are we going to do this?!

Oh my gosh this happened on the first try!!!!

The first try?!?!

Oh. my. goodness…..the first try?!

I joyfully cried and freaked out in the arms of my husband.  We knelt at the end of our bed and prayed to the Lord enormous gratitude and begged for His provision again.  I am so glad that with both babies we have hit the ground on our knees and thanked the Lord for the opportunities He has granted us to raise His children within minutes of discovering I was carrying our babies.  What an honor and huge responsibility that we cherish.  We try our best to give all of our worries and fears to Him immediately, and ask for wisdom and guidance in growing these babies.  It amazes us that God could give us another baby so quickly especially when we were really bracing for a long tough road.  God once again gave us these babies and maybe He used tools (“resetting” my body, the essential oils, or the changes in our environment) to further His plan, but ultimately it was His, and only His, doing.  It was His plan for us to conceive when we did and we are so very grateful, and recognize this blessing.

Over the next couple weeks I took 4 more pregnancy tests because my mind still couldn't believe it, and quite honestly I felt so good (little did I know that would quickly change lol).  Before we started trying to conceive, I mentioned to the Mr. that it would be so cool if it happened on the first try so that when Kellyn, my sister, came to Houston for Dutch’s first birthday we could tell her then and I even thought of a fun way to tell her of our hypothetical baby.  I actually prayed for that lol Well the Lord was listening; He is always listening!  So as soon as we found out that we were expecting again, I ordered Dutch a “Soon to be Big Brother” t-shirt to execute the surprise for my sister.  The day Kellyn arrived in Houston, my stomach was in knots; I was so excited.  I could not wait to see her reaction.  When we told her about Dutch, she had just flown into Houston also and that night we surprised her with a “Great sisters get promoted to Aunts” coffee mug…..and we were going to follow through with the same type of idea (if we have any other babies we are going to have to get really creative, because I think she might be on to us now lol).  So I told her that I laid out Dutch’s jammies (the big brother tshirt) in his room so that she could get him ready for bed.  She was in his room for a really long time, and I started wondering if everything was okay.  When she came out smiling I knew she got it.  What a fun way to surprise her! I’m so glad that she was the first to know about our newest addition.

Surprising Kellyn about Little Peep (left), and telling her about Teeny Peep (right)

Thanks Kellyn for letting me steal these pictures from your Facebook page ;-)

We told the grandparents a couple weeks later and then spilled the beans a few weeks after that.  I promise we are still in shock of the Lord’s goodness to our family.  And we are so thrilled and excited about this new adventure.  Thank you all for your warm wishes and prayers for our growing family; we appreciate it more than we could ever express!

Hugging our Teeny Peep

Photo credit: Grace Hill Photography

Teeny Peep Bumpdate- Weeks 7-9

Well here we are again.  Less than a year later and I'm writing bumpdates again.  It. Is. Awesome!  Thank you all so much for your kind wishes when we announced that we were expecting again :-) While we truly prayed for a large family, we didn't know if the Lord would give us another opportunity to have another baby and almost a month before Dutch turned one we found out that we were going to be adding to the family.  What a delightful surprise.  With Dutch it took years of TTC and lots of hormones and fertility treatments (our story here), but this time has been completely different.  Every thing that could be different has been different.  We are in complete awe of His goodness.

When I struggled with infertility, while I was pregnant, and even when I’m not pregnant, I always enjoy reading other mamas bumpdates.  To be honest, I’m so glad that I wrote bumpdates with Dutch each week.  I have already found myself going back to rereading them because I have already forgotten what was happening at each week.  I want to be able to look back for every detail of this pregnancy too, so here I go with my bumpdates for my Teeny Peep.  As with Dutch, I started writing these right away, so you’re getting them several months behind.  Until I get caught up to posting in real time I will be posting several weeks at a time.

