Merry Christmas! {2013}

round 2 // 30 week ultrasound

I had an OB appt on Monday and another growth ultrasound on Tuesday this week.  All is looking "spectacular", in the words of my docs!  :)  Natalie is measuring at exactly 30 weeks, right where she should be, and she weighs almost 3 lbs (2 lbs 14 oz).  They also told me that her head, though it looks huge on the ultrasound monitor when I look, is actually pretty small.

That's good news considering I'm going to try to push this one out.  (ooo, TMI -- sorry!)

The only reason I had a c-section with my boy is because the stubborn thing stayed breech, so they told me that in those cases, it is possible to attempt a VBAC as long as everything goes according to plan.  So that IS the plan.  It terrifies me but I really would like that experience, if possible.  We'll see what the Lord wills.  :)

We got a cute glimpse of Natalie's profile at the ultrasound...

[hi there!]

Thanksgiving 2013...

I'm late with this post, but what's new?  It's the season to be behind, right?

No?

Well, I am.

But I'm doing the best I can with this massive to-do list I stare at every day.

And here's another thing I can cross off -- a post on our Thanksgiving this year!

We were home this year which is very rare.  We normally go to my parents' house in Lexington for Thanksgiving, but this year, Jeff's older brother and his family planned to come visit over the Thanksgiving holiday.  So we were here, and it was great!  I cooked the meal with the exception of the turkey, which my husband TOTALLY nailed.  So guess what?  He has that job FOR.LIFE.  If we're here, he's doing the turkey.

Until Jesus comes back.

He soaked our 14 lb turkey in a brine the night before.  The next morning, he put it in the oven at 500 degrees (I didn't even know my oven would get that hot!) for 1/2 an hour, and then threw it in a oil-less fryer for a few hours.  The rest of the meal came together wonderfully.  I made (ahem) homemade mashed potatoes that were so creamy, green bean casserole (in the oven, cuz that's the way Jeff likes it :), sweet potato casserole (which Jeff's brother said was "phenomenal"), rolls and gravy.

Oh, yeah.

We rocked that Thanksgiving meal.

Everyone enjoyed the meal and just being together.  Scott and his family live in Illinois (like almost everyone else in Jeff's family :) so we don't see them often.  We're grateful that they made the trip down to NC to visit.

And I'm grateful to my sister-in-law, Jill, who took all these awesome photos!

round 2 // 28 weeks

Got another "bump" photo for y'all at 28 weeks.  I'm not digging how much my face is fattening up filling out and I never notice it until I look at photos of myself, but it is what it is.  I haven't seen a workout for your face.  So I'm just working out the rest of my body with this really great 30 min low-impact cardio workout video from Fitness Blender.  I try to get that in at least 3 times a week, and then get some walking in a couple times a week, too.  I'm definitely not in the shape I was with my first pregnancy (having been slightly obsessed with working out before getting pregnant), but I'm doing the best I can this time around with the variables differing as they are.

I had a regular OB appt on Monday, at which I took the 1 hour glucose test (drink some really sweet soda, wait an hour and let them take your blood).  They said they would call me only if the results were abnormal (i.e., I didn't pass).  5 days later, I'm still waiting on a call, so I guess that's a good sign. :)  Thank goodness I don't have to take the 3 hour glucose test (that's what happens if you don't pass the 1 hour test)!  I was a little concerned with Thanksgiving having been just last weekend.

I also got the DTaP (or TDap) vaccine for diptheria, tetanus and pertussis.  That was basically required of me since there's an outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) in NC.  And that's why I got it.  I only get vaccines if they're required of me.  This chic is NOT a fan of needles.  The vaccine was fine but my arm was fairly sore over the next 2 days.

Dr. Hall told me that we're going to doc appts every two weeks now, whaaat??!!  I can't believe we're at that point already.  So I have my next OB appt in 2 weeks, and my next ultrasound the same week.  Hopefully they won't want to adjust my ultrasound appts to every 2 weeks too, because that is a HIKE for me to get to that office.

round 2 // 26 week ultrasound

I'm a little late posting this but I did have an ultrasound appt a week ago on Tuesday and got a good report.  Natalie is growing and developing just as she should, and she weighs just about 2 lbs now.  :)

The ultrasound tech had to really work for my photos -- she got all the measurements she needed but she was trying to get a profile shot so she could see the nasal bone.  Well, that baby girl would not turn to the side for anything!  The tech had me rolling from side to side trying to get her to cooperate.

