Exciting News

 Well, I'm dusting off the ol' blog! I can't believe it's been a year. I'm hopeful as I update with current events, I can go back and fill in the gaps. 

So, the most exciting news was one we got on Father's Day.

 See that faint plus sign? Yeah, just barely. But it was sure fun to surprise Benj on his special day.

Pretty crazy we're adding one more to the mix.

These kids really are so excited to have a new baby in the family. Even Max seems to get it and asks daily in his baby voice if there's a baby in my tummy.

Here's a close up of our little nugget - right around 10 weeks. It is always nerve racking for me to wait for that first doctor appointment. It was such a relief to hear the baby's heartbeat and see it on the ultrasound. He/she even gave us a little wave and I fell in love immediately. 

Due date: FEBRUARY 28TH, 2017

My first trimester was similar to what I experienced with my other three. No morning sickness, just had a bit of that icky, bleh feeling, food didn't sound good, I'd have to eat first thing in the morning, and my energy was completely gone (goodbye morning workouts). I am thankful to have good pregnancies, as I know a lot of women aren't so fortunate. 

Here's my first belly shot, right around 12 weeks when I started to notice a little bump.

Enter the 2nd trimester and I'm feeling even better. No nausea, a little more energy and a growing belly. I got this fun maternity shirt that counts the weeks of pregnancy. I'm showing even more now than in this picture, so I feel I can wear it more often. Here's 14 weeks.

On September 13th, we went to the doctor to find out the baby's gender. We didn't take the kids with us and once we found out, we couldn't wait to share the news. Here we are revealing baby's gender while gathered for Max's birthday. 

We're so excited that we'll be having another GIRL! Norah was elated, the boys have warmed up to the idea, and Benj and I couldn't be more thrilled. I'd be happy with a boy too, but it's fun to make it even and to think about have 2 daughters.

My last picture is a bit funny, but one I wanted to document because: 

1-My mom is cute and thoughtful and 2-I think they're fun (and comfy)

I have a couple goals I want to make mention of before baby girl comes:

1 - Decide on a name

2 - Redecorate the baby's room, including painting the walls, crib and dresser

3 - Sort through Norah's clothes, as well as the boys

4 - Declutter and simplify our home

5 - Catch up on the blog! As well as organize current photos and videos

6 - Plan a fun vacation before baby girl arrives at the end of February

That's not much, right? Haha. At least I will know what will keep me busy over the next 5 months!

Mother's Day

 For Mother's Day I got:

-homemade crepes with berries

-flowers

-cards from my babies

-a whole day without changing a single diaper

-a long nap

-sung to at church (I got to lead!)

-chocolates

-a delicious dinner by my sweet mother-in-law

-gifts, gifts and more gifts!

Best of all, I got to spend it with these 3, who have given me more joy than I ever thought possible.

So blessed! Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day

MOTHER'S DAY 2014

The kids look so thrilled in this picture, don't they?

Our Sunday mornings (even though our church is at 1:00) are always hectic and we're usually late. I made the family late today because I wanted a few pictures. Not the exact way to keep the spirit and prepare for church. However, that's how my life is right now - hectic. Being a mother is hard.

It's a good day if I get dressed before 11 am. 

It's a good day when there aren't 50 diapers strewn across every room in the house. 

It's a good day when I can greet Benj home with a smile instead of a look of desperation. 

It's a great day when I build a blanket fort with Logan, ignoring the piles of laundry or dirty dishes in the sink.

It's a great day when Norah wants to dance with me in the kitchen.

It's a great day when Max gives me open-mouthed kisses and big toothy grins.

And you know what? I definitely have more great days than just good days. Life is meant to be enjoyed. Motherhood is meant to be enjoyed. I find that the times I put the distractions aside and focus on these 3 special people in my life, I am a happier, better person. Not to mention happier kids too.

My family spoiled me with gifts (flowers, a hand-held vacuum, a precious hand drawn picture), a yummy breakfast, a sweet rendition of "Mother, I Love You" and numerous amounts of hugs and kisses. I am one blessed mom.

Logan at a Glance

Have I mentioned how active this child is? He's constantly on the move, exploring everything around him. I love that about him - to an extent.

We have a little swingset in our backyard. He asks for "swings" at least 10 times a day. If we're outside, this is where he goes. His favorite is this bench swing. When he's not on the swings, he's chasing the neighbor's cat. That has led to a few panicked moments when I can't find him and he's on the other side of the house.

This kid knows a good treat when he gets one. I introduced him to pudding last week. As you can see its a favorite. He affectionately calls it ice cream.

This was just yesterday when I gave him a taste of my Jamba juice. He managed to get the lid off and pour it all over himself. I really have no idea how much he actually got in his mouth. The smoothie, along with watching Curious George, puts him in a trance-like state.When this kiddo actually naps, he usually plays for a while and ends up falling asleep on the floor. This time he was right by the door, blanket wrapped around his neck, and tucked his legs underneath him. They're so precious when they sleep. Ah, quiet.
Another favorite of Logans - running full speed as soon as he gets out of the store, usually right into the parking lot. My pregnant self hauls after him and swoops him up. He throws a fit as I try to explain how dangerous it is to run out in the road. I have to carry him to the car because he won't walk (when he throws a fit, he collapses). Oy, I hope he learns fast on this one. I can't imagine trying to control him with a baby car seat on one arm. How do you moms of multiple children do it?

