Summer is so busy and crazy... I feel like a million things have been going on!
I'm trying to lose about 30 pounds and get to a weight lower than my weight before I got pregnant with Bentley. So I've been counting calories and doing P90X during the boys' naptime... Man am I sore! Hopefully I'll be able to keep it up, although I've been known to "skip a day" which leads to not doing it anymore..... :l So fingers crossed I can stay motivated!
Bentley is now THREE. WHAT?! I can't believe my baby boy is three years old. He's seriously growing up too fast. I can't believe that in two or three years, he'll be in kindergarten! He is the cutest, most tenderhearted kid... I love this age/stage. I love the cute talking and sayings. So adorable. Levi and I decided last night that he's for sure going to be going to preschool this year. There's a really great preschool nearby that I've heard great things about, so I'm pretty sure that we're going to be going there. It'll probably be a half day (I think it's something like 9am-1pm) three days a week. He's nearly potty trained now, so hopefully he'll be 100% potty trained by the time August comes around. He wears pull ups during naps and during the night, and he's usually good about staying dry during naps but we still have a problem with accidents, so hopefully that'll be all cleared up by the time preschool starts! We've also talked about holding him back a year for Kindergarten. Even though I can't really say if he's ready yet since it's not close enough to tell, I just don't want him to be the youngest in his grade, especially since he's a boy. We'll probably end up having him go to kindergarten twice or holding him back a year to start kindergarten, since boys development tends to be slower I really don't want him to be months and months younger than everyone else in his class. Argh, summer birthdays are so difficult!
Rafe is 19 months! He's learning things really quickly, probably because he has a big brother to teach him, haha. But ohhh, what Bentley lacked in the terrible twos tantrums, Rafe is making up for! He's already starting his terrible twos and oh are they terrible. He just has tantrum after tantrum, and it really sucks when Levi's not here to help me out, especially since I have Milo to worry about. He's also kind of having issues with going to bed. He just doesn't want to go to bed anymore, and he's protesting naps which makes him cranky. Ughhh, it's s struggle right now! I'm trying to figure out what works discipline wise, especally since Bentley didn't really need much discipline at that age. My mom told me about this thing called "love and logic" which has really helped. The best way I can explain it is when they want to do something bad, you kind of say "We're not supposed to do this, let's do this instead." Or like, with Bentley who's a little older, you say "I can carry you to bed or you can walk to bed, which would you like to do?" I'm a bad explainer and I just started trying to do this, but so far it's been amazing. But anyway. He runs around everywhere, loves to go outside, likes to be involved and help people do things, and he tries to climb on EVERYTHING! I have to keep an eye on him 24/7.
Milo is 3 months today! I can't believe how big he's gotten and that it's only been 3 months since he was born! He is the cutest, happiest baby, and his laugh just melts me! He can roll over now and he babbles&coos constantly. Oh, how I love baby babble! It's adorable, because Bentley and Rafe LOVE to make him laugh. It's so precious!
Everything else is going pretty well! Levi is still looking for a better job, I'm still looking into a new car. I'm also fixing to be an aunt x2! My sister is expecting her fourth, she's due March 15! And Levi's younger sister Hailey just got engaged! They're planing their wedding for probably next summer, maybe spring. I'm so excited for her and her fiance!
July seems to be birthday mania... Bentley turned 3 on the 5th, my little sister just turned 15 on July 16th, my older sister is turning 29 on the 25th, and my mom is turning the big 5-0 on the 29th. Man, is July crazy! July and December are crazy birthday months for my family! My brother, niece and dad all have birthdays in December.
Lastly, my heart just completely goes out to the victims, responders and the families and friends of all those involved in the Colorado shooting, including the parents of the shooter. I cannot imagine what they're going through, and it completely breaks my heart that that happened. Movies are something I absolutely love, and in the words of the director of The Dark Knight Rises, "I believe movies are one of the great American art forms and the shared experience of watching a story unfold on screen is an important and joyful pastime. The movie theatre is my home, and the idea that someone would violate that innocent and hopeful place in such an unbearably savage way is just devestating to me." That's exactly how I feel. And in the aftermath, I think this statement by Jarell Brooks, a survivor and hero of the shooting, is a great example for all of us - "I feel like forgiveness is more bold than hate, revenge, or redemption."
Lots of prayers for those still fighting for their lives, those who are trying to get over witnessing this tragedy, those mourning the loss of loved ones. In memory of all those who lost their lives;
Veronica Moser-Sullivan, 6 years old.
Gordon Cowden, 51
Matthew McQuinn
Alex Sullivan, 27
Micayla Medek, 23
John Larimer, 27
Sgt. Jesse Childress, 29
Jessica Ghawi, 24
A.J. Boik, 18
Jonathan Blunk
Rebecca Wingo
Alexander Teves
Rest easy, friends.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Summer Update!
Man, ya'll! It's been so long since I've blogged! Lots has happened...
I know that most all of ya'll know this, but our third son, Milo William was born April 22nd! Info is on the sidebar. :)
Bentley is almost 3... Only a little more than 2 weeks until his birthday! I seriously can't believe it's already been 3 years since his birth... He has changed SO much! From a tiny baby with an insecure mother to a running, speaking, laughing, learning, bright little boy who lights up my life every day<3 He's a huge talker, and he says the CUTEST things. The way he talks is seriously just so adorable. He's mastered his tricycle, he runs all over the place, he's very smart and is doing pretty well at potty training! I'd say we're a little more than halfway there... He goes in the potty the majority of the time, but he still sometimes is too distracted to realize when he has to go on his own. Or I'll ask if he has to go potty and he'll say no, but then he'll either change his mind a few minutes later or have an accident. He's wearing underwear right now, but for naps and during the night he wears pull-ups. He definitely can't get through the night without going yet, but that's okay. Right now we're just focused at getting him through the day and having him recognize when he has to go and stuff. Hopefully within a few months he'll be good! He's going to be going to preschool this fall 3 days a week! I'm hoping that he does well socializing with other kids... He's great with his brothers so I don't think it'll be too big of a struggle for him. I'm just terrified that when I drop him off for the first time, he'll freak out and I won't be able to leave him.... Oh well, it's still a few months away! He loves outdoors and being around animals, and he's gotten a lot better about being social towards strangers. He still loves to cuddle and be close to Levi and I, though. He's still very attatched to us in that way, despite wanting to do everything else on his own.
