Mother's day

I love being a Mom. More than anything in the world, I love being a wife and a mom. This mother's day was a great reminder of that. I woke up to lots of hugs and kisses from the boys, to a sweet gift and note from the husband. Our church service was fabulous. The primary kids sang and I reveled in the moment as I watched my boys walk down the aisle holding hands and then standing together with their arms around each other while they sang. Somehow, they must have known that it’s a special day for mommy, because they were being extra sweet all day long. Or maybe it was me, letting go of every care and just enjoying this precious little family of mine…enjoying every moment of that day. Scott made all the meals and did all the dishes and picked up the house.  I got to take a nap. I was on call all day for work and didn’t get called in – a miracle within itself. We went to the cemetery to visit Chloe's grave, which we do every Sunday anyway, but yesterday felt extra special. It was a good day.

Double birthday extravaganza

Our boys’ birthdays are less than 3 weeks apart (+ 2 years), so we asked if they wanted to have a combined birthday party and they were more than happy to oblige (hurray!). We did a Dr. Seuss theme and, naturally, the boys were Thing 1 and Thing 2 … well, naturally, because they are just as mischievous as those real Things are. It was a busy day but full of fun. The boys were so excited, they ran to bed the night before because they couldn’t wait for the party. They were up at 6:30 in the morning asking when their friends are coming over. Their excitement was contagious and I just love to see my little peanuts so happy. The smiles on their faces were worth all the hours it took me to get that party organized. We had so much fun!

The culprits

Some of the decorations - the Truffula trees and Lorax

The snack table. I had all these cute tags with clever names made for all the food and what Dr. Seuss books it was coming from. But, alas, I ran out of time and didn't get them printed.

The main attraction. I came across an amazing deal on an all-day bounce house rental that I couldn't pass up. So glad I didn't. It was a huge hit with all the 18 kiddos. It was craziness.

We made Lorax hats

We had to rush to Benjamin's soccer game right after the party. His team won 14 - 2. Ben kicking a goal in here. He loves soccer and is quite good at it. No surprise there though. I don't think there is anything this kid is not good at. Except for maybe listening to his mommy sometimes :o).

Then we were back home for some more bounce house craziness.

It was a full and fun day. There is nothing better than putting to bed two perfectly happy, grateful and completely exhausted kiddos.

Happy Birthday, little bugs! We love you more than words could ever describe.

Pink or Blue

How far along: 20 weeks

Total weight gain: hit the 10lb gain mark. Hurray! Let’s break it down, shall we?
- 2 lbs went to the tots. The glories of cleavage need some recognition here, ok?
- 1 lb of baby
- 3 lbs of placenta, increased blood volume, and all sorts of fluid-ness
- 0 lbs to my butt - it’s a little optimistic, but let’s just go with it. I figured I’m still wearing my regular pants, so I’m going to pretend I gained no poundage in the rear end…at least for now.
- 1 lb went to ankle swellage
- 3 lbs of pies, cookies, breads, and rolls that I consumed this weekend at Gunlock.

Sleep: Love it!

Maternity clothes: Regular clothes, just maxing out the fabric’s stretch limits in most of my shirts.

Movement: Started feeling the little peanut move a couple weeks ago. It’s very faint though and not very frequent. Grow little peanut, grow!

Gender: It’s a GIRL! A little unexpected. We thought it was a boy. A little nervous and scared. But so, so excited!

Food cravings: Anything with sugar in it. Urgh! It happens to me every time. I start out the pregnancy craving veggies and fruit and all things healthy, then right about half way through, all of the sudden all I want is everything I shouldn't have.

What I miss the most: Sleeping on my stomach.

Symptoms: A little tired. Nausea is gone. Belly is getting bigger. Feeling much better overall.

Best moment this week: Not really pregnancy related, but I LOVED General Conference this weekend. I’m feeling inspired!

What I'm looking forward to:
You know, getting bigger and more uncomfortable, getting swollen ankles, waking up to roll over in bed, waking up to go pee every 3 hours, crying for no sensible reasons, having excruciating Charlie horses in my feet and an awful heartburn and other gastrointestinal delights, having low back pain and contractions, hip and pubic bone pain, and all the other lovelies of pregnancy.
Bring it on, baby girl. No one is complaining here.

Baby is the size of a:

love them

These beauties are some of my favorite ladies in the whole wide world. It was so good to see them all again.

Reunited because of this stunning bride...

It's always been fascinating to me how some friendships you make seem to last forever. No matter what road in life you've taken or how long ago you've talked or seen each other, you can pick up right where you've left off. It's so easy and so natural. You know that no matter what, that friendship you've once made will always be there.

Love these girls with all my heart!

mother

http://pinterest.com/pin/29132728809047149/

Saw this on pinterest. Definitely feeling that definition today. Love the "see also..."

pregnancy highlights

How far along: 12 weeks

Total weight gain: 2 lbs

Sleep: Gosh, I sleep -- A LOT. Or at least I want to sleep a lot. I am so tired all the time. By the time evening rolls around I’m ready for bed by 8pm. Not that it ever happens, especially if I have to work that night.

Maternity clothes: Still regular clothes.

Movement: Still have a while till I feel the little peanut move. It’s been hard. I get anxieties over it.

Gender:Everyone has their guess! :)

Food cravings: It’s more like food AVERSIONS. It’s hard to find anything that sounds good.

What I miss the most: My energy. I just feel so wiped out all the time.

Symptoms: Nausea, exhaustion, and then some more nausea. And lots of anxiety. So much, in fact, that I ended up with gastritis.

Best moment this week: Seeing Baby on the ultrasound and hearing the heartbeat! Best. Sound. Ever. Ultrasounds have become a huge source of panic attacks for me. I don’t like them. I shake and I cry and I think the worst. All I can think of is the ultrasound image of my little Chloe – still, no movement, no heartbeat. It’s almost unbearable.

What I'm looking forward to: GETTING OUT OF FIRST TRIMESTER!!!

Baby is the size of a:

I've embraced the fact that I am just not a consistent blogger. I wish I was, because I have about a million posts in mind. But the fact is it's just not going to happen. So instead here's a quick review of our last year.

our TOP 10 moments of 2011
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10. 2 visits from the tooth fairy for Benjamin.

9. Camping with family and friends.

8. A very successful soccer season for Benjamin.

7. First year playing t-ball for Andrew. He loves batting, hates the field.

6. Family vacation at the beach house in California.

5. New job for Diana, who is now an ER nurse and loving it!

4. Kindergarten for Benjamin and he is having so much fun!

3. Officially becoming triathletes - twice.

2. Getting our running grove on by completing some half marathons.

#1. Finding out we are expecting baby #4!

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Here's to 2012!