Looking Back at 2013...

I love this time of year.  I am a person who loves memories, loves looking at old pictures and loves reminiscing.  Every end of the year, I like to look back at the past 12 months and think about everything God's done in our lives and just enjoy all our sweet memories.

This year began with a trial, that had begun at the end of 2012.  I felt like we'd never sell our home.  I was ready for a change, a bigger space.  I was ready for the trial to end.  Weeks turned into months, which turned into more months and I was feeling helpless.  But the trial definitely brought me closer to God and reminded me that HIS timing is always best.  In July we finally sold the house and August came our moving day and closing on the sale.  The house we got to move into is more amazing than I'd ever dreamed.  God never ceases to amaze me.

2013 highlights:

Jan-July were pretty dull months... Basically just trying to get the house sold.

August- Move into our new place, close on the sale of our house.
              Celebrated baby sister's 2nd birthday!

September- After years of waiting, we finally bought our van!!!
                   Week long family vacation at Disney!  It was so fun to see baby sis enjoy it (she was so                little last time we went)
                    Big sister gets her book published! :)  So proud of her and daddy!

October- Found out our little gift was on the way!  What a wonderful surprise!

November- Big sister turned 5 (how is that possible?)
                 
December- Spent time with family.
                   Hubby gets his book published!  A ream come true :)

It's been a great year and I can't wait to see what God has in store for our 2014!

Merry Christmas!!!!

Merry Christmas, from my family to yours!

So thankful for time off with daddy this week and lots of family time!

The ballet

Last night daddy got some free tickets for the Nutcracker ballet (he does a lot of art work for the company).  Being that I'm terrified of nutcrackers, daddy took his girl on a special date :) 

I mean, how cute are they!? 

Our sweet and amazing girl was so excited to see the ballet.  All she talks about now is how she wants to do ballet  :)  We'll see...

14.5 weeks!

Today I had my regular 4 week check up with my ob/gyn.  I knew 2 things would happen in this appt, #1 that he'd schedule bloodwork and #2 that he'd schedule our gender ultrasound for 4 weeks from now.
Also I was nervous about my weight gain, but thankfully I only gained 1 pound! :)  Very excited for that!

So #1, I'll be doing bloodwork next week.  Which is great b/c daddy is off ALL next week (woohooo) and I can go get that done kid free. :)

#2 This is the best! :)  So 4 weeks from today is the 15th, I'd have my ultrasound then, I'd be 18.5 weeks.  Then the receptionist told me that the ultrasound tech isn't working that day, so I'd have to wait till the following week, the 22nd. I'm sorry, I'm not the most patient person, and I couldn't wait 5 weeks, it just seems like SO long!  So I asked if we could push it for the week before, where I'd be 17.5 weeks.  She couldn't schedule it at that point but would call me.  She called me on my drive home and I got the early appt, so in exactly 3 weeks, on Jan 8th, we will find out if we're having a boy or a girl.  SO excited!!!!!!!

Anyways, other than that, we are getting ready for Christmas and I'm so excited!  We had an amazon hiccup with baby sister's Christmas gift, but it's all been resolved thanks to my awesome husband! :)

9 days...

I can hardly believe that we have begun the single digits countdown for Christmas!  We are almost done Christmas shopping, the house is ready, plans are made with family, and the best part, daddy is off all next week!  So excited for that!!!
The girls are so excited for their gifts.  I know Christmas is so not about gifts, but I do so love spoiling my girls. ;)  One of my favorite things about Christmas is gift wrapping.  Hubby and I put on christmas movies and wrap gifts together. I love picturing my girls faces as they open their gifts.  I cannot wait!

Love these sweet silly girls of mine!  Truly so thankful for them!  I could just burst with how much I love them.

Matching holiday attire.  Could they get any cuter?!  I am one blessed mama for sure!  Next year I get a little one in my arms!  So excited for that! 

A few years ago our cat destroyed our nativity set.  I was devastated as it was a gift and I spent years looking for a similar one that I never found.  This year a sweet friend asked if I 'd like one of hers b/c she never uses it.  It is exactly what I wanted, just a smidge bigger.  But the girls love sitting and looking at it and they keep saying that baby Jesus is cute.  So thankful for their sweet little hearts.  

