2013: Year in Review

Anna Kathryn's 2013 Year in Review...

Favorite food: "Pineapples"
Favorite color: "Pink and Purple"
Favorite activity: "Painting"
Favorite book: "Jesus. And, the School Bus book."
Favorite movie: "Frozen"
Favorite memory from the year: "Seeing Frozen."
I asked her...so, you got a new baby sister, you had an Ariel 3rd birthday, we went to other friend's birthdays, Christmas.....seeing Frozen was your favorite thing? She said, "yup."
Best friend: "Brinley"
Brinley is her cousin, the youngest of my older sister's four girls
What do you want to be when you grow up: "A nurse"
She just recently watch fire truck Barney and there's a nurse on there.
Favorite candy: Sprinkles
Really, she loves all candy. Her favorites that she always asks for are gum, marshmallows, orange slices (the gummy candy with sugar), m&m's...)
Favorite tv show: fire truck Barney"
Again, we just watched that recently. Her favorites this year that have been on repeat, Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure, Adventures of Mater, Rockefeller Christmas Spectacular....
Favorite toy: "It's at school. It's the baby doll center"
Friends at school: Julia, Hailey, Finley, Ira, Mrs. Lisa, Damian, Lucy, Kbob (Caleb), and McKenzie. And, friends not at school Elizabeth and Trinity.

Macy Jane's 2013 Year in Review...

Favorite food: She loves it all. She started eating solids like soft veggies and fruit. She likes bananas but not the baby food form.
Favorite color: Too early to tell
Favorite activity: She loves to be moving no matter what she's doing or where she is. She hates sitting still.
Favorite book: Anything Anna is reading
Favorite movie: Anything Anna is watching
Favorite memory: Too early to ask her. But, mine has been watching her grow and learn new things. Babies grow so quickly. She's rolled over, sat up on her own, started to rock on all fours, gotten two teeth...I know I'm missing so much.
Best friend: Anna
Favorite candy: She hasn't had candy yet...I think someone snuck her ice cream. One of her grandfathers.
Favorite tv show: Anything Anna is watching
Favorite toy: Any teething toy

Holly's 2013 Year in Review...

Favorite food: Thanksgiving foods. Turkey, my mom's dressing, my mom's sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, my mom's Pie Cherry Salad
Favorite color: I love pink but in clothing I love black and brown
Favorite activity: sleeping in my comfortable bed
Favorite book: The Bible
Favorite movie: We haven't seen a lot of movies this year but we saw Mud with Matthew McCohndhfdjadadfd (I can never spell that man's name) and that was good. I'm more of a documentary on Netflix watcher.
Favorite memory from this year: Hands down, the moment that Anna walked into the hospital room after I had Macy and she saw her for the first time. She walked in with a very serious, "Where's my sister I need to see her now." look and she melted when she saw her. Goodness, it makes me tear up. I hope I never forget that moment. She came in to recovery to see me and of course they took Macy to the nursery while I was there but she came in wih the same determined look but I had to explain that Macy was out of my belly but in the nursery and we would see her very soon. It was important for me not to have her see her baby sister until I was there to witness it. I'm glad I was so concerned with making that happen. The moment was priceless.
Best friend: Blake
Favorite candy: chocolate
Favorite tv show: I don't watch a lot of tv and this year we got rid of cable but I love Big Brother and this year I watched all of the episodes of Revenge
Favorite toy: I'd say my phone...it has games and apps and I can text people quickly

Blake's 2013 Year in Review...

Favorite food: a rib-eye steak that I cooked. Prime rib is pretty good. Venison I cooked was pretty good but a rib-eye is my favorite.
Favorite color: I always tell Anna it's blue but it's not really. Maybe it is but it's not blue, blue. Navy with a little bit of teal to it.
Favorite activity: watching Anna just be a kid
Favorite book: The Bible
Favorite movie: Looper
Favorite memory: Macy being born and joining the family
Best friend: You (me, Holly)
Favorite candy: Sweedish Fish
Favorite tv show: Psych
Favorite toy: .308
And, he added, "The love of my life isn't on there? That'd be you." Awww...so special.

TTR cartoon helpers

Anna was watching Daniel the Tiger cartoon his morning and you know how cartoons ask, do you want to help me with this or that?" Daniel asked, "Do you want to help me in the garden?" and Anna said, "No. I'm not in there." Kids are a hoot!

Macy Jane 7 months

Macy - 7 months old. Two tiny teeth, started solids and loves bananas, green beans, peas, spaghetti noodles...there's nothing she has turned away. Macy started sitting up without support a few weeks ago but the past few days she can go from laying down and push herself up to sitting on her hiney, and she is getting up on her hands and knees but not crawling yet, she hates to miss a thing and loves to see anything and everyone around her. No lounging for this girl. Lots happening in her little life the last couple of months!  Best of all, she's still as happy as can be! (except the few days around teething time) :)

Some Moms...All Moms...Super Moms

I know I have seen at least 5 of my mom friends post this, just today, and many similar viral blog posts before but I'm going to hopefully offer a different perspective. One that's taken me about...31 years to figure out. I have a problem with these bashing super mom articles because I'm not into bashing "super mom" just as much as I am not into praising whatever isn't "super mom."  However, I am into bashing the idea that is in my head and in your head of whatever it is you think "super mom" is.

First off, what is a super mom anyway? Answer: it's an image that you yourself have created in your mind of what a great, super mom is. What I think is a super mom might be and probably is different than what you think is a super mom. You might think a super mom is someone who is 100% green and organic. I don't. Sorry. you might think a super mom is someone who clips the most coupons and makes gourmet meals for pennies on the dollar. I kind of think that's actually pretty cool. LOL. But, you get it, right? Just like we all have our likes and dislikes, we all have our own images and feelings on a subject, especially this.