So both of my children are stubborn.

We finally got just a glimpse of that cute profile and that was all the tech needed to conclude that everything was A-ok with our girl.  And I got a profile photo out of it.  With a couple of other sweet glimpses...

 :: five fingers...at least on one hand :) ::

:: and that face ::

round 2 // 24 weeks

So I'm not a fan of this photo of me at 24 weeks (baby 2).  I think it's the maternity jeans I'm wearing.  I usually wear under-belly jeans, but these are actually over-the-belly and I think they are warping my shape.  Just sayin'.  It is what it is, but that's my theory.

I had a good doc appt this past Monday -- all looks well with baby girl and with me so that's good news.  We're just cruising right along!

fall fun at Hill Ridge Farms...

Deacon is old enough now that I wanted to take him to an area farm that boasted of kid-friendly, fun fall activities.  Things like a tractor ride and/or pumpkin patch, a corn maze, etc.  It just so happens there is such a place called Hill Ridge Farms and -- bonus! -- it's 10 minutes from where we have friends living in Wake Forest!  So we made plans to come visit them and they were able to go with us to the farm.

And while there wasn't a corn maze at this farm (there's always next year!), there were other fun things for little ones to do, including a "colorful maze".  And for the short amount of time we had before the little ones were [subconsciously] ready for a nap, we found plenty to keep them busy!

1) the "colorful" maze -- it was a little wet from rain the night before but we enjoyed it anyway
2) Deacon loves to slide!
3) "driving" the 'cool bus :)
4) a long tube stuck in a mound of hay bales

 [Scarlett, Emily & Deacon checking out the gigantic tee pee]

I think the adults liked this one just as much as the kids!  They had pig races (and duck races and goat races) around this small circle track.  It was the cutest thing and the kids were right there at the gate when the animals came around.  I think they really enjoyed that.

 [nothing like a big pile of hay bales to keep a boy busy...]

 [tractor ride!]

It was a picture perfect day -- seriously, we couldn't have ordered it better than it turned out -- and we enjoyed spending time with our friends out in the beauty of God's creation.  We love fall in this household!

Halloween 2013...

This year we had a little scarecrow at our house for Halloween!

[we gave out little bags of mini cheese balls, a la Sam's Club] 

Despite the big grin in the above photo, Deacon was not so excited about the costume being woken up from his nap so he already had an attitude problem when I put the costume on him.  Not to mention it was in the mid-70s outside while we trick-or-treated around the neighborhood.  Poor little guy.

He was kind of out of it while we walked around the neighborhood so we hit the road into town to celebrate Jeff's birthday after about an hour.  We came home and hung out for a little bit to see who would come trick-or-treating at our house, and then we headed to Outback Steakhouse for Jeff's yearly birthday dinner.

[observe the facial expression there in the center...

that's pretty much how he felt about the costume --

but he was dang cute, yes??]

Chuck E Cheese!

The other thing we did on Deacon's actual birthday, after giving him his bike, is take him to Chuck E Cheese for the first time.  I think I've only ever been to Chuck E Cheese maybe once, for a friend's birthday party or something like that.  We didn't have them in the area where I grew up so it wasn't something we frequented.  Jeff said the same thing.

I'm happy to say that with my limited experience, my expectations were exceeded by a fairly large margin.  :)  It was a lot cleaner (and quieter) than I expected it to be, and the food was pretty decent.  We got a package deal with a pizza, drinks and some a ton of tokens for the games/rides.

While we were there during the lunch hour, another kid had a birthday party so we were able to see the "show" that Chuck E Cheese and his friends put on for parties (without actually paying for it).  Deacon was pretty enthralled with it all (from a safe distance :), but Jeff and I decided then that we wouldn't do a birthday party at Chuck E Cheese.  Ever.

There were a few rides that quickly became Deacon's faves, but for the most part he liked exploring to see all the fun to be had.  Jeff and I had a pretty good time, too, but it was fun to watch Deacon have so much fun.  We enjoyed our time as a family at Chuck E Cheese!

a new bike!

Deacon's actual birthday fell on a Saturday this year and since we had his birthday party the week before, we were able to spend his special day together as a family.  It was so much fun!