Isn't fun to learn as you go? I found this great post on being a happy mom. I posted it on my other blog at Pages Lane. Definately worth reading.

Dog Days of Summer

Wow, it is just me or has summer flown by? I think I have this little guy to thank for making this the most pleasant summer ever. We spent more days on walks, at parks, swimming, eating popcicles, and exploring than I can ever remember EVER. We didn't go on any huge trips or spend tons of money on entertainment, but that is more than ok with me (and Daddy's wallet). Thanks Logan for letting Mommy feel like a kid again. I know it'll only get better from here.

This morning we walked around our "yard" by our apartment. I watched Logan walk around and around, touching and exploring everything. I love how curious he is (well, as long as its safe). We walked along barefoot in the grass. I was trying to take pictures but he wouldn't hold still for more than two seconds. He made me laugh out loud when I made him lay down in the grass and he would GIGGLE feeling the grass on his head. I loved it when he'd show me every stick or leaf he picked up. Its funny how much more aware you are of things when you have a child. We enjoyed the sunshine, fresh air, and the wonderful shade from our big walnut trees.

Thanks summer for being so enjoyable!

Mothers - Please Play

What a very touching and wonderful message given by Elder Holland. It gave me a reassurance that I'm a good mother and reminded me to put all of my trust in Him. I'm so grateful to be a mother - what a divine role.

Its Happened

I remember months ago at my baby shower I was given advice by every attendee. Someone in the group told me to not feel bad when my baby rolls off the bed or falls off the couch. Secretly I was thinking, "Oh, I'm going to be so careful. That'll NEVER happen."

I ate my words this morning when I left Logan on the couch for one second while I was putting my cereal bowl away. I come back in the living room just as my baby flips off the couch and twists his neck when landing on the floor. He cries immediately and I start freaking out, thinking about his little neck. I go through the vital signs: he's breathing, he's moving, he's alert. Ok, not paralyzed. I massage his neck and hold him close. He only cries for a minute then wants a book to read. Soon he's his happy self.

I am definately trying not to feel bad but gosh, I HATE it when my baby cries and its my fault. It's the worst feeling ever. I know that especially since Logan is mobile, he'll be getting a few bumps and bruises.

I think I'll hold him a little closer today.

And not leave him alone on the couch for a long time.

Little Things

I wish I could remember every single little moment of being a mother.

I love rocking Logan to sleep . . .

Once he's asleep, I love to hold him for a little longer.

I stroke his head and give him a kiss.

Breathe in his sweet smell.

I put him in his crib and he rolls on his side and sighs.

He's so peaceful.

I know what he'll do when he wakes up.

I'll see the top of Logan's head peeping out of the crib when I open the door.

Once he makes eye contact he'll give me a big smile.

Then kick (or swim) his legs as if he was trying to get out.

I'll pick him up and he'll give me a big slobbery kiss all over my cheek.

That's why I love being a mom.

What's Going On Lately

I'm up early this morning and it's not because my baby is awake. Yesterday was a stressful day and I have a lot on my mind. Two things I googled this morning: how to clean up fire extinguisher powder and stress and milk supply.

First, we had a mini fire in our apartment yesterday. The fan in the bathroom melted and caught on fire. I got Logan out of the house and used the fire extinguisher to get it out. The fire didn't do any damage (besides the fan) but the residue has been horrible to clean up. Our house is being ventilated and I spent all last night cleaning every corner with soapy water. The bathroom has no windows so its made it even worse. I feel like my lungs have inhaled all this gunk, but I worry most for Logan. We'll be spending lots of time outside today.

Second, I have been worrying about my milk supply for the last month, and my suspisions were confirmed yesterday at Logan's 4 month appointment. It's not that he's starving, but his weight has gone done from the 90% to the 50%th. It's enough to bring him back in a month to make sure the trend stops. My pediatrician recommended a formula supplement once a day so he can get extra calories. I'm kinda freaking out about this. I really wanted to breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months and if I was to give him anything additional, it would be rice cereal. I have a breast pump and I use it 1-2 times a day. Everytime I pump I only get 1-2 oz. So, I think I'll use Similac and see how it goes. It still makes me sad.

One thing that makes me smile is this: my sweet little Logan is 4 months old!

We had a little photoshoot on Monday to celebrate the occasion. Stats:

Weight: 14 lbs 8 oz - 50%

Length: 26 3/4 inches - 95%

Head Circumference: 16 3/4 inches - 60%

Enjoys:

Talking to Mommy and Daddy

Drooling

Walks in his stroller

Being held

Playing "5 Little Monkeys"

Being read to (Very Hungry Catepillar is a favorite)

Kicking his legs

Sleeping on his tummy

Eating

Touching people's faces

Being outside

Bathtime

Watching movies on TV (especially puppets)

Nicknames:

Buddars

Loganator

Lo Lo

Sweetness

Handsome

Stinker-pot
Logi-Bear

He is such a blessing in my life. I love this kid.