Rafe is now 18 months! It's funny, because Bentley seemed to skip the "terrible twos," but Rafe's terrible-meltdown-drama-filled-crazy twos began quite early... Hahaha. He's SO stubborn! He seriously has meltdowns all the time... But when he's not going crazy, he's very active, gentle and hilarious... He does the funniest things, this kid... He's a total daddy's boy. He loves following Levi around and immitating him. We have to watch what we say, because he'll repeat it... He's already said some back words! Haha. He's always trying to do things himself and is already very independant... He doesn't want my help at all anymore! The only time he wants to cuddle is when he's tired, sick or scared, haha. His favorite two words right now seem to be no and mine... Of course! He's very adventurous and fearless, and I have to keep a really good eye on him 24/7 so he doesn't get into things he shouldn't. When Milo was first born he was having attention problems but he's adjusted so that's not really an issue anymore! God help me when he's actually 2 though... Eeeek!
And Milo! :) Milo will be 2 months old in 2 days! I can't believe how fast time goes! His smile is infectious<3 I love toothless baby smiles so dang much! I love his laughs, too! I forgot how much I love baby coos, the clean baby smell, and just the feel of a newborn in your arms... He's pretty strong and can hold up his head when he lays on his stomach, and he can hold up his head pretty well for a 2 month old, comparitively. He's VERY observant, as well. He'll just watch things, or listen to them. He turns his head towards even the smallest noise. He has 5 shots to get at his next appointment, which is gonna make me have the sadsss! It's never easy watching that! So far he's only gotten two Hep B shots, and he did okay with those, but they weren't at the same time. 5 shots in one visit will be tough!
Levi graduated May 12th! I'm so proud of him and all that he's accomplished. It was so hard for him to balance fatherhood, work, school and overcoming an addiction all at once, but he did it and I am proud of him beyond words! It's truly amazing what you can do when you work so hard. He's currently looking for a job that pays a bit better, but with the economy it's a bit tough. Luckily the job he has now was able to find a full time spot for him with a higher salary, so for now we're good! My brother also graduated from high school on June 1st. I'm so proud of himmm<3 I can't believe my baby brother is all grown up and going to college... Soon my parents will have a lonely nest and a house of only 3... My sister Alexis will be a freshman next year! I can't believe the beautiful young lady she's turning into! I just hope that she makes better choices than I did! I know I'll be super protective when she gets her first serious boyfriend... Ain't no way she's going to date ANYONE I don't approve of... Hahaha.
I've lost all but 5 pounds of what I gained with Milo. I'm starting to work out every day when the boys nap, and I'm also trying to limit my calories/eat better. Really the calorie part isn't too hard as I don't have a problem with overeating, but eating healthy is a problem for me because I really don't like that many healthy foods at all. Guess it's just something I have to work on... I also got back in the saddle and I am LOVING it. I didn't ride much while pregnant because I was just too big and it was uncomfortable... I had to quit when I was like, 25ish weeks. So it's been a LOOOOONG time. I've missed it so much!
So basically that's my life in a nutshell. Hope all of ya'll are having a great summer (or winter for my Australian friends!)
I know that most all of ya'll know this, but our third son, Milo William was born April 22nd! Info is on the sidebar. :)
Bentley is almost 3... Only a little more than 2 weeks until his birthday! I seriously can't believe it's already been 3 years since his birth... He has changed SO much! From a tiny baby with an insecure mother to a running, speaking, laughing, learning, bright little boy who lights up my life every day<3 He's a huge talker, and he says the CUTEST things. The way he talks is seriously just so adorable. He's mastered his tricycle, he runs all over the place, he's very smart and is doing pretty well at potty training! I'd say we're a little more than halfway there... He goes in the potty the majority of the time, but he still sometimes is too distracted to realize when he has to go on his own. Or I'll ask if he has to go potty and he'll say no, but then he'll either change his mind a few minutes later or have an accident. He's wearing underwear right now, but for naps and during the night he wears pull-ups. He definitely can't get through the night without going yet, but that's okay. Right now we're just focused at getting him through the day and having him recognize when he has to go and stuff. Hopefully within a few months he'll be good! He's going to be going to preschool this fall 3 days a week! I'm hoping that he does well socializing with other kids... He's great with his brothers so I don't think it'll be too big of a struggle for him. I'm just terrified that when I drop him off for the first time, he'll freak out and I won't be able to leave him.... Oh well, it's still a few months away! He loves outdoors and being around animals, and he's gotten a lot better about being social towards strangers. He still loves to cuddle and be close to Levi and I, though. He's still very attatched to us in that way, despite wanting to do everything else on his own.
Rafe is now 18 months! It's funny, because Bentley seemed to skip the "terrible twos," but Rafe's terrible-meltdown-drama-filled-crazy twos began quite early... Hahaha. He's SO stubborn! He seriously has meltdowns all the time... But when he's not going crazy, he's very active, gentle and hilarious... He does the funniest things, this kid... He's a total daddy's boy. He loves following Levi around and immitating him. We have to watch what we say, because he'll repeat it... He's already said some back words! Haha. He's always trying to do things himself and is already very independant... He doesn't want my help at all anymore! The only time he wants to cuddle is when he's tired, sick or scared, haha. His favorite two words right now seem to be no and mine... Of course! He's very adventurous and fearless, and I have to keep a really good eye on him 24/7 so he doesn't get into things he shouldn't. When Milo was first born he was having attention problems but he's adjusted so that's not really an issue anymore! God help me when he's actually 2 though... Eeeek!
