Thursday, February 28, 2013

I'm OK With Having 3 Boys.

When I'm out and about, especially if my boys are with me, I get an inevitable eye roll when I reveal that our next child is a boy. Eye rolls. About the gender of a baby.  

Quite honestly, I'm tired of it. 

I'm tired of the American dream telling me it's weird to have more than 2 kids.

I'm tired of the American dream saying that somehow our family is not complete unless there's a girl in it.


Don't get me wrong. I get it. People have wants/desires and dreams for their family. And I guess in some sense I was probably that way too at some point in my life. But when we struggled to get pregnant with Brayden, I got to a point where I realized it didn't matter if I had a girl or a boy... either way I was receiving one of the greatest blessings God could ever bestow on me. Either way he or she would be special and perfectly knit for just our family. And if you've ever struggled with infertility, short or long, you know that you get to a point where you are just happy to be able to have a child at all!

I love being a boy mom. It's all I've ever really "seen" myself being. If you know me, you know I'm a bit of a tomboy. I like to wear t-shirts and sweatpants, watch college football, play softball and talk sports statistics with my husband.

I'm not your typical girl. 

But I feel like me being that way makes me perfectly suited to be able to parent these rough and tumble boys. For the most part, their boyishness, in all its craziness, rolls off my back. I delight in the football/baseball/basketball talk, the wrestling matches on the floor and the superhero dreams.

So no, I didn't roll my eyes when they told me that I was having another boy. I just laughed. 

I laughed because in all honesty, I'm not quite sure I have ever pictured our family any differently than how God has shaped us to become. I laughed because I know it makes my house just a little bit more crazy. And I laughed because in some sense, I welcome the craziness with wide open arms. And now I'm to a point where I wish that the way God built our family to be a family of all boys wouldn't seem to garner such complete dismissal, as if something is broken or not complete.

And so I say to the eye rollers: don't roll your eyes. Rejoice with me that there is a new life. Rejoice with me that God is giving us especially what He knew our family needed. Rejoice with me because, regardless of gender, all children are a blessing.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! 
Psalm 127:3-5

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

A Snow Day {FINALLY}.

After almost a year and a half with little to no snow, I'll admit that I was getting a bit antsy for some of the fluffy white stuff. Besides having fun, I was annoyed that I bought snow boots and gear for the boys, only to not be able to use it. Such a bummer when things like that happen.

This morning though, everything changed, when we woke up to the weather mans predictions actually coming true. We had blowing snow! The boys sat at the window for a while to watch and oohhhed and ahhhed over it all. But when it was time to actually go out and play in it, they balked. I asked them about 4 times and everytime was met with objection. Such a travesty. Apparently wearing basketball shorts and t-shirts trumps getting suited up in snow gear and playing in 30 degree weather... who knew?!?

Thankfully my neighbor called and asked if we wanted to play outside with them, and that got the ball rolling on their snowy motivation (we won't talk about the all out battle we had to get wind pants on the 3 year old). Once the tears were shed over pants, we all were able to go outside and enjoy a bit of the snow.
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Zachary was NOT a fan of bundling up. Bless his heart. Is he not the cutest little boy you've ever seen in your life?!? He has the cutest head of tight curly hair hiding under all of those layers.
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Brayden and Grace throwing snow in the air
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Connor smiled the entire time we were outside. He LOVES snow!
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he looks WAY too old in this picture!
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snow angels!
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still a little of the 'tude showing through.

This snow was perfect because it gave the boys enough to play in, but wasn't enough to keep us inside for days on end (ie: I was able to run to the store for diapers after Drew got home from work!). Now we're praying that spring comes soon... we're ready to be able to play outside ALL day long!

26 Weeks {a pregnancy update}.

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excuse my hot mess of a hairdo. I forgot to take a picture in the morning, so this is post nap on Sunday afternoon.
How Far Along: 26 weeks, 4 days
Size of baby: 15 inches, 2.2 pounds, about the size of a cumcumber
(cleary I'm getting ripped off at the grocery store, as I've never had a cucumber this big)
Total Weight Gain/Loss: (as of 2/8/13) 18 pounds
 Maternity Clothes: All maternity clothes for the most part.
Gender: BOY! Tyler Paul.
Movement: The boy likes to move. First thing in the morning, and usually right when I lay down at night.
Sleep: I've slept ok. I've had really strange dreams.
Symptoms: Just your typical pregnancy symptoms. A little heartburn, a little sleeplessness, a lot of trips to the bathroom... you know. Just the usual. ;)
What I miss: Sleeping on my tummy.
Cravings: If it's bad for me, then I crave it. It's horrible really. I've never had a pregnancy like this. Normally I am easily restrained with food, but this pregnancy has me completely off my railings.
Food Aversions: nada. see also, I crave everything bad.
Best Moment this week: Nothing really stands out to me, which I guess is a good thing. Sometimes not having anything big happen in a pregnancy is the best kind of week to have :)
What I am looking forward to: I have my last monthly appointment in a week and a half. I'm looking forward to being on the final countdown of this pregnancy. People keep asking me if I'm ready. And to be honest, I'm not sure anyone is ever ready for a child, regardless if it's your first or third. But I AM ready to meet Tyler. I AM ready for him to be here and be in our everyday lives. And I AM ready to be a family of five.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Baby Showers and Swim Parties {Weekend in Review}

We've had quite the eventful weekend this weekend, filled with loads of fun, as any eventful weekend should.

