Friday, June 5, 2015

Overwhelmed

Lately, I have been feeling overwhelmed.  Overwhelmed trying to create a fun summer for the girls, though we do have our days when I tell them to go entertain themselves.  Overwhelmed trying to keep up with the house, it just seems to never end.  But also overwhelmed by all the blessings we have.  We found out a big surprise a couple of months ago.  I didn't want to write about it because after all our losses and the way this came about, I thought for sure it wouldn't last but we're still going strong.  

Let me back up a bit.  A few months ago, I took Evie to her normal appointment that we were going to every week.  It was a normal day, nothing out of the unusual.  When the appointment was over, the teacher came to talk with me and asked, "Do you have any exciting news to share?".  I was dumbfounded, I had no idea what she was talking about so I told her "no".  She laughed and told me that Evie had told her that I was going to have another baby.  I told her there was no way that was possible and we just laughed it off.  After dropping Evie off at school, I had a spare test so I thought, "Why not".  I had almost forgotten I had taken the test, playing with Emma but looked back a few minutes later to find the word "Pregnant" on the test.  What?  How is that even possible?  I was in complete shock and thought there has to be something wrong with the test.  After taking at least twelve more tests over the week, they all came back positive to my disbelief.  After a week past and I didn't miscarry, I made an appointment to see the doctor and it was confirmed.  After three sonograms and baby measuring right on track, I think it's safe to say we're expecting baby number three!  I never thought in my wildest dreams we would ever be presented with an unplanned pregnancy (although I did pray for it years ago), especially after doctors said it wouldn't happen without medical intervention but here we are.  I'm 13 weeks now and have been sicker than a dog since week 5.  I've lost around twelve pounds in the last six weeks, but doing my best to eat and drink when I can, even if it does just come right back up.  

Evie is very excited about the baby and also knew the gender (we'll find out for sure if she's right soon).  After Emma was born, she kept telling us she wanted us to have lots more babies.  But we're pretty certain after this one is born, that will be it.  Don't think my body/stomach/sanity can handle another pregnancy with 3 kiddos running around.  And of course, Emma has no clue that her life is going to forever change in six months.  So this will be very interesting to see how this all plays out with Emma and this baby only being 20 months apart.  

Now that I think I've finally have come out of shock over this surprise, we are so excited and I'm already head over heels in love with him/her.  Looking forward to meeting this little bean in six months.

Friday, April 17, 2015

The Season of Birthdays

Last month we drove (yes, drove 28 hours straight!) to California to visit my family.  The drive went much better than I thought, even though Doug and myself were beyond the point of exhaustion.  We took turns, I drove all day the first day and then Doug took over around 10-11 p.m.  Of course, both kids wake up as we are switching so I had to entertain them so they wouldn't both scream out of exhaustion.  Poor Evie cannot sleep comfortably in her booster seat, so she was pretty grumpy, but thankful for the ipad.  We stopped every four hours or so, at a fast food joint that had playground equipment so the girls could play and stretch their legs.  We arrived safely and I was so happy to see my parents who I hadn't seen in a year.  We had an amazing time in the beautiful weather, eating amazing foods and drinking tasty wines for an entire week.  While we were there, we celebrated mine and Emma's birthdays, which was really fun.  We visited an ostrich farm, went to Solvang where we bought the girls adorable Danish outfits, went to the Santa Barbara zoo, visited a few beaches and just enjoyed the beautiful scenery and weather, it was gorgeous!  It was an amazing trip filled with wonderful memories and I cannot wait to do it again!  There's even a part of me that really enjoys these long road trips with the family.  I long for the days when we can take more time off to stop and enjoy the drive instead of driving as quickly as we can to our destination.

We celebrated Emma's birthday a few weeks ago.  I was in total denial over her turning one, just couldn't believe my baby girl isn't going to be a baby for much longer.  She's actually been walking, holding on to things since she was about 11 months old, so I guess she's practically a toddler especially since she loves getting into things she knows she isn't suppose to get into.  Emma and Evie are so much alike in that they love to be noisy and they love getting in trouble.  But I am constantly amazed at their beautiful, generous, giving hearts.  They really do enjoy being together whether it's playing/sharing their toys, dancing, screaming or laughing.  But since they share everything, they always get sick together too.  A couple of weeks ago it was a tummy bug that was going through our home.  Not fun.  Emma was pretty ill, which meant we had to cancel our Easter plans, but also meant more cuddles.  After a few sleepless days and nights, Emma was better but then Evie became ill.  Poor girl was up only a couple times in the night sick, but after a few rounds of being ill, she seemed to be back to her semi-normal self.  Thank goodness it was only a 24 hour bug.

