Baby, Baby, Baby - 16 weeks

*wasn't really thinking when I wore a white shirt against a white background, haha. Makes the teeny bump a little tough to see*

How far along: 17 weeks. (the picture was last week) 

Baby's size: Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and he's around 5 inches long. 

Sleep: Meh. Nothing to do with pregnancy, though. And everything to do with the two little people that end up with us every night. 

Maternity Clothes: I've started wearing my pants, but my belly isn't really big enough to hold them up all that well, haha.

Food cravings: None.

Food aversions: Nothing anymore.

Symptoms I have: Nothing. It's crazy--Aside from the occasional heartburn, I don't even feel pregnant.

Doctor’s Appointment: Just had one yesterday--healthy heartbeat of 150! We scheduled the ultrasound for three weeks from now! So excited!

Movement: Finally starting to feel the teeny kicks. I assumed that since I felt Cooper so early on, that I'd feel this one early too. That was SO not the case! It honestly wasn't until last week that I was certain I was feeling baby. But yah for those tiny kicks! :)

Gender: Pretty sure it's a girl, but we'll find out in three weeks!

What I miss: Nothing! 

What I’m looking forward to: So much. Obviously so excited to find out the gender. I can't wait to start making the baby blanket! I already have the pattern/colors picked out for whether it's a boy or girl. :)

A few IG pics relating to baby #3….

*15 weeks*

*I started knitting a sweater for the little babe because I just couldn't wait another second! It's gender neutral though.* :)

He was almost Clay.

 

When I was about 6 weeks pregnant with Cooper, I had somewhat of a revelation that I felt was directly from God. I was at my girl's Monday night Bible study, and I read this verse silently to myself:

Yet you, Lord, are our Father.
    We are the clay, you are the potter;
    we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 64:8

It was in that moment that first and foremost, I knew it was a boy that was growing inside of me. I even leaned over to my friend and whispered, "it's a boy." 

I just knew.

But I also believed at the time that this was further affirmation that we should go with the name we were already leaning towards--Clayton (Clay for short).

The other night, as I sat on the side of my bed, rocking Cooper to sleep, I stared up at all his wall art and reminisced on how only 8 weeks ago, I was looking at the same wall dreaming about what it would be like to hold him. I then remembered that night at Bible study and how even though the name Cooper is so perfect for him, we almost named him Clayton. 

And my eyes welled with tears. His name wasn't meant to be Clay or Clayton. God was and is using this little boy to make me like clay in His hands. 

His space.

Little man will be residing in our bedroom for a while before he and Molly share a room. Of course, I wanted to make his space a little bit special and boyish. 

And if you know me, my desire was to do it on a dime! :)

His wall art:

This canvas was completely inspired by this post from this lovely lady. Originally from this lovely lady! 

How's that for inspiration?! Haha.

  Twigs found outside. Already had the canvas and felt on hand.

 

This was the only money I spent on his art. It's actually a card, but I knew it'd be perfect as a small print on his wall.

From here.

My dear friend, Kylee, made this for him. I cannot get over how well it fits with everything. I am absolutely in love with it. :)

And finally, a homemade mobile made from yarn pom-poms. :) 

This whole space makes me pretty happy. I'm giddy with excitement  just dreaming about the little guy that will soon grace us with his presence. 

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And YES! His name starts with the letter "C". 

Guess away, my friends. Guess away. :)

On my heart: Being 40 weeks pregnant

Ok, so technically, Saturday is the "due date". But Thursday night? I'm rounding up. Because I certainly feel every bit of 40 weeks pregnant. 

The last 24 hours have been somewhat of an emotional roller coaster, and quite honestly, I feel like I owe it to the Lord to share His goodness. So bear with me, this is long. :) 

To recap, the last few weeks, I've been doing really well. I've felt pretty good physically, and after Christmas being so relaxing, it's been really nice to just soak up the time with just me and my little girl. 

But last night, I think everything started compiling and I hit my breaking point. Maybe it was because of night number two of false labor. Maybe it was seeing yet another person that was due right around the same time as me have their baby. Maybe it was the fact that Molly wouldn't fall asleep and ended up sideways in our bed kicking me in the back. Or maybe it was yet another night of extreme hip pain, causing me to just get up because it's not worth trying to fall back asleep. 

Sound like I'm complaining? So sorry. I'm merely doing my best to explain that why my switch flipped.  

Driving to my 40 week appointment this morning, all I could do was cry. Not good when there are no tissues or even napkins in the car. AND you see a dead cat in the middle of the highway. *cue sobbing!* Bottom line: I have been wanting to avoid an induction, and I knew today would be the day we'd set the date. 

Before going in, I cried out to the Lord. I'm not really even sure what I said, but I needed encouragement. 

