Day 151

This week I started working on Baby's little area of our room. Since s/he won't be coming home to it's own room, s/he'll share our space for awhile. Aiden was in his room at three days old and Rian at 2 weeks, we never got a bassinet so we co-slept, it gets a little scary with a heavy sleeper like Steven! So this time I was sure to get a little something.

 I love Moses baskets but wanted to search around first, but that's what I ended up settling on.

 Love!

The stand still needs to be stained, then I'll put in the ring that holds that basket in place.

The wreathe was baby shower décor made by J and the arrows came with Crystal's gift, handmade!

Some of Baby's goods.

I went through the kids things and only came up with a tiny pile of itty bitty things, I don't know where it all went! I'll have to do some shopping when we know who's in there! Some of the diapers are stacked up here, all the big boxes are in the garage or laundry room. So much stuff! :)

 Rachel's boyfriend's mom sent over a pack of diapers, I've never even met her! So sweet. They're the only Newborn size we have, which is totally fine with me! We were given a small pack for Aiden and that's all we needed. Same with Rian, we used the Newborns the hospital gave us and she fit into size 1 just fine. I'm pretty sure this baby will be the same.

Itty bitty diapers!

 

Working on a tiny space is a lot different than an entire room. It's definitely not as exciting, but still fun. Before I know it, there will be a baby sleeping in that basket!

Day 150

When I got done babysitting today, we went to Target to grab a few things. I got burp clothes, a baby blanket, a foam pad to bathe the baby in the sink (I've gotten one for all three, so much easier than having a big tub taking up space we don't have) and I chose onesies for the Coming Home outfit. I only have a few more things on my list, then I'm done!

I know choosing the first outfit is a big deal for some people, AJ and Rian both wore onesies home, I don't go all out picking some outrageous outfits for my newborns. Comfy is all that matters! I'll add little accessories like a headband, socks etc. to make it pop though! But I'm perfectly content with simple things. :)

Our baby will be wearing one of these the first time we bring him or her home- eek!

Day 149 (26 weeks pregnant)

Twenty six weeks with (two) of my babies.

(I was in my 27th week with AJ, but close enough!)

My face looks so much fuller with him. I was 29ish weeks in Rebecca's wedding and I look soo big in pictures! I'm glad I'm not as puffy this time. I'm pretty sure it'll happen towards the end, but I'm okay with that.

Not much new to report this week. My face has always been pretty red, especially when I'm hot or embarrassed, but sometimes, it's just because. My hands will be freezing, but my cheeks and ears will be hot and red. Lately, my cheeks are extra red, always. Gross. Good thing I wear good makeup! It's crazy how pregnancy hormones can effect literally any/every part of your body.

The other night I could feel the baby when I pushed on my left side! It's so weird. I could go through this a hundred times and I'll never get used to there being a little human hanging out inside of me. I love it. I've also gotten a few bladder punches this week.

Along with my hip pain, I also have a pinching feeling in the lower left of my back that started today. If I stand a certain way, it makes me jump, the pain is so sharp. Even though my pain is the worst at night (and in mornings when I first get up and moving) I've been sleeping really well lately, such a relief because my energy is slowly fading away again.

Such fun this pregnancy is turning out to be! ;) I constantly remind myself how worth it this all is.

Day 148

My sister-in-law is due with my niece in 2 days. At 7:30 this morning, I got a text from my mom that they thought today might be the day! I was so excited! The next text said her water broke and the one after that: "She's here!" all in about 3 hours! Short and sweet for Momma and the rest of us waiting to hear the news.

Gabriella

She is so, sooo pretty. I've been staring at her pictures all day. I feel so happy, but so sad. I wonder how big she'll be when we meet her. I hate that they live so far away. I haven't seen Adrian in almost three years (this August will make it 3.) I wish the kids could grow up with their cousins.

My parents are going to visit in July and they asked if Aiden could go. I dreaded saying yes, he'll be gone for two weeks and him having to fly freaks me out, but if he doesn't go now, who knows when he'll see them again. He was Facetiming with Adrian and my brother showed us his bunk beds, he told AJ one of them was for him and it's all he talks about! I wish I could go too!

Welcome to the world, beautiful girl!

Day 147

Day 1 of finishing this kitchen floor!

By the time I took this picture, we'd chipped a bunch of grout.