And Milo! :) Milo will be 2 months old in 2 days! I can't believe how fast time goes! His smile is infectious<3 I love toothless baby smiles so dang much! I love his laughs, too! I forgot how much I love baby coos, the clean baby smell, and just the feel of a newborn in your arms... He's pretty strong and can hold up his head when he lays on his stomach, and he can hold up his head pretty well for a 2 month old, comparitively. He's VERY observant, as well. He'll just watch things, or listen to them. He turns his head towards even the smallest noise. He has 5 shots to get at his next appointment, which is gonna make me have the sadsss! It's never easy watching that! So far he's only gotten two Hep B shots, and he did okay with those, but they weren't at the same time. 5 shots in one visit will be tough!
Levi graduated May 12th! I'm so proud of him and all that he's accomplished. It was so hard for him to balance fatherhood, work, school and overcoming an addiction all at once, but he did it and I am proud of him beyond words! It's truly amazing what you can do when you work so hard. He's currently looking for a job that pays a bit better, but with the economy it's a bit tough. Luckily the job he has now was able to find a full time spot for him with a higher salary, so for now we're good! My brother also graduated from high school on June 1st. I'm so proud of himmm<3 I can't believe my baby brother is all grown up and going to college... Soon my parents will have a lonely nest and a house of only 3... My sister Alexis will be a freshman next year! I can't believe the beautiful young lady she's turning into! I just hope that she makes better choices than I did! I know I'll be super protective when she gets her first serious boyfriend... Ain't no way she's going to date ANYONE I don't approve of... Hahaha.
I've lost all but 5 pounds of what I gained with Milo. I'm starting to work out every day when the boys nap, and I'm also trying to limit my calories/eat better. Really the calorie part isn't too hard as I don't have a problem with overeating, but eating healthy is a problem for me because I really don't like that many healthy foods at all. Guess it's just something I have to work on... I also got back in the saddle and I am LOVING it. I didn't ride much while pregnant because I was just too big and it was uncomfortable... I had to quit when I was like, 25ish weeks. So it's been a LOOOOONG time. I've missed it so much!
So basically that's my life in a nutshell. Hope all of ya'll are having a great summer (or winter for my Australian friends!)
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Milo/Cash
I'm 37 weeks on Thursday... Can ya'll believe that?! I could have him by this weekend! Levi and I are all set to bring Milo William and Cash William to the hospital. I know which one I'm leaning towards but we'll see what he looks like! :)
I've officially dropped, so I think it should be anytime now! I'm very swollen and very exhausted but still holding up... It's just getting to that point where sleeping, walking, lifting or doing anything else is just a lot more challenging. I've been falling asleep in the recliner and then Levi keeps having to wake me up so I get actually get in bed... For some reason I just haven't been able to fall asleep in our bed.
Bentley keeps asking if the baby is coming... He's just so cute with everything. Always wanting to help me get something and he always wants to do everything himself. It's funny though, because as Bentley gets super independent, Rafe gets very very clingy. He's just wanted nothing but cuddles lately. I have a feeling he's going to need a bit more attention once the baby gets here. It's funny, because Rafe is the more stubborn and Bentley is more sensitive, but they seem to have switched in that way!
I really hope Rafe adjusts well! Heck, I hope IIIII adjust well, haha. ;)
Hope ya'll are well!
I've officially dropped, so I think it should be anytime now! I'm very swollen and very exhausted but still holding up... It's just getting to that point where sleeping, walking, lifting or doing anything else is just a lot more challenging. I've been falling asleep in the recliner and then Levi keeps having to wake me up so I get actually get in bed... For some reason I just haven't been able to fall asleep in our bed.
Bentley keeps asking if the baby is coming... He's just so cute with everything. Always wanting to help me get something and he always wants to do everything himself. It's funny though, because as Bentley gets super independent, Rafe gets very very clingy. He's just wanted nothing but cuddles lately. I have a feeling he's going to need a bit more attention once the baby gets here. It's funny, because Rafe is the more stubborn and Bentley is more sensitive, but they seem to have switched in that way!
I really hope Rafe adjusts well! Heck, I hope IIIII adjust well, haha. ;)
Hope ya'll are well!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Spring is in the air!
And so is pollen. :l My allergies are TERRIBLE! I've been sneezing and itching almost 24/7 the past few weeks. :( Plus it's been terribly hot. It even got into the 90s a week or two ago. :l It's been mostly mid-80s... Yesterday I was at a tournament for my brother, and we were sitting in bleachers. It was already like, 88 degrees with 80% humidity, and then sitting in the metal bleachers just rose the temperature 10-20 degrees. I was sitting in those things for hours, and I ended up getting dehydrated and getting heat stroke and passed out. :l It was a crazy ordeal and Levi took me to the ER to make sure everything was okay, and everything is totally fine, so no worries. It was terrible though, I was so nauseous and hot. I don't know why I got heat exhaustion, since I usually deal just fine with hot temperatures. I really think it was the bleachers that did me in. I got a tan on my legs, though. :) Even though it's a farmers tan....... I have a tan line where my shorts and sperrys were. Thank goodness I didn't wear my boots or sandals, those tan lines would have been terrible.
Anyway, I'm 34 weeks pregnant and getting super uncomfortable now. I can't believe how close we are! I'm really to the point where I'm just through with being pregnant. I'm super swollen and just want to lay around all day, but with two toddlers that's completely impossible, and when Levi gets home I'm just SO exhausted. The baby's room is all ready and we have everything we need, so at least that's all figured out! We're still not really sure on names, and I'm just completely sure that I need to see what he looks like before I can even narrow down anything.
Neither of my first two pregnancies was this hard towards the end... I am so big with this baby, it's not even funny. I seriously have been asked by strangers if A) I'm 2 weeks overdue, B) I'm having twins/triplets or C) I stuffed a beach ball underneath my stomach. I'm just SO big. I've never been this big or this uncomfortable, and I'm seriously starting to worry how big this baby is. I have wide hips so I'm not too worried about having to have a C-Section because he's too big, but we'll see. Because I had Bentley&Rafe at 37 weeks and was on bedrest with Rafe, I'm already going to the doctor every week just to make sure everything is going how it should. So far, so good, so hopefully he can hold off until 38 or so weeks (although I really don't know if I can make it!)
Levi is so excited about graduating, and I'm so proud of him! He says he wants to get a motorcycle for his graduation present.... Uhhhh, hell to the no. There's better things to spend money on, and besides - I know way too many people who have been in terrible motorcycle accidents.