Christmas time!

This year I've really gotten so excited for Christmas.  From decorating to buying gifts for my girls and nieces and nephews to spending time with family.

Last year our Christmas tree broke 1/2 way through the season.  So we waited until this year to replace it, mainly because we knew we were moving and we wanted to see if we could get a bigger tree.  I searched locally and online and finally found it, my dream tree! Hubby indulged me and we ordered it. Once we set it up, OH MY WORD, I loved it!  It truly is my dream tree and I can't stop staring at it.  After we decorated it big sister said "mommy, I love our tree it's beautiful" :)

My mother in law is REALLY big into Christmas, so she had some stuff she wasn't using that she blessed us with as well :)

Our old tree was white/gold with a pretty bow topper.  As pretty as it was, I needed a change after 8 years. lol  So this year we have a santa hat topper, new red ornaments and my favorite part, the bottom piece. :)  It's just a cardboard box wrapped in red paper and ribbons for the belt.  Last year I fell in love with anything Santa ;) 

Our mantel has always been my favorite part to decorate.  A few years ago my mil made me a cute cone.  This year I redid it as Santa's hat using leftover supplies :)  The middle is a "hohoho" sign that I bought 1/2 off at Hobby Lobby.  The reindeers were a birthday gift from my mil.  I searched for YEARS for them and she found them.  My big santa was what got me started on my santa obsession last year.  And 4 brand new, personalized stockings made by yours truly ;)  There's a 5th one halfway done, just waiting for a name!!! They were also made with leftover chevron I had from a different project.  LOVE it when I have supplies here! 

Thanks to my amazing mil, I got to decorate our pretty staircase.  The first time she saw our house she said "I can't wait to decorate the staircase for Christmas" :)  

When you go up the stairs, you immediately see 3 art pieces by my 3 artists :)

Breakfast bar b/t the family room and kitchen.  I love anything santa :)  

 There are more decorations, we have a pretty village in our foyer table and stuff scattered around the house.  I will be so sad to have to put it all away next month.  But for now we enjoy it.  So looking forward to Christmas day with my family!!!

Could this be a repeat??

At 10 weeks pregnant with baby #2 I experienced implantation bleeding and then from that point on I started having spd, which lasted until I gave birth.  It made life hard, I had to rest a lot and couldn't do much.  Very hard to deal w/ so much pain while taking care of a very active toddler.

Once we passed our 10 week mark with this one, I was so happy to not have a repeat of everything.  And then came black Friday.  As I wrote earlier, we had a miscarriage scare and everything is fine thankfully.  But now I'm starting to be in pain, the same pain I had w/ baby #2.  Sigh... This week has been hard, hubby has been amazing doing all the heavy cleaning and taking care of the girls.  I love that man! :)

I'm not looking forward to 7 more months of this.  It's gonna be hard, especially with 2 little ones.  But I can handle it.  God's got this!  I know He's in control.  And as long as baby #3 is ok, I'll be ok.  Thankfully this is all I have to deal with.

On another note, people keep asking my feelings on whether or not the baby is a girl or boy.  I know it's 50/50.... But for some reason, I keep thinking boy with this one.  We're still about 5 weeks from finding out.  It'll be here super fast, but waiting is so hard! lol  Either way, we're excited and really just want to know what to prepare for!

Black Friday baby scare

Thursday night we left the girls with Nona for the night for Black Friday shopping.  We went shopping until about midnight on Thursday, then went to 1 more store on Friday.  After that everything is kind of a blur.  We went to have breakfast and after a trip to the bathroom, I thought for sure we had a miscarriage.  I went to hubby and told him that we needed to see the doctor.  The on-call doctor sent us to the ER.  After bloodwork, tests and waiting we finally had the ultrasound.

Now up to this point, I hadn't cried about any of this.  I was sure I had miscarried and at this point, I just wanted to know.  Then the tech began the ultrasound and immediately flipped the screen for me to see a perfect little baby with a perfect heartbeat.  I LOST it, the tears just started flowing and I was beyond thankful to see this little heart beating.  I mean, it was just the most amazing sight.

Baby at 12 weeks. 

