Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday to my amazing mom!!!!  She has gone through so much in her lifetime, and I'm so thankful she's here celebrating another birthday with us!  We've had many scares over the years with her health, but thankful that God chooses to keep her here.  She has worked hard and made many sacrifices (along w/ my dad) for the sake of her family.  She went to nursing school later in life, with 3 kids, and was a straight A student.  She constantly amazes me and I'm so thankful she's my mom!!!!!

Biltmore 2006

You can't see our faces here.. But I love this picture.  NC is her favorite place and she loves dipping her feet in creeks :)  We used to do big family vacations yearly to North Carolina, but haven't been since 2007 b/c of all the kids being born almost yearly in my family (b/t me and my sister)!  I hope to someday go back and do a big vacation with all our kids!

My big girl

My sweet girl is 5... She's growing so fast!  It seems like just yesterday she was born and I had all these plans for her.  And now she's 5.  She's her own littler person.  This independent, big mouthed, bossy, creative, sweet, kind and thoughtful little girl.  I've watched her grow from thinking the world revolved around her to becoming a big sister.  Watching her take on the role of big sister has been amazing!  There are many moments where she really tests her little sister's patience, but overall she's so good! She loves to teach her sister and play with her.  She's so excited for her baby brother.  She talks to him and kisses my belly all the time.  It's so sweet.

I still remember this moment.  My first day with her.  I was in awe that this beautiful little girl was really mine.  I didn't think I could ever love another child as much as I loved her.  Everything was perfect, my dream of becoming a mother came true and I got the most beautiful girl!  

I love this sweet girl!  Oh my word, I still melt when she flashes her pretty smile at me.  She makes me so happy and so proud!  Right now she's learning to read and doing so well.  She loves doing math, we're learning to tell time this week.  She loves to create her own books and spends all day working on them.  She is growing and learning so fast.  I can't believe she is now my "firstborn" instead of my baby... Though she'll always be my baby.  I LOVE her so much!!  So thankful God blessed me with this sweet girl.   

Book Show

Last week hubby did his first book show.  He had a good day.  He also gave away some of big sis' book.  I don't know if you remember but a little over a year ago they made a book together, she wrote it, he illustrated.  It got printed about 6 or so months ago.  So towards the end of the show, the girls and I went to visit him.  Big sis didn't even hesitate, she walked in all business like, got behind the table with daddy and "went to work".  It was so cute and mama was SO proud!!!  She is so proud of her book and absolutely loves to give it to people. :)  I can't find the words to express just how proud I am of her, she is so into writing, just like daddy.  Love that girl!

Passing out her book to a little girl.  She made sure she signed it beforehand. :) 

Both girls "helping" daddy. 

This is such an exciting time for us.  Hubby was so happy and proud to finally be realizing his dream.  It's been years of long hours and hard work.  He has several more book shows this year and I'm thrilled to see what God has for us.  It's exciting and fulfilling to see hubby living his dream!!! 

24!

This past Saturday I hit the 24 week mark, 6 months... Seems surreal.  I remember hitting this mark with big sis.  I thought it was nuts how close I was to the end.  And now I sit here thinking, 16 more weeks.  Definitely getting stressed b/c nothing is done.  But soaking in the sweet kicks because this is the last time I'll ever get to do this.

This pregnancy has been very similar to my 2nd.  Though it's taken longer to get to the more painful part of things.  The pain has definitely kicked it up a notch this past weekend.  I had a better day today, until about 4 hours ago. lol  I overdid it a bit.  And by "overdid" I mean just getting groceries and putting them away... Oh well!  I know it won't last forever.  It's just very hard to move and get around.  I was "prepared" for this, as I had the same issues w/ baby #2.  I miss the "easy" pregnancy days from my first. lol

Carrying this sweet boy is a blessing and I am super excited to be his mama.  The girls love "showing him off" and telling people all about the baby in mommy's belly.  Big sis told me she wants gloves so she can change his diapers. ;)  A loved little boy for sure!!!!

center of gravity...

I used to be smart.  I used to love to read and learn.  I prided myself in having an awesome memory.  I was the one people came to with "remember such and such" and they'd ask me details they forgot.  I was a champ at finding spelling and grammatical errors.

Alas, all that's gone.  With each kid I've had, my brain cells have died little by little.  And now, I feel like this baby has eaten all that was left.  I mean seriously.  I feel like such an airhead half the time.  I get lost when driving places I've been to a million times.  I can't remember my to do list like ever.  Even when I do write it down!!!  And the worst is I'm SO clumsy.  Good grief.