The way I see it, since everyone's idea of what constitutes a super mom is different, then that means the problem lies within ourselves. That means we have to be honest with ourselves and STOP COMPARING and START EMBRACING. Embrace yourself just how God made you. He made everyone so different. Yes, people have similar likes and dislikes but he gifted us with certain talents and certain talents he did not. That's a good thing. God wonderfully made each of us! I'm unlike anyone else (some of you may be saying amen to that - ha!) and you are unlike anyone else. In the end, it's up to us whether we buy into the idea that there even IS a super mom. 

I don't want, nor is my intention, to sound mean or rude but, it's not another mom's fault that you are comparing yourself to her. Do not get me wrong though....I'm guilty of comparing myself sometimes, a lot of times, but that doesn't give me the right to bash that "super mom" and then brag about how cool it is that I DON'T do what she does. She might find something so fun and exciting and she gets JOY out of cooking a homemade meal from scratch. Another mom might find JOY in hand making something and because you don't that's okay. One mom might find JOY in snapping pictures and another mom says, "I don't. I'm not good at. Let's call a photographer." It's hard not to compare, I know first hand, but I know I'm happier when I'm glad for other people's successes and am fulfilled when I'm satisfied with my own talents and successes; not expecting approval from anyone else.

Some moms LOVE hand making every single item that they have at a party and they love throwing parties. I fall into that category. I don't do it to keep up or one up or to make people feel better or worse but I do it because I freaking love it!!!!!! Some moms might think that is totally stupid and ridiculous or they don't like that stuff so they either hire someone to do it for them or they instead go to Party City and buy plastic table covers, utensils, etc...and they are happy with that. If they aren't happy with that then it isn't okay to then blame the mom who is.

Some moms are going to buy ALL organic food and cloth diaper their children and post articles on the pros of doing so. Some moms, be it they can't afford it or they just "don't get it," aren't going to do that. I personally fall somewhere in between. I sometimes buy organic and sometimes I don't. I eat red meat and feed it to my kids and I make mac and cheese. great. some moms don't. That's awesome.

Some moms breastfeed, some moms don't. Neither mom should be made to feel guilty about their decision! No mom, that I know, would want something that isn't the best for their child. One might breastfeed because they can't afford formula. One might do formula because they physically can't breastfeed. But, you don't know the reason so if you see someone breastfeeding; they might HAVE to and they aren't doing it to be a "super mom. And, the formula feeding mom might feel so guilty already and then in someone strolls, "oh you aren't breastfeeding??" You just don't know if someone is doing something to be "super mom" or because they have to, or want to!  

Some moms buy the jarred baby food some moms home puree it. I'm a Gerber jar baby food mom. Great. A lot of my friends I see on FB have the time and talent to make homemade baby good. That's awesome. I feel like I don't have the time but if I did I honestly probably wouldn't make my own baby food. :/ You might think that mom who does is super mom. Don't. She probably thinks something you do makes you super mom.

Some moms have babies all natural without drugs (the super mom?) and some moms don't. Does that make the baby more special or the mom better? no way! Both moms had to carry their babies for 9 months, both had different ways their babies entered the world but both have to recover from it. One mom might have a swollen who-who (is our word for it) and the other might have a 6-8 inch scar that is also pretty painful. Neither mom is made better through the way they deliver. Know that.

Some moms choose to and are financially able to stay home. Are they better, and more of a super mom, than the mom who goes to work and drops their kids off at the best daycare they could find or afford. Neither wants bad for their child; their circumstances are just different. I find myself comparing myself to stay at home moms. And, then I remind myself to stop it. While they never get a break, neither do I. I have to get up at 5 and get myself and two kids out the door, work 9 hours, miss my babies and still have dinner and laundry and all that. The stay at home mom might also get up at 5 am. They have to fill their precious baby's time with some activities and that probably means sacrificing a lot, a lot of me time. They also have laundry and cleaning to do. neither is a super mom. Each mom can boast because they are each doing the best they can, aren't they?

Some moms send their kids to public school and go to work. Some moms send their kids to private school and work. Or stay home. Some choose to homeschool. Is the super mom the one who homeschools? Or is your idea of the super mom the private school mom? Each is doing what they feel is right for their family. No one is super mom over the other.
　

I think, for our own happiness and sanity, we have to embrace our own talents and do what WE love doing. Do what God made US to do. Whatever that may be. Just as the Bible says do not conform to this world I think that can be applied here - do not conform to what your friend or sister or neighbor is doing. Do what you love doing. Use the talents God gave YOU! Do not blame other moms who were also made by God, and also made completely different from you, because they do something that in your head constitutes super mom. What if it brings them that JOY? What do you find JOY in? What things are YOU good at? I think that God probably hurts when he hears us say, "that person is better than me" and he hears us mentally compare ourselves to one another. I think he hurts because he sees all the talents he gave you that you are over looking or aren't using because you are trying to be the image of super mom in your head.Let's each of us moms pray for God to reveal our talents and then use them to bring honor to him!

Galations 6:4 says, "Anyone think they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load." I'm going to make this my own focus verse when I start to see someone who I think is a super mom and I start bashing my own self, or start bashing that mom for doing whatever it is. Let us lift one another up - even the "super moms." Why would we bash someone for doing something good for their kids just because we haven't or don't want to? Good job super moms! Good job regular (although you're a super mom too!) moms. Why should we bash ourselves because we think we aren't measuring up to the "super mom?" idea we have in our head? Good job ALL MOMS! Your kids love you no matter if there is Kraft mac and cheese or homemade mac and cheese on the table. That truth, our love for one another, and our life through Christ, is what we need to lift up rather than getting frustrated with ourselves or other moms.

