Pregnancy update--28 weeks

Today Baby Brother is the size of a rollerblade or tropical coconut. :) He's approximately 16" long and weighs about 2.5 pounds. All I know is that he is moving constantly, and I'm really enjoying all of the rolls and gentle kicks. Although I'm making more frequent trips to the bathroom, he isn't kicking against my bladder, which I appreciate. Right now I'm most uncomfortable at night; I'm still sleeping ok, but I'm so tired of sleeping on my side. By morning my hips and shoulders just feel sore from switching from my left side to my right side to my left side to my right side... Thankfully I love our mattress and it's keeping me as comfortable as can be expected right now.

28 weeks

I went to the doctor last week and did my glucose testing and had a quick prenatal exam. (I haven't heard anything back about my glucose test results, which should mean everything is good and I'll find out my results at my next appointment! Fingers crossed!) I saw a different doctor last week, and I really liked his talkative personality. I've decided I'll probably bounce around and see 2 or 3 different doctors for my appointments and then maybe pick my favorite for the scheduled C-section. Overall I feel comfortable with the practice and I know I'll be in good hands regardless of who I see. 

Upcoming appointments:

Ultrasound- Feb. 5th

Prenatal exam- Feb. 12th

More Snow!

After most of Winter Storm Harper's snow and ice had melted, we found out the next snowstorm was on its way! The kids were home from school on Tuesday because the storm was predicted to move through our area, and boy did it ever! By dinner time on Tuesday, we probably had 6-8 inches on the ground and it was still flurrying. And this time it was light fluffy snow that the kids could romp through. They were really hoping for a snow day on Wednesday so they could enjoy more time outside, but all they had was a 2 hour delay. Andrew headed outside first thing Wednesday morning and used the snowblower on the driveway and dug out his work van. The kids had another delay today because of the sub-zero temperatures; fortunately it's not windy, so waiting outside for the bus at 10am wasn't as bad as it could have been! The temperatures should start climbing back into the 30's and 40's over the weekend, so it will feel like a heat wave!

The kids headed out to play in the woods as soon as it started snowing Tuesday morning.

By Tuesday afternoon, our driveway had disappeared!

Poor Beast. :( This FL truck is probably wondering what in the world is going on!

Harper was thrilled to use her new snowball scoop!

Andrew came home early from work on Tuesday before the weather and roads got too bad, so late that afternoon the four of us bundled up and took a walk through the woods behind our house. I borrowed Andrew's work overalls so my jeans would stay dry, and I hate to admit they weren't all that big on me because of my baby belly! And trudging through snow is exhausting. I kept up with Andrew and the kids, but I was winded the entire time! I'd love to just blame it on being 6 months pregnant, but I know it's also because I haven't done any kind of physical activity since we moved here. But it was nice to get outside and the freshly-fallen snow on the trees was beautiful! The property behind us is waterfront and opens up to a lake; it is only used in the summer for a summer camp, so it is very quiet this time of year. I couldn't believe the size of the lake and can't wait to see it in the spring and summer.

Believe it or not, this is the lake...

...now covered in a blanket of snow. 

just playing :)

Ryder, the snow angel!

The sun and blue sky looked refreshingly beautiful to me against the white snow. 

Sub-zero temperatures are no match for this girl!

Ignore the dirty screen, but check out those icicles!

Winter Storm Harper!

I obviously haven't experienced a true winter in a while because I didn't even realize that winter storms had names! I thought they only did that for hurricanes. We had been following the weather news last week, knowing that there was a chance of a good snowfall on its way. When I looked online Wednesday afternoon, I did a double-take. There in bold print was my daughter's name, associated with a major snowstorm. What?! I called the kids over to the computer to see what I was seeing, and they both said, "That's crazy!" Harper thought it was great to have a snowstorm "named after her", and she started planning everything she wanted to do once the snow arrived. Snowball fights, snowman building, sledding, and hot chocolate topped her list. I still couldn't get over the fact that Harper's first true snow experience was being brought by a storm with her same name. So strange!

Since the storm wouldn't begin until late Saturday afternoon, we took advantage of the earlier part of the day to get some things done. We dropped Garcia off to get groomed (which was way overdue!) and headed to a local microbrewery for lunch. The food was delicious, but what I thought was even more enjoyable was the four of us going out to eat together...we hadn't done that in months! After lunch we picked up some last minute groceries since we figured we'd be snowed in for a couple of days. Then we headed back home for a little while before Andrew went back out to pick up Garcia. By the time we were all back home again a light snow had started falling. Winter Storm Harper was on her way!