The day was absolutely beautiful, with crisp fall temps in the morning and sunshine-y skies.  We started out with a "birthday biscuit" -- Daddy brought home breakfast for us!

Then we had a "birthday bath" -- okay, maybe it was just a regular bath.  But it was on his birthday so...

Then we gave Deacon his birthday present from us -- a balance bike!  It's a bike with no pedals, and the intention is to teach them to learn balance before having to deal with pedals.  He got a tricycle for Christmas from my grandparents, and he likes it, but he still hasn't gotten the concept of pushing one foot and then the other to make it go.  He'll get it, I know, but in the meantime, we thought the balance bike would be something he would enjoy.

Score one for Mommy & Daddy -- we were right!

three.

My sweet boy,

Unbelievably, another year of your precious life has passed -- you are three years old today!

I am absolutely amazed at what you can do, all the things you know and remember, how you've become even more fun in just a year's time.  You are such a joy to me, doodle!

You still love to chatter on and on, and even though it can be wearisome at times, it is one of the things I love about you.  I love to carry on conversations with you about anything and everything.  From trucks, tractors or trains to bible verses and things you learn at church, you are already so knowledgeable and perceptive!  My gracious, kid -- I see glimpses into your sweet heart and it just turns mine inside out.

You are so quick to pick up on all kinds of emotions that you observe -- and quick to ask for prayer when needed.  I hope you always remember that you can talk to Jesus about anything.

You have been so much fun to watch grow and change and learn over these past three years.  You are becoming quite the little man, with opinions and preferences of your own.  It's been so wonderful to watch you develop friendships with the little people in our lives, the sons or daughters of our own friends.  I think you're going to be a good friend to your peeps, buddy.  :)

We have enjoyed every minute of having you here with us and we're so excited to see you become a big brother next year!  You already seem to have a fondness for your baby sister and I have a strong feeling that when our little Natalie Grace arrives, you are going to be the best big brother ever!  And she will totally adore you, just like we do.

Happy 3rd birthday, buddy.

Love,
Mama

fall fun...

I posted about our new fire pit in the backyard here.  Deacon loves it!

round 2 // 20 weeks

Wow, halfway through this pregnancy already.  It seems to be going much faster with this one.  Probably because a lot of my attention is focused on a toddler (who's celebrating his 3rd birthday in a couple weeks!) that I didn't have the first time around.

They say time flies when you're having fun!

I had a regular OB appt, just a checkup, this past Monday and they say everything is still looking good.  The baby's heartbeat still sounds strong and there were no concerns about anything.  No news is good news!

We are getting ever closer to figuring out her name.  A lot of folks have been asking what we're naming her and we're waiting to share until we have her full name in place.  We have her first name which I think is the hardest to agree decide on so the hard part is done!  I feel like getting the middle name won't be as hard, though we have had a few conversations about it and it may not be as simple as I thought.  :)

a visit from Grandpa & Grammy...

At the end of September, Jeff and I went to a conference in Wake Forest so my parents came down to stay with Deacon for a few days.  They had a blast, as usual.  And with their smart phone technology, they captured some of their time together...

 [they read LOTS of books over the weekend.]

 [and took LOTS of trips around the tracks over the weekend.]

[ I *AM* BATMAN.]

Thanks, Momma & Daddy, for taking such good care of our boy!  We know you had a good time, and Deacon loved having you here!

sugar & spice & everything nice...

...that's what little GIRLS are made of.

We went for an ultrasound this past Wednesday to check growth and to find out what the baby's sex was and my, oh my, did we get some news!

I think I said in my last post that I didn't have any expectations, no hunches about what this one might be and I really didn't.  Jeff actually called it, though -- he thought it was a girl for some reason.  Anyway, when they said, "Well, yeah, you're right -- it's a girl", I'm not entirely sure that I had any kind of reaction.  Seriously.

I mean, I said I wouldn't be disappointed with either one and I most definitely wasn't disappointed.  I was excited.  But I would've been just as excited if it had been a boy.  So.  This feeling, knowing I was growing a girl...weird.  That's all I can say.

We certainly had some reality checks during the appt.  We found out it was a girl almost immediately (like, seriously -- that was RIGHT where she put the wand down on my belly) so everything that was said through the rest of the appt was "her this" and "she that".  Weird.

And then...THEN.