I needed His strength to keep going.

It was a great appointment. An answer to prayer. The doctor said we didn't even have to schedule an induction yet, but she would go ahead and see me next week (41 weeks) and we'd go from there. I seriously could hardly believe it. 

Although now looking back, I'm shaking my head. That's just the way He works, isn't it? 

Over the next few hours as Molly and I walked every square inch of the mall, I continued to be blown away by His goodness and faithfulness as friends and family called and texted me encouraging words, not even knowing the evening/morning I'd had. If you were one of them--thank you. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you. The Lord used each one of you to speak truth to me. 

Ya know? As I think back to right before Molly was born, it was a heart issue. I read a wonderful post by Casey on open hands (here--especially love the quote at the bottom), as well as an incredible post by Leslie (which I cannot find for the life of me right now!) But I knew that was exactly what I needed. To have open hands about the birth of my daughter and let the Lord work in my heart however He pleased. 

And about three days later she was born. 

I'm not really quite sure what it is this time around. I do have open hands. I do. I desire nothing more than for God to receive the glory through the birth of my son. I'm not exactly sure how that will look, and quite frankly, that's somewhat terrifying to think about. But I just know that is how I am praying and it is the deepest desire of my heart. 

Phew. This has been long. If you've made it this far, stop on over and I'll make you some cookies. Or brew you some coffee. Seriously. 

Or perhaps just say a prayer, if you wouldn't mind. 

A prayer for me to continue to trust the Lord with His timing. 

A prayer for my son that he would continue to grow healthy and strong. 

A prayer for my dear husband, as he puts up with my insane hormonal requests and attitudes. :)

And of course, a prayer for my sweet little Molly, as her world is about to be changed forever by getting the gift of a sibling. :)

The gift of a sibling.

My friend Chelsie shared this with me a while back, and as the time gets closer and closer for baby boy to be born, I get more and more excited to be giving my daughter the gift of a sibling.

Truth be told, this song/video makes me just a little weepy. *grin*

The Family Tree

by Frances England

Last night while everyone was asleep
I looked out my window, up through the trees
The sky was so big and covered in stars
I knew a baby brother or sister soon would be ours 

Hey Ho, our family of three
Is growing beyond my mommy, daddy, and me 
Hey Ho, just how will it be
When we add another branch to our family thee

I’ll be the protector, so strong and wise
I’ll be the cheerleader always by his side
This cute, little baby will soon enough see
No one could love him any more or better than me

Hey Ho, our family of three
Is growing beyond my mommy, daddy, and me 
Hey Ho, just how will it be
When we add another branch to our family thee

I’ll teach him all the things I’ve learned along the way 
I’ll help him blow out the candles on his first birthday 
We’ll grow up together, side by side
Take care of one another - full of love, full of pride 

Hey Ho, our family of three
Is growing beyond my mommy, daddy, and me 

Hey Ho, just how will it be
When we add another branch to our family thee

Friday Highs.v42

Molly's first experience playing in the snow. After her initial face plant, she wanted to be carried and then she enjoyed it. 

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Listening through Daddy's headphones.

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At lunch the other day, Molly picked up her cheese that just so happened to be in a certain shape, and exclaimed, 

"Tag-a-doo!" 

Yes, that is her adorable, precious word for triangle.

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Catching Zoe mid-wink.

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I am ready ready ready to meet this little guy. Drinking some Raspberry Leaf tea to try to help get things moving. :)

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Molly just recently started saying "hold you" when she wants to be held. 

It's one of the most precious things this mama has heard.

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Molly and I had THE best time at Target yesterday. It was one of those shopping trips that I'll never forget. These days, it's pretty exhausting, (physically, therefore also emotionally) to get out and run errands. But yesterday was just the best. We meandered around the store, not necessarily in search of anything specific. I honestly can't really explain it any better, but it was just an exceptionally good time. 

The hormonal, emotional part of me is really hoping that little boy comes soon, so that yesterday could be considered Molly and I's very last shopping trip together.  

A sweater for him

If you remember, a while back, I got my mind set on making baby boy a sweater. I think I may have overestimated my abilities slightly, seeing as how I had never before followed a knitting pattern. 

But if you know me, you know that when my mind is set, I'm doing it. :) So here is the finished product! 

You just can't look too closely, k? 

I can't wait to see him bundled up all warm and snug!

Details:
Originally saw here.
Pattern from this book.
Link to my Ravelry page here.

Baby, baby: 36 weeks

How far along: 36 weeks. 

Baby's size: now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. 

Sleep: Surprisingly, the last few nights I've slept really, really well (all things considered). I'll count that as a great blessing!