Evie's birthday is next and oh. my. word.  Every morning I get the privilege to hear from her for the past couple of months, "Is it my birthday yet?  It's my birthday!  I'm the birthday girl!"  And every morning I have to remind her that it isn't her birthday yet.  She's planned her birthday since around Christmas and again, it hasn't changed (so grateful for that!).  Last year it was dinosaurs, this year she wants an outer space party which seems easy enough.  Party is planned, but I cannot believe she will be turning five and going to kindergarten in a few months.  She has grown so much and I'm constantly amazed by the things she is capable of doing now.  She reminds me all the time that she's not my baby anymore, she's a big girl (although she will always be my baby).  I recently had a parent/teacher conference and was told that she is doing very well and more than ready for kindergarten.  I was even told that she can do things (write, sound letters out, draw) that an older five and six year old can do.  I'm so proud of Evie's hard work over the past year, she has come a long way and I'm so grateful to all the teachers who have helped her along the way.  We have so many amazing people who love her and I am so thankful for that.

This year is going by so quickly, but I have to admit every year goes by way too fast.  Now it's time to gear up for another hot summer and finding ways to make it fun with a five year old and toddler.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Happy 2015!

Life has been so crazy full this past year.  So many changes, many highs and lows and lots of new adventures.

Evie started swim lessons last summer and has really grown so much in the past few months.  She is moving up and becoming quite the little fish and is loving every second of it.  She can swim very well without any floats and knows the basic techniques.  Evie has even told us she wants to be a swim teacher when she grows up.  Doug and I really love watching her grow and become more confident.  Evie also participates in the church choir and a kids missions group, and really enjoys them both.  She's already been a part of a few of the programs at church and we've purchased a few items that she's made for the alternate gift market.  I love that she is old enough now to be more active in the church and develop friendships.  She is growing up so fast!  I honestly cannot believe she is going to be five soon.  She has already informed us what kind of party she wants (as usual, she always tells us about 4-6 months in advance what party she wants and never changes her mind or forgets), so brainstorming ideas for her big party.  Although, I am amazed that she will be five soon, she seems to have already started the teenage phase.  At the age of three, she wouldn't allow me to pick out her clothes and now has a whole system of which clothes to wear.  She loves "her" time and space and constantly tells me to leave her alone.  But I love it when she wants to snuggle up and watch a movie or talk about things she's interested in, those precious times with her are amazing.

Emma is also growing up way too quickly.  I can't believe she will be ten months old in a few days.  I feel like she has grown up faster than Evie did.  She currently has two bottom teeth, one top tooth (although the second top tooth is starting to appear as well).  She started army crawling at seven months and starting crawling on all fours at nine months and is a very busy child.  She is the most motivated baby I have ever seen and she keeps me very busy.  I joke that Emma hates being a baby and is trying with every ounce of her being to grow up.  She absolutely hates being held now and is trying to pull up on anything she can.  I just can't believe how fast it's all gone by, and it was a huge shock when she started moving around as Evie didn't start until she was eleven months.  I guess since Emma is so big on crawling almost 24/7, she has to fill her tank every two hours and snacks in between.  She is up for the day between 5-6, may take a quick nap or two (no longer than 30-60 mins) and then in bed around 8.  So she definitely keeps us on our toes.  But she's a great baby, so funny and smart.  Can't believe her first birthday is coming up so quickly.

Doug and I have been busy just keeping up with the girls.  But in the few moments we aren't chasing them around or taking them to certain events, we've been trying to tackle some of the home improvement projects we've been talking about doing.  We recently repainted the play room from the crazy bright orange to a nice medium brown color and I plan on making storage benches with a cool blue color fabric and maybe a cornice board if I find the time.  We also plan on repainting the girls bathroom as we both agree the yellow has to go!  Doug also replaced our garbage disposal, which really had to be done.  Slowly, but surely we'll have the house looking the way we have envisioned.

