I don't even know

Hi. I'm still pregnant. I'm at that point where I can't call friends or family because they think it's that phone call :) but no, he hasn't made his grand appearance yet. I think he's going to be about, oh, 25 lbs.

And it's looking very likely that we will be having an August baby after all. That's okay, there are a lot of nice days in August to have a baby. The 2nd is my dad's bday. The 4th is my in-laws wedding anniversary as well as the anniversary of Mike and my first date. If I went to the 8th, that would be funny since both Josie and Lou were born on the 8th of their months. So....yeah....I guess we shall see!

While doing more of this waiting business, I have re-covered our dining room chairs, hung curtains, cleaned out a few remaining messy drawers, mended some sweaters, and made cookies with the Lou bear......

(Not to mention added more stretch marks to the belly and bruised a few more ribs...like I said, he's gotta be a 20lb baby!!)

What else is there left to do??

For mom

I know I posted these on my facebook page already, but I'm going to put them up here for my mom. Thanks for spending so much time with us, mom. The girls love you and so do I. 

And happy Friday!

Incomplete sentences

Choosing to blog instead of getting us ready to go. 

Going to the zoo today with my mom and kids. 

Had coffee outside on the deck this morning (why I have I not been doing this?) 

Carrot cake muffins. 

Delish. 

Josie ate half the wrapper before I could get it away.

Last night all of us were in our bed, 

They keep coming into our bed at night.

They sense something is about to change, I think, when their brother arrives. . 

Not easy for a big huge pregnant person, even in a King.

We kicked them out eventually.

Haven't been getting much sleep anyway.

I have been crying some lately.

Sometimes it's because of Disney songs, sometimes because I'm so tired.

Popsicles are a staple in our afternoons.

People are having dreams about our baby.

I didn't know Martin Sheen was a practicing Catholic.

There is a baptism on Sunday I don't want to miss, but it would be nice to have this baby out.

So do you like this format?

Is it driving you crazy?

Do you wish I was a better writer?

Sometimes I miss college.

I would have gotten a minor in writing, especially if I knew I'd be a blogger.

Our friend is taking the last portion of the bar exam today.
Thinking of him, praying for his success.

I love my church.

I love my husband.

I got a pedicure last night and it was delightful.

I just wish it was Friday.

I just wish I wasn't wishing the days away at this point.
It's hard to be patient.
It's hard to be pregnant.
But my toes do look cute.
I have so much.
I need so little.

I hope you still love me even though I'm writing like a weirdo.

I shouldn't care how many people love me, but I do. 

I've been told I'm a people-pleaser. I wish I was more of a God-pleaser.

I try.

I guess it's time to go.........caio bellas

What I think I want

From the time Lou was a little baby to very recently I have had absolutely no problem taking my children to the park. It's always been something I have enjoyed, actually. In both places we have lived there have been 3-4 very nice parks I could take them to and was about to switch it around so that nobody got bored. I don't mind driving and there is always a coffee stand on the way to where ever we happened to be going :)

But of course, for the past couple months, as you all probably know from my whining, going places has become much much less pleasant. Well it's not that it's not pleasant, it's just a ton of work! I still really love play dates at people's homes and going to nana and papa's is always an option. I still like taking them to the park even...it's just that with such little energy it's kind of something I've been avoiding.

But that does not change the fact that these little people need exercise...and they need it every day. 

Don't let this picture fool you. Neither girls' really like the sprinkler.
They will go near it for a few minutes then they are done with it.

So this is the deal. I think I want us to get a play structure for our yard. Mike and I have had conversations about this since last summer when we moved but still haven't made up our minds. While this may be incredibly boring train of thought to some of you, I am going to go over why I would want one (with the hopes that maybe some of you will share your thoughts and help me out!)

• When I take the girls out to the yard to play they don't really play. They just want to be near me. 
• Part of that is because we don't really have any toys in the back yard. Nothing to climb on anyway. Part of it could just be their ages...I'm not sure about this though...?
• When the new babe arrives, it will be even more challenging getting these girls to a park for exercise.
• The girls are old enough to play on a play structure without total assistance from me. Last summer this wouldn't have been the case so this summer makes more sense to potentially get one. Although Josie is still a bit small so we would need to get one that wasn't too high and we'd want to get wood chips or something....

We are blessed and have a pretty large back yard.

