Baby #3 Due in 5 Weeks

It's been a long time since I've entered a post. We had been living in Strawberry Hill Apartments for 15 months while our dream home was being built. Now we are in (about 3 weeks now) and enjoying every minute of it. We have a yard, a long driveway, a place for the kids to run and play outdoors. While we were living in SH apartments we got pregnant and are due on Nov 10, in 5 weeks! Crazy! Even crazier is we don't know the sex of this baby. It was kyle's idea and i'm so glad we agreed to do it this way. It's so exciting! The nursery is in disarray with all C and L's blue and pink baby gear in it. I have no going home outfit, no bag packed. How things change when it's your third. Life is busy right now! And I wonder how things can possible get any busier. My parents moved here a couple weeks ago though and that will help tremendously. They love to watch the kids and entertain them when we need breaks. I know having them close will come in handy and helpful when we have a newborn.
I'm planning C's 6th birthday party. He wants to have a party here so we are going to do another bounce house, always a hit, and have cupcakes. It'll be low key (i'll have just had the baby) and probably a drop off party. My parents will come and help out with the 6 year old madness.
C is enjoying kindergarten, but boy has it been an adjustment. It's such a long day and his teacher is structured and pretty strict. But he really likes her. He was mad at me the other day and told me he wishes Mrs. Rowe was his mommy. Ha! I thought to myself, Well at least I know he likes her. :)
Laine gets happy faces and glowing reports at school all the time. Girls are meant for school. It's a bit more of a challenge for young energetic boys I think. We just gave her my old childhood desk. She's loving it and has been drawing at it since she got it. I bought her some desk supplies because she is into making and drawing books. She's such a sweet and happy little thing and she makes me so happy-- she can definitely be defiant and difficult too when she wants to be. :)
I will try to be better about posting once the new baby comes. I have a personal journal too, but this is a good place to make periodic entries that mention milestones in our lives.

Monitor On/ Blogging in Bed

It's almost 9:00 and I'm ready for bed, I mean actual sleep. I'm so exhausted by this time of night. Thursdays are long days for me because I have both babies and the only activity we have is gymnastics at 10:30. Last Thursday Colston had a terrible tantrum right in the middle of the YMCA. Everyone saw and mothers looked at me in pity and with empathy. They knew how I felt, but with others I was surprised at the looks I got, mostly from older men, about my Dad's age who forget what it's like to have an almost three year old. Most weeks there is at least one episode when Colston hears the word No and has a melt down. It's the age, he'll grow out of it. Until then patience is absolutely necessary. But this Thursday was a good one. The babies got along nicely and when Libby came over this afternoon we all played with push toys in the driveway and enjoyed ourselves so much.
So now it's 9:00 and I'm looking at the monitor and a Colston is still awake. I've been waking him from his naps after an hour and a half because of this very reason. Tonight it doesn't seem to be helping. I just texted Kyle (who is upstairs watching tv) that he is whining. He went in there and said something that worked. Now he's laying down stroking his lovie. It'll be zzzzzzz time soon enough.

Almost 3 and 16 Months

Well, we are through with summer! Today was the coldest day yet, the heat and fire place just needed to be turned on. Soup for dinner. We are obviously ready for chilly autumn days. Colston even wore a sweater to school today.
Laine is busy busy busy! She is definitely able to keep up with her brother. He messes with her, but she gives it right back. She doesn't take any of it! She is pretty hilarious and loves to do what her brother does. Today she started blowing raspberries and meanwhile spitting because Colston was doing it. I told him that she learns her behaviors from him and he needs to teach her how to use her manners and be polite. He then said, "Laine, stop, be polite!" Pretty funny!
Colston is enjoying Ms. Susan and Ms. Elizabeth. They are helping us with potty training. He now pee pees in the potty with no issues. He wakes up after sleeping all night dry even. So we're on the right path. Number 2 isn't quite happening on the potty yet. Not sure what it is about pooping on the potty, but most kids are scared of it at first.
Lots of plans this fall/winter. We are going to the beach (Wild Dunes) in a few weeks to celebrate my Dad's retirement. Can't wait! We have plans to go to the mountains with Er, Josh, and Libby for the New Year and then again with friends and their children in February. My parents are visiting this weekend and then next weekend Bruce and Anne are coming. We haven't seen them in TOO long!

Busy Summer!

We have a busy summer! Last week we got back from visiting my parents in Island Heights. We ALL had a great time and enjoyed lovely weather, family time, and the POOL! The kids loved it and Colston really found his sea legs. He was so brave in the water that it made me really aware of how careful we all need to be. He loves the water now, so glad! Laine has loved it all along.