Yesterday I went to pump gas.  I was standing next to the van while the pump was going, and a young woman approached me asking me for help.  I forgot that I'm a bit heavier and clumsier than usual, so I went to hop over the pump thing so I could get closer to her.  Yeah.... I'm sure THAT was a sight.  My right foot did not clear the pump and I got stuck, and left falling.  I tried to throw myself into my van and catch myself, but that just made me fall harder.  Thankfully the young woman acted quickly and caught me!  I was embarrassed, but was left comforting the panicking woman once she realized that I was pregnant. lol  I kept telling her I was fine.  And I was.  Till about 30 minutes later when I felt sore everywhere!  I could barely walk the rest of the day, and today.  My left leg is sore, my lower abdomen and just everywhere.  I should've stayed home from church today, but I really wanted to go.  I could barely walk.  I could barely sit.  I'm hoping tomorrow will be better.  I keep thinking how much worse it would've been if I had actually fallen...

Thankfully baby boy has been super active and kicking nonstop, so I'm not worried.  I didn't fall, I call it my "almost fall"... lol  I'd rather be sore and in pain all over, as long as he's ok.  So lesson learned, no more hopping over things.  :)

Daddy date night

Last week on Thursday daddy took his special princess on a daddy/daughter date.  They've been on a few dates together, but it's hard for him to get alone time w/ her b/c #1 she's a mama's girl and #2 big sis doesn't like sharing daddy. lol 

So on Thursday I said "daddy's going to take you out on a date" and she immediately jumped off the couch and said "I gotta get dressed".. It was so cute and she was so excited to dress up for daddy and have a special date.

Daddy surprised her with a red rose.  Oh my word, she was so happy and grinning the whole time :)  I didn't know he was getting her a flower, and I just melted in watching this.  What an amazing daddy!

Saying bye bye to mommy as they leave for their date.  I mean seriously, how cute are they!? 

Daddy also took his big girl on a special date on Saturday.  She was so excited to also get 1 on 1 time with daddy.  And she was super excited to get her own rose.  

I'm so thankful for a wonderful husband who takes the time and wants to take his girls out for special date with daddy.  He planned each date and spoiled them.  he loved having the 1 on 1 time with each girl and it also gave me time alone with each girl :)  though I will say that each night he took 1 out, the other was left a giant puddle of mess for mommy to clean up... Nothing like falling in love more and more as I watch my amazing husband be a super duper amazing father.  My girls are blessed!

Perspective

In the past 5 days I've had 2 "life lessons" that have really opened my eyes.
Lesson one happened on Friday night.

On Friday we went to Disney.  Everything took way too long b/c it was super crowded.  We left to head back home way too late and I was beyond exhausted.  We made a stop after driving for about 30-40 minutes b/c I needed some tylenol for a headache and hubby wanted an energy drink.  Afterwards I kinda fell asleep and woke up to find we were stuck in gridlock, nonmoving traffic.  Where we sat for 1.5 hours.  both girls had been asleep, but baby sister woke up just over being in the car.  Which then woke up big sis.  This is where I was thankful we have a tv in our van.  We put on Rapunzel and they were entertained.  Also thankfully no one (other than mommy) had to go potty.  We sat, and sat.. I grew angrier and impatient.  I had to potty.  People were turning off their cars and coming out.  I didn't want to get out of the car.  So we sat.  2 police officers drove past the traffic, the accident was about 1 mile ahead.  By then it was about 1 am, and traffic finally began moving.  I noticed a honda sitting on the side of the road w/ the cop cars.  Didn't look like an accident.  I was upset the whole rest of the drive home b/c I was exhausted and couldn't believe it took over 4 hours to get home.  A few days went by and I googled the accident so I could see if I could find out what happened.  Here's what happened:  A man decided to end his life by laying on the Interstate and allowing 2 cars to hit him.  2 young drivers lives were affected by this, and a life was violently ended by his own hands.  Tragic and just horrible to think about.  Had we not stopped for tylenol, we might have witnessed this.  Or worse. :(  Perspective!

Lesson two happened today.
I had my monthly check up with my ob.  I sat in the waiting room for over an hour.  I grew hungry and impatient.  the nurse finally called my name and apologized.  I jokingly said I didn't blame her, but blamed the doctor.  *Side note, I have had the same doctor for over 12 years, I love him, and joke with him all the time.  Ok, so as I am getting my blood pressure and weight checked, the nurse informs me they've had a horrible day and someone received bad "baby news".  Ok, I thought, that is a good reason to be behind.  I then witness 2 people walk into the ultrasound room, and when the door opens I immediately hear the mama to be sobbing uncontrollably.  I never see her.  the whole office is somber and dark.  I don't dare ask what happens.  I sit in my room waiting for the doctor.  I hear him talking to the hospital in the hallway.  I immediately knew something big was happening and decided to pray for her.  He comes in, somber faced, but always happy to see me.  He immediately apologized for running late and says "I had a patient at 36 weeks and we just found out her baby has died".  My heart sunk.  He then says "let's be thankful for a healthy baby" as he points to my belly.
As I leave the office, I'm devastated.  I'm broken.  This poor mama will have to meet her sweet baby and she'll never see her baby alive.  I've been praying all day for her.  Thanking God for 2 healthy girls and healthy boy on the way.  Perspective!  Yes I had to wait.. I was in that office for 2 hours.  But I left carrying a healthy baby instead of receiving earth shattering news.