We're also still looking to buy a new car for me. We've shopped around a bit, and right now I'm looking at the newer Hyundai Tuscon (I had the old one before), a Ford Expedition, a Chevy Tahoe and a GMC Denali. I'm leaning towards the Expedition or Tahoe, but we'll see what we can afford and what will work best. Mostly I'm just concerned about where I'm putting 3 carseats... That's the ONLY thing I don't like about having kids so close together is that it's going to be so hard to put all 3 kids in the car at one time, since two will go in the middle row and one in the back (or two in the back and one in the middle if I can find a car that has seats that fold down for storage, which is what will work best).
And last, I will leave you with the new and improved list of names with meanings. :) The meaning of William is strong willed warrior, and the meaning in parenthesis is the meaning of the first name. :)
Milo William (Soldier)
Samuel William (His Name is God)
Reilly William (Valient)
Elijah William (The Lord is my God)
Cash William (Either Peacemaker or Maker of Chests, some websites said different things)
maybe:
Jacob William "Jake" (Supplanter)
Mathias William (Gift of God)
Oliver William (Elf Army)
Meanings of names are suddenly very important... I'd like them to have meaningful names. I mean, Levi's name is cool. His means (put together) God will uplift joined with Harmony. Mine is lame. It means great plant with berries. :l LAMEEEE. Bentley's name means Who is like God from the bent-grass feild. It's okay... The meaning of Bentley is kind of boring. Rafe's name means manly wolf counsel. Okay, not going to lie, that's an awesome name meaning.
Anyway, I'm 34 weeks pregnant and getting super uncomfortable now. I can't believe how close we are! I'm really to the point where I'm just through with being pregnant. I'm super swollen and just want to lay around all day, but with two toddlers that's completely impossible, and when Levi gets home I'm just SO exhausted. The baby's room is all ready and we have everything we need, so at least that's all figured out! We're still not really sure on names, and I'm just completely sure that I need to see what he looks like before I can even narrow down anything.
Neither of my first two pregnancies was this hard towards the end... I am so big with this baby, it's not even funny. I seriously have been asked by strangers if A) I'm 2 weeks overdue, B) I'm having twins/triplets or C) I stuffed a beach ball underneath my stomach. I'm just SO big. I've never been this big or this uncomfortable, and I'm seriously starting to worry how big this baby is. I have wide hips so I'm not too worried about having to have a C-Section because he's too big, but we'll see. Because I had Bentley&Rafe at 37 weeks and was on bedrest with Rafe, I'm already going to the doctor every week just to make sure everything is going how it should. So far, so good, so hopefully he can hold off until 38 or so weeks (although I really don't know if I can make it!)
Levi is so excited about graduating, and I'm so proud of him! He says he wants to get a motorcycle for his graduation present.... Uhhhh, hell to the no. There's better things to spend money on, and besides - I know way too many people who have been in terrible motorcycle accidents.
We're also still looking to buy a new car for me. We've shopped around a bit, and right now I'm looking at the newer Hyundai Tuscon (I had the old one before), a Ford Expedition, a Chevy Tahoe and a GMC Denali. I'm leaning towards the Expedition or Tahoe, but we'll see what we can afford and what will work best. Mostly I'm just concerned about where I'm putting 3 carseats... That's the ONLY thing I don't like about having kids so close together is that it's going to be so hard to put all 3 kids in the car at one time, since two will go in the middle row and one in the back (or two in the back and one in the middle if I can find a car that has seats that fold down for storage, which is what will work best).
And last, I will leave you with the new and improved list of names with meanings. :) The meaning of William is strong willed warrior, and the meaning in parenthesis is the meaning of the first name. :)
Milo William (Soldier)
Samuel William (His Name is God)
Reilly William (Valient)
Elijah William (The Lord is my God)
Cash William (Either Peacemaker or Maker of Chests, some websites said different things)
maybe:
Jacob William "Jake" (Supplanter)
Mathias William (Gift of God)
Oliver William (Elf Army)
Meanings of names are suddenly very important... I'd like them to have meaningful names. I mean, Levi's name is cool. His means (put together) God will uplift joined with Harmony. Mine is lame. It means great plant with berries. :l LAMEEEE. Bentley's name means Who is like God from the bent-grass feild. It's okay... The meaning of Bentley is kind of boring. Rafe's name means manly wolf counsel. Okay, not going to lie, that's an awesome name meaning.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Faramir
is what we're naming him! Hahahaha, just kidding. I seriously have been so obsessed with Lord of the Rings lately.... Why am I such a nerd? Faramir is one of my favorite characters, though. The trailer for The Hobbit looks really good and I'm really excited! :D And I can't wait to see the Hunger Games, either...
Okay, nerd time over!
I am THIRTY THREE weeks pregnant today. 33! What the heck? This pregnancy has started to FLY by in the past few weeks, it's insane. It's so crazy to think that in 4 weeks he could definitely be here... We're really not sure on names, we still have the same 5/6 names on a list but still none jump out and I can't find any more that Levi and I both like. Hopefully when he's born he'll just really look like a Reilly or a Milo or an Ethan or something.
My feet are starting to get a bit swollen, but it's just slightly enough so that some of my shoes are a bit snug, it's not super visible or anything. I've gained like, 23 pounds already, and still a few weeks to go... He's gonna be a big baby. I'm HUGE, it's absolutely crazy.
Not much else is going on in life! Levi will be graduating from college on May 11th, and I'm so proud! It's been a long few years for him to juggle work and school and fatherhood, and I'm so proud of him for getting it all done! And he can finally get a good job, which he's really excited about. I'm sure this baby will be born by then, but it is one day after my due date, so it's not 100% guarenteed, but hopefully there won't be any conflicts with the baby, haha. I'm sure he'll be born early like Bentley and Rafe though, so I'm not worried about it.
Okay, nerd time over!
I am THIRTY THREE weeks pregnant today. 33! What the heck? This pregnancy has started to FLY by in the past few weeks, it's insane. It's so crazy to think that in 4 weeks he could definitely be here... We're really not sure on names, we still have the same 5/6 names on a list but still none jump out and I can't find any more that Levi and I both like. Hopefully when he's born he'll just really look like a Reilly or a Milo or an Ethan or something.