We were up and working by 7am this morning. I didn't do a whole lot, but I tried chipping at the grout as much as I could, I had to constantly switch positions so my body didn't get too comfortable, that just makes it extra worse trying to get up with these old lady hips!

Steven's dad arrived around 10am. They finished the chipping and scraping, then mixed mortar (???) to fill in the big dipped in areas. By 1pm, the work was done for the day. And my job came: cleaning all of the dust. It gets insanely dusty, everywhere, when you do work like this.

They did more than half of the floor, so the rest of it will be done next Monday, then when we have a free Monday (during mid June is when our two mini getaways are) they'll lay a self-leveling filler and then our flooring will finally be ready for installation. Then white baseboards go up. Feels unreal that it's actually happening!

Day 146

My mom invited the kids over to swim after church, love the Sundays Steven and I get to spend together! We ran some errands then went to In N Out for lunch. I hung outside with him for awhile as he worked on his truck then I did some cleaning since I was too lazy to yesterday.

Love.

Dinner at my parents' as usual and no babysitting for me tomorrow, so I stayed up for our old Sunday Night movie tradition! 

Day 145

The kids and I had a busy morning. We went out for muffins for breakfast, grocery shopping then to Old Navy for their big swimwear sale. We have 2 upcoming mini getaways next month (exciting!) and I needed a few things.

These easy errands totally exhausted me, it didn't help that the kids weren't on their best behavior. We got home around 10:30 and they went straight to their rooms. They ended up falling and staying asleep til I opened their doors at 1:45. Obviously they haven't been getting enough sleep lately! But I was thankful for it because I got to take two short naps. :) And they woke up in way better moods.

I had no energy to cook and our Papa Murphy's stamp card was filled up, so we got our free pizza for dinner. Then went on a walk. Bad idea! Everything says walking and exercise helps hip pain but it makes me feel worse. I was so far behind the kids on their bikes and Steven, who I'm always slower than anyway. No fun.

I felt extra huge today!

Day 144

Last day of preschool, already! AJ started two months late but still, it has gone by soo fast. These last few weeks I've been thinking about how unsure I was those first couple of days. I honestly didn't like it. He loved it from the start, it just took me longer to feel the same. I'm so happy he was able to get in! It's been nothing but the best thing for him and I'm sad that it's ending... over.

 

All week I'd been planning to cut flowers from the backyard for his teachers. I cut them about an hour before we had to go and wrapped the stems with a wet paper towel and foil. They started wilting right away, so I took it off and put them in water but they weren't getting any better. I had no energy to drag all three kids to the store, when I told Aiden what was going on he said, "But you have to." in such a sad, sweet little voice. So off we went, I got them wrapped and with their "Thank you" tags on right in time for us to leave for school.

 

I loved watching him give his teachers their flowers. He's always so cute about it. They told us we could come 30 minutes early because they'd be giving out certificates and we could take pictures and stuff. Of course I got into the car and tried not to cry, then texted Steven, so sad he couldn't go.

 

The kids were sitting in a group of chairs, they sang songs then they each got called up to get their folder and hug their teachers. They got a certificate, class picture, class autographs, copies of pictures throughout the school year and a bunch of papers that show all of the progress they've made. So cute.

 

 

 

Then it was time for pictures and people started leaving. Aiden got really weird. I wanted a picture of him with his teachers and I had to beg and bribe him for one. Right before he walked up for the picture, he said, "Mommy I feel like I'm going to cry." My sweet little boy. He was so sad to say bye. :( We both stood there holding back our tears. We're going to miss those ladies so much!

Day 143

How I spend my days...

 

AJ was at school so there were just two littles all up on me at the time, otherwise, he'd be right up in the mix! The last three months have definitely prepared me (and my two big kids) for what's to come, but I know it'll be entirely different in so many ways.

 

I got a call from the doctor's office this morning. When I saw the number, my heart stopped. I thought for sure it was about my ultrasound and they'd only be calling if something was wrong. I didn't want to answer if but of course, I had to, with a pounding heart and sweaty arm pits, I was nervous. It ended up that my midwife is moving. Boo. :( The other two (I didn't know there were two more! I thought there were two total.) were booked for the day my appointment is and the week after, I was already going a week later so I just told her I'd see a doctor instead. My next appointment is going to 6 weeks from last one, I'll be two days away from 30 weeks. I'm so bummed she's leaving (but so happy because the phone call could've been worse) but it's weird thinking I'll be so far into my pregnancy and just getting situated with another person around the time the baby's due.