Maternity Clothes: Pants. Although anymore, I basically only get "dressed up" if I'm leaving the house. :)

Food cravings: None.

Food aversions: Nothing anymore.

Symptoms I have: Lots of pain and pressure. Cramps. Small amounts of back pain. Haha, this sounds so negative....I'm super thankful to be carrying this child! Just can't wait to meet him. :)

Movement: He's a little wiggler, that's for sure. I can definitely tell he's growing. 

Doctor’s Appointment: This morning, and each week now until he makes his appearance. Doctor confirmed he's head down. Yeah!

Gender: It's a boy!

What I miss: Being able to do simple tasks without huffing, puffing, and being in pain and discomfort. :)

What I’m looking forward to: Seeing his face. I keep imagining what he will look like. I'm also really excited to finally share his name with the world. :)

Also, I decided to Embrace the Camera with Molly today. 

I find it humorous how I have to hold Molly. It's the absolute sweetest when I'm singing to her at night and she lays her head on my shoulder. *melt my heart. 

She wasn't really that into it, haha.

13 weeks

22 weeks

27 weeks

32 weeks

A day in the life.v2

This e-card cracks me up. 

But, it's not the reason for this post, I promise. 

I documented a day in our life last year, if you remember (see here). It's something I really enjoy reading over and over again, reminiscing of that particular season of life. I recently read Casey's and Lindsy's day-in-the-life posts, and decided I was due for another one. So if this is boring to you, sorry. It's a little more for me than you, haha. :) But if you're like me and enjoy reading these things, then, well, enjoy!!

7am- Wake up.

7:30am- Chris leaves for work. I sip on coffee and read through some blogs. Getting in some good me time. 

8am- Molly girl wakes up. For the first time ever, she calls for me from her bed: "Mommy! Mommy!" My heart literally swells with joy, and a few tears well up inside my eyes.

We snuggle for a good bit. She is so snuggly right when she wakes up. I love it. After snuggles, we change her diaper, get some milk, and she plays with her babies and new matryska dolls. 

9am- Breakfast time. Waffles and berries. Little girl must be going through a growth spurt because lately she's been a clean-plater almost ever meal, and asking for more! (Growing up, if we finished all our food, we were called a "clean-plater", haha)

9:15am- Clean up breakfast and warm up my coffee. 

The next couple of hours are a hodge podge of things:
*I have quiet time with the Lord. I've come to grips with the reality that this time period may shift through different seasons of life. 
*I work on our meal plan for the week and corresponding grocery list.
*Molly plays with her toys. She usually plays really well by herself for a good chunk of time. 
*We do puzzles together. We learn about colors, trying to keep repeating them and showing her different things around the house.  She'll pick up on it eventually!
*We read her favorite ABC book. She knows practically all of the animals.

11:15am- She's down for her first nap. I pulled out my sewing machine for the first time since preparing for my craft show and got to work on my pillowcase that I will take to the hospital when baby boy is born. You can read about Molly's here. 
My second project was a bow tie for a teenager in our church that has played drums for us the last couple of years. A few weeks ago, he said he wanted a bow tie and I told him I'd make him one. It think he thought I was kidding, so I hope he's excited! 

Yes, the pillowcase and bow tie were made with the same material! :)

1:15pm- Molly is up from her nap, but happily talking and playing in her bed, so she'll stay there for a little bit while I finish up a few things.

2pm- Lunch time. I make us a smoothie to drink first, and then prepare lunch. Usually, Molly and I have the same thing for lunch, but today she is having a PBJ, some cheese, and some raisins. I have leftover fish and some salt & vinegar chips. Yum.

Today's smoothie: banana, apple, spinach, & frozen peaches.

2:30pm- Lunch is over, dishes are cleaned up. Time to get ready to go on a walk, which is quite a process now that it's getting cold out. I think we spend more time getting ready than we do actually outside! Haha.

3:00pm- Leave for the grocery store. This takes longer than expected, mainly because halfway through, I have to slow my pace (like, s l o w) thanks to little boy. :) But in the end, my joy is found again thanks to the cashier giving Molly a ballon and her finding endless delight in it. 

4:15pm- After a quick Starbucks stop, we're home. I carry the groceries in (really should start letting hubby do that...) and stop for a few minutes to put my feet up and sip my mocha while it's warm. Molly is still wildly obsesses with her balloon, which she adorably calls, "moon". 

4:30pm- Molly goes down for another nap and I unload the groceries and then sit down and open the mail and packages we got. I'm crazy in love with this card I ordered to hang on baby boy's wall.

Ordered from here. The sweet shop owner even threw in this extra thank you card! :)

5:30pm- Chris is home from work. We catch up on our days a bit and then he gets Molly up and they play while I start cooking dinner.  