At the ER, they diagnosed me with placenta previa.  Today I got to see my doctor, he did say that my placenta is low, but it's not placenta previa.  After a weekend of bedrest, things seem to be back to normal.  I got to see the baby again today and everything looks really great.  I'm so thankful God protected our precious baby!

This was taken the week before at 11 weeks.  I have this sonogram on video and I've watched it a lot these past few days.  Seriously so thankful for this sweet little life! 

Black Friday shopping

Thursday we had a great thanksgiving with family.  It was perfect.  So thankful for time with family.  That evening we left our girls with nona to spend the night and we headed to do some shopping.  First we went to Wal Mart, got some great deals for my girls, my 2 nieces and 2 nephews.  next we stopped at Best Buy, then Target.  Target was a MESS.  I mean, I had an easier time at wal mart, and I hate that place. lol  Target was super crowded and the line to check out was wrapping around the whole building.  But it was time alone with the hubby and we enjoyed it a lot.  This morning we went to Toys r Us in hopes of finding a highly requested item from big sis, but it seems like every little girl wants the same toy b/c we can't find it.  We ended up finding some good deals, but amazon had the same deals so we just ordered it from there.  Gotta love smartphones. lol

We got the girls back this afternoon and they were exhausted from their slumber party with nona.  Nona made the whole night/morning special for them, with christmas crafts, making cookies and such.  The girls crashed on their way home, and it was impossible to wake them up.  But I got super sweet cuddles w/ them while they napped :)

So thankful to be their mommy! :)

It's my favorite time of the year...

We're gearing up for the holidays... One of my favorite things to do at this season is send out christmas cards to family and friends.  Our friend has started his own photography business and took our pictures.  The girls were not very cooperative, Big sis was running all over the place and baby sis was being shy. But we still got some good ones :)

These are some that won't be in our Christmas cards.  I'll have to post those later! 

So thankful for my prince charming.  He is amazing!  He has been so wonderful (well he always is) taking care of everything on days that I don't feel well.  He is such a wonderful daddy and husband!

So thankful for our family!  We are blessed!  

Sweet mama's girl!  I lover her snuggles and kisses.  She's gonna have a rough time in about 7 months. I foresee me holding 2 babies in my lap at all times. ;) 

 Happy girls.  Such sweet sisters.  They are so excited about the baby in mommy's tummy.  I love how much they love each other.

As we're gearing up for the holidays, I'm so excited for time with family, Christmas traditions with the girls and so much more!  

Santa time!

Last year I developed a "crush" on anything santa. :)  We don't really overly do santa with the girls.  I mean, we'll take them to see him, if the line isn't long lol... And their stocking stuffers are from "santa".. But we treat santa like Mickey mouse or something.  We focus on the real meaning of Christmas.

But I developed an obsession w/ santa last year.  I think he's so cute :)  So I started buying all the cute, affordable, santas I could find.  I do have more than pictured ;)  And I do plan on buying more.

Today I brought out the santas b/c I am dying to decorate the house for Christmas.  But I'd like to keep my thanksgiving stuff up until the end of the week. lol  Tonight I also went ahead and put up our village.  Tuesday our new christmas tree arrives, so I'll probably go ahead and put that up as well.. :)  I haven't been this excited about Christmas in a LONG time.

3 kids????

Today I had a routine check up with my ob.  I sat in the waiting room for about 45 minutes.  I managed to read a chapter of a book.  There was a woman there holding her newborn son.  She started talking to me.  She went on to tell me that that sweet baby was her #2 and last.  Her oldest was 8 and her husband finally "convinced" her to have another.  She was SHOCKED when I told her I was expecting my 3rd.  Like just in disbelief that someone would have more than 2.  She then went on to tell me that her husband wanted 3 kids, but she convinced him that 2 is enough.  Her reasonings were that their cars are paid off and they can't fit 3 car seats in their cars.  She also went on to say that they have 3 bedrooms and they couldn't fit a 3rd child in that house.

I was kind of taken aback by all that.  I couldn't even muster a response.  Now, if any family has 2 kids b/c they want to, or even b/c it's what they were given, that's of course, fine.  I don't think she's wrong for only wanting 2 kids.  I guess I was just bothered by her attitude, she seemed to think of children as burdens and not blessings.