My feet are starting to get a bit swollen, but it's just slightly enough so that some of my shoes are a bit snug, it's not super visible or anything. I've gained like, 23 pounds already, and still a few weeks to go... He's gonna be a big baby. I'm HUGE, it's absolutely crazy.
Not much else is going on in life! Levi will be graduating from college on May 11th, and I'm so proud! It's been a long few years for him to juggle work and school and fatherhood, and I'm so proud of him for getting it all done! And he can finally get a good job, which he's really excited about. I'm sure this baby will be born by then, but it is one day after my due date, so it's not 100% guarenteed, but hopefully there won't be any conflicts with the baby, haha. I'm sure he'll be born early like Bentley and Rafe though, so I'm not worried about it.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Getting closer!
Today I am officially 32 weeks pregnant! I can't believe how fast it's gone! Everything is going well, the baby is healthy and growing right on schedule. He's super super active, always moving and kicking. I swear he never sleeps. I'm short of breath a lot and it's harder to do things around the house. I'm always running into stuff with my belly, and it's hard to pick stuff up. I haven't reached that point where I'm uncomfortable 100% of the time, but I still have issues with sleeping. I never can find a comfortable position! We're still nowhere on names... Reilly, Paxton, Milo, Elijah and Ethan are still our list, but none really seems right. We might add Max back to it... I like that one.
Rafe is now 15 months! It's crazy how fast my boys are growing up... He probably says about 5-6 words all the time, but has said a few more. He hasn't yet discovered how fun it is to say no all the time, thank God, but I know it'll come sooner rather than later. He follows everyone around all the time, always tries to mimic everything. He's really fascinated with textures and holding/touching things. He just wants to hold everything! Grass, animals, anything. You name it, he wants to hold it. He's very curious and adventurous, even in public. And he's not at all afraid of strangers, which is the total opposite of Bentley. Bentley always was timid in public and in front of strangers, and still sometimes is.
Bentley! 2 and a half, 32 months to be exact. I seriously can't believe that my baby boy is going to be 3 this summer... In less than 4 months. :'( Time is a thief i would rob! (song lyrics there. ;) ) He's always wanting to do things for himself, always wanting to get dressed himself or brush his teeth. We're working on our ABCs and numbers. He's a lot better with the ABCs. We're also about to start potty training. I just don't know how to go about it yet. :l He's into playing pretend a lot now. It's so cute the things they come up with! He'll sit there and play with his trucks or something and give them little voices (even if I don't know what the heck he's saying). It's seriously the cutest thing! He loves to be outside, too, and he's ALWAYS asking to play in the backyard or come with when I feed the horse/take care of the barn.
The baby's room is all set up and ready for him to arrive, and I can't wait to meet him! It's such an awesome feeling to finally be 100% excited about having a baby. Levi is super excited, too. He made this joke that at this rate we're birthing our own football team, hahaha. We've had the conversation about more kids just so we're on the same page about everything, and we're probably going to have one more and that's it. Levi would like to have more until we get a girl, but that's not realistic. I'm not having a billion kids. So we agreed that when this baby is around 2, we'll start thinking about trying again.
Rafe is now 15 months! It's crazy how fast my boys are growing up... He probably says about 5-6 words all the time, but has said a few more. He hasn't yet discovered how fun it is to say no all the time, thank God, but I know it'll come sooner rather than later. He follows everyone around all the time, always tries to mimic everything. He's really fascinated with textures and holding/touching things. He just wants to hold everything! Grass, animals, anything. You name it, he wants to hold it. He's very curious and adventurous, even in public. And he's not at all afraid of strangers, which is the total opposite of Bentley. Bentley always was timid in public and in front of strangers, and still sometimes is.
Bentley! 2 and a half, 32 months to be exact. I seriously can't believe that my baby boy is going to be 3 this summer... In less than 4 months. :'( Time is a thief i would rob! (song lyrics there. ;) ) He's always wanting to do things for himself, always wanting to get dressed himself or brush his teeth. We're working on our ABCs and numbers. He's a lot better with the ABCs. We're also about to start potty training. I just don't know how to go about it yet. :l He's into playing pretend a lot now. It's so cute the things they come up with! He'll sit there and play with his trucks or something and give them little voices (even if I don't know what the heck he's saying). It's seriously the cutest thing! He loves to be outside, too, and he's ALWAYS asking to play in the backyard or come with when I feed the horse/take care of the barn.
The baby's room is all set up and ready for him to arrive, and I can't wait to meet him! It's such an awesome feeling to finally be 100% excited about having a baby. Levi is super excited, too. He made this joke that at this rate we're birthing our own football team, hahaha. We've had the conversation about more kids just so we're on the same page about everything, and we're probably going to have one more and that's it. Levi would like to have more until we get a girl, but that's not realistic. I'm not having a billion kids. So we agreed that when this baby is around 2, we'll start thinking about trying again.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
I have a sexy waddle...
And I'm excited to get a tattoo!
Those are tonight's revelations, ya'll!
So Levi definitely just told me that I have a sexy waddle..... Is that supposed to be a compliment or an insult? Hmmmm. Pregnancy brain makes me wonder this!
I am REALLY excited to be able to get a tattoo once I have the baby and such. I really want to get a word or phrase (What I've been thinking about is believe, hope, God sustains, forgiveness and faith) in all the languages from the countries my ancestors come from.
Those are tonight's revelations, ya'll!
So Levi definitely just told me that I have a sexy waddle..... Is that supposed to be a compliment or an insult? Hmmmm. Pregnancy brain makes me wonder this!
I am REALLY excited to be able to get a tattoo once I have the baby and such. I really want to get a word or phrase (What I've been thinking about is believe, hope, God sustains, forgiveness and faith) in all the languages from the countries my ancestors come from.
RODEO! YEAH, SON!