It's been a great start to the new year and am so excited to see where 2015 will take us.

Monday, June 30, 2014

Emma is 15 Weeks Old!

A lot has happened since my last post.

Emma Leigh was born right on schedule and perfectly healthy.  She is now 3 months old and time is flying.  It is so funny how similar, yet how different Evie and Emma are.  I remember Evie loved her swing, car seat, bouncer and jumperoo.  Emma doesn't really like any of them all that well.  She will tolerate the swing if I transfer her to it after she's fallen asleep in my arms and she's starting to like the jumperoo.  The car seat and bouncer, she doesn't like too well unless we're giving her constant attention.  She loves silly sounds and faces and loves being talked to all the time.  She has recently discovered her tongue and is very amused by the noises she can make with it.  She is a very sweet girl (a total mommy's girl), but has become more fussy recently.  We believe she's already teething by the symptoms she has (cranky most of the day, drooling profusely, chewing on everything, not sleeping much during the day, etc).  She also has been demanding on eating every 2 hours throughout the day, so we go through a ton of bottles.  But we are so in love with our new little girl and feel so blessed to have her in our family.

Evie has been doing very well.  She absolutely adores Emma and is constantly wanting to help out and wants to be around her all the time.  Evie is always telling us how she loves Emma and is happy she's with us.  Melts my heart.  Evie is 80% potty trained now.  She still has the occasional accident, and is still wearing Pull-Ups during the nights, but we're getting there.  Hopeful she will be 100% potty trained by the time she starts school again in the Fall.  This past school year I have been amazed with Evie's progress.  She can recite the Pledge of Allegiance, count to 25 in English, count to 10 in Spanish, is talking more and more clearly, and has a great imagination.  I am constantly amazed with how well she's doing.  We've been keeping very busy as Evie has quite the social life.  Between class "reunions", birthday parties, play dates and church activities, we've been pretty busy this summer (not to mention the vacations we're planning on taking later on this summer).

We've been going through so many changes recently, some of which has been very difficult but hopeful it will all work out and that it is all for the best.  So very thankful for all the support we have and excited to see what the future holds for our little family.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

37 Weeks

With only a week and a half left to go, I am becoming more excited and anxious.  Emma is doing great.  She's measuring right on track.  I had an ultrasound last week and the tech gave a weight estimate of about 6.5 lbs, which is great.  I'm not dilated or effaced, which is to be expected as I didn't dilate with Evie until 39 weeks and after being induced, never dilated much after that.  Was hoping for a little difference, but grateful for the extra time she spends, growing and maturing inside.  Only have one more prenatal appointment and then it will be c-section time.  I'm very nervous about it all and just praying I recover as quickly as I did with Evie.  Thank goodness my parents will be coming to help out.

I am very thankful that this pregnancy has been a little easier.  I haven't gained as much weight, but at least I haven't been as sick as I was.  The only big complaint I have is the acid reflux.  Everything gives me acid reflux and I'm usually up all night in pain because of it.  I find myself lucky if I get 6 hours of sleep a night, but usually I am getting around 4 hours of sleep these days.  Don't mind the lack of sleep, just the pain that radiates through my body due to acid reflux.  But at least it will all be over soon and will have a precious little baby in a few days that will make it all worthwhile.  Other than that, I really have nothing to complain about and feel very fortunate that this pregnancy has been pretty uneventful.

Evie's out of school next week and I plan on doing as many fun activities with her as my pregnant body will allow.  Just us girls, before our world changes.  Feeling extremely blessed and can't wait to meet this precious little girl.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Miss Independent

So this past week has been pretty cold and yesterday we had some snow.  Just an inch, but was still surprised the school district wasn't closed or delayed so we ended up taking Evie to school.  School did end up getting out an hour early due to icy conditions and so teachers could pick up their own kiddos.  Although, we haven't gone above freezing in a while, most of the snow melted and either evaporated or turned into ice overnight.  We may get a touch more of snow, but we most likely won't or it won't be very much (thank goodness!).  I think most people here are so ready for summer, I know I am.  Even Evie, who played in the snow for a total of 2 minutes, was complaining her hands were too cold after picking up a speck of snow.  Like father, like daughter.