Back to the Grindstone

The girls started back to daycare today and I go back to work tomorrow. I sent them today to get back to our normal and honestly, so I could cry here and not at work like I did when I went back after Anna! I actually haven't shed a tear yet. Probably knowing I'm going to get them earlier and I'm not really back yet. But, then again I have been crying on and off since Friday thinking about it.

I'm grateful for a job and my time off with my precious girls but I'm still bummed. It isn't easier the second time around. I think it's harder!

Top it off with the girls being extra sweet this morning and Macy giving me that precious grin when I left! I told her to stop it but she didn't listen. And then Anna asking why she can't stay home with Mommy added another knot in my stomach.  :( #startthewaterworksagain

Imperfect progress

http://bible.us/r/8y.5 I just finished day 5 of No More Unglued Mama Mornings Bible reading plan at YouVersion.com.

I needed this in this moment. I have been trying all alone and not letting God guide my actions with Anna and potty training. I know. Potty training. But it is easy to get frustrated when you know your child can do it but she just doesn't want to. For months we've worked with Anna. Without fail she goes every morning before we brush her teeth. It is her routine so she happily does it. After that she may or may not go. Depending on if she is busy or not. But last Thursday I had had enough and decided we are not under any circumstances going to stop and "try again next week." She knows how todbo it. Knows when she needs to but for whatever reason, she may not even know why, she doesnt want to. Being wet or dirty doesn't bother her. But lately, the last two days she has seemed to be having accidents intentionally. The Dr told us that this is her controlling nature (wonder where she gets that from?) And this is something she has full control over. I'll ask her if she needs to potty and she says no and I'll be feeding Macy so I can't get up to take her. I'll tell her when I'm done we will go potty. Then when I'm done she says, I already peepeed in my pants. And she says it with a smile on her face. But, my reaction is out of frustration and quite honestly anger. She is such a smart girl. She knows better. But, I have to start fresh each day, each hour. Each minute. No more unglued momma moments.

Who's mother are you?

I found this blog post to be really powerful. I always skip through the genealogy in the verses I read but this shows that when you stop and see that the women who bore children who then bore children who are all in Jesus's family line it is pretty eye opening. The women were prostitutes, widows, harlets, and some by society seen as not worthy. But, they ended up being mother's to wondeful, wise, children and some who ended up as kings.

I know I'm not perfect and I see more and more of myself in Anna everyday. A lot of which I don't like at all. What am I teaching her when I'm not sitting on the floor showing her abc's and 123's but when I'm working on something and I huff and puff and say"grrrr!" When I'm frustrated.  She does that sound when she gets frustrsted now. It's embarrassing to admit but it's true. And I tell her  not to do it. Why would she not? She hears me do it. What am I teaching her when I gossip with a friend in front of her. What am I teaching her with my words to Blake? I know often times I'm not teaching her to be a virtuous women.

This was a good blog post I needed today. I so easily get frustrated and give up but this is my job. God gave me these babies and it's my job to bring them up by His standards.

TTR: padeecure

I have created a monster. Anna wants a "padeecure (pedicure) from the store (nail salon) SO bad!" My attempts to calm her by telling her that it is only for specioal times but I can give her one at home is not cutting it! Oy vey

Great Day

They got me up and walking around at 5 am, I got a shower, they took out my IV, I've been popping pain meds, I've been successfully feeding a sweet, gentle spirited baby girl, I enjoyed visits from my friend Veronica and my parents, and I enjoyed watching Anna and her baby sister together. Anna is beside herself in love with Macy. This has been the best day!

TTR: I love you but

Oh my goodness. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Anna pulled off the little hanging stuffed toy from the swing and put it on the bench in the hall. I told her to put it back on the swing and in a very bossy tone with her "I'm serious" face said, "I love you but it belongs here."

Welcoming Baby #2

When you're pregnant with your first child you get asked, "Are you ready for a kid?" And, even though some people say, "yes...we have everything ready. Clothes, nursery, crib, bouncer, bath tub..." the answer should be a resounding, "heck no!" It is a huge life change and there's nothing that can prepare you for it. Each child is different. Each parent is different both individually and together. Each family schedule is different as far as whether you work, stay home, decide on daycare, decide on keeping them home, whatever it is, every family schedule is different. There's just nothing that can compare you for a child.

When you're pregnant with the second you get the same question but, "Are you ready for two?" And, again, even though you probably already have the big things that the second child can use like the swing, and bath tub, and some clothes the answer this time for me is, "Ready as I'll ever be." (No!) I don't yet have two kids but I think it's the same as starting with the one child. Everything is different and adding another human to the mix cannot possibly make life easier.

How are we going to have to change our schedule to fit in Macy? How are we going to handle Anna when all of a sudden her whole little world is turned upside down and she no longer has the full, undivided attention of both of her parents to now having to share her time with her baby sister.  We pulled out the swing and bouncer this week and it's been sitting in the corner of the living room. Anna loves pushing the buttons but we've had to constantly tell her, "Don't hang on it...it's for Macy." And, the little look on her face is so innocent and curious. I pulled out my phone and showed her a picture from 2.5 years ago when she herself sat in that swing. "See, you already got to use the swing. That's you in that very same swing when you were a tiny baby! Now, Macy will use it."