So Rodeo is coming up and I am BEYOND excited..... That's like, the highlight of my year. I can't wait to take the boys! Especially once they start getting older! And hopefully maybe we'll get to have them do muttin' bustin'. :) That would be sooooo adorable. But anyway... I'm ready for some concerts, bull ridin', barrel racin', getting new boots, and of course... FRIED FOOD! Hahaha, win for the pregnant lady!
That was short, but I couldn't contain my excitement...
In other news, here are our top 6 names, in no particular order! :)
Paxton (Pax) William
Reilly William
Milo William
Elijah (Eli) William
Gabriel William
Ethan William
That was short, but I couldn't contain my excitement...
In other news, here are our top 6 names, in no particular order! :)
Paxton (Pax) William
Reilly William
Milo William
Elijah (Eli) William
Gabriel William
Ethan William
Friday, February 17, 2012
What I've learned in 1 1/2 years.
On the 16th, Levi and I celebrated our four year anniversary! I can't believe that we've been together for four whole years! It seems like ages. We seem like completely different people! I seriously can't believe how different we are now than when we got together - in ways both good and bad. Just all the stuff we went through... I can't believe that we made it through that. I love waking up next to him every day and being partners in everything.
Levi and I have been married for nearly 20 months, but I feel like as a couple, we've learned SO SO much. We have SO much more to learn, and I can't wait to learn it!
I have a lot of friends who will be getting married this year, an in honor of that I wanted to share the most important things that Levi and I have leaned through Christ during out marriage. We have SO SO SO much to learn still, but I'm thankful that we have a whole lifetime to learn it.
First off, make time for each other. When you have a long day at work or a long day with the kids, it's so hard to find the energy or time for each other. What we learned is to save a little bit of energy, save words, and designate time, even if it's just 15 minutes every night, to talk to each other.
Second, ask each other what makes them feel loved. I may want a hug, kiss, sweet gestures or for him to listen, but Levi wants me to be proud of him and tell him that, etc. What makes each person feel loved is SO different. Ask your partner/fiance/spouse what makes them feel loved! Don't just assume.
Third, PLAN A DATE NIGHT! Especially when you have kids and things are crazy at home, plan dates! Whether it be every week, every other week or whatever, plan for dates. It's so so good to just have a few hours away to just focus on each other!
Fourth, NEVER expect your girlfriend/boyfriend/fiance/spouse to know what you're thinking. They won't know what's behind every long sigh or slam of a cabinet door. You HAVE to tell them. If you're upset, tell them. If you want them to do something, say so! Your spouse cannot read your mind.
Levi and I have been married for nearly 20 months, but I feel like as a couple, we've learned SO SO much. We have SO much more to learn, and I can't wait to learn it!
I have a lot of friends who will be getting married this year, an in honor of that I wanted to share the most important things that Levi and I have leaned through Christ during out marriage. We have SO SO SO much to learn still, but I'm thankful that we have a whole lifetime to learn it.
First off, make time for each other. When you have a long day at work or a long day with the kids, it's so hard to find the energy or time for each other. What we learned is to save a little bit of energy, save words, and designate time, even if it's just 15 minutes every night, to talk to each other.
Second, ask each other what makes them feel loved. I may want a hug, kiss, sweet gestures or for him to listen, but Levi wants me to be proud of him and tell him that, etc. What makes each person feel loved is SO different. Ask your partner/fiance/spouse what makes them feel loved! Don't just assume.
Third, PLAN A DATE NIGHT! Especially when you have kids and things are crazy at home, plan dates! Whether it be every week, every other week or whatever, plan for dates. It's so so good to just have a few hours away to just focus on each other!
Fourth, NEVER expect your girlfriend/boyfriend/fiance/spouse to know what you're thinking. They won't know what's behind every long sigh or slam of a cabinet door. You HAVE to tell them. If you're upset, tell them. If you want them to do something, say so! Your spouse cannot read your mind.
Names are insane!
WHY is naming a child so dang hard?! I just can't seem to find the right one! My list keeps getting really big then really small... HELP! Advice is welcomed and suggestions are BEGGED FOR!
Our list (Milo, Lyle, Cash, Reilly and Elijah are the top names)
Milo William
Lyle William
Cash William
Reilly William
Elijah (Eli) William
Paxton (Pax) William
Owen William
Ezra William
Colt William
Silas William
Tobias William
Gabriel William
Ethan William
Forrest William
Max William
Galen (Gale) William
Gale William
Logan William
Easton William
Roman William
Conor/Conner William
Patrick William
Xander William
Xavier William
Mathias William
Declan William
Our list (Milo, Lyle, Cash, Reilly and Elijah are the top names)
Milo William
Lyle William
Cash William
Reilly William
Elijah (Eli) William
Paxton (Pax) William
Owen William
Ezra William
Colt William
Silas William
Tobias William
Gabriel William
Ethan William
Forrest William
Max William
Galen (Gale) William
Gale William
Logan William
Easton William
Roman William
Conor/Conner William
Patrick William
Xander William
Xavier William
Mathias William
Declan William
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Baby prep & pregnancy update!
So I'm now 25 weeks pregnant! Can you believe it? Only 15 weeks to go, and even then maybe less! I'm seriously big now. Someone even made a comment about me being due any day! Uhhh, no ma'am. I only have about 3 and a half more months to go, thanks! ;)
The baby is doing great! He's very active and is developing right on schedule! I'm going to be doing my glucose screening later this week, which I'm dreading. I REALLY do not want to have to do that 3 hour test. I did with Bentley, and it sucked. Plus the drink is so gross!
We're not really doing that well on names. We have a list but none we absolutely love! It's frusturating me, because I don't want to have to settle with a name! I just wish the right name would jump out at me so I could pick it already...
We're trying to decide a theme for his room, too! I want to start getting things together so I know what kind of crib/furniature I want to buy. Bentley's room is ocean themed and Rafe's is animals/Noah's ark type of deal. I was thinking a cowboy room would be cute, and would be able to kind of age a bit better, so I'm trying to think of colors for that...