Garcia came home smelling wonderfully clean and sporting a paw print bandana! Harper had a hard time remembering the word 'handkerchief' and kept saying 'hanky chiffer' instead. She would laugh and say, "That's not right, is it? What is it called again?" 😂

You would have thought Sunday morning was Christmas again. Harper woke us up sometime in the 5:00 hour to see if she could go outside to see the snow. Ha! We told her to go back to bed for a little while because it at least needed to be light out before she could go outside and play. Several hours later, once we had all woken up and eaten breakfast, we bundled up and headed outside to check out the snow. We didn't stay outside for long because the snow had changed to freezing rain, but the kids had a chance to try out their saucers on the 9 or 10 inches of crunchy snow that had fallen overnight. After lunch we tried again, and although it was bitter cold, it was much more enjoyable to be outside and not be getting soaked! I watched Andrew and the kids play on the saucers for a little while, and then we all went inside to warm up by the fire while Andrew made homemade hot chocolate--yum!

ice-covered trees

Pops and Grann gave each of the grandkids a saucer for Christmas this year, and we're keeping Maisie's here for whenever she comes up to visit. Andrew borrowed hers for a couple of trips down the icy slope, and when we sent everyone a picture, she noticed right away that Uncle Andrew was using her saucer! Thanks for sharing, Maisie girl! 😍

fun on the saucers! 

making a snow angel? or just worn out? 

I took this slow-motion video one morning while we waited for the school bus. 😊

The kids already had Monday off for MLK Jr. Day, and Andrew got to stay home with us because of the sub-zero temperatures and extreme wind chill. When we woke up the wind chill was something like -30, and the high for the day was 5. Brrr! Ryder and Harper ventured out for a little while in the afternoon to sled, and poor Andrew spent some time chipping away at the ice that covered my car. I stayed inside and watched through the window; everything outside was one huge sheet of ice, and Andrew didn't want me to risk falling. No arguments here! I tended the fire and made a pot of chili for dinner. While the kids enjoyed this first big snowstorm, I hope the next one brings some fluffier snow and warmer temperatures. We still need to build a snowman! ⛄

Pregnancy update--26 weeks

It's incredible how although some of my days feel long, the weeks are flying by! The kids look forward to Thursdays because they like to check the app on my phone to see how big their baby brother is. (Love it!) With every Thursday that comes and goes, I'm excited and anxious at the same time. It makes me realize that time is ticking and there are still a lot of preparations that need to be done before I truly feel ready to have a new baby in the house. I know we'll get there, but I have way too much free time these days to just sit and think about my to-do list.

I had my first appointment last week with my new OBGYN, and the visit went well. Both nurses I talked to were super friendly, and they thanked me several times for bringing in my medical records from my last doctor's office. I felt like a good student who had done my homework! I wasn't sure at first what I thought about my doctor--she came across as very serious and matter of fact--but by the end of the appointment we had chatted enough that I felt much more comfortable. I know she will rein me in if I start feeling anxious and overwhelmed, and I need that. She also suggested I keep a journal, writing down any thoughts, feelings, or worries I have during the day. I honestly haven't done that yet because I've felt good over the past week, but I plan to start! I go back next week for the glucose tolerance test (yuck!) and a true prenatal exam. Last week was more of an introductory appointment, but at least I did get to hear the baby's heartbeat. The doctor also measured my belly--I was 25 weeks but measuring 27. 😮 I looked back at my blog entries, and when I was this far along with the other two I was measuring a week or two ahead as well. Things eventually evened out, so time will tell how big this baby will be!

journaling by the fire one night before bed--maybe trying to set a good example for Mom?

26 weeks
Boy, have I popped!

Pregnancy update--24 weeks

Baby Brother is growing! According to my app, he is now a little over a foot long: the size of a G.I. Joe, a baguette, or an eggplant (although not as plump!) I have definitely felt him moving around more, and if I try to turn or stand up too quickly, I can feel the ligaments pulling and I'm very aware that there is a little human inside of me! Overall I'm feeling good and am really trying to enjoy this down time I have at home leading up to the arrival of our 3rd little blessing. I'm anxious to start working on his room, so I've been keeping a list of gear and other things we need while feeling so grateful for the things we already have. My friend Emily gave us a crib and swing, and the dresser we used as a buffet in our old dining area will now be a dresser/changing table in the baby's room. I still want to get a rocking chair, but otherwise we're pretty much set as far as big furniture goes!