With only 2 days left as a family of 3 it's starting to really hit me that even though I've had 9 months to prepare and mentally think about it nothing can get me ready adding Macy to our family but faith in God that all is going to work out perfectly for us. I need to set aside the worry and the fears. "How am I going to get two ready in the morning and still get to work on time?" or "How's her little schedule going to look like?" or "How is Anna going to adapt to this huge change?" All these thoughts run through my head and I just need to give them to God. Everything will work out. One of Anna's favorite songs to sing to us is, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and He will make your path straight!" So, that's what we will do! Trust in Him, stop worrying and leaning on only what I know, acknowledge and thank Him for all he's done and He's going to make it all work out.

Macy 37 weeks and 2 days

How Far Along: 37 weeks and 2 days

Fruit: "Like a stalk of swiss chard." - babycenter.com (What is swiss chard?)

Size: "baby probably weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel." - babycenter.com

Baby changes: She's considered full term and her lungs are likely mature enought to fully adjust to life outside the womb.


Best Moment this week: Well, we got our delivery date moved up to Tuesday, May 21st! I went in for my weekly check-up last Tuesday and my protein levels increased more and my blood pressure was right on the line. So, the OB sent me to OB Triage and they monitored me and then sent me home. She didn't want to wait a week to see me so she told me to come back Friday and if everything was the same or had increased then we would deliver. #stressed I was sad because of everything we went through with Anna being a preemie and the NICU. My doctor was confident though this would be different because by Friday I'd be full-term and I was sick so much earlier with Anna at 34 weeks, not 36 weeks.

　

Well, Friday came and we had everything packed and ready just in case like she said but when we went to see the doctor my levels had dropped to trace and my blood pressure was perfect. How awesome is that? It's amazing. God is amazing.

So, she checked when my next apointment was and it is Tuesday, May 21st and she asked, "Do you just want to do it then? You'll be 2 days away from being 38 weeks, you still are showing signs of preclampsia and we can just have it scheduled so you konw and won't have to come in and not know for sure. So, I said yes! Let's do it Tuesday. :) So, 3 more days and we'll be good to go!

Gender: Girl! Macy Jane!

Movement: She is slowing down. More like rolling around instead of tiny kicks and punches.

Food Craving: Potatoes

What I miss: Sleeping. Guess I need to get over missing that, huh?

Sleep: What's that?

What I am looking forward to:Meeting macy in 3 days. What's she going to look like??? I can't wait to kiss her cheeks!

Symptoms: sore back, waddling (is that a symptom?), frequent urination

Total weight gain/ Loss {ya right}: 12 lbs

Maternity clothes? Yes!
Have you started to show yet? yes

Labor signs: No

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? Off


Mood? I have my days :)

Macy Jane - 33 weeks

How Far Along: 33 weeks, 2 days

Fruit: "Think the heft of a pineaple"

Size:
"baby has passed the 17-inch mark."

Baby changes: She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alient look and her skeleton is hardening.


Best Moment this week: Nothing too exciting has happened. Tomorrow Jennifer and Stephanie and the ladies from church are throwing me and Macy a baby shower. And, then on Thursday I have my 34 week check up. I'll only have one more check up in two weeks and then it's every week. This time in my pregancy with Anna I was put on bedrest, and in two weeks I had her. I can't believe that! With Macy it's totally different. No blood pressure problems, very minimal swelling, no issues! I'm praying that continues and I make it right on through until 39 weeks and the scheduled c-section on the 30th of May!

Gender: Girl! Macy Jane!

Movement: She isn't moving around as much. It's more like rolling and poking out what I think is her bottom now.

Food Craving: Nothing in particular really.

What I miss: Sleeping through the night. The insomnia has really set in. I don't understand how I can be so exhausted but I can't sleep.

Sleep: What's that?


What I am looking forward to: tomorrow is my shower and I always enjoy getting together with the people at our church.


Symptoms: sore back, waddling (is that a symptom?)

　
Total weight gain/ Loss {ya right}: 8 pounds

Maternity clothes? Yes!
Have you started to show yet? yes

Labor signs: No

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On - most days. There were two days this past week I couldn't put it on first thing or had to take it off in the middle of the day. But, so far, yes!

Mood? I have my days :)

33 weeks

Momma and Macy at 33 weeks! Looking forward to meeting her and seeing Anna and her together. We gave prayed for Macy since we found out and I continue to pray for a healthy pregnancy and delivery! I am wearing my wedding ring still which means very little swelling. With Anna Tate ring was off around 23 weeks due to swelling. I haven't had any blood pressure issues which by this time had also started. I'm so thankful that so far, so good and keep praying for my health and that of Macy's!

Macy Jane: 31 weeks 3 days

How Far Along:31 weeks, 3 days

Fruit: 3.3 lounds - try carrying 4 navel oranges - from babycenter.com


Size: By this week, your baby weighs 3.3 pounds and is over 16 inches long

　


Baby changes: She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.


Best Moment this week: This week....nothing major. I think that third trimester exhaustion has hit 100%. That's really not the best but that happened none the less.

Gender: Girl! Macy Jane!

Movement: She's always really active

Food Craving: Nothing in particular really. No food aversions either

What I miss: Sleeping. Not hurting (feeling like i've riddena horse all day)

Sleep: I can fall asleep really easily but...I wake up around 2:30 or 3 and either toss or turn or fall asleep about an hour before my alarm goes off.


What I am looking forward to: Holding Macy! I can't wait. Looking at her face. Kissing her tiny cheeks. - THis never changes from week to week. We only have 7 weeks and 4 days to go!