Which brings me to other things to consider:

• I hate wood chips!
• These things cost $$$ so it would take a big chunk of our budget! -Yes I have been looking on Craigslist for literally the last year and the thing is 1. People don't usually sell them for very cheap. They seem to think a big toy that's been out in the elements for 10 years and is falling apart is still worth 1,000. Sometimes people are so silly (to put it kindly) and 2. It seems unsafe to me to take one down and put it back up again. I would rather buy new if we are going to do this.
• Will they even play on it? Will they get bored of it in a few weeks? 
• Mike likes the way the yard looks. A play structure would definitely change the feel of the yard dramatically. I'm not crazy about the looks of one either, but there are some nice wood ones that aren't quite so cheesy looking. The less plastic the better, of course. 
• Is it better to just encourage them to use their imaginations instead of buying a big toy to play on? This is something Mike and I somewhat disagree on. He never had a play structure in his yard growing up, but he did have a green belt and a park within walking distance. Him and his twin brother could even go there on their own! So their mom didn't have to worry so much about taking them places. We did have a play structure and while it did sit dormant as we got older (I'm thinking pre-teens) I do remember playing on that thing alot! I thought it was worth it.

This is a view from the back yard. They will play on the deck for 30 or so minutes at a time,
but hardly ever in the actual yard...

So what do you guys think? Better to wait and save our money? Better to let them run around and use their imaginations? Should I stop being such a wussy pants and suck it up and take the girls a park which isn't really that far away at all? 

Help! What would you do?

We go outside and I bring out a blanket and tell the girls to 'go play'
What do they do but come climb all over me and play with the blanket!

Facing the week ahead

Last week was a very long week for me. Between Mike going on a last minute business trip to Kansas, and  us taking a trip into the labor ward only to be sent home, the week seemed to drag on and it really tired me out!

but the weekend was nice. It was well paced and we enjoyed lots of family time. 

So here I am facing another potentially long week and my constant challenge these days is patience. Not only is it the usual "I would like to meet my baby now and have a reprieve from pregnancy" but I find myself in an intensely emotional battle as well. I have been feeling so attached to my husband lately and all I really want is for our family to all be together for little while. I just get so sad when he has to leave for work and I miss him in an especially intense way while he's gone. I know his break from work will only be around two weeks and that it will totally fly by, but I find myself craving that time so badly. You might say it's just because I'm worn out from taking care of Josie and Louisa and so the idea of sitting on the couch nursing baby Michael just sounds like a vacation. That is part of it: I won't lie to you. But there is something else there too. The only way I can describe it is that it's this strong motherly instinct I have that's making me crave family bonding time. Not just for me and the new baby, but for Mike and I, for him and the girls, for Mike and the baby, really just for all of us. It is such a strong feeling, as I sit here now thinking about it's so tangible. If I could only have the baby soon....

Also, I have to ask you for your prayers because I have begun to feel a little nervous about this birth. I think it was because we went in and I wasn't really in labor like I thought I might be. I suppose it kind of broke my confidence a little. I have no reason to think anything will go wrong...but those thoughts have started bubbling to the surface against my will. I must pray for peace and patience, I know, as well as realize that every day that he continues to grow in me is a blessing. He is getting stronger and healthier and he will come on his own time.

My family time will soon be here, and I will savor every moment.

***

Generations

{this moment}

. . . . . . . .

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Louisa and Josephine at 3 1/2 and 1 1/2

oh these two.

They are so different from one another. Everyone comments on their looks being so different, but their personalities are as well.

Josie is so loud. She has always been more affectionate & more demanding with her needs and wants. She is outgoing, loves people, and loves attention. Louisa is more reserved with her affection, yet she still needs lots of it, especially from mama. She has never been as loud as Josie, yet she can throw good tantrum when she gets worked up about something. As the oldest child, she is more cautious with strangers and more selective with the people she connects with. If you haven't seen Josie in a while, but you come into the room she will run up to you with hugs and kisses. Louisa, on the other hand, would take much more time to warm up, but would still end up being your best friend again after a few hours. Josie tends not to look before she leaps, Louisa always does. Lou can get hyper and super silly but will switch back to being serious in a minute (in other words, she can be very moody!) Josie is either really happy or really, really, really happy!! Though lately she has begun to develop a little attitude too, and when she's tired or hungry she will let you know. I can very much picture what Louisa will be like as an adult (I'm thinking she is a lot like me!) Josephine is still pretty young so I'm not as clear on her, but I know she will be a spunky, fun loving gal.

