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!

Come and Gone

The last 5 days have not been the easiest for me. Watching my due date pass on Saturday, I've been hopeful every day that our baby will make his entrance. I read somewhere that 50% of pregnancies go over their due date, so I shouldn't be that worried or surprised.

On Saturday night and Sunday morning I was experiencing pretty regular contractions. My parents were in Utah and planning to stay with us already, so I thought it must be really good timing! The contractions dwindled as Sunday went on and I knew I wasn't really in labor. Every night since, like clock work, I get some strong, regular contractions. But when I go to bed they go away.

On Tuesday night I waited about an hour and half before telling Benj that I had been having pretty good contractions. I decided it was time to go to the hospital. We got there and got hooked up to the contraction and heart beat monitors. The charge nurse checked my cervix after an hour and reported no progress. She also told me that the contractions were irregular and that I wasn't really in labor. I saved my tears until we were headed home in the car. I was so disappointed.

Today I had a doctor's appointment. I was hoping for progress but preparing myself to be the same. Sure enough, I'm still at 2 cm and 50% effaced. There has been no change in the last 3 weeks. The plan is to go back on Monday the 16th and have an ultrasound. The doctor wants to make sure that there is enough fluid around the baby and to perform a stress test. If there is still no progress, he'll schedule an induction for later in the week.

However, there are good things coming out of this:

First, I have enjoyed and needed my mom with me this week. She has been so helpful and supportive. The kids are getting all the love and attention they need, and I'm not running myself ragged.

Second, I know that I'm healthy and the baby is healthy. I'm thankful to feel his kicks and I know that waiting is the right thing right now. In fact, when we first calculated his due date, we thought it was the 15th. Maybe that's the date he is shooting for as well.

Third, I have felt love and reassurance from my Heavenly Father. I believe baby boy will arrive safe and healthy. My faith and patience are being tested, and I continue to receive peace in my heart that all will be well.

Anyway, that's the update right now. We'll see when baby decides to make his debut.

Nursery Reveal and the Waiting Game

 The bags are packed, the pantry stocked, clothes are washed, and the nursery is done. We're ready for you baby!

I had a fun time making a little nursery for baby boy. Benj and I painted the herringbone wall over the course of a few nights after the kiddos were asleep. I love the way it turned out.

I also made the little mobile above the crib. The little hanging basket holds burp cloths and swaddling blankets. The bow and arrow is from Benj's older brother.

 Its been fun to put out all of Logan's baby clothes and bedding. I'm excited to be able to use them again!

The room is small and cozy. I can't wait to rock my sweet baby boy each night.

By the way, today is our official due date! Crazy!

3 More Weeks

 Whew - my goal was to update my blog and I finally did it! I'm hopeful a new little face will appear in the next few weeks.

Baby boy - we are officially FULL TERM!

We got to see you on the ultrasound and you were nice and squished. :) We immediately saw your cute little face and the nurse said, "He already has chubby cheeks". We measured you and you are around 7 lbs. I guess we'll see if you hit the 9 lb mark like your brother and sister!

 We have a list of things to do like completing your nursery, washing your clothes and bedding, and getting the car seat and hospital bag ready. So would you be ever so kind and wait a couple more weeks until we get those done?

Can't wait to meet you!

We're having a . . .

BOY!

We couldn't be more excited! This was an ultrasound taken right at 16 weeks. Once again, it didn't take the technician long to find out the baby's gender (just like Logan). We took the kids with us this time and Logan couldn't get enough of watching the "baby in Mommy's tummy." He is still talking about my "check-up" a couple weeks later. He now understands its a baby brother in mommy's tummy. He likes to count our family members on his fingers and he'll pronounce, "there's 5 in our family!" It sure makes my heart swell. We'll have another ultrasound in the middle of April to check his size and everything. He sure has a cute profile and I can't wait to meet him. I've been feeling the newborn craving lately and I just want to nuzzle him in.