I image that my Little Peep will be getting in on the picture action a lot :-) 

Bumpdate with Dutch at 7 weeks

Date: 6/7/15

How far along: 7 weeks

Fruit-size comparison: A blueberry 

Developmental milestones: Lots of brain cells, a pancreas and intestinal development, arms and legs budding out, brain hemispheres.....a lot is going on in that uterus of mine.

Maternity clothes: Not yet, but I certainly have bloating already and can tell that I will be in maternity clothes a lot earlier this time.

Weight gain: Not yet.  I gained 31 pounds with Dutch but by 12 weeks postpartum I was 10 pounds under my prepregnancy weight, so hopefully this time I will be able to manage my weight even better than before.

Stretch Marks: I've got plenty of kisses from heaven from carrying Dutch.  I applied lotions and such daily with that pregnancy, but to be honest I don't think I'm even going to try to prevent future stretch marks.  I absolutely love these badges of honor and I'm so proud to wear them.

Sleep: Pretty good and as much as I can.  Around 11 months, Dutch started sleeping through the night so my nighttime sleep is pretty good.  Like every mom I'm sure, I usually try to get things done while Dutch sleeps, but I've had to change that.  I get done what I can the first hour of his nap, but I rest the second hour.  I have to do this otherwise I am completely dead by 3pm.  

Best moment of the week:  We found out that we were expecting on 5/16/15 but this week we finally got to meet with our OB and seeing that spectacular heartbeat flicker on the screen.  This is however the second week in a row that I've been 7 weeks pregnant.  According to my cycle I was 7 weeks along last week, but according to our doctors ultrasound, this baby is measuring way too small so my due date was changed so I got to be pregnant for 7 weeks twice in a row.  Each week seemed like an eternity long though.  When we first saw Dutch at this age our doctor had similar concerns that he was too small, so here we are again praying that this baby grows and increases its heart rate.  When we saw him or her this week (on 6/1/15) it was 115 so we definitely want to see that increase in the next month.  I'm on pelvic rest already with this baby because of my blood issue.  This didn't happen until 21 weeks with Dutch, so it's much earlier, but my doctor would rather we be safe this time until we can see the placenta's attachment better.

Movement: Not yet, but I am looking forward to it :-)

Cravings: Nothing yet.

Gender: I think boy and the Mr. thinks girl

Belly button in or out: Innie

Wedding ring: On

Anything making you queasy/sick: I am nauseous but nothing in particular is sending me in that direction.

What I miss: Nothing!

What I’m looking forward to: Can I say everything for this one?  I am looking forward to being pregnant again, and feeling those kicks, and teaching Dutch about being a big brother.  Everything has me smiling :-)

Labor signs: Nope, and I'm totally okay with that.

Symptoms: Occasional nausea, extreme fatigue, lots of trips to pee, and I can already feel my uterus stretching.

Nursery: There isn't going to be a new nursery.  We plan on having Dutch and Teeny Peep share a room.  It's not that we don't have the space; we do have another bedroom, but we would like our kiddos to share a room when they are younger.  We're thinking this will be a great opportunity to continue building character with our children.  And to be honest, Dutch didn't move into his nursery until he was eight months old so the new baby will probably stay in our room about the same amount of time and then we will do a transition of some sort.  Of course we don't know what it is like to have two children and exactly what it will be like, but this is how we think we are going to try to start.

Emotions: Well this pregnancy's emotions have been completely different.  With Dutch I was blindly elated, without a single concerned emotion.  This time around I'm still elated but the joy is also accompanied by lots of anxiety.  I'm nervous about this baby growing healthy physically, cognitively, psychologically.  I think it's because this time I know how wonderful it could be and I'm petrified that I could lose an opportunity to embrace being this child's mama.  I'm having to stay connected with the Lord a lot more to remain positive and focused on His goodness and mercy.  I'm not blind this time.  My eyes are wide open.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shame on me, but I didn’t get a bumpdate picture for this week!