They are both smart cookies. They are both obedient in general (as much as you would expect a 3 and a 1 year old to be :) and only get destructive when I haven't been paying enough attention to them or wearing them out physically like they need. Josephine will soon be the middle child and Louisa the oldest of three...I'm curious to see how this will affect their personalities. It's been said that sibling placement can affect who you are in major ways. I believe it. I am the oldest child and my husband is the youngest. I think that as adults you can see the qualities in us that are typical of oldest and youngest. I think it makes for a good marriage, actually. So, it's all very interesting.

It's just amazing how much I love these little munchkins and how awe-inspiring it is to watch them grow. Every day I see the many ways in which they are developing as human beings shaped by their environment and by their natural, God-given personalities. I hope I'm doing a good job of cultivating the best in them and giving them my personal best. They deserve nothing less. 

baby boo

baby baby 

please come out

we feel ready

without a doubt 

to hug you,

kiss you,

show you boo  

what love (such love) we have 

 for you.

waterfront

Seattle's newest attraction. 

We had a waterfront dinner with my grandparents last night. It was a bit impromptu, as I just decided to call them at 4pm because the girls and I were picking up daddy from his office. Though it was a warm day (I think it got to 85 in Seattle yesterday?!) It didn't feel too hot down by the water. And though it was a nicer restaurant and the girls kept wanting to get up and walk around (not to mention our waiter was incredibly slow so dinner took forever! I kept wondering, does this guy see how we have two very squirrly girls?) Despite all that, I thought it was still a nice time. My grandma and grandpa were happy to see us and it was just so beautiful in the city. Seattle truly is the Emerald city and especially when the sun shines, my grandma and I agree, it's got to be one of the most beautiful places on earth!


Now every time we do something nice like this I think "oh this might be the last time we go out together as a family of four!" (which it is always interesting!) But of course, baby Michael will decide when he's good and ready to join us. Then I'm thinking my definition of 'interesting' will change a bit : )

{Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real}

 Purdy

I love the smell/sight of watered flowers at the end of a hot day.

And I'm sure the flowers themselves are happy for a drink!

Happy

Happy and grateful for a cool basement to hang out in during the hot afternoon! They are watching The Jungle Book. I actually really like the Disney version. Did you realize they actually quote Scripture? John 15:13 Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Bagheera says it near the end about Baloo. Pretty neat!

 Funny & Real

oh these two.
They are so cute together.
Josie has always been, but even more so as she grows up: a daddy's girl.

*LMLD

the sunny sun and more contractions

It was full weekend around here. I feel like I am recovering from sun stroke or something. Not that it was really that severe, it was just one of the first real summer weekends around here and I'm not used to it! The sun wears both me and the girls out. It was good though, they needed it and I needed the sun. I actually have a little tan line - crazy! (I mean, I don't think I got even the slightest tan last summer!)

So Saturday night, after a long day in the sun, I was having a really hard time getting to sleep even though I was pooped. I was having lots of contractions and they didn't seem to be stopping. Both Mike and I were up alternatively, practically all night, wondering if we would be going to the hospital! But I did end up falling asleep and by the time I woke up the contractions had slowed down. Sunday I didn't have as many so I wonder if I was just suffering from over-exertion and possibly I was a little dehydrated? Or it could have been a practice run for my body. I go in again Wednesday and maybe I'll have made more progress (in terms of dilation) or maybe not. I really am rooting for this boy to come out in the next two weeks. Once again, we shall see. I prayed for patience this morning but I also prayed I'd go into labor soon. That's okay to do, right? : )

This was from Friday morning. My two sweet girls who are close to becoming big sisters!

Though I must add that someone did finally ask how I managed to do their hair without them moving around.
Well, you see how they are looking up? That's because they are watching Curious George.
That's my secret, and I wasn't going to fess up unless someone pointed it out.
Right now it's the only way to do it, and in my mind it's worth it : )

But I also think it's funny that most mornings, if you could see me behind the camera you would see that I was totally not ready to go. I usually get the girls all ready to go before I attend to myself. I'm not sure why I do that, but I do.

This was from the spray park on Saturday. Josie was quite apprehensive and didn't really like to be set down.

but Lou wasn't! She loved it!

Josie literally trying to fill her sister's shoes. She truly loves to do whatever Louisa does these days.
They are actually making strides in playing nicely together. Lou is becoming a little more patient and Josie is getting better at communicating and understanding how play works (like, you don't just grab whatever fun thing your sister has in her hands!)

Big belly and cute Josie pie.
 I can't believe that Josie is about to be the middle child!