Norah doesn't quite get the concept yet but I have a feeling she'll want to be my little helper. We need to work on transitioning her into a bed before September. I can't believe she's that old. We debated between letting her stay in the crib and putting the new baby in the pack n' play, but it just didn't feel right. I guess that can be our second option if she absolutely hates the bed. 

Another big change that will hopefully happen before September is MOVING! We've been house searching the last 2 weeks and hope to find something soon. Wish us luck!

    

Bump

First official baby bump photo! Today marks 3 months!

At 3 Months:

-my clothes are starting to get a little tight

-a couple people have been brave enough to ask me if I'm expecting instead of speculating

-I have a little more energy

-I'm hungry ALL THE TIME

-weird pregnancy dreams have begun

Halloween 2011

I was so unmotivated this Halloween. I had in mind to make coordinating costumes for the whole family, but that did not happen. It was still a lot of fun - Logan got really into it this year and loved saying "Trick or treat!" and "Happy Halloweeeeen!".

Our festivities included trick or treating at daddy's work. Doesn't he make a dashing pirate?

Logan was literally being a monkey and wouldn't hold still for pictures.

Later that night we hung out with playgroup friends at the ward Trunk-or-Treat.


On Halloween day we went over to Dick's Market for another Trunk-or-Treat. I didn't notice til later that there was a nice smudge on the lens of my camera.

Award goes to Grandma B for getting Logan to smile AND look at the camera.

Of course cousins make it more fun (does the candycorn border help distract from the smudge?).

As far as baby girl coming, looks like its not happening any time soon. The last 3 weeks of appointments and no progress at all! I kinda forgot how uncomfortable the last few weeks are. Its good she wants to come on time and gain more baby chubbiness, but I can't wait to meet her and have her in my arms. To stop waddling and wear shoes other than flip flops. Officially I have 12 more days, so we'll see what happens until then.

PS - I promise to post some pictures of the nursery soon - its almost finished.

A Very Pink Shower

How lucky I am to have wonderful friends and family! Baby Norah (yes, we settled on a name) had a baby shower a couple weeks ago and she got so many beautiful things.

This amazing diaper cake was made by my sweet friend Ashley.

My mom and sister-in-law drove down from Idaho Falls and I got to see many other friends.

Thank you to ALL who came and made this day so special. Special thanks to my mother-in-law and sister-in-law for putting it all together. Love you!

Whoa Baby

Once again a late post! I've been so unmotivated to blog lately! I think its because my house needs more attention than being on here. Its hard to stay motivated to do anything right now to be honest. Oh how I cherish nap time!

I'm feeling bigger, but I'm happy I'm staying in the healthy weight gain this time around. With Logan I gained, ahem, a LOT more than I expected. I'm definately eating plenty and could probably work out more, but I figure chasing and lifting a 2-year-old has to count for something! As long as this baby girl is healthy, that's all I ask.

On October 12th I'll have my last ultrasound and be right around 8 months. I'm trying to remember all the things I need for a newborn. It feels like its been forever!

I'm getting a little nervous about doing a VBAC. Has anyone done it before? The reason for the C-section was because Logan was too big. So my doctor is going to do his best to estimate how big this girl is and see if we can get her here without another c-section. Also you second-time mothers, how much faster was your labor the second time around? I'm praying it is shorter. Oh please, oh please. :)

My goal is to get the nursery done in the next few weeks and have Logan sleeping well on his twin bed. Wish me luck!

Bigger by the Day

We're officially in our new place. Boxes can still be found in almost every room in the house, but we're getting there. I'm trying to slow down a bit since moving brought on regular contractions. Its hard when there's so much to do and my nesting has kicked up a notch. Anyway, photos of the house will come as we unpack more. :)

Please excuse the bad posture and hair in this picture. What I do love about this photo is my growing bump. Yes its leading to uncomfortable nights, back pain, etc but this baby girl is growing like a weed. The end is approaching fast! I can't believe I'm 30 weeks along - 2 1/2 more months and I can hold my daughter in my arms!