First, I have to be honest and say that Friday, the start to our weekend, was less than perfect. It was one of "those" days. If you're a parent, you know what I mean. If it could have gone wrong with my kids, it did. By 4:30, we were all in survival mode and wishing on a prayer that Daddy would come in to rescue the day. When 5pm hit and Drew called to tell me he'd be home late, I was the one imploding. I threw monetary caution to the wind, packed us up and headed to Chick-Fil-A. It was the perfect ending to a not so perfect day, and realigned us all for the weekend ahead of us.
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I'm pretty sure ice cream and Chick Fil A are the salve to heal bad days.

Saturday I had a baby shower for my sweet friend, Whitney. I didn't get to stay long because I had to be back to help Drew with the boys at a birthday party, thus no pictures :( Boo. Drew is more than capable of taking care of our kids, but a swimming birthday party is a whole different level, and with two boys who tend to throw caution to the wind, I wanted to set up everyone for success. The boys had SO much fun. It was so great to see how much Connor had changed in the water; he's gone from being very apprehensive of swimming last summer, to being all out boy, jumping, sliding and splashing around. Brayden Thomas made my heart skip a beat when I noticed from the opposite side of the pool that he had climbed out and decided he didn't need his life jacket anymore. Mercy. I had to throw caution to the wind, speed walking/running on soaking wet slippery ground to get to my almost 4 year old, who thought it would be fun to jump into the swirling rapid pool with no life saving device on. He keeps me on my toes, that Brayden Thomas.
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In case you ever doubted Drew was a great dad, I give you this picture. He's amazing.
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sweet boy. He is losing what little he has left of the "baby", and becoming a little boy. Such a mixture of happy and sad for me.
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full of life and action. He makes me smile.
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exhibit B of "awesome dad" category.
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exhibit C "awesome dad."
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one of the sweet birthday boys, Jack. He is one of Braydens closest friends.
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Cari did so cute with the decorations... it was a Nemo party!
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sweet birthday brothers!

Cute story of the weekend goes to Connor. We were riding together on the way home from the party. At the beginning of the trip we talked about the pretty sunset. About 15 minutes later Connor said "mommy the sunset turned off! Turn it back on, please?" Yall. Two years old is a hard, hard stage. And in many respects, I slightly wish it away, if I'm honest. But then he goes and says stuff like that and I wish I could just box him up and freeze him forever.

Sunday was a great day of learning (we're in a parenting class at church and are learning so much!) for Drew and I, and great weather for our boys to roam outside. Outside playing is always the best. Boys just need it, and our house seems to be much more peaceful when they have that outlet (read: I can't wait for spring!!!).

We have a busy week ahead of us (really, we just have a busy spring ahead of us!), and I have a lot on my mind that I hope to blog about soon. Hope everyone has a great week!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Phone Picture Dump.

I have way too many pictures that I've taken lately on my phone, but have either forgotten to upload them or just not had the space for it in my posts. I know these pictures aren't the best quality, but they are such a great little snapshot of our every day lives.
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last weekend Connor was OBSESSED with Olivia. He was a little over the top with his affection, but for the most part, Olivia took it all in stride. I love this picture of them in their jammies before bed snuggling while watching a movie.
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Connor on the way to church last week. He loves wearing my glasses, and will say "I Mr Tool!"
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Connor was my helper making brownies recently. He kept saying "ohhhh, this is so nummmy!"
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We had a valentines party with friends last week. I am so grateful for my crafy mom friends who think to do fun things with the kids. I am SO not that mom!
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Connor with markers. Watch out.
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The boys want to wear their Razorback jerseys ALL. THE. TIME. Connor is clearly happy about taking his picture. Only he's not. (I think Brayden was pinching him right before I snapped this.)
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I love them so.

Hope yall have a good weekend! We've got a busy one planned, but it should be fun!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

25 Weeks {a pregnancy update}.

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I feel like I look like I'm holding a basketball under my shirt in this picture. haha!