24 weeks 1 day

Pops and Grann went to a produce stand and sent me this picture of Maisie holding an eggplant the size of Baby Brother!!

Ryder turns 8...happy new year!

I don't know where the time has gone, but my baby boy is now 8 years old. I'm so proud of how well he has handled everything over the past few months. There have been a lot of changes, and Ryder is a lot like me--he is sensitive and internalizes things. Without being overbearing, I've been trying to ask him frequently how he is doing, if anything is bothering him, etc. I'm trying to keep the lines of communication open so that he will tell me or Andrew if anything is wrong. A couple of times he has admitted to feeling sad because he misses his friends from his old school or seeing Pops and Grann every day, but overall he really likes it here and is happy. He is an amazing big brother and helper, and I love his sense of humor and wit. He has adjusted well at his new school, although he admits he misses his old class because it was more challenging. I told him to give it some time...his new teacher needs to get to know him, and starting the week before a holiday break isn't exactly a true test of the work load. He came home yesterday with a small research project that is due next week, so it looks like things are picking up a bit!

Pops and Grann sent Ryder a Lego set of the NYC skyline. This master builder had it finished in no time!

For his birthday, Ryder requested pancakes and bacon for breakfast, pork on the grill for dinner, and coca cola cake for dessert! Needless to say, we ate very well that day. While breakfast was cooking we let Ryder open his birthday presents, and we enjoyed another lazy day at home. Andrew and I let the kids stay up until 9 or 9:30 to watch a little of the New Year's Eve coverage on TV. We toasted with sparkling cider and then tucked them into bed! It was a nice low-key way to ring in 2019. 

Coca cola cake and 8 lego candles

I found this picture from 2 years ago, and it is still classic Ryder! I had taken the kiddos to the pediatrician for their well visits, and Harper was nervous. Ryder comforted her as we waited for the doctor to come in the room. 

On New Year's Day we headed over to the local park so the kids could check it out. It's right across from their school, so they see it everyday. Andrew and I were really impressed! Besides all of the standard equipment, there is a putt putt course and tetherball. I had flashbacks to playing tetherball at recess in elementary school, so Andrew and I showed the kids how to play. They had a blast and only knocked each other in the head with the ball a few times. Ha! There's also a great hill that should be perfect for sledding when we get a good snowfall.

a treehouse fort with monkey bars and a slide

Ryder chose to pose on the pig statue...

...and Harper chose the cow. Notice the Mickey Mouse silhouette on the cow's side? Andrew thinks it's a coincidence, but I'm not so sure. 

Christmas 2018

I don't recommend moving a few weeks before Christmas, but sometimes life just happens! It was a little stressful this year trying to unpack and feel settled in a new place while also doing Christmas shopping and baking. Honestly, in a way it was nice because the move forced us to slow down and focus on what's really important. We didn't send out Christmas cards, attend any Christmas parties/functions, or buy gifts for anyone outside of the house. I dealt with the guilt of that at first, but then I thought, there's always next year!

We bought our tree about a week and a half before Christmas, and it really warmed up our living room!

~my Christmas mantle~
I added small white lights too once I found them in a random box!

Andrew has been in the process of stacking all of the firewood we had delivered into a nice neat stack. After some online research, he decided on this German method that looks like a little hut. The kids have been happy to help! Jumping in the mud after all of the rain we had might have been an incentive. 😜

Playing in the mud!

On Christmas morning, the kiddos woke us up at 6:01 am, thrilled that Santa had been to our house! We had talked to them a lot about how Christmas was going to be smaller this year since we had just moved, and that what was important was that we were all together again as a family. In previous years, Andrew and I would sometimes get carried away when it came to buying presents for the kids, so I really wanted to prepare them so they wouldn't be disappointed with fewer gifts to open.  This year was all about simplifying and getting them practical things. Santa brought Harper a jewelry box, Ryder a build-a-rocket kit, and both of them some new shoes, a snowball scooper, and snowman decorating kit. I was afraid they would be disappointed with fewer presents under the tree, but they honestly were thrilled with what they received and said this was one of their best Christmases ever.

Santa found us at our new house!

We spent a lazy day at home before heading to Dave and Traci's house for Christmas dinner. The kids had a great time playing together, and Dailyn even taught Harper some of her cheer moves so they could perform for us. It was adorable!

Christmas 2018

Harper lost her first tooth a couple of days after Christmas! 

Thanks for the new hat, Steve, Ali, and Maisie!