 

This pregnancy had been the strangest, most eventful one I've had. Good thing it's the last!

Day 142 (25 weeks pregnant)

Twenty five weeks!

- This week I'm hungry!

- Can't get enough salsa and watermelon, but not together. :)

- We've been loving seeing my belly bounce around with baby movements. (The kids don't pay attention long enough, still don't notice when Baby moves right on their hands.)

- We've gone on a few walks after dinner this week and I'm sooo slow, by the end my feet are super swollen.

- I'm slowly losing my energy again.

- I've had a cold since Friday, so I'm either sleeping as upright as I can in bed or in the recliner. Never a good night's sleep even though I feel exhausted.

Day 141

I don't have a picture for today, oops.

So here's one of Steven and Rian napping on Sunday. He gets so mad when I take pictures of him sleeping.

:)

 

Today I decided to not keep babysitting for as long as I can after all. I told her I can probably do through June. My hips are bothering me way too much. Since this is AJ's last week at preschool, I also won't have a vehicle big enough for all three kids to go and do stuff, mostly swimming! I'm really looking forward to doing that and I can't til I'm done babysitting. The extra money's nice, but I'm over it.

 

Plus, it'll give us one full month to just be us again, before Aiden starts school fulltime and we have a new baby. I don't have the guilt like I had during Rian's pregnancy, but the big changes that are about to happen having me feeling a little vulnerable. I'm super excited for it all, but everything's about to become so different. I want that month to spend time with just my kids, I need it.

Day 140

Finally today was the day! After five weeks of waiting, wondering, praying.

I had the very first ultrasound appointment. I was going alone, (no babysitter and I was babysitting) the only thing that really bothered me about that was being by myself if I were to get bad news. I checked in, made the payment, then went into the little waiting area inside (there's a big one when you first walk in and a small one in the area where all the rooms/offices are, where you wait for ultrasounds and lab work.) HGTV was on and I looked at a Better Homes and Garden Magazines. I thought by that point, I'd definitely be a nervous wreck, but I was so calm.

I got called back, the nurse put the paper thing on me and I laid down to wait for the tech. I was a little disappointed that it wasn't the same one that I'd seen the last two times, but oh well. She told me she'd be retaking pictures that they didn't get clear shots of last time and then double checked with me about not knowing the baby's gender. I took a really deep breath right before she started.

The first thing we saw was the baby's spine. She started taking pictures and measurements of everything all over again. When she got to the heart and typed "4 chambers" on the screen, I told her that's what I was told was what they needed more pictures of. She said, "Yep. And baby's being very cooperative for me, I'm getting everything I need." I asked her how long it'd take for me to get notified if something wasn't normal and she said they'd talk to me right away, right after she was finished. I still wasn't sure if her typing that meant everything was okay just yet.

She showed me on my belly, as she moved the ultrasound thing (what's it called?!) how the baby's positioned. Head is already way down in my pelvis, back goes up my left side, butt is up by the top of my belly and little legs on my top right (for now at least! Baby has plenty of time to flip flop around in there). The little feet were crossed, soo cute. I wish she'd given me pictures of that! She wanted to give me a face picture and was having a hard time getting a good one.

She said, "Okay we're all done! Baby was very cooperative this time." She asked if I already had my next regular check up scheduled and that they'd follow up with me then, she gave me my check out sheet and that was that. It was over.

24 weeks, 5 days

Even though I hadn't been nervous, when I stepped outside, I felt like a huge weight was suddenly lifted. It felt so good to finally know everything was okay, nothing is wrong with our baby. :) I got in my car and sent out texts right away, I couldn't wait to get home and tell Steven! And also everybody else that'd been praying along the way.

Day 139

Last night I had the worst night's sleep I've probably ever had. Around 6pmish, I was feeling really uncomfortable. There was the usual hip pain, plus lower back and leg pain. Ugh. It felt like when you've been in the car for a really long time, but times 10. I was soo tired but couldn't get comfortable at all. I slept an hour, maybe two, at a time. Twice I had a shooting pain in my vagina. I even started getting a little worried that my body might be going into early labor, so of course that didn't help my sleep situation, at all. Around 3:30, I finally went and slept in the recliner. The kids woke up at 7 like always. I felt like a zombie.