We were not ready for our #3.  Thankfully we can rearrange our new house to fit #3, but we weren't planning on bringing a baby into this house.  Thankfully we were able to get a van so car wise, we're good to go. :)  But even if we hadn't, it's one of those things that it will all work out.  I have NO idea how we'll afford a 3rd child at this point.  But again, God's got this.  And we are blessed and so excited for June to arrive!

For happier news, I was given a surprise u/s today.  Oh, what a sweet sound to hear my baby's heartbeat.  And it's so sweet to see him or her just wiggling about!  So thankful for this sweet gift!

zero energy

I have many plans, plans to clean, plans to sew, plans to craft, plans to have fun w/ the girls... but lately none of my plans happen.  I'm exhausted!  I feel like  shell of who I used to be, I'm just here, trying to survive.  I don't remember being this exhausted w/ my other 2 pregnancies.  It's awful b/c I get tired just going up the stairs, or just making lunch.  I am so thankful hubby has been so amazing.  He comes home and takes over for me.  I am hoping that when I am done w/ my first trimester that I can have some normalcy back.

I think I'll start making small to do lists and just try to accomplish small goals each day.  That should work, I hope. lol

UPDATE:
shortly after I wrote this, I had a burst of energy and got some cleaning done! :)  For anyone who cares. lol

10 down 30 to go...

This past saturday marked our 10 week stretch. :)  I feel like I've been pregnant SO much longer than 10 weeks... It's all still surreal to me, but I'm so excited.  And though I enjoy pregnancy, I'm so excited for June.  I can't wait to meet this sweet gift!

I have to admit.  The days leading up to this weekend I was nervous and anxious.  At exactly 10 weeks with my last pregnancy, we started showing signs of miscarriage.  Thankfully, everything ended up being great and baby sister was born 28 weeks later, as per schedule :)  So far everything is great with this pregnancy, thankfully.
I'm still dealing with morning sickness, but getting better.  I'm also always super exhausted, but it's all worth it!

This past weekend we got family pictures taken.  They came out great and I can't wait to have them framed in the house.  Looking at the pictures makes me excited to have a little addition to next year's family pictures. :)  It also reminds me of how amazing God is and I'm so thankful He continues to bless us!

Fall season

A few weeks ago we did our annual pumpkin patch trip.  I forced my exhausted, filled with morning sickness self to make the girls their cute pumpkin dresses.  

I love making memories with our family.  I love spending time with my loves and am so thankful to be blessed with my family!

Seems crazy to think next fall we'll have another little one in our laps.  So thankful for how God continues to bless us.  :) 

How has #3 changed me?

I may only be 9 weeks along, but baby #3 has already changed me SO much.  How?

When we found out we were expecting (seems like an eternity ago), my first reaction was joy and thankfulness.  But I was quickly set with panic, anxiety and stress.  So many thoughts flooded my mind.  Was I ready to be a mom of 3?  Am I doing a good job w/ the 2 I have?  How could I possibly divide my attention with 3 kids, I already struggle with 2?  And the one the plagued me most was that baby sister would no longer be "my baby".  Oh that one really got to me.  I felt that same way about big sis when I was pregnant w/ #2.  But this time was worse.  Why?  I think because in my mind, I had given myself a year before we thought about another baby.  That meant I had 1 more year with baby sis being the baby.  Then boom, surprise, that was not the case!

On top of all those thoughts, I had severe nausea.  I was so miserable that I actually wished that I wasn't pregnant.  I know that sounds awful.  I complained about the baby.  And I feel very guilty about it all.  I've prayed through it, and the past week or so my heart has changed.  I don't really know how to explain it.

I still have doubts.  I don't know how I'll do it with 3.  But I know my God has given me this wonderful little gift and I can seriously say that excitement floods my every thought. :)  Big sister is SO excited about this baby.  She prays for baby and asks me everyday when the baby is coming.  Baby sis doesn't fully understand it, but knows there's a baby in my tummy.