Also, we're trying to figure out the car seat deal! Right now we're fine. Bentley is front facing and Rafe is rear facing still. We're looking into buying a car for me, so I'm going to have to figure it out. I heard about Radian car seats which are designed to sit 3 in a row, which would be good if I didn't have a car with 3 rows. But my mom suggested that (if we get a car with two captain seats instead of a full row in the 2nd row) we put Bentley and Rafe in the third row, the new baby in the second, and then put one captains seat down (if we find one that does that) for easy access/grocery storage, etc. So I'm trying to figure all that out. But it would be nice to have those Radian carseats for when we go on long trips (pretty often) and need all the back for storage. They're kind of expensive though, so I guess we'll see.
One reason I'm glad we're having a boy is that I can reuse all of Bentley and Rafe's baby clothes! YAY FOR SAVING MONEY! I mean, I practically have all the clothes he'll need, especially in that first little while. Thank God I saved them all.
The baby is doing great! He's very active and is developing right on schedule! I'm going to be doing my glucose screening later this week, which I'm dreading. I REALLY do not want to have to do that 3 hour test. I did with Bentley, and it sucked. Plus the drink is so gross!
We're not really doing that well on names. We have a list but none we absolutely love! It's frusturating me, because I don't want to have to settle with a name! I just wish the right name would jump out at me so I could pick it already...
We're trying to decide a theme for his room, too! I want to start getting things together so I know what kind of crib/furniature I want to buy. Bentley's room is ocean themed and Rafe's is animals/Noah's ark type of deal. I was thinking a cowboy room would be cute, and would be able to kind of age a bit better, so I'm trying to think of colors for that...
Also, we're trying to figure out the car seat deal! Right now we're fine. Bentley is front facing and Rafe is rear facing still. We're looking into buying a car for me, so I'm going to have to figure it out. I heard about Radian car seats which are designed to sit 3 in a row, which would be good if I didn't have a car with 3 rows. But my mom suggested that (if we get a car with two captain seats instead of a full row in the 2nd row) we put Bentley and Rafe in the third row, the new baby in the second, and then put one captains seat down (if we find one that does that) for easy access/grocery storage, etc. So I'm trying to figure all that out. But it would be nice to have those Radian carseats for when we go on long trips (pretty often) and need all the back for storage. They're kind of expensive though, so I guess we'll see.
One reason I'm glad we're having a boy is that I can reuse all of Bentley and Rafe's baby clothes! YAY FOR SAVING MONEY! I mean, I practically have all the clothes he'll need, especially in that first little while. Thank God I saved them all.
Monday, January 16, 2012
My three boys!
It still hasn't hit me that I'm about to have THREE sons, haha! I'm wondering what this baby will look like! Both Bentley and Rafe have brown hair, and Bentley has blue eyes but Rafe's are more green/hazel. Plus, Bentley and Rafe don't really look SUPER alike. I mean, they look a bit similar but not enough to pick them out of a crowd as brothers. I'm anxious to see what this one will look like and if he'll look more like Bentley or Rafe / Levi or me...
Bentley is 2 and a half (exactly!) now. He's super tuned into details! He notices a whole lot, especially differences between people. He recognizes the difference between races and men and women, which is why I'm really trying to teach him that the differences are to be appreciated and not discriminated against. Mostly what works right now is reminding him that God loves everyone, no matter what they look like or act like. And for now, that seems to be working well. We're also going to start potty training him very soon. I'm just not 100% sure how exactly I'm going to go about it yet, so I'm trying to figure out what will work best.
Rafe is 13 months, and SUPER curious. He always gets into everything and wants to touch things or play with them. He's always grabbing things, experimenting with things, etc. He's extremely verbal, even though he's not saying that many words. He really immitates almost every sound, and he yells/laughs/cries LOUDLY. He's never quiet these days, it seems!
I'm 23 weeks pregnant now! Man is it going by fast! He's doing absolutely great, growing well, and all my fluid levels and all that is perfectly normal. He moves almost all the time, and it's really easy to feel him from the outside now. Levi loves it, it's his favorite thing about me being pregnant! I'm doing good, but I'm ALWAYS hungry, and my belly is starting to get big enough where I'm having trouble shaving my legs and clipping my toenails... I can totally still do it, but it's just a bit more challenging...
Bentley is 2 and a half (exactly!) now. He's super tuned into details! He notices a whole lot, especially differences between people. He recognizes the difference between races and men and women, which is why I'm really trying to teach him that the differences are to be appreciated and not discriminated against. Mostly what works right now is reminding him that God loves everyone, no matter what they look like or act like. And for now, that seems to be working well. We're also going to start potty training him very soon. I'm just not 100% sure how exactly I'm going to go about it yet, so I'm trying to figure out what will work best.
Rafe is 13 months, and SUPER curious. He always gets into everything and wants to touch things or play with them. He's always grabbing things, experimenting with things, etc. He's extremely verbal, even though he's not saying that many words. He really immitates almost every sound, and he yells/laughs/cries LOUDLY. He's never quiet these days, it seems!
I'm 23 weeks pregnant now! Man is it going by fast! He's doing absolutely great, growing well, and all my fluid levels and all that is perfectly normal. He moves almost all the time, and it's really easy to feel him from the outside now. Levi loves it, it's his favorite thing about me being pregnant! I'm doing good, but I'm ALWAYS hungry, and my belly is starting to get big enough where I'm having trouble shaving my legs and clipping my toenails... I can totally still do it, but it's just a bit more challenging...
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Bentley, Rafe & ?????
So we're totally stumped on names. We have a long list but don't really have any that we absolutely love! Here's our current name list: Some have been added, some taken away. * = ones that we really like. So anyway, any criticism or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Milo William*
Lyle William*
Elijah William "Eli"*
Cash William*
Paxton William "Pax"
Beau William
Reilly William*
Isaiah William
Owen William
Ezra William
Colt William
Silas William
Leo William
Gabriel William
Ethan William
Forrest William
I've combed and combed baby name websites but can't find any good ones. :(
Milo William*
Lyle William*
Elijah William "Eli"*
Cash William*
Paxton William "Pax"
Beau William
Reilly William*
Isaiah William
Owen William
Ezra William
Colt William
Silas William
Leo William
Gabriel William
Ethan William
Forrest William
I've combed and combed baby name websites but can't find any good ones. :(
Levi ♥
A friend did this on her blog, but I just have to share our songs <3 These crazily describe us so well...