We hadn't been to church in two weeks and they've been asking to go. So I made myself and I was so glad I did. The message was just what I needed to hear, that always seems to happen.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

Being at peace. Knowing we're taken care of. I needed to hear it. Especially with the night I'd had and my ultrasound being the next day. I haven't been extremely nervous about the ultrasound, but with it being the very next day, less than 24 hours away, after weeks of waiting, it felt really good to have that message ingrained into my head and heart again.

My house was a mess. And unlike normally, I had no desire to clean it.

 

I took a nap then Aiden and I made a card for my dad while Rian and Steven napped. Then we went out to dinner for his birthday. Always a good time with my family. :) I about peed myself laughing, good thing it was on our way out!

 

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Day 138

Today was nuts! (It's days later as I'm updating and I still can't believe it happened!)

The kids and I went grocery shopping then to Target for a few things. We came home and I fed them lunch then we were off to my parents' house so I could go out for a much needed lunch date with Jeanette... or so I thought.

Everything happened really fast:

-My sister answered the door, I thought it was a little weird, I figured she'd be at work. 

-I saw a little bunting banner against the back window and knew she'd gone to a Sweet 16 the night before, I wondered if it'd been at my parents house, I didn't know why else it'd be decorated. 

-My mom yelled "Surprise" (eh nothing strange about that, my mom always does random nutty things! Later I found out, she thought my sister was me, that's what the early yell was all about.) 

-All of a sudden there were a bunch of other people yelling "Surprise!" right in front of me. 

O.m.g. I didn't even know what to do! So I turned left into the hallway haha! I felt like I was going to cry. I got really red and apparently, I looked mad too. There's a video that I don't really want to see, embarrassing! That all happened probably within a minute, maybe even less.

It was a diaper shower! For me! So after everything calmed down, I was still in shock, but I looked around a little. It was decorated sooo cute! And all my friends were there! I don't have many of them, but the ones I do have are pretty awesome. They had all of my favorites: mini muffins from my favorite place, sushi, white queso dip, fruit, mini caprese skewers, mini green tea fraps from Starbucks and these chicken salad crescent sandwiches my mom makes, fruit infused water and mimosas...I think that was everything.

It was perfect!

We sat down to eat, the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear was passed around for everybody to write the baby a message, then everybody decorated a onesie. :) Everybody wrote down their guesses for Baby: 8 say boy, 2 girl. J and D didn't write their guesses down. Everybody hung out for a little bit then started to get going, it was short and sweet. I keep wanting to say it was perfect, because it was!

I hung out with my mom for a little bit then went home because Steven was getting off. On the way, I felt overwhelmed with emotion! I couldn't believe they did that for me, for us. It was a really, really good feeling. It's especially crazy that just a few days before that, I was starting to feel a little stressed about everything I still need to get. And now, I feel so taken care of. :)

Everybody was dressed so cute, I look like its just another day!

 

Hardly anybody reads this, but just in case anybody ever comes across it:

 

Thank you!

 

Mom. J. Deidra.

 

Tiva. Bre. Yuky. Crystal. Rachel. Lenitza. Kathy. Grandma.

 

And Rebecca & Miranda couldn't be there but still sent gifts.

 

So loved.

And soo very grateful.

Day 137

Oh my gosh, last night was a rough one. My hip pain is especially bad at night. Around 3am, I googled how to sleep with it during pregnancy. All the professional sites said with a pillow between your legs (already do that!) But in most of the forums, they said they were most comfortable sleeping as upright as possible, oh boy. So I put all of the pillows an upside down V shape and finally got a few hours of sleep.

Later in the morning, the kids wouldn't stop fighting so they ended up both falling asleep when I sent them to their rooms! They woke up in great moods and we got ready to take Aiden to school, he had a field trip to a little water play/park place.

So excited!

And then we were off to the salon for Rian's FIRST HAIR CUT. Eek!

It already looked cute when she chopped it off, before it was even cut into a style!

She's been wanting one for awhile now, she always hears about Steven and Aiden getting haircuts. She did soo well! I had to hold back my tears and just smile silently. She's had that hair on her head since she was born. Going through a girl's first haircut is way different and harder than a boy's. But I was way more excited for this one!

Before and after:

I spent the next few hours just staring at her.

 

Shortly after we picked AJ up from school, we got pizza! Perfect Friday night dinner. Papa Murphy's is probably our favorite place. It's soo good, not pricey and they always have coupons. I got the kids these little pizza making kits.