Bumpdate with Dutch at 8 weeks

Date: 6/13/15

How far along: 8 weeks

Fruit-size comparison: A raspberry 

Developmental milestones: This baby's arms and legs are already kicking (I can't feel them of course yet).  This little one is already starting to grow taste buds so he or she is going to be able to start tasting what I'm eating.  So that I have a baby with a pallet for veggies I am pushing the green stuff!

Maternity clothes: I'm not wearing them yet but I've certainly been shopping.  Last pregnancy I was large and in charge during the summer so I didn't go too many places and rocked a lot of yoga pants.  Since this summer I can't live in my house waiting for the baby to arrive I need some weather-friendly clothing.  And that means SHOPPING! :-)

Weight gain: Not yet.

Stretch Marks: I've got plenty of kisses from heaven from carrying Dutch.  I applied lotions and such daily with that pregnancy, but to be honest I don't think I'm even going to try to prevent future stretch marks.  I absolutely love these badges of honor and I'm so proud to wear them.

Sleep: I'm doing much better this week with resting when Dutch rests.  Night time has been a little more challenging.  I've had some weird dreams and of course I'm already getting up at least twice a night to pee. So I have a lot of interruptions, but when I'm sleeping, I'm sleeping hard. 

Best moment of the week:  I know this sounds weird but I think other women who have struggled with infertility would probably get this.  I have had more consistent fatigue and nausea.  I love having these things because it's my body adjusting to the hormones and being pregnant.  This is all good stuff, so I'm so grateful to have it so much more consistently. Also, while we were struggling to conceive Dutch, I started writing him letters about what we were going through to get him and how much of a desired child he was and I filled this notebook with our prayers for him.  When we started thinking about Teeny Peep I started his/her very own journal of prayers and letters.  It has been so wonderful to begin to share my heart with this baby, before he or she is even here my heart is already pouring into the life of this child and I can’t help but smile :-)

Movement: Not yet, but I am having phantom kicks.  I know what the kicks feel like this time, but I also know that its way to early to be experiencing them, but occasionally I still think I feel them.  So I've been calling them phantom kicks....my brain is so looking forward to experiencing kicks that it is creating them.

Cravings: My pop tart and cereal cravings are back!

Gender: I think boy and the Mr. thinks girl

Belly button in or out: Innie

Wedding ring: On

Anything making you queasy/sick: I am nauseous but nothing in particular is sending me in that direction; however, I am more sensitive to strong smells.

What I miss: Nothing!

What I’m looking forward to: Can I say everything for this one?  I am looking forward to being pregnant again, and feeling those kicks, getting a ginormous belly, and teaching Dutch about being a big brother.  Everything has me smiling :-)

Labor signs: Nope, and I'm totally okay with that.

Symptoms: Occasional nausea, extreme fatigue, lots of trips to pee, and I can already feel my uterus stretching.

Nursery: There isn't going to be a new nursery.  We plan on having Dutch and Teeny Peep share a room.  It's not that we don't have the space; we do have another bedroom, but we would like our kiddos to share a room when they are younger.  We're thinking this will be a great opportunity to continue building character with our children.  And to be honest, Dutch didn't move into his nursery until he was eight months old so the new baby will probably stay in our room about the same amount of time and then we will do a transition of some sort.  Of course we don't know what it is like to have two children and exactly what it will be like, but this is how we think we are going to try to start.

Emotions: Last week I was experiencing a lot of anxiety with this pregnancy and having to really press into the Lord for comfort.  I think this week has been better.  The anxiety and fear is still there, but it isn't consuming me as much.  My excitement has started building.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shame on me, but I didn’t get a bumpdate picture for this week!

Bumpdate with Dutch at 9 weeks

Date: 6/20/15

How far along: 9 weeks

Fruit-size comparison: An olive

Developmental milestones: Our little one is in the final stage of development now!  We have a fetus!  At this stage, all of the major organs are in place and they just need time to "fatten up".  Also upon entering the fetal stage, that means the baby's first bone cell has been produced.  Very exciting to think that in only 9 weeks we are already in the final stage of development.