I can't explain it.  This feeling that this baby is meant to do something great.  I mean, this baby was given to us in God's timing (as are all babies planned or unplanned).  But this is our little surprise, our little gift.  And I am SO excited to meet this baby in June and tell him or her how much I love him/her.  I am excited to meet this blessing and finally kiss the baby that God wanted so much to be born at this point.  It's exciting.  It's exciting to see what God will do in our lives.

As far as the nausea, thankful for modern science!  I take a dramamine every night and for the most part I am normal through out the day and can eat almost any foods.   I am back to having my beloved coffee in the mornings.  :)

People keep asking me if I want a boy or a girl.  Honestly, we'd love a son.  It would be so fun!  But we'd also love a house overtaken by girls, so either way, we're blessed.  I would just like to know so I can know what to name this baby! ;)

growing way too fast

These past 2-3 months, baby sister has been growing WAY so fast.  All of a sudden she's speaking in full sentences, repeating everything sissy says and it's so cute.  It seems weird to hear a "baby' talk so much. lol

In early September we started potty training.  She's been doing so well.  We're still working on night time, but during the day she's doing super well.  I'm so proud of my big girl!

On October 18th, after much debate, we decided to convert her into a toddler bed.  She was screaming everytime we put her in the crib, and begged to sleep in sissy's bed.  I was nervous about the transition for many reasons.  Mainly I didn't want her to have the freedom to come up and down the stairs unsupervised.  I didn't want to have to train her to stay in her bed for naps and bedtime like I did w/ her sister.  Training big sis to stay in her bed was HARD, I wasn't ready to do it again.  Nevertheless, we converted her.  And she has surprised me!  She loves going to her bed, asks for naps and stays put!  When she wakes up in the mornings, she either stays in her bed until I get her, or she plays quietly in her room until I get her.  I love it :)  She is so different, I love how quiet she is. :)

Daddy converting her crib

First night in her big girl bed.  She was so proud and excited :)

 We have on occasion found baby sis fast asleep on the floor. lol 

My big girl!

Big sister turned 5 on Nov 3rd.  Her birthdays are always bittersweet for me, but I handled this one pretty well.  That night, after the girls were fast asleep, I went into their room (like I always do) to check on them.  I stood there watching big sister sleep.  I thought about how I used to love to watch her sleep when she was an infant.  It's amazing just how fast these 5 years have gone.  I used to bawl my eyes out on her birthdays.  But I'm focusing on thanking God for blessing us with 5 healthy years with our girl.  I know there are a lot of people out there who don't get that with their children.  

All in all, we had a good weekend celebrating her!  She said it was her best birthday :)

My big 5 year old in her new outfit from nona! 

 sweet sisters :)  We are blessed for sure! 

5 years old!!

November 3rd 5 years ago was an amazing experience.  There are no words to ever describe that day.  I had barely slept the night before, in anticipation for the arrival of our firstborn.  We woke up early the next morning and headed to the hospital.  We had to wait, and wait and wait.. I was so anxious, I just wanted to hold my girl.  Finally I get set up and taken to the OR.  Once I was set up there, hubby came in the room.  Within a few minutes the doctor said, she's "out".  Hubby stood up then quickly sat down.  He says, only her head is out.  He seemed bothered to have seen half of her still in my body. lol

Then I heard the most beautiful cry.  They cleaned her up and handed her to me.  Oh my word.  She was so beautiful and was a dream come true.  That whole day I would cuddle her and I just could NOT believe that she was mine.  I mean, was that sweet and cute little bundle really all mine to take home!?

Here we are 5 years later.  How can it have been 5 years already!?  Sounds crazy!  I am so thankful for 5 years with my sweet blessing.  

At 5 years old she:

-Loves anything My Little Pony

-Loves Littles pet shops (not as much as MLP)

-is is kindergarten

-Loves going to Disney

-Enjoys video games

-loves playdates

-Would spend all day coloring and drawing

-has way too much energy

-is a published author :)

-is a big daddy's girl 

-is super excited to be a big sister again

-loves animals

This girl talks NONstop all day long, she wakes up with the sun and goes all day long.  I can barely keep up with her.  I love when she comes in our bed in the mornings and cuddles with us for about an hour. :)  She loves to help mommy bake and clean up.  