Of course they loved them. Rian kept eating her toppings. :)

We hung out outside then watched a little tv before bed. There was so much excitement today that besides this morning, the kids got along so well. We had such a good day! They asked if they could have a sleepover in Aiden's room.

 

I said yes, not thinking it'd end well, but they both fell asleep right away.

Day 136

Three days with a happy baby, followed by 4 days with a grumpy one. Ugh. Definitely glad today was my last day this week! Three days off to look forward to. :)

It was super nice this evening! The kids had popsicles and Rian had it everywhere. There was some on her chest and little gnats kept bothering her, it was funny!

I love her little personality.

She's so girly, but so tough. I say she's the girliest tomboy I've ever met. She loves nail polish, lipstick, high heels, purses, etc. But she loves being dirty and playing in dirt and with everything her brother does. She's the best!

Day 135 (24 weeks pregnant)

Twenty four weeks!

Pregnancy this week:
- Since last Thursday, my hips and pelvic area have been hurting. If I had hip pain with the kids, it wasn't until towards the very end and not bad enough to be remembered. I mainly remember just having back pain with them. This is very painful.
- I already have that pregnant waddle and the baby's not even big or low, yay hip pain.
- I decided today would be my last official day in prepregnancy shorts. I can still squeeze into a few pairs of them, but they're not nearly as comfortable as maternity shorts!
- I may have only gained a few pounds, but some days it feels like a lot more.
- My belly moves every time the baby goes crazy! Like most baby's, when I lay down at night is when baby decides it's time to play!
- The baby moved twice right where Rian's hand was, but she didn't notice it. :(

On one of the pregnancy apps I have, there's a checklist of things to have beforehand. In my head, we have a lot of stuff, but looking at the list tonight, got me a little nervous. This pregnancy is flying by. I need to get on the ball and start getting stuff!

I just realized I didn't post something super insane that happened Monday... Rian started riding on two-wheels!

I know there are tons of kids that start at 3-years-old, I just didn't expect her to be one of them! But now that she's doing it, I'm not surprised at all. She's done everything early.

She even did way better than AJ did when he first started. She catches herself before she falls, is using her breaks and is already trying to make turns! My little go-getter.

Day 134

I've only gained 8lbs so far. By this stage in Aiden's pregnancy I'd gained 21lbs and Rian's, 22lbs. That's a huuuuge difference!

All thanks to eating healthy. I still eat junk, but nothing like the way I did with the other two. My mindset is completely different this time.

So tonight, I indulged in a warm brownie and vanilla ice cream. I usually like my brownies alone but oh man, it was sooo good!

Day 133

I was making breakfast when Rian woke up and asked where Daddy was, I told her he was sleeping, I went back there expecting to see them sleeping but they were cuddling. Love! 

 

Today I had my fifth appointment, already! These months have been going by so fast, I feel like I was just there. And only one more week til the ultrasound, ugh. I'm ready for it, but at the same time, kind of dreading it because what if something is wrong? We'll know soon enough.

I saw the same midwife as I did last time, I'll probably just continue with her. I didn't like one more than the other, I just don't feel like changing again. She told me with everything going on in my body, something as simple as lifting a light box could pop a blood vessel, and not to be concerned about the spotting unless it happens again. She also gave me her pager number for any future concerns I might have. Wow! Never got that with an OB. Definitely glad I'm going the midwife route this time.

I debated taking my rings off last Monday, but took them off for good tonight. :( My fingers get swollen in the evenings, a few hours later they go back to normal but I'm scared one time they'll stay fat! My wedding set was also my Grandma's set and her fingers were tiny! If I'd gotten my own rings when we got married, I probably would've gotten a bigger size and been able to wear them longer. But oh well, I love that I get to wear what she wore. :) I have a fake ring I wore the last two times that I contemplated tossing out awhile ago. I'm glad I kept it! And I'll wear my engagement ring and wedding band on a necklace til sometime after baby's here. Bums me out, but that just means it's getting closer to baby birthing time!

Day 132

I didn't get much sleep last night, Aiden was up with a belly ache. Again. We were all just sick a month ago, not again!

He brought home a gift for me on Friday, I couldn't wait to open it, but of course I saved it for today, especially because he was very strict about not opening it until Mother's Day. The card has a picture of him inside a flower made from cupcake wrappers and inside he wrote, "I love you Mom" There was a rolled up paper with answers he gave to questions they asked and my favorite part: a necklace!

