Florida!

We had so much fun in Florida with family!  I had spent weeks looking forward to the weather and seeing everyone and of course the week went by way too fast.  The weather was amazing every single day.  It was in the 80s and sunny all but one day.  It was overcast one day with a little rain for about 15-20 minutes, but gorgeous the rest of the trip.

We spent a lot of time by the pool.  Zoe was in heaven swimming every day.  She was swimming all on her own by the end (with a life jacket).  One day she made up this funny little routine.  She'd step on this filter cover which she called a polka dot, walk over to a raft that was on the side of the pool and put her foot on the headrest, walk to the edge, jump to Uncie Nate, then swim to the edge.  She would narrate the entire thing.  She did this over and over and over.  We finally had to tell her only a few more times or else she probably would have done it for hours.  

While we were limited by naps, we still tried to squeeze in a few things outside of the house. We went to the ocean a few times, walked to the splash pad, walked to the park, got ice cream, and the adults even got to go out for drinks while Nana and Grandpa stayed home with the sleeping kids.

It really was so special to spend the week with family.  Hopefully it works out that we can all do it again another year!

July 20, 2014 - 23 Weeks

It's always sad saying goodbye to vacation.  While I was getting ready to get home to our own space, I definitely didn't want to leave Zoe and go back to work.  Oh well...I suppose it's work that allows us to take such fun vacations :)

Nothing really new pregnancy-wise.  It's definitely exhausting trying to do everything with everyone with a 20 month old and pregnant.  Thankfully there were plenty of hands to help out.  I was able to do most everything, but there were a few things I had to sit out of.  And obviously no drinking which was a major bummer....there were a few night I really could have had a glass (or bottle) of wine.

Zoe slept essentially the entire way from the airport to Glenwood Springs.  She woke up with maybe 30 minutes left and just watched out the window.  We didn't do much Sunday - just unpacked and went to Chile's with Papa (exciting dinner I know) and quickly grocery shopped for the week.

Monday we headed to Snowmass to meet my BFF and her family for a few hours.  We had fun but didn't take many pictures!  It's funny how our time together has changed a bit now that Zoe is older.  It's getting harder to just sit and chat like the old days!  But it's fun to see how it's changed too watching the little ones run around (or sit quietly as is Harper's case for now :) ).  Monday night we made dinner and somehow clogged the sink....so many dishes and no where to put them.

Tuesday we decorated the reception venue....for FIVE hours.  It was gorgeous in the end, but it took FOREVER and only a few disagreements :)

Wednesday everyone else went hiking to Hanging Lake while Zoe and I found a park.  I made the mistake of trying to tell her where we were going and she cried and cried about the swings until we finally got there.  I think we swinged for about 35 minutes before I could finally coax her off of them :)  That night we went out to dinner for my dad's birthday (60th! later this month).  After dinner was music in the park and Little Miss definitely got her groove on. She LOVES to dance.

I'm glad Andrew can fake it.

Rockin' it out with Beeba.

Thursday was our rafting day.  Zoe and I went down the lower portion after the rapids.  She had so.much.fun.  I have never heard her squeel and laugh so much in 2 hours in my life.  Unfortunately, we couldn't take phones, so I don't have any pictures, but she was so freakin' cute.  Whee!!!  Whoa.... were common words heard from the front.  There was one wave that caught her off guard but she quickly recovered and was squeeling again.  She definitely passed out that afternoon for her nap.  We had to finally wake her up at 4:30 to get going to the park for our bbq.

Friday Aaron and Zoe went for a LONG bike ride where Aaron saw a bear (Zoe was napping).  Us girls got out nails done and finished decorating and got ready super fast for the rehearsal.  Zoe did GREAT walking down the aisle with the ring bearer...our only hope was that it would go just as well on the actual wedding day.  She was crabby at dinner so we didn't stay long.

Saturday was the big day!  Zoe did perfect again :)  So cute!

And other randoms from the week...

Feeding the fish every morning.

She warmed up to the ring bearer really fast once she realized he had an iPad.

It only took about 5 days for her to finally become friends with Aunt Cathy :)

Petting the many wildlife in the backyard.