So thankful for my sweet girl.  I'll have some pictures of her birthday soon :)

Telling everyone

After the shock "wore" off from our news, we decided to wait to tell everyone until after we saw the doctor.  That meant 2 1/2 weeks of keeping a secret, even from our girls (they would've told everyone).   It was both easy and hard.  It was something that we didn't really talk about much, so it wasn't in our minds much.  Sounds strange, but again, I was still dealing with the shock of it all.  I prayed a lot, thanking God for this gift and asking for help accepting His time.

So the weeks went by and on Wednesday the 23rd we had our ultrasound.  Hubby was able to go with me, I think we both needed to see that sweet heartbeat. :)  Our first appt went well.  Hubby couldn't contain the news any longer and asked that we call family.  So he called his family and I called mine.  My family was also shocked but excited. lol  We called and texted close friends.

Hubby worked late that night, so I got the girls ready for bed and then when he came home we sat down on the couch together.  We read the girls a book that big sis got when baby sis was born called "I'm a big sister".  Then daddy read a comic he drew up announcing that they would be big sisters!  Big sis asked "is this for real?" lol  She's been praying for a baby for over a year, so she's super excited! Baby sis doesn't fully understand, though she's been telling people there's a baby in mommy's belly.  So I guess she does understand.  :)

All in all, we're excited, and the shock of it all is wearing off.  It'll be interesting to see how we handle 3 kids!!!

# 3

3 weeks ago today will forever be etched in my mind.  I had been feeling sick for the past few days, and I was 5 or so days late.  That monday I was laid out on the couch.  I couldn't move, I was nauseous, dizzy and had a migraine.  I texted my husband saying that he needed to come home and handle dinner.  He asked me what was going on and I said there could only be one thing.  He stopped at the store on his way home and bought a pregnancy test.  When he arrived home, I put the test away.  He asked me if I was going to do the test that minute and I said I'd wait till the morning.  I wanted to wait because I didn't want to know the answer. lol  But he really wanted to know, and curiosity got the best of me, so I went to take the test.  I locked myself in our bathroom, and as I waited for the + sign to show or not show up I heard hubby come and sit on our bed and heard 2 cute little girls follow suit.  I had wanted that time alone, but alas, that was not so.

When a couple minutes had passed, I saw it, the + sign.  My initial thought?  Joy.  Pure joy!  I said a quick prayer thanking God, then I walked out of the bathroom.  I hid the test b/c I didn't want to tell the girls.  Hubby looked at me and said "well?"  I just looked at him and laughed.  Deep down he knew, he knew before we took the test that I was pregnant.  We just sat there in silence, with 2 little girls jumping all over the place.  It was a moment of both joy and panic.  We weren't ready for this.  We weren't planning for this.  I was in SHOCK.  Hubby was ok with it all.  The first thing he said was "well we're having a summer baby"  I was anti having another summer baby. lol

For the first 2 weeks I had mixed emotions over it all.  I was confused, in shock, happy, sad... Baby sis is such a mama's girl, and to me she's still so young.  I just didn't feel like the timing was right.  But anytime I began feeling "upset" over this news, I'd remind myself, this is GOD'S timing, not mine.  There's a reason this baby is coming now and not when we had planned.  God has a plan, and I'm fine with it. :)  Thankful for this little gift and finally feeling excited.  Excited to see what God has in store for us.

So there it is, we are expecting baby #3 to arrive early June 2014!!!  The girls are super excited!

Pedis

A few days ago big sis asked that I paint her toes.  She chose the colors. And she just loves nail stickers :)

So the following day, she requested that she paint baby sister's toes.  Now, I'd love to paint baby sister's toes, but she isn't very good at sitting still long enough for it.  So I told big sis that if she'd sit still for her, to go for it.  OH my word!  She sat still and they both loved the experience.  It was a mess, but so worth it :)

Pretty cute right!?  Love it when they get along so well!  Makes this mama's heart melt!  So thankful for these 2 sisters and thankful they are mine :)

Date Night

Saturday night my sister and I went on a date with a very special man, our dad!  We had dinner at one of his favorites, European Street Cafe, then we went to see Gravity.  It's always nice to spend some time with my daddy :)
We had a great time and we all loved the movie!  So thankful to have a dad that likes spending time with me!