I am not a patient person.  I have never been!  But after these 2 incidents, I really feel God at work in my heart.  I am blessed.  Life is good.  There are so many people suffering all around us, and we may never even know it.  So I'm praying that I can be HIS light.  Praying I can be patient b/c you just never know someone's circumstance.  And I'm thankful.  Thankful God continues to take care of me.  Thankful our needs are met.  Thankful for His love.

Right now my heart is broken for these 2 families who have forever been changed.  I don't know them. I don't know if I'll ever meet them, but I know I can pray.  God knows who they are and that's enough.

Date Night

On Friday night hubby and I left our princesses with the grandparents for a sleepover.  We then set off for our early Valentine's date.  We NEVER celebrate valentine's on the actual day b/c the restaurants are just way too crowded.
So we tried a new place, Ted's, where I got a much craved steak, mashed potatoes and squash casserole.  It was so good!  We then walked around a bit, then went to the cheesecake factory where we picked up our yummy cheesecakes and set for home.  We cuddled up on the couch and watched Hitch and enjoyed our cheesecakes.  Saturday morning we went out to breakfast, some quick shopping then off to get our girls...

Time away from them is so hard on me, I feel completely incomplete without them.  But it's also so nice to have that time w/ just the 2 of us.  We can take it easy and relax.  It's nice.  And getting them back is always such a sweet time.

I never thought I'd be ok w/ leaving them overnight.  My heart ached for years with the thought of having to leave my babies.  The first few times I've left them was really hard.  I missed them so much that it hurt.  But it gets easier, and I find myself looking forward to having that time with hubby...

Anyways, our Valentine's date wasn't anything overly special, but it was a nice time together and I'm thankful for that time.  Our valentine's plans for the 14th will be fun too, it involves the whole family going somewhere, but the girls have NO idea what we're doing... I look forward to surprising them!

Dentist

 This week the girls had their 6 month dentist visit.  Now I know a lot of parents who hang back in the waiting room while their kids are seen, but I am NOT one of those.  I grew up terrified of dentists, so I try to make it as painless as possible for the girls.

Big sister got her xrays taken, which meant she was in a separate room from baby sis and I for a few minutes.  I could hear her, but could not see her.  Baby sister HATED being away from her sissy... Then we all went into the room where the hygienist cleaned their teeth.  Big sis went first, and did a fantastic job!  Baby sis kept saying "my turn" the whole time.  But when it came to be her turn, she was not happy.  I had to hold her while her teeth were cleaned and she cried.

This picture was taken while we waited for the dentist to come in.  She's all excited to sit in the chair.

 Big sis did a great job!  She got to watch Despicable me on their tv in the ceiling while getting her teeth cleaned.  Mama was so proud of how brave she was! 

After both girls got their teeth cleaned, we waited for the dentist.  I love their dentist.  He just dotes on the girls and is so patient.  Once again, big sis went first, we talked about some issues, future plans... Overall, everything is good and she did a fantastic job! :)  Then came baby sister's turn.  As per the dentist's request, I held her in my lap, I held her legs and arms down, while he held her head and looked at her teeth.  She would NOT sit still and screamed the entire time.  I finally had to tell him and the assistant to just hold her down as necessary and not to worry about her.  So there was 3 of us holding her down and she still managed to wiggle.  Daddy's presence has been requested for the next appt. ;)  She's my little hulk.  I hate that she's scared of the dentist like that, hopefully with age she outgrows it.  But this is also the child that hates strangers and people touching her, so who knows :(

Once we were done, they got to pick their prizes, their favorite part. lol

Holding onto her purse (with her ponies inside), her prize and she also got a pencil for school :)

I admit, this picture is just to show off how cute they looked that day :)  Baby sis is going through "I hate pictures" stage... 

It's been a busy and exhausting week.  Big sis also had her well check this week, and for a hermit, it was a lot of going out for me. lol  But thankful for 2 growing, healthy girls!  God is good :)  

Pink vs blue

I've always been picked on about the girls room and playroom.  Why?  It's PINK, and by it's pink, I mean a SEA of pink ;)  

And now I have friends telling me I need to do away w/ pink, mainly in the playroom b/c the kids will share it.  My response, It'll stay pink for now.  The playroom really has other colors, pink, blue, purple, green, orange and yellow... 

With all that said, we're starting to add some blue to our house ;)  

Here's a picture of his closet.  First romper I just bought on sale at gymboree, I couldn't resist. lol  Second romper I bought years ago for $1.50 at Target, the 3rd romper big sister chose the day we found out we were having a boy :)  The last is a onesie and overall, his sisters both wore it and it's not girly at all! 

This weekend we went shopping for spring clothes for the girls, and I found this on clearance and couldn't resist.  I can't wait to meet this little guy!!!