The ultrasound tech said something like "...yeah, she's not going to turn her face out -- she doesn't have her hair and makeup done...".  Jeff paled and with jaw dropped, he said, "Oh, man..."  I wish you could've seen it.  BOTH of us were thinking, "Wow, our vocabulary for the last 3 years is about to take a 180 turn..."

Anyway, baby girl got an A+!  Both the ultrasound tech and the nurse afterward said that everything with her looked wonderful, right where she needs to be at 18 weeks.  She weighs about 8 oz.  :)

I caught Jeff staring off into space after the ultrasound, before the nurse came in, so I asked him what he was thinking about.  He kind of shook his head and said:

"I was just thinking that I'm going to walk her down the aisle one day."

Oh, wow.  He's already gone THERE.  I was thinking we have to get through prom first...

Or how about we just think of her name first, huh?

round 2 // 16 weeks

Here's another "bump" update for those who are interested...

 [12 weeks comparison here]

 

Had a good doctor's appt this past Monday.  They said my iron was "great" (38% -- 33% or higher is preferred during pregnancy), my urine's good (sorry if I'm sharing TMI; it kind of goes along with pregnancy, yes?), the baby's heartbeat sounded good.

 

I guess the baby is about the size of an avocado right now, so he/she's pushing out a little more to make room.  I've just now started feeling very slight flicks or flutters or flips but only every now and then, not very consistently at all.

 

Random fact: after I eat, it looks like my food all settles at the top of my stomach, right under my chest, right above my belly button.  It's strange, but it makes me look much more pregnant than I am, right after I eat.

 

We find out in 2 weeks whether this baby is a boy or a girl.  I really don't have any hunches as to what it is, and I don't have any preference either.  I've really tried to think honestly about it and I can say that I will not be disappointed with either one.  We've had a blast with Deacon so another boy would be awesome.  At the same time, I'd like the opportunity to raise a girl, too.  It sure takes a lot of pressure off going to find out!   Can't wait!

train up a child... // Jeremiah 29:11

His first bible verse.  So proud.

round 2 // 12 weeks

Thought this would be interesting to share.  Only a slight difference, I'd say.  I've decided to do "bump updates" a little different this time, wearing regular clothes -- whatever I happen to have on that day, instead of the same outfit throughout the pregnancy.  I'm sure the jeans add a tiny bit to the girth, but that's okay.  People don't see me walking around in a tank top and workout pants most of the time (unless they catch me at 5 in the morning) so that's real.

 

A couple other differences between 1 & 2:

  :: Instagram!
  :: I look older more mature wiser in the 2nd one. 

I AM already a mama, after all.  :)

reactions.

By now, those who read this little blog or know me (or my husband) on Facebook know our exciting news --

We are expecting baby #2!

This news has been a long time coming, let me tell you.  We weren't really prepared for God's timing on this one, but when is one ever prepared for God's timing, really?  It took us only 6 months to get pregnant with our firstborn, Deacon, and we'd heard that it typically takes less time to get pregnant with second and third children, so we waited until Deacon turned a year old to begin trying for another.

That's when I was ready to see about adding to our family.

So we waited that first 6 months.  And then we waited another 6 months.  And then we waited ANOTHER 6 months.

Is anyone counting?  We were.

It took us TWENTY (20) months to get pregnant with our second.  WHAAAAT??!

I don't know.  All I can say is it's God's timing, and I trust it.  Whether I agree with it is of little consequence because His timing is always better than ours.  Amen.

So here we are, anticipating another sweet baby next February.  We are SO excited!

We've told all of the important groups of people now and everyone is excited for us.  :)  We told my family a couple weekends ago when we were together for my niece's 5th birthday.  My brother and SIL's anniversary was the following Monday so I put an ultrasound photo and the photo from my previous post in their card.  They opened it that Sunday when we were all together -- us, my parents, grandparents and them.  There were happy tears and hugs all around.  :)

We called Jeff's mom & dad to tell them Sunday evening when we got back.  They were excited, too.

Then last weekend is when we announced to our Connect Group at church.  We popped the same photo up on the screen and we heard, "awww...OOOHHHHH!"  It was funny to hear.  We got lots of congrats, well wishes and hugs from everyone.

And THEN we told Deacon.

 
We showed him the ultrasound photos and told him about "the baby in mommy's tummy".  And he said, "Can I see it?", and then "Can I hold it?"

He's gonna have a hard time waiting another 6 months.