Our baby registry this time around

One of the best things about my obsessive tendencies and general impeccable treatment of our possessions means that most of our baby gear from Emma is reusable and in terrific shape. We already have the pack n' play with bassinet, glider, changing table, infant car seat, breast pump, etc. And besides some new baby clothing that I have fallen in love with and subsequently purchased, there is not much more we need this time around. Yay!

24 weeks

I've spent the last month cleaning, organizing, and setting up everything BABY in our apartment and have a small list of things we still need because these things were disposable (like breast pads), used up (like infant soap), or were never purchased/gifted in the first place (contoured changing pad).

So if you will indulge me, I am sharing our online baby registry and would greatly appreciate it if you checked it out. :] Most of these are small and inexpensive items but I threw in some more flashy things if you are so inclined. 

My family thanks you.

Here is our Amazon baby registry! 

Third trimester

According to different sources the third trimester starts at either 27 or 28 weeks. Well, because all the baby people cannot agree, I'm going to just say that my third trimester is starting today at 27 weeks. So YAY! It's the home stretch people.

My second trimester was not as honeymoony as I would have liked. Between my traitor appendix, another hospitalization, and general fatigue, I am grateful that I am in the last trimester of this pregnancy. I am anxious and excited to meet our little boy. I know the less than pleasant symptoms (back pain, heart burn, fatigue, swelling...) are only going to increase/get worse, but at least the finish line is in sight.

Besides my bumpdates every four weeks, I have not given this belly bump enough love. I took a TON of bump photos with Emma so this will be a bump-tastic post featuring baby boy.

All hail the baby bump!
I don't think you're ready for this belly!
My lovely lady bump, check it out.

Okay, moving on.

I'll tell you, comfy clogs and maternity jeans are the way to go. FO LYFE.

In other maternity news, my super strong, prenatal vitamin enriched, hulk hair broke my favorite comb. I also did my glucose screening last week and it was not as terrible as I remember, although I did get a splitting headache that morning.

Emma alternates between giving this belly lots of love or jumping with her full weight right on top of me. I think I am getting a glimpse into that special sibling love.

Emma makes for an interesting prenatal appointment companion. 

Toddler wearing while pregnant is, um, different.

DAWWWWW, my kiddos.

Taco Bell has been a big craving of mine lately. The heart burn afterwards might not be worth it.

Emma || Baby Boy

My customary third trimester morning in my PJs shot. Well it's customary now. I have been thinking how different my belly looks this time around, but this side-by-side makes me think otherwise. What do you think?

Cheers to the third trimester. I'm toasting with ice cold water and a side of tums. 

Mother's Day reflections

I had a wonderful Mother's Day. It was special, simple, and sweet. I awoke to a banner spanning my hallway with sweet notes from my husband, Emma, and baby boy. I enjoyed egg and bacon sandwiches, custard-filled doughnuts, and the musical giggles from my daughter. I felt this baby twirling and kicking in my womb and listened to my husband gleefully chase Emma around. We celebrated at church and I got one special flower from Emma. We had lunch, went shopping, and strolled around just being together. I made a quiet dinner at home and did not clean one dish. I snuggled my loves and did not let go for a very long time.

Really, the day seemed much like any other. Except it was my day - our day - a day for all mamas and mama figures. I spent the day soaking up my family and marveling at this blessing of family.

This day made me think.

This day made me think of my own mother - my hero and example. She loves unconditionally and bravely envelops everyone in loving arms - especially those who are missing that special type of love.

This day made me think of my husband - a man who parents alongside me. He was the first to make me a mother by promising to love me in marriage and by promising to be my partner. He makes me a better person, a better mother, a better spouse. 

This day made me think of my sweet Emma - with her contagious smile, musical giggles, and warm embraces. I became a mom the moment she came into existence. I get to watch her grow and learn and mothering her is my proudest achievement.

This day made me think about my little boy - growing and thriving in my womb. I have never laid eyes on him, but I love him more than there are stars in the sky. My heart beats with his. We share quiet moments. To make my body his home, is a gift I've been given and one I will always cherish.

This day made me think of all the beautiful women who have touched my life in some way, who inspire and teach me. This day made me think of about all those who want nothing more than to hold a baby in their arms, but cannot yet. I weep and pray for them. This day made me think of fathers and caregivers who take on the role of mother when their children are without one. This day made me think of those who have lost mothers or those who have lost children, I ache for them. 

This day was special not just because I was showered with love, but because I was given the gift to reflect on the beautiful complexities of motherhood.

It is a challenge, it is a gift, and it is completely magical.

A short story

Last Thursday, Emma had a terrific birthday. Really, it was one for the books. Probably between her BIRTHday, her first birthday, and her second birthday, this one was her favorite (I am guessing on this one, but let's go with it). She played with her friends WAY past her bed time and was hopped up on twenty pounds of refined sugar. She laughed and skipped and it was a good day. But due to the delicate balance between toddler behavior and sleeping/eating habits, she was none too happy come Friday morning. Cranky was her middle name and being displeased with the world was her game.

But I took it in stride. I tried to let her rest and kept our day relaxed and calm. I snuggled with her when she asked for it and gave her space when she needed it. I kept meals nutritious and filling to avoid another sugar crash. But in the moments between the whines and tears, I thought about the beauty in these exhausting days, these challenging days. I let the stress of the day wash over me and just went with the flow (which is not in my skill set most days). In the light of the afternoon sun, listening to the sounds of her little footsteps, I breathed in a simple moment of peace amidst a day of chaos. And I'll tell you, it was beautiful.

Let her eat cake

As far as birthdays go, this was a good 'un. Emma's special day was filled with giggles, messes, running, jumping, dancing, cake gorging, and general merriment. While her first birthday party was special for all the normal reasons (first birthday, first party, etc), it was more for Paul's and my enjoyment. This year, she genuinely enjoyed her little party and kept saying "birthday" over and over and over...

And this year she actually got to enjoy her birthday cake (because last year she got some serious stage fright and would not touch her cake). She made up for it this year...and then some. We had a small dinner with our neighbors at a pizza place and then came back to our home to have birthday cake and lots of play time.

She had the sweetest coy smile when we sang her Happy Birthday and she enjoyed ripping open her presents more than the actual presents. It was a simple day, but oh, was it special. She went to bed two hours later than normal and got to snuggle with us in our bed (a real treat these days). Today, she is a little cranky from the lack of sleep and the sugar hangover, but it was her party and she'll cry if she wants to. On to some photos!

It was a whirlwind of a day and I laughed harder than I have in a long time. Watching my daughter grow, thrive, and blossom is just one of those things that make my heart swell with joy. My family has always had a tradition of celebrating birthdays to the nines. I don't mean fancy or elaborate or excessive, just surrounded by laugher, love, cake, family, and friends. Birthdays are meant to be celebrated and is a wonderful opportunity to thank God for another year of ups and downs.

I am sensing that we will be in the throws of the twos for the time being and I don't know what challenges that may bring. But what I do know is that we will have each other, for always. Frosting up our noses and all.