Maternity clothes: Well I've definitely popped already.  It's going to be very hard to keep this bump a secret for a few more weeks, but baggy clothes here I come.  I've heard moms say that after the first baby the subsequent bumps appear much faster and that seems to be true for me too.  I am rocking my regular yoga pants, but shorts are just too tight so when I wear shorts that are maternity.  I've only worn a couple maternity tops so far.  Last night I was trying on a dress that I ordered online and asking the Mr if he like it.  He said, "Wait, turn to the side.  Are you showing already? Is that our baby bump?" We both couldn't help but smile.

Weight gain: This week has been one for the books.  I have been sick all week, the kind of sick that knocks you out.  I've lost 4 pounds, so I guess as far as weight gain goes that will be good long term. 

Stretch Marks: I've got plenty of kisses from heaven from carrying Dutch.  I applied lotions and such daily with that pregnancy, but to be honest I don't think I'm even going to try to prevent future stretch marks.  I absolutely love these badges of honor and I'm so proud to wear them.

Sleep: Is a little rocky.  Since I've been sick I've been needing a lot more sleep.  My muscles are so fatigued that I just have to sleep, and I almost passed out in front of the pharmacist because my body just couldn't go anymore.  My body is demanding about 3 hours of naps a day this week.  At night I'm falling a sleep okay, but I'm having trouble staying asleep.

Best moment of the week: By far was telling both sets of grandparents that there was another bambino on the way. Their reactions were priceless!

Movement: Not yet, but I'm looking forward to it :-)

Cravings: Ugh nothing!  All food is gross!  All I can eat is rice chex cereal because there is no flavor or smell associated with it.

Gender: With all the nausea this week, I can't help but refer back to the old wives tale that our Teeny Peep might be a girl.

Belly button in or out: Innie

Wedding ring: On

Anything making you queasy/sick: Everything!  Smells in general make me heave.  It doesn't even have to be a strong smell, a just barely there smell can have me running to the bathroom.  Actually just the thought of food can make me gag.  I was sick with Dutch at the beginning, but this time it has 10x worse.  I can't stand for too long, I can't be in the heat for too long, I can't be awake for too long before I'm sick and fatigued.  I don't think it's just because I have a toddler now that I’m running after, which I know makes a big difference.  But my mom was here last week and did everything while I was sleeping the entire week away and I was still tired and sick.  This again is just another reminder that every child is different and a blessing. 

What I miss: Nothing!

What I’m looking forward to: I know I shouldn't put my faith in the calendar or an ultrasound, but I would be lying if I didn't say that I wasn't really looking forward to our next appointment in a couple weeks.  With as sick and fatigued as I've been I want to make sure that the baby is doing well.  At first I was anxious because there were no physical symptoms of pregnancy, and now I feel like there may be too many.  Or perhaps something has gone tragically wrong and this is how my body is reacting.  So I'm just really praying hard that everything is okay and we get to see the strong heartbeat and growing baby.  I really don't mind being this ill if I know it is for our growing Teeny Peep.

Labor signs: Nope, and I'm totally okay with that.

Symptoms: Nausea like there is no tomorrow and fatigued like I've never slept before!

Nursery: There isn't going to be a new nursery.  We plan on having Dutch and Teeny Peep share a room.  It's not that we don't have the space; we do have another bedroom, but we would like our kiddos to share a room when they are younger.  We're thinking this will be a great opportunity to continue building character with our children.  And to be honest, Dutch didn't move into his nursery until he was eight months old so the new baby will probably stay in our room about the same amount of time and then we will do a transition of some sort.  Of course we don't know what it is like to have two children and exactly what it will be like, but this is how we think we are going to try to start.

