Fourth Baby Bumpdate: 20 weeks + A Gender Reveal!

Fourth Baby Bumpdate: 20 weeks + A Gender Reveal!

1.11.2020

20 weeks along.  I am officially halfway (or most likely more than halfway) through what is my very last pregnancy.  It's exciting and bittersweet at the same time.  I'm doing my best to cherish this growing belly and the fact that I don't necessarily need to watch how much I'm eating too closely. ;)  I love feeling this baby wiggle inside of me.

For the last time.

There is a last time for everything.  I'm trying not to be too sentimental, just appreciative of the moment and this phase of life... because let's be absolutely honest, pregnancy is miserable too.

I've been in a funk the entire last week and in tears on multiple occasions for no real reason at all.  Maybe it's the cold weather.  Maybe it's the monotony of everyday life.  Maybe it's those thoughts of failure that keep creeping in.  Maybe it's because my clothes are getting tighter but my pants won't stay up!  Maybe it's hormones and I'm just plain exhausted?

Overall, however, I feel grateful for this pregnancy.  I am actually thankful that it took time to get my last two babies here, that pregnancy didn't come easily.  I get to spread the joy of a having a newborn and new motherhood over an entire decade!  I've come to appreciate the true miracle it is to see two positive lines on a pregnancy test.  Yes, babies are stressful and demanding but so are fourth graders -- except in completely different ways!  Babyhood goes so fast.  My perspective has changed over the last ten years.  Motherhood has shaped me into someone my 22 year old self would not recognize.  For ALL OF THIS, I am grateful.    

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The Sweetest Night of the Year

The Sweetest Night of the Year

11.01.2012

We had a very excited dragon at our house!

Jed refused to wear the hood I made, but it was just as well.  It was 65*!

See the full costume from last year HERE

We were eating dinner when the first two spooks of the evening knocked on our door.  Bron brought out the bowl of candy and gave them each a few pieces.  Then he turned to Jed and said, "See?  They're wearing costumes and they get candy!"

That's when it clicked.

Jed raced across the house and couldn't get on his costume fast enough.  He was sooo excited!!!  He was all smiles.  So we left dinner on the table and all hurried to get ready.  Our first stop was the neighbor's house, of course.

They did open the door and Jed was showered with candy!

Then we hit up the Trunk-or-Treat at the park followed by another Trunk-or-Treat at the church just two blocks away.  Jed held my hand and excitedly smiled up at me over and over.  He even did a few jumps.  Jed loved just being able to lift up his pumpkin bucket and have it filled with pieces of candy.  How cool!  He even said so himself.  Jed was so cute he worked the system and was able to do a little double dipping.  Then we finished by visiting a few houses in our neighborhood before calling it a night.  

This was the first year that Jed actually understood the concept of Trick-or-Treating.  I haven't had that much fun with Jed in a long time!  I don't know what it is about Halloween, but I get overly excited and giddy--just like a kid.  I want to run from house to house !  But then I remember that I'm an adult; I can buy all the candy I want.  So just what is it that makes me so excited?  Halloween (just like Christmas) is magical somehow.  And now I get to share that excitement with my children... and give Jed a couple pieces of candy everyday from now until February.  Tonight was kind of a special night for me.  I'll never forget the looks of pure delight on his face.  Jed's happiness makes me happy.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

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Tummy Time

Tummy Time

10.17.2012

Sooo strong!

....and then he lost his balance and rolled over.  Quite by accident, of course.  

But can't I claim that he first rolled over on October 16th anyway?

I can't help crooning over my own son's pictures.  He is just so stinkin' cute!  His smiles take up his whole face and I just can't get enough.  His smiles make me smile; they make me feel like I'm doing something right as his momma.  Those happy faces come often and easily these days.  Levi has morphed from a newborn infant into a full blown baby in just a few short weeks.  He is longer and rounder and sturdier and much more alert.  He's taken interest in toys and books.  I am loving all these "big" changes and am actually a little grateful to have those newborn days behind us because honestly, I'd forgotten how tough they really are.

I feel like I am emerging from a thick fog.  I feel like I am finally getting some grip with my new mommy-of-two shoes.  I'm wearing them in and they're feeling comfy now: I actually cook meals and both of my boys are getting bathed regularly.  Go me!  I've got this mommy of two thing--most of the time.  And guess what?  I am LOVING it. 

I took Levi to the doctor today for his two month well checkup and first round of shots.  (Poor baby.)  It felt strange at check-in to say "Levi" instead of "Jedediah".  That thought reminded me of the first few times I took Jed to the doctor for his well checkups.  It felt so strange to hear that name called by the nurse and stand up.  It felt even more strange to be the person responsible for such a tiny human being; it almost felt illegal!  Society trusts me to keep this thing alive and thriving?  Whoa.  I probably looked as clueless as I felt.  Today however, I didn't have very many questions for the pediatrician.  Levi seems happy and perfectly healthy; a sweet blessing.  And the doctor told me I was doing a great job.  That's always nice to hear.

So here's to motherhood, round two!  It's a good life.

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Here's to Happiness This Week

Here's to Happiness This Week

10.12.2012

 Things that put a smile on my face this week:

 Watching Levi sleep peacefully in my arms.  I never want to put him down!

Beautiful warm and sunny Autumn days

Playing at the park with my boys

Admiring Levi's new roly poly thighs and little feet in the tub.  I could eat those tiny toes.  They're so cute!
 Watching Jed carefully fold his arms, bow his head, and close his eyes for prayer

 Apples + Caramel

 Turning around to see Jed dragging a cat UPSIDE-DOWN into the house.  He took it straight to his room.  I couldn't quit laughing!  (Because... we don't own a cat.)

Squinty smiles and happy coos from Levi

Seeing the reactions on Jed's face as we read stories together

SLEEP!!!  (Levi isn't consistent yet, but he can sleep all. night. long.)

Organizing and de-cluttering the laundry room.  It is CLEAN!  And it feels so good.

Running for miles!  I go with two kids in a stroller at 10am four days a week.  Anyone want to join me?

 Watching Levi's reaction to his mobile.  He could watch his bugs all day.  I just wish I could insert his sound effects.

Other Happiness posts found HERE

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