Mama's fun :)

A few weeks ago I went on a sewing craze.  I have all this fabric sitting here that I've bought for other projects that never got done... I just went out yesterday and bought some more fabric, on sale, to make some more outfits :)  I LOVE sewing for them.  For so many reasons; I enjoy sewing, it relaxes me, it saves us money b/c most of the time I can make something cheaper than buying, I love seeing them wear something I made, they love it when I make them something. :)

When does a busy mom of 2 sew?  I leave my stuff all set up on the dining table.  I steal minutes here and there when they're happily playing, during nap times and after they go to bed.  Even if I sew for 1 hour a day, it is something.  Normally it'll take me about a week to finish 2 dresses and such.  Only because I don't rush and again, working a little each day.  Sometimes I can work more in 1 day and get most, if not all of 1 dress done in 1 day.  It varies.  lol  I don't like taking time away from the girls to sew...

Here's my pretty baby in her newest outfit from mama.  I LOVE the ruffle shorts :)  With a matching bow of course! Love the applique on this.  

 Sissy got one too! 

 Another one I made.  I had fabric sitting at home that I found and whipped this up.  I LOVE how it came out and the girls were so excited to wear spider dresses :)  So thankful to get to make cute stuff for them! 

It's hard to explain it, but I just feel so happy and fulfilled to make them their clothes.  And they seriously get so excited when they see me sewing for them.  I truly feel blessed to be able to do this!

My crazy ramblings about my soon to be 5 year old!

1 month from yesterday, my princess, my firstborn, the beautiful girl that made me a mommy, will be 5.  How is that EVEN possible!?  I am struggling with it.  I always struggle with her birthdays, it's always a reminder of how fast time goes by.
I still remember her birth as if it were yesterday.  I remember the sleepless nights.  The desire to never put her down.  Loving getting her dressed.  I remember our first holidays as a family of 3.  It feels like it was just yesterday.  And yet, here we are, with the years quickly rolling by and this child growing like a weed!

Her birthdays are always hard on me.  I get so sad that she's getting older and looking at all her baby pictures brings me to a sobbing mess.  How did it go so fast?  I look at her pictures and memories start flooding.  I wish I could go back.  I wish I could have her be my baby again.  Sadness fills me because that will never happen.  All I have are memories, pictures and videos.  And then I remind myself,  I have her here.  Healthy and active and driving me crazy at times! lol  And then I say a prayer, thanking God for another year with her.  Thanking Him for blessing me with this super active, super hyper, super creative baby girl!  So I go from mourning the fact that she's no longer a baby, to being thankful that she IS in fact growing up.  Then I begin to worry.  Am I raising her right?  Is she going to grow up to be a godly woman?  Will she make the right decisions?  What will she choose as her profession?  Who will she marry?  I begin to freak out about her driving, about her wedding day, about her leaving me.  Yes, I am a worrier and I stress over stupid stuff. lol  But I love my girl, and for now I will enjoy the minutes and days I have with her.  Thankfully I have an awesome God who has Her life in His hands and already planned out.  I don't have to worry!  But I'm still working on that ;)

When she was about 5 weeks old we ventured out, just the 2 of us, for the first time.  We met auntie at Target (where we took this picture).  I loved showing her off to the world.  She still loves Target :)

 Exactly 4 years ago at 11 months old.  I mean, seriously, look at how gorgeous she is!  I look at her now, and this is what I see.  This beautiful baby who is learning how to walk and talk... Oh how I love her!!!!  

As for now, I will enjoy having a 4 year old for another month, then celebrate her 5th birthday and be thankful for another year.  I am blessed.  It's been a wonderful filled 5 years :)

10 years in 10 pictures...

Oct 3rd 2003 my life changed forever.  Hubby and I began dating and thus began our journey to our happily ever after!  We had both just turned 21.  We had big plans and hopes for our future.  Neither of us had dated anyone before, we were both waiting for our spouses.  When we began dating, we knew (after months and months of prayer) that we would one day be married.  At last, my prince charming had found me :)  We dated long distance for almost 2 years.  Talk about HARD!  But I know that it really made our relationship strong.  