Emotions: I've had some all over the place emotions this week.  I've been so excited I've cried (over something silly I was watching on tv), and I've cried over the fact that I can't bend over to shave my legs without having to gag.  I've been elated that I'm pregnant and worried out of my mind that something is wrong.  Up and down my emotions have roller coastered all week.

A Day In The Life

Does this make me nosey? I love to see what days are like for other people.  Not special days, but just the everyday, normal, average, day.  So in case your nosey like me (hehe, I kid), then here is a peak into a veeeeeeery normal day for us. No glam here, but just an hour by hour what happens around Chateau Hawley everyday. (This is from Wednesday this past week.)

7am: I’m up by 7 everyday and I check my phone in bed until 8 when Dutch gets up.  He usually gets up a little earlier than 8am, but he has quiet time in his room until 8am.  This has been a great character builder for practicing patience and learning to be quiet and still.

8am. Face washed, teeth brushed, leggings on, hair in top knot, iced coffee in hand, dinner in the crockpot (thanks to my bestie & our freezer club meal swap)..... time to get Dutch up.

9am: I've nursed, put makeup on, breakfast (for Dutch, the dogs, & myself), posted our blog on social media, listened to the Today show, packed & made snack for our morning activity (we do something every morning: the park, library, pool, playdate, etc. Today we are headed to the children's museum. We love the tots area)......FYI: I've only made it a 1/4 of the way through my iced coffee.

10am: We are just about at the museum, but right before we left this little boy serenaded me with the sweetest music.  He truly loves music these days.  He likes to make music and dance to music. 

11am: Dutch's favorite activity at the children's museum is always driving the trucks :-)

Like father, Like son

12pm: Well I was going to take my sweet boy on a date (because this mama is craving a salad) but my date has fallen asleep. So we'll have to save our date for tomorrow. I guess today is a Chick-Fil-A drive through lunch day because we all know you never, EVER, wake a sleeping baby

1pm: Successful transfer of sleeping baby to the crib. Checking email, stir dinner, and starting to order fall clothes for Dutch. I have the hardest time keeping this kid in clothes that fit.  He grows way too fast!

2pm: Cloth diapering mamas know, acceptance is the first step: the laundry will NEVER be done. (Plus Teeny Peep photobomb).  Time to fold the first load of diapers for today.

3pm: What I call dog bowls, Dutch calls cymbals.  See I told you that he loves to make music ;-)

4pm: Bible lesson: 'C' is for church (Acts 2:45).

Every afternoon we do some Bible time & art time.  He really enjoys coloring and painting.

5pm: Dutch could read books for hours...so far today we've read books for almost 2 hrs!  He will bring me a book, and he wants to sit in my lap and have me read it to him.  Then when I’m done reading he will bring me another one, until I have read every book we own!  He absolutely loves books.  Sometimes while I’m doing dishes he will come pull on my leg and I will look down at him holding a book up at me.  I cannot resist this!  Dishes can wait and we read books on the kitchen floor.

6pm: Dinner roasted chicken, green beans with cranberries, & mashed potatoes. It tasted like thanksgiving! So yummy!

7pm: Just keep'n it real lol The Mr got home from work early (usually he gets home between 8 & 9) so I'm getting a jump start on cleaning the house.

8pm: Went on our evening walk, washed & nursed Dutch, and got him to bed. Now it's time to unwind from the day.  Diffusing lavender essential oil is always helpful for relaxation in the evening.

9pm: Showered, finished another load of cloth diapers, read Bringing Up Bebe (again!), & hoping to pass out in the same place I woke up at some point in the next hour. But the joke is on me!  I actually didn’t fall asleep for another 2.5 hours (no pictures of this because who wants to see that?)

So that is our pretty regular day, now times today by 7 and that's our everyday :-)  It isn’t a glamorous life but it is a life I love and am grateful for every single day!

If you want to follow more of this super exciting life I live (hahahahahaha, I can’t even write that with a straight face lol), feel free to follow LWTH on Instagram!