We leave for Emerald Isle on Wednesday. The Linebergers are coming with us so it'll be so fun for L and C to have two friends to play in the sand with. I can't wait to see them all together. Beverly will get there on Saturday. Sadly, we have to leave on Monday because Colston starts camp on Tuesday at Sharon Baptist.
Here are some pictures of Laine's first birthday! I can't believe she is one! We had a small gathering to celebrate, didn't do anything big for this one, but next year we'll have family come. We didn't this year because we were just in Turks and Caicos and the Grandies spent plenty of time with them then as they (all three sets) traded off and kept them safe and happy.
 I will add pics of our NJ trip soon. 

In August we're going with Er, Josh, and Libby to Wild Dunes for a long weekend. Looking forward to that!

Growing So Fast

The babies are growing so fast... Colston will be 2 1/2 in May and Laine will be 10 months in a few days. Goodness! My little Lainey still isn't crawling, but boy does she want to. One of these days she will just take off like it's no big thing. Colston is talking up a storm. He will repeat something over and over until you acknowledge him. He calls Laine "Baby." He'll say, "Look Baby." "Don't cry Baby." It's so funny. When I ask him what his name is he says, "You." He hears me say, What are you doing? I love you, etc. so he thinks his name is you. I asked him today and he gave me his version of Colston so we're making progress. He's a sweet lil guy and definitely going through a mommy phase. He wants to be held, cuddled, loved on and I LOVE every second of it.

Yesterday we had an Easter egg hunt at Jennifer's house. What a wonderful play date for all the little ones. They loved it! Colston enjoyed running after the older kids. Ive learned that I need to grow a thicker skin when it comes to my kids. Mama Bear tends to come out when someone is mean to Colston. I can't intervene each time, I need to let him handle it sometimes. My eyes just well up with tears though, I just love him so much and want everyone to be nice to him because he's just so nice. I'm sure I'm going through what every Mommy goes through.

Sunday is Easter. It's just us this year and Erin, Josh, and Libby. My mom wants to come for an Easter egg hunt one year so maybe next year she and Dad will come. We are going to church then brunch and then to Erin's house for the egg hunt. It will be the last event at their house because they move next weekend. A chapter is closing.

New Year 2012

We celebrated the new year with a trip to the mountains in Boone. Er, Josh, Lib, Kyle, Colston, Laine, and I. We had a relaxing and wonderful time. We ate a ton and drank a ton (when the babies were asleep of course.)

When we returned it was diet time! Kyle is doing P90X and looking fantastic... almost a month into it. I've been going to my wonderful Pilates classes at the Y. I LOVE going to my close to home Y.... best place for me to be, besides me home of course. :-)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Laine had her first Christmas! It was a wonderful several days that began with a visit from Kyle's Dad and stepmom and many of her family members. They brought the yummy food and we enjoyed a nice day. Sydney and Jason were in from California, the reason why Anne had her family here.

My parents came the following day and they watched the babies while Kyle and I went to a Panther's game. So much fun! The next day was Laine's first Christmas and C's 3rd Christmas! It was wonderful! We walked Colston and Laine down the stairs as my parents watched their expressions of awe. Colston was in shock at first. He was so sweet. He just looked at it all and didn't touch a thing at first. He's so polite without even knowing it. He got a 4 wheeler that really goes (outside) when he presses his foot on the peddle. He hasn't quite learned how to make it go, but I'm sure it'll just be a matter of days before it clicks. He got a kitchen (from Nana and Poppy), Sesame Street rain boots, a big dog pillow, books, a large dump truck, etc. Laine got her first baby doll from Nana and Poppy. She loves her so much already!

Beverly and Robert came the day they left for Savannah, (they are coming back through Charlotte tomorrow before heading back to NJ.) They brought a slew of gifts including a Big Wheels and another riding toy for outside. He was totally and completely spoiled with gifts by all his grandparents (and by us.) I think next year we will try and tame down the gift giving a little bit.... if we keep going at this pace we really won't have any room for anything else. They truly don't need lots and lots of toys, just a few nice things that they will get plenty of use out of. We are very appreciative though of everyone's generosity.

Where Does the Time Go?