It's Your Love - Tim McGraw&Faith Hill
Dancing in the dark, middle of the night, taking your heart and holding it tight. Emotional touch, touching my skin, and asking you to do what you've been doing all over again. Oh, it's a beautiful thing, don't think I can keep it all in. I just gotta let you know, what it is that won't let me go. It's your love, it just does something to me, it sends a shock right through me, I can't get enough. And if you wonder about the spell I'm under, oh it's your love.
Better than I was, more than I am, and all this happened by taking your hand. And who I am now is who I wanted to be, and now that we're together, I'm stronger than ever, I'm happy and free. Oh, it's a beautiful thing, don't think I can keep it all in. And if you ask me why I've changed, I'll I've got to do is say your sweet name. It's your love, it just does something to me, sends a shock right through me, I can't get enough, and if you wonder about the spell I'm under, oh it's your love.
Oh, it's a beautiful thing, don't think I can keep it all in. I just gotta let you know, what is that won't let me go. It's your love, it just does something to me, sends a shock right through me, I can't get enough. And if you wonder about the spell I'm under, oh it's your love. It's your love. It's your love <3
Remember When - Alan Jackson
Remember when I was young, and so were you, time stood still and love was all we knew. You were the first, so was I, made love and then you cried, remember when. Remember when we vowed the vows and walked the walk, gave our hearts, made the start, and it was hard. We lived and learned, life threw curves. There was joy and there was hurt, remember when.
Remember when old ones died and new were born, and life was changed, disassembled, rearranged. We came together, fell apart, and broke each other's hearts, remember when.
Remember when the sound of little feet was the music we danced to week to week, brought back the love, we found trust, vowed we'd never give it up, remember when? Remember when 30 seemed so old, now looking back it's just a stepping stone to where we are, where we've been, said we'd do it all again, remember when?
Remember when we said when we turned gray, when the children grow up and move away, we won't be sad, we'll be glad for all the life we've had and we'll remember when. Remember when?
God Gave Me You - Blake Shelton
I've been a walking heartache, I've made a mess of me. The person that I've been lately ain't who I wanna be, but you stay here right beside me and watch as the storm blows through and I need you. Cause God gave me you for the ups and downs, God gave me you for the days of doubt, and for when I think I've lost my way, there are no words here left to say, it's true. God gave me you. Gave me you.
There's more here than what we're seeing - a divine conspirace. That you, an angel lovely, would somehow fall for me. You'll always be love's great martyr, and I'll be the flattered fool, and I need you. Yeah, God gave me you for the ups and downs, God gave me you for the days of doubt. And for when I think I've lost my way, there are no words here left to say, it's true - God gave me you.
On my own I'm only half of what I could be, I can't do without you. We are stitched together and what love has tethered, I pray we never undo... Cause God gave me you for the ups and downs, God gave me you for the days of doubt. God gave me you for the ups and downs, God gave me you for the days of doubt. And for when I think I've lost my way, there are no words here left to say, it's true. God gave me you, gave me you... He Gave me you. <3
It's Your Love - Tim McGraw&Faith Hill
Dancing in the dark, middle of the night, taking your heart and holding it tight. Emotional touch, touching my skin, and asking you to do what you've been doing all over again. Oh, it's a beautiful thing, don't think I can keep it all in. I just gotta let you know, what it is that won't let me go. It's your love, it just does something to me, it sends a shock right through me, I can't get enough. And if you wonder about the spell I'm under, oh it's your love.
Better than I was, more than I am, and all this happened by taking your hand. And who I am now is who I wanted to be, and now that we're together, I'm stronger than ever, I'm happy and free. Oh, it's a beautiful thing, don't think I can keep it all in. And if you ask me why I've changed, I'll I've got to do is say your sweet name. It's your love, it just does something to me, sends a shock right through me, I can't get enough, and if you wonder about the spell I'm under, oh it's your love.
Oh, it's a beautiful thing, don't think I can keep it all in. I just gotta let you know, what is that won't let me go. It's your love, it just does something to me, sends a shock right through me, I can't get enough. And if you wonder about the spell I'm under, oh it's your love. It's your love. It's your love <3
Remember When - Alan Jackson
Remember when I was young, and so were you, time stood still and love was all we knew. You were the first, so was I, made love and then you cried, remember when. Remember when we vowed the vows and walked the walk, gave our hearts, made the start, and it was hard. We lived and learned, life threw curves. There was joy and there was hurt, remember when.
Remember when old ones died and new were born, and life was changed, disassembled, rearranged. We came together, fell apart, and broke each other's hearts, remember when.
Remember when the sound of little feet was the music we danced to week to week, brought back the love, we found trust, vowed we'd never give it up, remember when? Remember when 30 seemed so old, now looking back it's just a stepping stone to where we are, where we've been, said we'd do it all again, remember when?
Remember when we said when we turned gray, when the children grow up and move away, we won't be sad, we'll be glad for all the life we've had and we'll remember when. Remember when?
God Gave Me You - Blake Shelton
I've been a walking heartache, I've made a mess of me. The person that I've been lately ain't who I wanna be, but you stay here right beside me and watch as the storm blows through and I need you. Cause God gave me you for the ups and downs, God gave me you for the days of doubt, and for when I think I've lost my way, there are no words here left to say, it's true. God gave me you. Gave me you.
There's more here than what we're seeing - a divine conspirace. That you, an angel lovely, would somehow fall for me. You'll always be love's great martyr, and I'll be the flattered fool, and I need you. Yeah, God gave me you for the ups and downs, God gave me you for the days of doubt. And for when I think I've lost my way, there are no words here left to say, it's true - God gave me you.
On my own I'm only half of what I could be, I can't do without you. We are stitched together and what love has tethered, I pray we never undo... Cause God gave me you for the ups and downs, God gave me you for the days of doubt. God gave me you for the ups and downs, God gave me you for the days of doubt. And for when I think I've lost my way, there are no words here left to say, it's true. God gave me you, gave me you... He Gave me you. <3
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