6:15pm- Dinner is served. Molly isn't too interested, so before long she's off and back to playing. 

7:30pm- We decide tonight would be a great night for ice cream at Farmhouse. Delicious sundaes, and a sample taste of their yummy caramel corn!

Watching the train that goes all the way around the store:

9:30pm- Molly goes down for bed. Time to relax! We start watching The Office--Chris's idea is to watch each season's Christmas episode over the next week. Great idea, right!?! :)
I work on editing pictures from the day and writing this post. Then it's time to knit--my nightly relaxation ritual. (And, let's be real, finishing up some Christmas gifts!) 

11pm- Time for bed. :) Night night, world!

Baby, Baby: 32 weeks

I know, I know. I owe you all a LOT of updates. Can I just say that life has been crazy busy? I'll try to fill you all in. Let's start with a post about BABY #2! 

How far along: 32 weeks. 

Baby's size: weighs as much as a large jicama -- about 3 3/4 pounds. (Length: about 16 3/4 inches, head to heel.) 

Sleep: Ya know, I figure at this point in life, lack of sleep is just kind of a sacrifice of being a parent, pregnant or not. *grin*

Maternity Clothes: Definitely pants. I have some shirts, and thankfully my dear friend lent me some shirts that should cover my belly for the last couple of months.

Food cravings: None.

Food aversions: Nothing anymore.

Symptoms I have: Exhaustion. Tiredness. Oh wait, those are kind of the same thing. :) I do have this weird pain on the top of my belly that seems to come about when I've spent a good bit of energy. It's not too concerning though. Just weird.

Doctor’s Appointment: I'm down to two weeks apart. And then after that it moves to weekly appointments. How in the world has this gone by so fast!?!?

Movement: Getting a little bit painful, if I can be honest. I remember with Molly, it was always such a wonderful, awesome experience. I'm not sure if it's just that this little guy is in such a different position, but a lot of times his movements make me quite uncomfortable. :( But it's still amazing. And still such a great assurance to know that he's healthy and growing. :)

Gender: It's a boy!

What I miss: My regular body. Soon enough. :)

What I’m looking forward to: So many things. Finding out when he's going to come. Will he be "late" or "early"? Before Christmas? After the new year? What will his temperament be like?  There are already so many ways that he and Molly are so different. I'm looking forward to getting to know him. :)

13 weeks

22 weeks

27 weeks

Update on life.

Welp, there I go again, not blogging for longer than I expected. 

What can I say, life has been busy. Really busy. 

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I'm participating in a craft show at the end of November, so my naptimes (haha, ok, Molly's naptimes!) have been full of creating. Like, basically start to finish. But I'm super excited about the things I'm taking. :)

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We took a road trip to see some precious friends and be there for their beautiful baby girl's dedication to the Lord. It was SO good to see them all and spend time with them and their families. They just feel like our own, they really do. :)

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Chris declared October as our "eating vegan" month. And for the most part, we did pretty well! It sure has kept me busy though with meal planning and an average of 1-1.5 hours preparing dinner in the kitchen each night (which is a lot for me. I've typically been a food-preparer, not a cook). :)

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Oh, how could I forget? Revival services at church. While the 5 nights straight of services (7 services total when you include Sunday morning) were filled with good preaching, it was exhausting for me as the music leader. Pile together the planning and prep work, making sure we had dinner to come home to, singing that many days in a row while being almost 30 weeks pregnant....Haha, I'm actually laughing. Needless to say, I was glad when it was over. :)

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I know that it's so easy to let busy-ness get out of control, so this past month, I've been trying desperately to still take many moments throughout the day to get on the floor and play with Molly. To hug her often. To love on her in a way that she knows that she is more of a priority than any of this. We've had Starbucks dates, play time at the park, lots of walks, and lots of reading books and doing puzzles.  

ANYWAY, I thought you all deserved an update. :) 

And of course, I couldn't hit publish without adding a few pictures as of late:

She's laughing here. Little goober, that's what she is.

A few shots of Molly wrapping up her baby in a giant blanket. 

Most times, she brings both to me and says, "Wrap! Wrap!" 

So I swaddle her baby and she just giggles the whole time. :)

Mad props for trying, right?

A little bit of embracing the camera.

Because in 20 years, she won't care about my make-up-less face and my crooked glasses. She'll probably get a kick out of the fact that she's holding a spray bottle and my camera lens (which she kept trying to put back on my camera)(hence her not looking).

And finally, a 29 week belly picture. Little boy sure is growing!!

**This post brought to you in part by my sweet daughter who actually stayed asleep in bed when I slipped out this morning. This is maybe the first time in probably, a whole month that this has happened?? Thank you, sweet girl. Your tired mama needed that.