June 29, 2014 - 20 Weeks

(Written on time…posted way late!)  20 WEEKS!  Halfway...that's just so crazy to me.

I think I'm up about 10 or 11 lbs.  The bump is definitely there.  Generally, it's not in the way yet, but I noticed painting my toe nails is getting a little harder.  Zoe LOVES to help me put my shoes on...if only I could teach her to paint my toe nails too :)  Still feeling like I don't look too huge.  I've noticed that my legs are getting to the not nearly as toned as they were point.  But I know from past experience, that I can't worry too much.  It is what it is at this point, and I'll do what I can workout-wise.  Knock on wood, they should go back to normal within a few weeks of delivery.  My ankles are looking a little bigger at the end of the day, so I'm wondering if some of it is water retention.

We had our big appointment this week!  And.....it's a BOY!!!!  So whether or not we go for #3, we have one of each.  Our perfect little family...so cheesy but it's how I feel :)  It might be because we already have had a girl and have history on the ultra sound, but it was so obvious to both of us that it was a boy.  She waited until the end to tell us, but we both saw the goods well before she said anything.  Definitely no mistaking it. Everything looks great though.  No worries.  Heart rate is in the 150s.  He's measuring about 12 oz. and right on track.

This profile looks awfully familiar :)

Ummm…please stop taking pictures of me and trying to make me move.  I'm sleeping!

Now I just need to figure out what to do with a few of the nursery items, get clothes and oh yeah, come up with a name ;)  I'm trying to not even worry about much until the beginning of August when I can breathe again after all of our traveling. 

No real worries this week.  It was so reassuring to see baby and know that's he's ok.  I also feel those taps all day long to remind me that he's in there :)

This weekend we traveled to Wisconsin for our niece's first birthday party.  It was a long drive, but so worth it to see everyone.  And Zoe is definitely starting to vie for attention and show off.  She was sprawling out on the ground and rolling around and we all thought it was funny.  Well then anytime she wanted any one's attention (especially Nana's), she'd plop down and roll around.  Such a cheese ball :)  She was amazing in the car for the most part.  She had a brief meltdown on the way there but it was 8 hours so I don't blame her (daddy was getting just as antsy).  She was a little crankier on the way home but still not too bad. 

What?? You don't lawn swim to get exercise?

Nana got her an American flag, and she is constantly pointing at the flag now and saying "Nana!"  So cute :)  It's so cute how she latches onto Beeba and Nana when she's with them.  She does not want them to put her down.  Nana will have her hands full in November with 4 little ones wanting her attention!  I know she loves it though :)  It's so neat to see them all together. 

Nana got the grand kids matching outfits and had a photo shoot.  Surprisingly, they all cooperated and they turned out really cute.  Sorry, photo shoot overload!

Leaving was hard and reminded me how much we miss family and living closer.  We should see Baby Ben at the end of July and then we won't see everyone again until Christmas :(  That just seems so far away!

June 8, 2014 - 17 Weeks

I feel like there was quite the jump from 16-17 weeks.

The doctors appointment went great on Friday.  I think I've gained around 9 lbs so far so very close to where I was at with Zoe.  I know it is what it is, but I just like to see where I'm at compared to with her.

The heart rate is in the 150s and sounded perfect!  I also scheduled the BIG ultra sound.  It's so crazy to know that will probably be the last time we'll see baby before he/she comes out.  And we are actually finding out the sex!  It makes it even more exciting :)  Then maybe I'll finally get moving on clearing out Zoe's new room and putting it together with the new stuff we've been accumulating.  I've bought a few things here and there already, and I mostly know exactly what else I need.  I'm still up in the air on what bedding I want, and if I want a chair in the room (I think it'll be too bare).  We also need to find a rug at some point.

I've been comparing these posts to my posts with Zoe and of course I didn't record the heart rate from my visit with her.  I just am trying to tell if I have any predictions...Part of me thinks girl because of how crappy I felt early on.  But then again there were a lot of other things that happened with Zoe that haven't happened this time.  So I basically still have no idea.  Everyone at daycare is thinking girl so that I can reuse all of Zoe's clothes.  They just think she has the cutest outfits.