:)

It wasn't much of a surprise though because one of the other moms posted a picture of hers on Friday, so I suspected that's what was in the bag. Boo.

Steven went grocery shopping for me and brought home lunch. Everybody napped (I should've too, but I was too busy enjoying how quiet it was!) Later my parents came over for dinner. My mom cooks for us every Sunday, I thought I'd do the cooking for her today! After 3 1/2 hours, we had to wake AJ up at 5pm. He woke up feeling great and was back to normal!

It's so nice to feel appreciated and appreciate my Mom, everyday, but days like today make it extra special.

Happy Mother's Day!

Day 131

I cleaned my kitchen, then hung out for the rest of the day. Taking it easy! I'm still cramping here and there, but I did with the others too. It was just it paired with the spotting that freaked me out.


The kids asked if the could play a game and chose Memory. Aiden ended up playing by myself, when he laid out all 72 cards, I thought, "Yeah right, kid!"

But he actually made all of the matches! He cheated on a few of them, but the rest were just his little sponge brain. Always so impressed!

Day 130

I've been wanting a tire swing put up for the kids for as long as we've lived in this house. Now they're finally big enough for one! The big tree we had in the backyard had to be cut down because it had termites so bad, so the front yard is our only choice, til the baby tree outback gets bigger. That'll be years from now! My brother-in-law said it looks white trash in the front, haha! I guess he's right, but who cares. Steven came home from work and put one up.

This is what I pictured in my mind:

Perfect.

(From Pinterest)

But this is what we ended up with:

Close enough!

And the kids love it, that's all that matters.

The front of our house needs so much work, but I don't even know where to begin! There are tons of things I'd love to do, but they're all costly. New trim paint, front door painted (this is a maybe, once I figure out what door I want, then I'll decide what to do with it) new screen door, flower boxes, shutters, barn style or wood garage door, on and on. I'm also not a fan of the porch area design, but it'll be many years til that's gone, or maybe I'll just learn to like it. So I have plenty of time to make decisions!

This morning I spotted a little. That's never happened in my other pregnancies. And it wasn't until sometime after I had Rian, that I would spot every now and then before my cycle started. So it's still a pretty new (and scary) thing. I have a regular check up on Monday, so I wasn't too concerned until I started cramping about three hours later. I decided to give them a call and the nurse told me I needed to go to Labor and Delivery. I couldn't even think after that, when she asked for my birth date, I was blanking out! I kind of talked her out of me going, since I'd only spotted once and it was mild cramping. She told me to relax and drink water, but if it got worse, or even, if it didn't get better, then I had to go. :(

So I spent the rest of the day in bed or on the couch. It sure was boring! But obviously, I'd do it til the end of my pregnancy if I had to, for a healthy full-term baby. Good thing I only babysat for a few hours today (and also, after 7 days of a grumpy baby, he started being happy yesterday! Fingers crossed he comes back Monday still happy.) About six hours later, they weren't consistent anymore and a few hours after that, they were gone! My body was obviously telling me I need to start taking it easy. I'm almost always doing something. Busy bee. Time to force myself to rest more often.

Day 129

The flowers in my whiskey barrel were looking a little out of control, so I trimmed them this morning. I was bundling them in my hand as I cut and I wondered, "Why don't I do this more often?!" I could have fresh flowers in my house almost all the time! That's a huge bonus to having flowers in your yard. Duh.

Pretty.

I had to move my plant to the right into a bigger pot last week. My gardening skills are so iffy, sometimes I'm good, sometimes I'm horrible. I've had this one for over a year. Yes!

When I picked AJ up, he had a little gift for me:

Love.

His teacher said she planned on having them grow the flowers, but Mother's Day snuck up on her, but they did plant them! He was so cute waiting for his teacher to hand it to him so he could give it to me. She said, "You sang the Mother's Day song so well, don't forget to sing it to Mommy at home." But he won't sing it, boo!

Today I'm feeling really pregnant. My hips and lower belly are hurting- ugh! I guess the start of the widening and my body prepping for labor, all that fun stuff. Hopefully it doesn't stay for the next 17ish weeks. It seems way too early for all of this, but I guess it happens sooner during 2nd, 3rd, etc. pregnancies.

Day 128 (23 weeks pregnant)

The baby's just over a pound and 11 inches! I think I felt hiccups today. S/he goes crazy every time I start to eat!

