All Things Baby

It's been about four months since we dropped the bomb on these nuts that they were going to have another little brother or sister....

And what a crazy couple of months it's been! For one, morning sickness. Scratch that. All.Day.Sickness. And nighttime sickness. And eating sickness. And walking sickness. And car sickness. And smelling teriyaki sauce everywhere I go sickness. Gah!! I cannot even believe how sick this little baby has kept me! For not ever having even a hint with the big boys, to a touch with Judah, and then finally what I would deem a normal bout with Grace, this baby has surprised me, to say the least. Thankfully, at 20 1/2 weeks I have some relief but it is still not gone. There are hardly words, so I just keep hanging on to the encouragement of a friend who can totally relate and am trying to keep my eye on the prize. And that's the last I will say about that. Now on to the belly...

 {10 Weeks}

 {14 weeks and some photobombers}

 {19 weeks}

(20 Weeks)

Little baby is growing wonderfully, though. And I am feeling the occasional kick and flip despite having an anterior placenta again like I did with Grace, which kept me from feeling her move until about 23 weeks. This go-round, I've not really had any cravings but I think feeling so queasy has played a big part in that. I have, however, been frequently visiting Subway where I can load my sandwich with banana peppers, pickles, mustard, and green chile. That sandwich has been the the pinch hitter when all other food sounds awful. I've also been seeing a perinatologist, for a host of things that have all thankfully checked out. It's a bummer to have extra appointments but the ultrasounds have been a blast. We've had two so far and go back in December for another. I don't think I will ever get tired of seeing those little skeleton looking face shots. Or the side profiles with the button noses.

I think the most fun this time around, however, has been experiencing the excitement of a new baby with bigger kids! Last time we did this our oldest were 3 year olds and our youngest wasn't even two {shudder!}. This go-round, our oldest are 7 1/2 and understand a great deal more {and are asking a great deal more!! AHEM!}. They can also help a TON more. All four are very excited to see whether this baby is a boy or girl and one eager beaver has even graciously supplied a baby name list! Hope this little one likes Lord of the Rings...

And last because he's just so stinkin' cute...Ju Baby trying to have a belly contest with mom. It's a close call but I think I win...

{Although It's Almost September!} A June Daybook

Outside my window: Two words. Sunrise. Sunset. The first weekend in November will mark four years since our family moved up to our sweet little spot in the mountains. Sometimes I still can't believe we live here! Living in the city, we appreciated the spectacular sunsets, however, there is nothing like getting to experience them up here. 

Giving thanks: For the birth of my precious little nephew, Noah David. I know I've said it before but there really are hardly words for watching my sister become a momma. Welcoming him into the world was one of the best days in my nearly thirty-three years. It was a special day to be sure and I'm so very thankful to God that I got to be a part of it. 

In the schoolroom: NOTHING. The best laid plans, right? But that doesn't stop the kids from hunkering down with a history book anyway. Best ever. 

From the kitchen: Cereal while watching cartoons! That counts, right? 

I am creating: Another set of Jesse Tree ornaments for a mutual friend of my sis-in-law's. That and a giant list of books to order for this coming school year. I also have a mental kid chore list up and running but I am lacking follow-through. 

I don't ever want to forget: This summer's trip to Durango. We had so much fun, this is the only picture we have of our entire five days there. We swam, BBQ'd, explored and took all four kids rafting. It was a blast. And it was the trip where all three boys transitioned to swimming the length of the pool with no floaties. A camping trip for the books for sure! 

I am working on: Not throwing up. Come on second trimester. 

I am reading: Nobody's Cuter Than You by Melanie Shankle. It's shameful how slowly I am moving through this book by one of my favorite author's but...life. 

Around the house: It's a bug collector's paradise. We have had so much rain in June, there are critters everywhere! We also have crickets! Once the sun sets, it sounds like we live in The South. Love! 

One of my favorite things: Oreo's. Have you tried the new lemon ones? To-die. 

A few plans this next week: Swimming, swimming, and more swimming. Summer is grand. 

The news in Gracie Land: She is in love with nail polish, dressing herself {send help!!} and is dead set on convincing us to let her pierce her ears. She already has a yes from one of us. But I bet it's not from the parent that you would think. 

Total randomness:

Little Readers

Sometimes on a particularly crazy day, I'll encourage an hour of quiet by suggesting to one of the big boys that they pick any spot in the entire house and tuck away for some page time. It usually works and within a few minutes our kid-gang has broken off into different activities throughout the house and I can catch my breath. On this Tuesday, however, I noticed the quiet was too quiet and so I was off to investigate. Imagine my surprise {and my joy!} when I found all four stashed away in our master closet, shoulder to shoulder, book in hands. 

 

Summerish Things and a Nature Hike

Somehow, we are thick into June and finding our summer rhythm quite nicely. I don't think I've even set foot out of bed before 7 o'clock one single time {hoo-rah!}. Par for the course, the noble plan to keep the kids reading, writing and 'rithmatic-ing through the summer has instead been replaced with cartoons, pool dates, outside play, and a whole bunch of popcicles. I think we all needed a break more than I thought we did. And really what else can you do when the sun comes out and the grass greens up and your four little people beg, "Swimming, Mommy? Puhhhh-leeeeese?" That, and it's harder to work on your tan while monitoring math worksheets ; )

This last week, we also took an hour's jaunt North and hit up the Santa Fe Canyon Preserve. The kids had an absolute blast hiking, birding, watching for beavers and wading through water-a BIG deal for these desert dwelling babies. It was positively fabulous. Like, "When can we go back?" kinda fabulous. We made it there by about 10:30 in the morning but I can only imagine what this place would be like early in the morning or at dusk. Frogs, and birds, and beavers, oh my! 

Here are some of our photos from our family trek. I particularly love the pics of all four kids together but I am sorta partial. As for what caught the kids attention and made them all look up? Military helicopters. Can you figure out who enjoyed seeing them most?