Symptoms: Lots of pressure. I don't remember this with Anna. It feesl like I've been ridin a horse all day. In the Rocky Mountains. On a really hot summer day - do the Rockies get really, really hot? I can't stay cool. And, my feet are starting to swell some. It's just not really all that fun anymore.


　
Total weight gain/ Loss {ya right}: I don't know....the last I checked 7 pounds was gained but I have my next appointment on Tuesday so I'll know what the last 2 weeks have added.

Maternity clothes? Yes!



Have you started to show yet? yes

Labor signs: No

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On - well, I think that ends today. I got it on this morning but at my nap time :) I tried taking it off and it was super hard to get off. :/
Mood? I have my days :)

TTR: centers and potty all day

Last week I was taking Anna to get her picture taken in the bluebonnets at the boerne community center. Anna has centers in her class, science, house center, kitchen center, art center, etc... Well she asked where we were going so I told her to the community center. She got so excited and said, "oh, I love centers!!!!" Lol. She thought this was some new "center" like at school

This weekend we stopped giving Anna candy each time she went to the bathroom so we can told her when she goes all day at school and home that she would get a prize. So, she sat and sat and sat and sat for a good 20 minutes on the potty on Sunday. Finally Blake said, ok, we can try later and she got upset and said, "i will go potty allllll day so I can get a prize!" She took us very literally. :( so we had to explain that when she has no accidents and tells us that she has to potty. So, hopefully, this will garner better potty results. Lol

TTR: daddy told me no

Anna's started the playing mom and dad against each other game.  "momma! daddy told me no. He said I could watch McQueen" complete with ith big crocodile tears. We just tell her, "what a bummer!" She hasn't figured out a way around that response...yet.

TTR: Hungry Catapillar

Last night Anna read all by herself the whole book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Yes, we have been reading this to her since she was 9-10 months old and I know it's memorized but it was just too cute. Her little expressions and her pauses. I tried pulling out the camera but of course she clammed up.

Also, she is starting to count so well. Before it was just really quick and about 90% of the time she'd count correctly past 7 but she is learning so much in her new class. I requested she be moved to the three class back in February. I talked to the director and asked that she evaluate her bc Anna was having some behavior issues and our pedi said its probably because eshe wasn't being stimulated enough. He is familiar with Anna and is one of her biggest cheerleaders and is always happily surprised by what she has learned next. He is really great, never demeaning or skeptical like some people can be. But, Anna is really thriving in the three y.o. class and loves the centers and more independent play and they work on their colors, shapes, and logical thinking a lot more. 

29 weeks 4 days

Feeling tired, lazy, sore, but still not swollen like I was with Anna at this point. That makes me happy!

Macy Jane - 29 weeks 2 days

How Far Along: 29 weeks, 2 days

Fruit: Not a fruit but they say the size of a butternut squash

Size: By this week, your baby weighs two and a a half pounds and is a tad over 15 inches long

　
Baby changes: Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is growing bigger to make room for her developing brain. Her bones are soaking up lots of calcium and about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

Best Moment this week: It was today actually. We have been storing crap and paying monthly for a storage facility for...at least 3 or 4 years. Ridiculous. We bought our house a little over a year ago and behind the well house is a metal storage building that's had the old owner's lawn equipment in it. Well, we sold it all for $50 and got rid of the $52/month storage fee at the facility and have everything here now. yay! I know...that's not really exciting but it does save us some money that I know we will soon be spendning on diapers and formula!!

Gender: Girl! Macy Jane!

Movement: Macy is pretty much always on the move. I love feeling her and watching my stomach poke out.

Food Craving: Nothing in particular really. No food aversions either!

What I miss: Sleeping through the night. A glass of cold pinot or an ice cold beer. :) Being able to bend over, I miss not feeling really sore or achy.

Sleep: I can fall asleep really easily but...I wake up around 2:30 or 3 and either toss or turn or fall asleep about an hour before my alarm goes off.

What I am looking forward to: Holding Macy! I can't wait. Looking at her face. Kissing her tiny cheeks.

Symptoms: sore back, waddling (is that a symptom?)
　

Total weight gain/ Loss {ya right}: 7 pounds. I gained 4 pounds just the past four weeks. Up to that point I had only gained 3....My next appointment is in 5 days so I'll know more about the gain next week.

Maternity clothes? Yes!

Have you started to show yet?
yes

Labor signs: No

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Mood? I have my days :)

TTR: dish wash

Anna calls the car wash the dish wash. We are at the gas station and she keeps looking at the car wash building saying, "i don't want to go to the dish wash. It scares me!" :( poor baby. Those dish washers can be scary!! ;)

TTR: you know that!

Anna has been cracking me up saying, "you know that." She will reach for the front door and I'll ask, "you want to open the door?" And she will answer, "yes momma. You know that!" Or we will be playing and she will grab one toy over the other and I'll ask, "oh is that your favorite?" And she will cock her head to the side and look at me like I'm crazy and say, "yes momma. You know that!" :)

Macy Jane - 28 weeks 1 day

How Far Along:28 weeks and 1 day!

Fruit: Not a fruit but they say the size of a chinese cabbage...ok.

Size:By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels.
Baby changes: She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Best Moment this week: Well, I had my 1 hour glucose test on Tuesday (not fun) but it meant I got to hear Macy's heart beat. That was wonderful. On Monday I took Anna to the zoo with a group from our church. She loves the animals! Her favorite was the "Hippapapamuse" or something like that. :)

And, although not a best moment I failed my one hour and had my three hour today. That was a total life sucker. I failed my one hour with Anna but passed the three and my number wasn't too far off so I'm hoping I pass the three hour with Macy! I should find out Tuesday.

Gender: Girl! Macy Jane!