Speaking of growing up, this little guy has grown so much lately. I found him on the couch like this the other night:enjoying Gone with the Wind (yes, that's my bookmark in the lower right corner). He really is such a smart little man. His voculary and grammer are increasing everyday and he has his own ideas and opinions. Tantrums are in full swing and he answers "no" to almost every question I ask him. However, he finds his way out of things by snuggling on my lap and giving me kisses. He continues to melt my heart when he sings.

So life is good in the Bradshaw home.

5 Months!

I can't believe I'm 24 weeks along. Is it really 3 more weeks until my last semester? Crazy, I tell ya.

This last month I have really felt pregnant. I suddenly grew out of all of my regular-sized pants and shorts, I feel like I can't carry Logan longer than a minute, my belly button popped out like a turkey timer, and those frequent bathroom breaks are becoming more and more frequent.

I am however, so grateful for this pregnancy. I've been very healthy and feeling good over all. Can't complain about that one bit.

I have started getting the nesting itch and want to create baby girl's nursery soon (as in sew a lot - bedding, curtains, boppy cover, etc). Before we do the nursery we need to MOVE!

I have liked our little apartment, but its just that - little. We need at least a 3 bedroom so Logan can have his own room and baby girl can have hers too. Our babies are in their own rooms from Day 1. I'm too light a sleeper and want Benj to sleep too. Plus encourages good sleep habits!

So, if any of you hear of a great deal on a 3 bedroom in our area, let me know. Yes, seriously!

PS - Hope everyone enjoyed Pioneer Day. A post on our festivities will be up soon.

Halfway There

We reached our halfway mark baby girl!

My most recent doctor appointment went "perfect". I really feel so blessed to have good pregnancies. Now let's continue praying for a good labor and delivery, right?

We are still thinking about names. Something definately feminine. I've also loved feeling this baby girl kick. She's active just like her brother.

I also made some recent girly purchases at Children's Place below(they're having their monster sale). I just couldn't help myself! Not pictured are the shoes I bought online. They must be sold out. I should receive these next week and I'm so excited!

Can you even handle it?!?!

Sorry Logan, girl stuff is much more fun to shop for!

My Pregnancy So Far . . .

I took this belly shot because I want our next baby to have some pregnancy pictures, just like their older brother.

This pregnancy is dragging. I remember it being the same with Logan. Well, the 1st trimester dragged and it picked up the pace by our due date. I'm hoping its the same this time around.

Some notes about this pregnancy:

*I have strong cravings. Like I HAVE to have a taco from Taco Bell. Once I've had my craving, I usually move on. I notice I crave more salty things than sweet.

*I felt the first few flutterings on the 19th. The best feeling ever.

*Nausea is pretty much gone, but I always eat something right before bed because that's when I start feeling yucky.

*My energy is nonexistent. My housework and exercise routine have suffered greatly. I LOVE naptime.

*My hair is doing wacky things. It wants to be more frizzy and more unmanageable - if that's possible.

*I am thankful for my husband who always picks up my slack and does what I demand.

We find out the baby's gender in 2 weeks! I'm thinking another boy. What do you guys think?

The Nursery

The nursery is finally done and I'm very excited about it. We live in a small place but we cleared out our "office" and made this room for our baby. By now most of you know what we're naming our little boy, if not, look below!

I made the memo board and the curtains. :)

I also wanted to say CONGRATS to Kelsi, Haylie, Courtney, and Katie (and their spouses) for their newest additions! Rachel, you're next!

A Little Late . . .

So I'm sorry all of my posts are about pregnancy. It seems to occupy my thoughts these days! To switch it up, I did get my haircut yesterday! It's shorter than I've had for a while but I love it. I think it'll be easier to manage, which is always a plus.Switching back to our pregnancy, I passed my 8th month mark. Here's the belly shot!Gotta love my posture right now. Shoulders hunched, butt poking out. It's no wonder my back hurts! The other night we decided to compare my belly to a basketball. I'd say it's pretty close (excuse the jammies and no makeup)!

Benj with his basketball belly. You ARE seeing part of the nursery by the way. More pictures to come!