Evie has become even more independent over the past couple of weeks.  She figured out that once she wakes up, she can take down the gate, open our door, wake us up, feed the cats, turn on all the lights in the house, change her clothes and attempt to make herself breakfast all within a 10 minute time frame.  It's crazy!  It is another light bulb moment for her as she hadn't really done some of those things before, but now she will not even let us help her change her clothes or even pick out her clothes and has to have full privacy when changing.  I had no idea she could become more independent, but she has and it's bittersweet.  I miss my baby, but I guess she has to grow up at some point.  However, it's a totally different story when I drop her off at school or church.  She is very clingy when I drop her off lately and attaches herself to my leg and won't let go until I distract her with something fun that is in the room, then I make a break for it.  Luckily she hasn't broke down crying or anything, but it's something that we're just not used to.  It's strange how much she has changed lately, but I'm sure it's because the reality of bringing home a baby is really starting to sink in.  Praying we can make the transition as easy as possible for her.  But she told us something last week and keeps repeating it, she told us that she wants two brothers and two sisters and talks about them often.  She keeps insisting that after Emma comes, she wants a baby brother.  Haha!  Not sure how to go about that and almost positive that she would regret that statement if it were to happen.

We recently made a trip to a local wildlife museum and am kicking myself that we haven't visited earlier.  It is a really neat place, full of fun things for the kiddos.  Evie loved the dinosaur exhibit they had and thought it was the coolest.  She also loved playing in the wooden play houses.  I think she would have played there for hours if we had let her.  We loved how the museum had so many things to keep the kids entertained and how close it is to us.  So we may have to visit more often, once life settles down a bit.

Evie has told us that she wants a birthday party this year and is pretty specific about it.  She wants the theme to be dinosaurs (she has a big fascination with dinosaurs lately), but wants a Frozen cake with frosting and sprinkles (her words).  So I'm trying to figure out a way to make the two work and someone came up with a great idea on how to combine the two, so just have to get a little creative.  Hoping I can make it happen for her while having a newborn on my hands.

As for Emma, she is doing very well.  I am 33 weeks now and counting down the days (38 more to go!).  We have everything we need now.  Everything is washed and ready to go, just waiting on Emma.  I have a feeling Emma may be a lot like Evie, as she already can be stubborn and I have a hard time getting her to move some days, but when she does move around she really moves and already knows how to wake me up.  I cannot wait to meet and hold this precious little girl and these next few weeks cannot go by fast enough.

Friday, January 17, 2014

30 Weeks

Not too much to report as this pregnancy is progressing normally without too many issues.  I'm currently 30.5 weeks pregnant with only 59 days left to go (yes, I am counting down the days now).  Very excited, but also having some anxiety as there is so much to do and I have absolutely zero energy.  Sleeping is a hard thing to do these days between being so big now, the 24/7 constant acid reflux, nausea and back pains.  So I try to nap here and there when I can.  I had my 30 week checkup this week and everything seems to be right on track.  My glucose test came back normal and little one's heartbeat is strong in the 150's.  We have our 3D/4D ultrasound coming up and very excited to see what she looks like, also very curious to know if she is still a she as our last ultrasound was 11 weeks ago.  I can now feel every movement that Emma makes and started feeling hiccups this week, which is fun.  We are taking Evie to a sibling class at the hospital this weekend where she will get to take the tour of the hospital, along with learning how to be a big sister.  Not sure what she will make of it, but hopefully she will be able to understand a little better of what is going to happen and I love that the age range for this class is 2-5, so it's perfect for her.

I think the reality of Evie not being an only child for much longer is starting to hit her.  She is starting to become a little more clingy than usual.  She requests every night to snuggle with Daddy and often clings to me when I drop her off at school, something she has never done before.  She also talks about her sister often, saying that they will play together and have so much fun.  Poor thing doesn't realize that Emma won't be able to play with her for a long while.  She often sets aside some of her stuff, saying that she will share them with Emma when she arrives and constantly is asking when Emma will be here.  She is such a sweet girl and I just love her spirit.