Movement: Lots of movement but today she's been pretty mellow...

Food Craving: Nothing in particular really

What I miss: Sleeping through the night

Sleep: See above...I miss it


What I am looking forward to: Holding Macy! I can't wait. Only 10 more weeks until her scheduled delivery. I am thinking it will fly by. {hopefully}


Symptoms: sore back, waddling (is that a symptom?)

　

Total weight gain/ Loss {ya right}: 7 pounds. I gained 4 pounds just the past four weeks. Up to that point I had only gained 3.

Maternity clothes? Yes!
Have you started to show yet?
yes

Labor signs: No

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Mood? I have my days :)

TTR: Anna loves my decorating

I feel like Martha Stewart right now! Pulled down the drive and first thing Anna noticed was my Easter/spring wreath on the front door. Then walked inside and she noticed the egg garland and the wooden bunny on the mantle. Each thing she saw, "Oh, I love it! Yay!" Gosh. She's so sweet! :)

TTR: Picnic

I was walking through the living room from gathering up laundry and noticed Anna had set up a sweet little picnic on the living room floor.

When I'm sitting around watching her or playing around with her she doesn't do these things. I mean, she plays and has fun but it is always, "mom...come help me." Or, "mom...mom...come do this." But, when I start on cleaning this or picking up that it always makes me remember that when kids are "left alone" to make up their own games and entertain themselves that is when their imagination is sparked and the most fun is had.

We also of course enjoy playing tea party together and reading and sitting and having our chats but I love walking in on little kid creations they made all by themselves! :)

Things to Remember: da cows can't get me?

Out of nowhere the funniest things come up at bedtime...I think Anna's stalling!!
Anna: "wait! The cows can't get me?"
Momma: "oh, No. They can't get you!"
Anna: "Day (They) are out at da ranch??"
Momma: "Yes, they are far away and won't get you." (please don't remember at this moment that the neigbors have cows)
Anna: "Day can't open my door?"
Daddy: "Oh, No! That's impossible. Cows can't even come inside the house." 
Anna: "Oh. Ok. Sweet dreams. See you when we wake up."
And, just like that, as quickly as her fear of the cows getting her started, her fears were gone.

Things to Remember Right foot first!

This morning Anna was in one of her moods. Giving me lots Anna-tude. Everything I did she wanted to do the opposite. We were putting on her pull.up and I grabbed her left foot and she yanked it out of my hand and said, "no! I wanna do my right foot first!" She's so aggravating sometimes but the stuff she says and does you can't help but laugh. and, the fact that she corrects me on my rights and lefts...pretty incredibly funny.

Things To Remember: School Work

anna loves computers. they have computers and fun kinder learning games they play at school but she will want to get on my computer and she begs to play on ours. Tonight she was telling me, "It's my school work!!" :) When she is in "real" school and has homework I'm going to remind her just how eager she was to get to do it when she was 2!!

Things to remember: thankfulness

A few days ago I pulled out Anna's fiesta head band that has paper flowers and curly ribbon hanging down the back and I hung it on her "dress up" mirror. In the corner of her room she has a bin filled with tutus and plastic heels and girlie things to play dress up. This morning I was folding laundry while sitting in the rocking chair in her room while she played.

The brightly colored paper flower headband caught her eye and she ran over and asked, "can I have it?" I told her, "sure! That's yours to play dress up with! Grab it off the mirror." So, she dissed ran over and said, "momma!!! You made it for me?! Tank you (thank you) it's beautiful!" All while she hugged my leg. I couldn't bring myself to tell her I didn't make it. Lol. But, really just hearing her thankful heart made me smile from ear to ear. She proudly wore it the rest of the morning.

Macy Jane - 25 weeks, 2 days

How Far Along: 25 weeks and 2 days. :)

Fruit: Baby is the size of "an average rutabaga." what is a rutabaga? A rutabaga, swede, turnip or yellow turnip is a root vegetable that originated as a cross between the cabbage and the turnip. So, there you go.


Size: 13.5 inches long.  I had a sono a week 1/2 ago and the sonographer said Macy weighs about 1.5 lbs which is right on target.


Baby changes: "she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture." - from Baby Center dot com

Best Moment this week: My friend who is 7 weeks behind me in her pregnancy found out she's having a girl! That was exciting! Other than that it was a pretty blah week...Anna was sick, I was sick, we stayed home for two days, and we've been pretty lazy.

Gender: Girl! Macy Jane!

Movement: Lots of movement. It is confirmed that Macy moves much more than Anna ever did.

Food Craving: Ring Pops

What I miss: Sleeping through the night

Sleep: See above...I miss it

What I am looking forward to: NOT my next appointment this time...because it's the dreaded glucose test. Praying I pass!


Symptoms: growing pains here and there...feeling her move around a lot.

　

Total weight gain/ Loss {ya right}: I had my appointment last tuesday and i have only gained a total of 3 lbs. woohoo. she said that's great for me. i have a little extra fluff so i'm good. with anna i only gained 16 so i'm hoping to stay very close to that

Maternity clothes? Yes!

Have you started to show yet? yes

Labor signs: No

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On ! woohoo...another perk this pregnancy over anna's is that i haven't started to swell. by this time w/ anna i was not able to wear my rings, my nose had spread, and i couldn't wear my regular shoes. this time everything's great so far and I am praying day and night it stays that way! :)

Mood? I have my days :)

Valentine's Day Memories

9 years ago today, a little over a month of dating Blake, i got my first bouquet of a dozen red roses ever. i had just recently moved back home while in between jobs and apartment searching and my dad saw them and started grilling me, "Oh wow. this is serious. Is this serious? who is this guy? He's making me look bad sending a dozen roses" ;) I played it off. "oh, blake's just a sweet guy..." but i knew i really, really, really liked him. I knew deep down, even then, after a short month, he was the one God made for me. i'm so thankful for him and love him even more today than ever before.