The way my shirt fits in the picture to the left makes me look extra huge!

So I did a side-by-side just because.

This made Steven and I laugh this morning:

The baby won't be fazed by my yelling! Good to know. ;) 

 

Steven's dad gave me some really good news today! He's taking off every Monday in June, so they can finish my kitchen floor. How awesome is he?! In his words, "Steve's just taking way too long to get it done." Agreed. 100%. It was last Mother's Day that the tile was ripped up. I've been living like this, in this construction zone, vacuuming it on my hands and knees (and it takes forever that way) because it's way too bumpy to vacuum it the regular way, for a YEAR. His deadline has come and gone! I can't even imagine what it'll be like to have it done. I'm so excited!!!

Day 127

I love that Rian's almost 3 1/2 and there's still nowhere she'd rather fall asleep than with me! (It's taken her a bit to get over that she can't lay across my lap anymore.) She's always been my cuddly child. Aiden used to like to cuddle, and sometimes still does, but it's rare now. She always wants to be with me!

She doesn't show any jealousy when I babysit, so hopefully the same goes for our baby. It took her awhile to warm up to my bump, but now she's constantly hugging and kissing it. She always wants to "see the baby," she says as she lifts my shirt.

I can't wait to see my babies together!

Day 126 (Teacher Appreciation gift)

Today I sent Steven and AJ off to school with gifts for his teachers, Teacher Appreciation Week!

I feel like these ladies have set the bar so high for me. Yeah yeah, it's just preschool, but still! Being a teacher is hard (not that I was one, but close enough!) I know how much Aiden loves them. I wish they could go to Kinder with him! I'm so thankful he was able to go to this school. It's given him a great start to his school life and these teachers have sparked his love of learning. We'll be sad to say bye to them in a few weeks.

Just a simple gift and a little poem, but from the heart.

(From Pinterest, of course!)

 

Green is for the inspiration you give me each day.

Blue is for your patience in showing me the way.
Orange is for your warmth and caring style.

Yellow is for the way you always make me smile.

Red is for my life that you have touched this year.

You're a very special teacher, just like this jar, that's clear.

You place knowledge in our children's hands

and melt into their hearts and lives forever.

You're a "Magnificent" and "Marvelous" teacher

Thank you for being my M&M

I feel like teachers aren't thanked nearly enough. They do so much for our kids!

Day 125

Rian ended up on the floor by my side of the bed last night and AJ made it into our room bright and early, we were hanging out in our bed and I had the perfect idea for breakfast, donuts! I've only taken Aiden to the donut shop one time, last year after his shots at his well-check. I've never taken Rian, but remembered my parents took them once before about a year and a half ago. (I remember when because I was working on Halloween costumes that day, robot and peacock!) So donuts are a rare, special treat for us!

Of course, its closed on Sundays. Why didn't we think of that?! So we decided to try the muffin shop, which I figured would be closed too. It was. But across the street was another donut shop, we totally forgot about that one and one right by our house. So the kid's moods were saved- phew!

Steven went to Lowe's and came back with a Coca-Cola Icee for me.

Best husband ever!

 

He has one more door to do, the hall closet. But I didn't pressure him into doing it this weekend. :) He got the bead board for the island though, I still have to paint it to match the white of the cabinets.

 

 

I was finally able to take Rian's birthday streamers down! I kept them up for so long because Steven had taken off the board that matched the cabinets before. So what showed was ugly! (If you've ever seen the back of a cabinet, that's what it was) He has an idea of how to make the wood island top easier to build, so he's supposed to be starting on that soon. Can't wait!

Day 124

Every day Rian waits to feel the baby move, poor girl's patience is wearing thin! She now yells, "Wake up, Baby! Move!" haha love!

This morning while I was making my grocery list, I was watching The Pioneer Woman. I looove her! (It's totally normal to dvr cooking shows, right?!) She was making chicken strips, so I added them to my list!

Soaking in buttermilk

Add a little buttermilk to the flour and seasoned salt so it gets clumpy

FRY (exactly why they're so yummy!)

Homemade honey mustard and chipotle mayo

 

I thought I made way too much, but they were a huge hit! There were only about 5 strips left. With homemade coleslaw, yum. Steven said making them was a mistake, he already wants more. I've done homemade (baked) chicken strips before, but these were by far the best ever. Maybe I'll try the same method, but bake them instead and see if they're still good.