*Sigh* Can I also just add that I'm bummed it's Monday? It's going to be a long week, as Mike is off his flex Friday schedule that he was on for a while. (Where he was getting every other Friday off) This morning I prayed for patience like I mentioned, but I also prayed for fortitude as I certainly am going to need it.....

#Threebabiesohmy

Goodmorning sunshine

Or as my dad used to say to us as kids, "Good morning glory!"

Either way, good day to you & God bless! Happy Friday once again!

Catch up

Hello all!

Well, my itchy blogging fingers are ready for an update! Are ya ready?

First of all, I have to hand it to my husband who, for the last 6 days has been simply amazing at pleasing this silly little mama who has been just slightly crazy about wanting everything perfect. He has put up with my demands requests for projects to complete and has done it for the most part with no complaint. He did get a little irritated when I balked at him taking a break one afternoon, but I realized I was becoming a slave driver and profusely apologized and begged him to take a break. But really, he has basically killed the To-Do list, and now I am one happy nesting mama. There are some things left to do, but things that can be managed in between taking care of little squirlly girls and doing all the regular housework. (I can't believe I ever thought I was 'busy' before having children!)

I love that there is literally only one basket of dirty clothes in the entire house right now. That Baby boy's clothes are all washed and folded, three closets have been cleaned out and organized, all the kitchen cupboards have been cleaned out, the yard is weeded, baby items have been moved around and cleaned out, bathrooms and showers have been disinfected. And more....yeah, just a whole heck of a lot has gotten done around here!

Throughout this time I have also been feeling some pretty painful contractions. I went in Tuesday for a check up and it looks like I am becoming dilated, so they are definitely helpful contractions (you know, getting my body prepped for giving birth) I know for many this doesn't mean much (being dilated early on) because the fact is you can go around dilated for several weeks, but somehow this feels a bit different. It is always risky to tell yourself and others that you think you may have the baby early, but hey- I'm going to go ahead and say it anyway. I really don't imagine myself going until August 5th. I would eat my shirt if that happened. Haha; no but seriously I feel very ready to go into labor. I've even been getting nauseous over the last couple of days and I've heard that can be another sign that your body is getting ready for labor (this didn't happen with the girls though.) As I am sitting here right now I have already had two contractions and my tummy is queasy, even though I'm not hungry or anything. I just feel really different now and hope that means I will have my baby soon-ish!!!

I am definitely tired and sore, which means I probably need to drink more water and rest! But my spirits are up because, no matter what, we will be meeting our little son here pretty soon. I'm very happy about that.

A few other things that have happened. My beautiful friend Sarah had her first baby early Tuesday morning, so I am just super happy for her and her husband! I got to talk with her today and hear some of the details.  I  also have another friend, Kristina, who is due a little after me and I'm so excited for her too! It's all so beautiful and I'm thrilled that we are in this place in our lives. Makes for a very exciting Facebook newsfeed, that's for sure ;)

I had a baby shower put on for me by my family on Saturday and it was lovely. Mike's cousin Gina and her son (our godson) came up for it and so we got to visit with them. Louisa and Isaac were super sweet together and played very well the whole time. Louisa said several times "I love my cousin Isaac, mom" I got some great shots of them together. It's been so fun seeing them grow up together so far!

Yesterday was the 4th of July and we had a good day, albiet a little exhausting for me. I was having the most contractions yesterday, which is understandable because we walked a mile downtown and saw a parade and walked around more in the park. Then I walked about 2/3 of the way back, uphill, before I knew I couldn't make it anymore! I had to have Mike get the car otherwise I was afraid I might collapse! Ha; I know, not the smartest thing in the world. Also it was a warm day, and seeing as how we are not used to those around here  I could tell my body was balking at everything. I came home and rested, and ended up having a good night's sleep, but today I can still feel myself recovering. In fact as soon as I complete this entry I need to go lay down!

But Louisa and Josie seemed to have a fun day at the parade and bbq later we had with friends. I feel bad because they got a little sun (I completely forgot to put sunscreen on them!) and they had way too much sugar...but oh well. Today is a new day and they seem fine. 

Well you know, I guess that's it! Hopefully relatively soon I will be doing posts about a little baby boy who I get to hold in my arms and nurse and cuddle with! Seriously, I just can't wait. I would love love love it if I went into labor tomorrow, but - it's not in my hands......

Lord, grant us patience! 


Finally, thanks again to my wonderful husband. I couldn't do anything without you! You are the BEST ever and I love you so so much. :)