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...

Seven Days

This week, we painted some lions...rawr. 

Hit up the DQ for some Dilly Bars (2 mint and 1 cherry) and an Oreo blizzard.

Woke up with some photo worthy bed head.

Built these things.

Went to the zoo.

Had a snowstorm.

Started our 27th week of school.

Made and ate ALL of these babies.

Stood up in sun roof...at night and in our jammies.

Picked up some new park buckets and shovels-1 per grasshopper.

Mastered the art of playing Checkers.

Took a selfie.

Sat in a cave.

And went back to the zoo...again. 

What'd you do with your last seven days?

Chores

This morning, I am thankful to the Lord for boys who are eager to help AND the opportunity to teach them. Even if it does mean the vacuum lines are wonky and the beds are Windex-d. Sometimes being faithful in the everyday starts with reminding myself that it's all grace from a God who loves and cares for me through the good and that which He will make into good.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

What are you thankful for today?

Vitamin SEA

Almost fourteen years ago, Jer and I went on a high school graduation trip with his family down to Puerto Penasco, Mexico. We rented a little house right on a private beach with his (then) little family and spent nearly the entire week swimming, eating shrimp, and the like. Thinking back to those evenings where Jer and I walked the beach, or the days spent snorkeling with his sisters, or even walking the tiny tourist town, I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would return again some years later as a married women to my high school sweetie, and then for a third time with our four children and a niece and a nephew to boot.

Although our first trip was just with six people, this trip included twelve of our now sixteen! And it should be mentioned, that six of our twelve were under the age of five. And one of the six made an ER visit in Tuscan, AZ for ear infections and dehydration. Yeaaaaaaah. So as you can imagine, things got a little {lot} rowdy at times. But our boys had a BLAST and were often too tired to even eat dinner. In fact, on Thankgiving Day, they cried and begged to go to bed instead of eating!! As for our Grace Girl, she loved the ocean despite the fact that the water was cold and the waves were strong. We had to be *really* careful not to turn our backs, as she darted for the water {or the seagulls} every chance she got! But the low tides made for happy kiddos and happy parents, as we were free to let them romp in the water and search for critters without fear of losing one to the depths. 

There are so many details and memories I wish I could share; time just doesn't allow these days. But suffice it to say, a great time was had by all and we even managed a few pictures to remember it by. Perhaps the captions will help fill in the blanks.

Shopping in town with her new purse.

Cold water and an uncertain girl.

Sunbathing Ju.

This boy. Finding critters in his skives. The world really is his oyster.

Early morning treasure hunting found us a hermit crab.

An exhausted Grace fell asleep while tide pool hopping.

This is our porch and the tide is coming in but still has a way to go. Now you can see why we had to keep such a close eye on Gracie. Also note: sandcastle making boy in his pj's.

Toenail painting, beachside.

 Sting ray sting. Those critters are NO JOKE.

 The neighbors heard me scream from waaaaaaay out in the water and came running with the remedy. Go to the Mexican ER OR soak your foot in the hottest water you can stand for two hours, take four ibuprofen and try not to cry. Seriously people, I have had two babies with no drugs and this rated up there.

 No turkey and potatoes this year.

 First fish, fake smile.

 First fish, stoked.

 First fish, scared stiff.