I've always said that I was going to marry a man who sent me flowers. I know that's silly but it was one of the things I knew was important. I knew my daddy sent my mom flowers and I knew they loved each other. I knew that if you care for someone you show it in various ways, one being flowers. :) It meant that that person cared enough about you to think of you, stop their day and order flowers for you. So, it wasn't high on my "list" of things a guy had to do before marrying me but it was there.

Blake showed me much more than those dozen roses. The way he asked about my feelings, cared about what I wanted to do, wanted to spend time with me, continuing to randomly send me flowers throughout our relationship, telling me I was beautiful, laughing with me, geniunely loving me all the days we spent together; even my bad days.

I am not a huge fan of Valentine's Day because it's a made up holiday and every woman in american who has a significant other is being told they are loved and getting flowers and jewelry. The men practically have to. I like random acts where it's from the heart. I mean i'm not going to turn down diamonds or flowers ever but i'm thankful for blake and love blake everyday. he really is the one God made for me and I can't ever thank God enough for him.

A&M - sonogram pics

I'll have to post the sono pics seperately later for you but tonight we compared Macy's 24 week sonogram picture and Anna's 25th week sonogram picture and there's a chance Macy isn't going to turn the daddy-daughter twins into the daddy-daughters triplets!

Until I had them side by side all I saw was Anna and Blake. I was smiling all day and happy as can be because hey, Anna is beautiful and Blake is handsome. :) But, upon further inspection there are clear differences in A&Ms noses and eyes. Anna has the Kallemyn wider-set eyes. I noticed it first thing when we had her sono and mentioned it to Blake even. But, side by side Macy's aren't as wide set. When we got new glasses last year the person fitting me even mentioned I have really close set eyes and it limited my glasses selection. So, maybe Macy has my close set eyes? And their nose slope is different. Anna's goes up mote and Macy's doesn't. And, the lips. Blake has full lips. I noticed that on Anna's sono that she had really full looking lips and she sure enough have her daddy's mouth and full lips. Macy's it was hard to tell but they didn't look as full as Annas.

Reaching? Maybe a little. Ok, maybe a lot. :) I know it's a long shot given Blakes super dominate genes, and given we are looking at grainy sonogram pictures but a girl can dream that she'll have children who somewhat resemble her, right?! Maybe Macy will be Anna's twin but with Brown hair instead of "lellow" :) and, blue eyes instead of hazely green like her daddy's.

Only 16 weeks before we meet Miss Macy and I can't wait to squeeze and love and kiss on her no matter who she looks like!! :)

Macy on the Move!

I've been feeling Macy kick and bounce about for a few weeks and started feeling it on the outside but of course when you touch my belly she stops. So, Blake hasn't felt her...until today! This morning she was doing her Jane Fonda and Blake felt her really good kicks four or five times. I love that!!

Beach ball belly

#iateabeachball #22weeksdown18togo

Things to remember: Jesus's name, Amen.

Tonight my parents came to dinner and Anna was so into giving them a show. Normally she is pretty shy. Anna loves to repeat things. She loves to sing the same song over and over, loves to do the same "peek-a-boo-tickle-you" game, etc... So we play along  then say, "last time" so she knows it's the last time we will play or sing whatever it is. Tonight we prayed before supper and in the middle Anna asked to pray again. Of course we say yes so she says, "jesus's name. Amen." (the ending of our prayer is always, "in Jesus's name, amen") so Anna prayed about three times we said, ok. That's enough." Of course her response was, "last time, okay?!" :) we did let her pray one last time. She also sang trust in the lord about five times...the girl loves to repeat.

Pregnancy #2: 21 weeks

How Far Along: 21 weeks - It's been 6 weeks since I've updated on Baby #2 macy and I have 6 weeks left in my second trimester...this pregnancy is flying by.

Fruit: baby is the size of a large banana or the length of a carrot depending on which site you reference. :) You say carrot I say banana...it's all the same, really. Except a carrot isn't a fruit.


Size: three-quarters of a pound, about 10.5 inches long


Baby changes: Macy is now able to taste! As she swallows a bit of amniotic fluid each day she's eating whatever is on my menu. :)

Best Moment this week: Macy is on the move. She's much more active then I remember Anna being.

Gender: Girl! Macy Jane!

Movement: Lots of movement

Food Craving: Nothing really

What I miss: Sleeping through the night

Sleep: See above...I miss it


What I am looking forward to: My next appointment. We will get another sonogram because the 20 week anatomy scan Macy was facing my back and we couldn't get all the measurements they needed. Everything looks good. They are also goign to continue watching the placement of my placenta...it's close to ther cervix and they want to make sure it moves and isn't total placenta previa.


Symptoms: growing pains here and there, some braxton hicks if I'm really active that day, sore lower back....I think that's it for now. :)

　

Total weight gain/ Loss {ya right}: It's good and I'm not sure of the official number. I have a new doctor (totally sad my doctor of 18+ years isn't taking new pregnancy patients) but her nurse isn't good about telling me, "you've gained X amount" or really anything like my old doctor's nurse was.

Maternity clothes? Yes!