Gosh! Last time I wrote a blog entry Laine was only 6 weeks old. Now she's almost 5 months old and changing, growing, and surprising us every day! She is SUCH a good baby! She's been sleeping through the night since she was 8 weeks old. Now we put her down around 8:30 and she sleeps until around 7:30 or 8:30am. Not a peep throughout the night. She doesn't cry unless she is sleepy or hungry. She is such a pleasant and happy baby. Colston doesn't have to do much to make her hysterically laugh at him. He enjoys dancing for her and loves even more seeing her giddy response. She loves him SO much and the feeling is mutual. He just adores his little sister. He's a boy and sometimes needs to be reminded to be gentle still, but that's ok. He'll get it.

Colston will be TWO YEARS OLD next month! My goodness! He was Cookie Monster for Halloween and Laine was his cookie. We went to a trunk of treating in Elizabeth, along with friends of ours and had so much fun. Lots of young families having a good old time. I will try and post some pictures from our evening.

So Blessed!

Colston and Laine are growing so fast! He is 20 months already and she is 6 weeks! We are enjoying them so much. Colston loves her and is so gentle with her. We barely had to teach him to be gentle-- he just knew. She changes every day, literally. He is talking up a storm and has his own little language. Most of the time I understand what he is trying to tell me, the other times I just pretend. :-)

Couldn't Be Happier!

Kyle and I are so truly blessed! Our babies are so healthy and growing so fast! Laine is 6 weeks already and changing literally every day. Colston is 20 months and just enjoying life. He is so much fun and so enjoyable. He's talking so much and definitely has his own little language. It's so cute!

Laine Has Arrived!

Beautiful baby girl Lainey! June 9, 2011 8lbs 4 oz. 20 inches long

Happy and healthy! We are blessed!

She'll be here soon!

It's finally JUNE! Lainey be here soon! I went to the doctor today (38 1/2 weeks) and he told me I'm 2 cm dilated and 80% effaced. I hadn't made this much progress with Colston at this point, but you just never know. The Dr. said it could be tonight or she could still be late. We'll see. At least these Braxton Hicks contractions are actually doing something-- they are quite uncomfortable at night, especially. Stay tuned!

I Feel So Blessed

Here I sit, feeling baby Laine move and move inside me at 35 weeks pregnant. I just read a woman's heart wrenching blog a few minutes ago about her son, Isaac that was born at 29 weeks and 4 days weighing only 1 lb. 7oz. He passed away after being in their lives, hooked up to machines and fighting for his life for 4 weeks. With tears in my eyes, I have to remember never to take my blessings for granted. Why do some people have uneventful and smooth pregnancies and other people, people who have been trying to conceive for a long while, have such difficult ones? It doesn't make any sense and it's not fair. The faith this couple has is so admirable and the love they have for each other is unbreakable. The good news is, they just adopted a healthy baby boy, Gavin. They are so happy beyond words. He is perfect in every way and they are the perfect parents to this baby boy. I met Melissa and Zo through Sydney, Kyle's step sister. Melissa is Jason's sister and Jason is Sydney's new husband. Wonderful couple... I just had to write about them as sort of a tribute to them-- how strong they are!

7 Weeks to Go!

We had our 3D ultrasound today! I so enjoyed this when we did ours with Colston so I knew I wanted to do it again with this baby. She is beautiful already! I can't believe we only have 7 weeks to go. I know it will fly by! She looks like she's ready to come out and meet the world already. Kyle and I brought my parents who are babysitting for Libby while Erin and Josh are in Italy... poor babies. Haha! Libby and Colston came too and were so well behaved.

First Trip to Disney!

On March 3, Kyle and I took Colston to Disney World for the first time. We met my parents there and stayed altogether in their timeshare. We had a wonderful time and got to see many of the Disney characters. Colston enjoyed posing for pictures with Pooh Bear, Piglet, and Eeyore. We went on lots of rides including It's a Small World and the Pooh Bear ride. We also went to Animal Kingdom and took a safari ride-- Colston has seen lots of wild animals in books, but loved seeing them in person. My parents watched C Bird Saturday night and Kyle and I had date night at a yummy Cuban restaurant. The food was so good!

A good time was had by all!!

Colston is 14 Months/20 Weeks Pregnant

Colston continues to amaze us with how observant and sweet he is. He is getting so much better at playing with his toys for longer blocks of time without getting antsy and coming to find momma. He loves Izzy, Erin's dog. He will find her and snuggle up next to her and just lay there for 5 minutes, giving her the occasional kiss on the nose. He has two huge chompers in the top of his mouth and two at the bottom which gives him the tools he needs to bite the fish heads off his goldfish snacks and also enables him to bite his cousin, Libby. He goes in for a kiss and then at times it changes to a Love Bite..... we're working on that! He is so funny-- we laugh and laugh! He turns into a different child when he's naked about to get into the bathtub. He runs around and screams like a wild man! It's hysterical! We just pray he doesn't pee pee all over the place before getting into the water.