On July 26th 2004 my prince charming asked me to be his wife.  We were at the beach at sunset.  It was beautiful and perfect.  I couldn't wait to be his wife forever!!!!  Our engagement lasted 14 months, as we were still long distance and we still both had to graduate college first.  

September 24th 2005, our wedding day at last!  One of the best days of our lives.  So blessed and so thankful to be his wife.  He is amazing and makes me a better person.  I still can't believe that God blessed me with this man.  He is just super awesome!

Our first few years of marriage came with a few trials.  Searching for jobs, searching and buying our first home, and more.  We both learned so much about each other, and about God these first few years.  We've been blessed and I'm so thankful God has planned our lives and continues to take care of us.  

 We waited about 2 1/2 years after marriage to start a family.  God blessed us quickly with pregnancy.  We found out we were expecting our first blessing on March 3rd.  We were beyond excited.  We both really hoped for a girl, and when we found out we would be seeing a LOT of pink in our future, we both floated out of that doctor's office.   We had an amazing pregnancy, this would be the first grandchild on hubby's side, and second (first girl) on my side.  Everyone was super excited!!!  

On November 3rd 2008 our lives were forever changed in ways I didn't know was possible.  Our princess arrived, and made us parents.  We both fell in love instantly.  From the beginning we knew she was super special.  We also knew she'd keep us on our toes at all times. :)  She was the light of our lives and I struggled to not have her at my side at all times.  Daddy and I would fight over who would get to hold her. lol  I'll never forget our first christmas together, she was 7 weeks old and cried all night on Christmas eve.  We took turns rocking her and being with her.  I remember feeling so helpless and clueless.  Being a first time parent had it's challenges, but I have an amazing partner to help me.  This man is an amazing father, our girls are so blessed! 

As our princess grew up, we took many Disney trips and just had so much fun with her.  At first, I thought I could never love any child as much as I loved her.  I just couldn't imagine it...  She gave us so much joy and I didn't know that I'd be able to "split" my love with someone else.  I loved motherhood and felt like the "luckiest" woman alive to have such a beautiful and amazing daughter.  

When she was about 18 months old we decided it was "time" to make her a big sister... 

It took us longer this time around, but when big sis was 2, we found out we were expecting (Dec 9th 2010).  On March 3rd we found out that we would have another baby girl.  I was so excited!!! I loved the idea of 2 sisters and couldn't wait for the day they'd meet.  9 long months went by and on Aug 3rd 2011 we welcomed our second blessing.  We both fell in love with her right away, and once again our lives were changed, for the better.  I looked at her and told her that we had waited so long for her.  I couldn't believe we had lived this whole time without her.  She completed our family and we were all in love! 

 Having 2 little girls was both fun and challenging.  In a lot of ways we had to learn how to be parents of a newborn all over again.  And as exhausted as we both were, we were so happy with our family of 4!  The first year with 2 was hard on us, mainly b/c baby sis never slept!  But of course it was all worth it! We were so happy with our blessings and it's just awesome to watch them grow together.  We've been parents of 2 for 2 years and it's just been crazy fun!  It's so interesting to watch how much the girls love each other.  Baby sis longs to do everything big sis does.  I love watching them play together.

Here we are 10/2013.  We've been together for 10 years.  In 10 years God's shown us SO much and given us so much.  10 years ago when we started dating did I ever think this is where we'd be?  Nope, not at all!  But I'm so thankful God has carried out His perfect plan and blessed us the way He has.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  So thankful for my super amazing partner in life.  So thankful for 2 princesses, they've taught us both so much!  I cannot wait for the next 10+10+10+10+10+10+10+10+10... years together!!! 

8 years of bliss

9-24-2005 hubby and I got married.  We went to Orlando for our honeymoon, Epcot.  8 years later, we were walking in that same park, to celebrate our anniversary.  We had 2 little cuties in tow, and I wouldn't have it any other way!  It was neat to walk around the park and think back to 8 years ago.  We were young, newlyweds and had all these plans for our future.  We were also super skinny, can you see? lol

These 8 years have been a lot different than I imagined they'd be.  But I wouldn't trade them for the world.  God has taught us so much and blessed us in so many ways.  I'm so thankful for my wonderful husband and my 2 beauties!  God is so good to us!