How Far Along: 25 weeks, 4 days
Size of baby: 9.2 inches, 2 pounds, about the size of an eggplant
Total Weight Gain/Loss: (as of 2/8/13) 18 pounds
 Maternity Clothes: All maternity clothes, when I wear something other than sweats and a t-shirt.
Gender: BOY! Tyler Paul.
Movement: Lots o' movement. Last night it felt like he was doing somersaults. And then this morning my stomach looked like it was shaped different, so maybe he flipped or something???
Sleep: It's been ok. I've woken myself up a few times trying to roll over onto my belly in my sleep. Such a bummer when that happens.
Symptoms: Tired and achy. Nothing too uncommon for this phase of pregnancy.
What I miss: Sleeping on my tummy.
Cravings: Mexican food is my consistent craving. I am still craving cookie dough, but after my last 8 pound weight gain I have held off from eating it every night.
Food Aversions: nada.
Best Moment this week: I loved having our friends, Brian and Christy, up for a visit last weekend.
What I am looking forward to: My next appointment in a few weeks will be my last monthly appointment. Then I'll be going every other week! I can't believe we're on a countdown to meeting this little guy finally!

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Good Times, Old Friends & Toothbrushes.

We are alive and well, healed from all of the sickies from last week. Let's hope it stays that way for a while... life is a lot more fun when you don't have the flu or other common winter illnesses :)

We had the blessing of hosting some of our very dear friends for a visit this weekend. Brian and I went to high school together, and Christy and I went to church together, and now that they're back in Arkansas a reunion of sorts was imminent. It was so fun to relax, sit back and watch the kids play and talk. I just love kindred spirit friends-- friends who just "get" you. That is definitely what Brian and Christy are to us and their visit was so refreshing. It was fun to see the kids play together too! They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I'll let my memory making do the rest of the talking (and I just realized that the adults never took a picture together. Bummer).
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David and Olivia
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(a) please note that I did not pick out Braydens clothes this day (b) please note that he is standing like he is the hot dog grilling BOSS
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Connor felt like he needed two hot dogs at all times. Because I clearly don't feed the child enough.
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I mean. Really. This kid. I swear I don't teach him the Mr. Cool attitude. He is a mess.
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our boys were slightly obsessed with Olivia. Bless her heart, she handled it like a champ.
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lil' stinker
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I was amazed at the differences between boys and girls over the weekend. I'm not sure I ever get poses like this when I whip out my camera with the boys :)
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lots of trampoline fun!
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oh my goodness. He has my heart (and he knows it). He told me tonight that he is my buddy. Melt me now.
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we had fun riding bikes, despite the 30 degree weather
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seriously. how cute are they?
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Brayden wasn't a fan of riding bikes in the cold. So he drew pictures. He was so proud of his angel, complete with hair and a skirt ;) I love his little imagination coming to life. It's precious.

Our weekend ended in somewhat of a low note, as we realized one of our children flushed a tooth brush (and hopefully that is ALL it is) down our toilet. So now we're down to 1 toilet. Looks like I'll be spending my day off tomorrow with a plumber. Not necessarily what we had planned, but so goes life with preschoolers.

On the plus side, Brayden told me in the car tonight that he loved me so much, that in a few years when he could pay for it for Christmas, he was going to buy me a hard, hard gun that could shoot 10 bullets, that way I could beat up the bad guys. And apparently I'm getting this fine gift because he loves me all the way to the moon and back. Such love in our home I tell you.... except for those bad guys. They better watch out ;)

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Little Lovies: A Favorite Things Valentines Day Swap. {What I Got}.


You may remember that a few weeks ago I told y'all my friend, Laura, and I decided to have a Valentines Day swap with our favorite things. This was my first time participating in something like this with other bloggers, and I must say, it was a lot of fun.

For this swap I was paired up with Sarah, who I must say, is my new hero. She's had five kids in five years. When I saw her blog and realized that she's basically super woman, I thought about mailing her several pounds of chocolate. Too bad the postage for that would cost an arm and a leg. But seriously. She deserves it. Also, her blog is really funny, and totally honest about life, which if you know anything about me, you know I love. You should check it out!

But now, for what Sarah sent me :)  
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I got a candle, a coffee mix and some delicious chocolates (they're called Buckeyes. It's like a Reese's kind of, but WAY smoother. Like, it melted in my mouth).

I have to be honest. The chocolates didn't make it 30 minutes past me taking this picture when my box came in. They were SO good!!!!! It's probably a good thing that she only sent me three of them. This pregnancy has had me stress eating chocolate like nobody's business.

I've burned the candle every night since I got it. It smells so fresh and springy. I may have to get a big one once I burn this one out :)

And I LOOOOOOVE the french vanilla coffee mix. I actually blend it with 1/2 coffee, 1/2 milk. I love that it's decaf if I want a little something sweet before bed, and it's sugar free too!

Thanks so much Sarah for all of my special treats! If you participated in the Little Lovies swap, I'd love to see what you got in YOUR box! Link up below, or at Laura's blog (linking up on either blog should link you on both). Be sure to include one of the Little Lovies buttons too! Happy Valentines Day!
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