Have you started to show yet? yes

Labor signs: No

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Mood? I have my days :)

Things to Remember: Car Ride Chats

Last night we went to Kuhl Yogurt with my sister and her family and on the way home Blake and I started talking and were actually able to without interruption. It's funny how the second Anna hears us talking she interrupts with a "mommy" or "daddy" and then "uh, uh, uh, uh....you like riding in the car?" All the "uh's" until she thinks of something to say. Juuuuust to maek sure we are still focusing only on her. :) But, last night she got quiet and then I heard her whispering in the back seat. She was staring out the window and I put my finger up to Blake to signal hold on and I tilted my head towards the backseat. Anna was happily talking to herself saying, "Jesus made the stars.....trees......my diapers....I love.....pizza.....chocolate." and there were some other things she said Jesus made and other things she said she loves thrown in there but between her whispering and the road noise I couldn't hear all of it. But, it was so precious to "be inside her head" when she thought no one was listening. Now, it's important to remember that during these alone times for Anna you can't let her know that you hear her or she gets upset and clams up. You can't turn around and say, "Anna, you like pizza??" because she'll say "No!" and won't talk anymore. :)

Things to Remember: New Necklace

Anna is so thoughtful. This morning I wore a necklace I haven't worn in many months. When I was putting Anna in her car seat this morning she reached out and touched it and said, "you have a new necklace, momma?" I felt what I had even put on and told her that I hadn't worn it in a long while and that Mimi gave it to me. She said, "it is from Mimi? It is pretty." Sweet girl. :)

Things to Remember: love actually

I can't stop laughing about Anna telling her teacher that she didn't hit her classmate but that, "she fell, actually." (the other girl really did just fall...she did pull someone's hair today though :/ and told on herself the second I came in the door) I don't know if we say "actually" a lot and just don't notice but where do kids come up with this stuff? "I don't want chicken, actually." Or "I don't want to go to bed, actually." Well, I actually don't care what you think you actually want! You're gonna actually eat the chicken and then actually go to bed! :) #gottalovetwoyearolds

Things to Remember: I know, you know

Tonight, Anna, B, and I were sitting on the couch watching Dora before Anna's bedtime and I started "bugging" her and asking questions. "How old is Daddy, Anna?" she said, "He's 2." Ok. What's his favorite color? "Purple?" Uh...ok. :) What's his favorite food? "Pink." At this point she wasn't focusing on the new question but on Backpack from Dora. Ha! But, I got her attention again and asked her "What's Daddy's favorite television show?" And, her repsonse? "I know, you know." We about died laughing. Not too sure if you're up on B rated tv shows theme songs but that is the theme song to Psych. Daddy watches this show daily and it is pretty funny...for a b rated older television show. ;)

The Friendly Indians Lyrics "I Know You Know"

In between the lines there's a lot of obscurity.
I'm not inclined to resign to maturity.
If it's alright, then you're all wrong.
But why bounce around to the same damn song?
You'd rather run when you can't crawl...

I know, you know, that I'm not telling the truth.
I know, you know, they just don't have any proof.
Embrace the deception- learn how to bend,
Your worst inhibition's gonna psych you out in the end.

I know, you know....
I know, you know....
I know, you know....
I know, you know....

Being Reminded to Reveal His Character...

"God desperately needs you to conquer your emotional issues because you are an important part of His grander plan. If you continue to wallow in the blahs, in anger, and in depression, the world will be missing out on the gift that you have been created to be. Say this prayer, My life is not about me and my feelings - my life is about serving God and revealing His character to my world." - From You Version's Bible App, "Holy Emotions - Bibilical Responses to Every Challenge."

I needed this devotional bad today. And, yesterday. Ha. More often than not, as much as I hate to admit it, I have my days where I get depressed, feel sorry for myself, and feel angry and frustrated about whatever is happening in my life at that moment. I sit there, wallowing in it, trying to justify why I can act like a big baby, and be short with those around me, because my problems are just so terrible. The guy who cut me off in traffic, the girlfriend who isn't acting like I want her to act, my husband because he didn't read my mind and know i wanted him to unload the dishwasher, my two year old daughter who is acting well, like a two year old, my boss who isn't responding fast enough to an email, my co-worker who isn't pulling their weight. The list of my woes goes on and on. And, aren't they just terrible?!

Get over it, Holly! My "problems" are NOTHING. I know I'm wrong. Which is why i try and justify it with a bunch of buts. But this and that. But, if only. So, I know what to do and so I pray. I ask for help and for forgiveness. I seek His word. I try and overcome and some days are harder then others. And, my problems aren't even big in comparision to the struggles of other people I know and those in the world who I don't know. I know other people who get caught up in this cycle too and when I hear them complaining it's so easy for me to say to myself, "What a baby! Get over it! That's nothing." It is easier to be a baby and think of yourself and want to wallow in the problem. But, days are better when you just let it go and it's days like this where God gives me just what I need and in this case it was through a daily devotional and turning to time with Him.

We live in a world that is so ME focused. What is in it for me? What do I get outta this? What do I gain by doing this? I deserve this and that. I better get x, y, and z. I need this. I need that. I'm just as guilty as the next person for wanting everything to go in my favor. And, I'm a baby. If it doesn't go my way I more often then not pout, throw a fit, cry, get depressed....on and on and on. What also really struck hom and makes it easy for me to get over myself was the last part of the devotional which says, "My life is about serving God and revealing His character to my world." My world is my husband, my daughter, my family, my friends, and my co-workers. Most, who are unsaved. What kind of message am I sending to them when I'm in a pissed-off, depressed mood? My JOB is to reveal His character to them. I need to work on this and it's good to know that God is in control and today's devotional was exactly what I needed. Isn't it funny how it always seems to work that way? God always gives you what you need to hear or read! Just gotta be paying attention.