I am halfway through this pregnancy. We found out we are definitely having a girl this time. She looks so sweet already. We feel so incredibly blessed to be having a second healthy pregnancy and it's an added bonus to be having a girl-- one of each is what we were hoping for. Now we can be done if we want-- OR in 4 years or so we'll try for a third.

Everyone asks what we're naming her. We're keeping it quiet until she enters the world. The Grandies know and of course Erin and Josh.... but everyone else will find out on the day she is born. We want some element of surprise in there!

Preschool?

So I never would have thought I needed to start checking out preschools for my one year old. Then I got pregnant and realized Colston will be approaching two and will want to be active and out and about all the time. Watching momma nurse our new baby on the couch day after day while he has ants in his pants will make me sad for him. So, I've decided to enroll him in preschool beginning in September. I visited one yesterday and loved it! There are 2 teachers to every 9 babies. They seem very attentive and loving and the establishment appears clean which is very important to me. The children were all very interested in Colston an he loved the attention. They do an arts and crafts project daily (very brave) and even eat lunch. He will go 2 (or 3) days a week for about 4 hours. It's only 3 minutes from our home which makes it even more enticing. We're visiting another one today. This one is close as well so we'll see which one makes the cut.

On a pregnancy update, I'm feeling well and everything is still pretty uneventful which is exactly what we all hope for! I'm starting to feel squirming around which is wonderful!

Later that day: I visited the other preschool which is even closer than the one before and I LOVE it! I think we have our school!

It's A Girl!

So I've been thinking blue this whole time until yesterday when I went in for my nuchal scan at 12/5 weeks... the tech told me with 80% accuracy that it's a girl and the doctor confirmed her "prediction." He said, "Yup, a girl!" Then he said, "Don't put it up on Facebook yet for another 4 weeks until we have it confirmed, but I've done this a lot!" I thought that was funny b/c I'm such a Facebook nerd. Anyway, she was bouncing up and down with hiccups and stretching out, opening and closing her mouth. She is already adorable and looks like a real baby! Most importantly, all the measurements/tests came out completely normal. Everything is fine! I'm so relieved and I feel so blessed that God is giving us yet another one of his perfect miracles.
Here is a picture of her at 12/5 weeks........

Finally Updating...

I always forget to update my blog and then it dawns on me that it's been a while.... not sure who reads, but I really update it for myself-- I like to document so I'll never forget about the details to my sweet little life.

Colston will be ONE year old in just 20 days! We are having a birthday party for him on Nov. 20th. Luckily it falls on a Saturday. It will begin at 3:30 and end at 5:30. I like children's parties b/c you can put an end time on the invite. I have a feeling I will be ready for the party to be over at 5:30. I didn't invite any of his "friends" this year and will wait until next year or the year after for that. We invited family and a few of our adult friends. My mom and dad will be coming and staying with us for the weekend. They haven't seen Colston in a while so they are looking forward to spending some good old QT time with their only grandson.

C Bird is cruising around and wants to walk badly. Any day now he will just surprise us with this first step. My mom said I took my first step on my first birthday and Erin saw me and quickly followed a day or two later. Maybe C will do the same... he is into everything though. I can't just put him in one spot anymore, do the dishes and think he will still be there. He follows me everywhere and particularly enjoys the task of laundry-- drying the laundry. He stands in front of the dryer and just watches it go round and round.

When Daddy gets home at 5:30 you would think the world stops and all that matters is watching him walk through that door. Daddy is just as happy to see C every evening. It's so sweet.

Today is Halloween!! Colston is an octopus this year, but Kyle isn't feeling well so I'm not sure if we'll get to walk around with him like we had planned. We will dress him up and hope for some trick-or-treaters.

I'm 8 weeks pregnant and feeling well. I have told most friends, but not all. I have been telling them as it comes up or as I see them. I guess after my next ultrasound (Nov. 9) I will tell the rest of them and then make the announcement on Facebook-- assuming it's a positive appointment. Due June 11th! I think it's another boy and will be surprised if it's a girl. Kyle and I don't really have a preference, as long as we have another healthy baby.

Shutterfly | Shared Picture Detail

Shutterfly Shared Picture Detail
See above picture of how big my little man is getting! He will be 10 months on Monday and he is more of a little boy now than a baby! He's crawling and getting faster and faster... he's pulling himself up to everything.... he's a handful, but I'm enjoying every minute!