This weekend was my sister's bridal shower.  It was jam packed with activities, but we had so much fun!  Friday we got in late because of horrible traffic.  Zoe was a champ though and fell asleep then woke up when we got home to have a drowsy bath (she was covered in sand from school or else we would have waited until Saturday) and then headed to bed.  We stayed up and chatted with my parents and got decorations ready for the shower. 

Saturday we got to meet our new nephew Ben.  Precious!  I can't believe Zoe was ever that tiny.  She was in complete awe of the "Baby" and did really well.  She wanted to be very close while we held him, but she wasn't by any means super jealous.  She got to touch his little feet and hands and even gave him a kiss before we left. 

After Zoe's nap, my mom, Jodi, Zoe, and I headed to Meijer Gardens to check out the kids area.  Zoe had a blast.  We stopped at the water features first and she did not want to leave.  She just sobbed and sobbed.  When we got to the next stop, she finally dried her tears.  Later, we made it to the giant rock querry (aka sand box) and she was in heaven there too.  It was getting close to closing time so we enticed her away with one more stop at the water.  Again, she sobbed when we left the sand...and again when we left the water.  At least we know she had fun :)  Picture overload…

That night we went out to dinner with some of my dad's side to see my uncle while he was in town.  Zoe stayed up too late again but was a champ.

Staying up way too late.

Sunday was the shower and Zoe came for a little bit before going over to Nana's.  The shower was perfect...the food was so good and it was so nice to see everyone that we don't get to see very often.  That afternoon we just relaxed out on the patio until it was time for dinner and to head home.

Showing Aunt Jodi and Poppa her drawings.

It was busy but fun!  I can't wait for CO in a few weeks :)

May 25, 2014 - 15 weeks

Things just seem to be moving so fast!  15 weeks!  I organized my maternity pants this week and again, why did I wait so long?  They are so much more comfy.  I'm starting to feel less pudgy and more of a legit belly.  Not huge, but at least more babylike and less blah.  Thank you to Steph and Kate for letting me borrow some clothes!  It was a tight squeeze to get everything home, but I have a few new things to add to the wardrobe this time around.  Old Navy also had a sale so I scored a few new tops which I shouldn't need for a little while but will be nice to have.

The weather has been amazing this week, which means we've been outside every day after work.  I have to peel Zoe off her slide to get her in for dinner.  Which then involves a meltdown when we are inside because she's so hungry.  Ah, the joys of a toddler ;)

Have I mentioned that I swear I've felt little baby taps here and there?  It started just after 12 weeks.  I know they say you know more of what to look for in later pregnancies.  They aren't consistent by any means and it's only every few days, but it's nice to have that reassurance and to take a moment to step back and enjoy this pregnancy instead of running around chasing his/her big sister every hour she's awake.

After leaving CA and seeing how amazing of a sleeper Miss Harper is becoming, I can't help but be nervous how baby #2 will be.  Zoe had colic and reflux and was quite crabby her first 2-3 months of life (we still loved every minute), but she always slept at night, always.  It took some time to get her to the 7:30pm bedtime we wanted, but we got there before I went back to work.  What if this baby is so the opposite?  I won't have much time to nap this time around since I'll have Zoe.  I'm just so fearful of being a zombie.  I know no matter how the baby is, it will pass.  We'll work through it eventually whether it takes a few weeks or a few months, or a year.  I just hope this baby is blessed with Zoe's love for sleep :)

It's crazy to think that in just a little under 2 weeks and I have my 17 week appointment already.  I'm guessing we'll schedule the anatomy scan then too.  So excited!!!

My parents came out this weekend.  I know it wasn't relaxing really at all for them, but they were such a huge help.  I can't thank them enough.  Saturday, mom, Zoe and I went and got the flowers for landscaping while dad and Aaron washed, waxed, and cleaned the inside of my car.  Then mom and I planted the front yard while dad and Aaron ran to Home Depot.  We went out to eat Saturday and got ice cream.  We even got to eat a good meal rather than a toddler friendly place.  A huge thanks to my dad for taking Zoe for a walk when he and she were finished eating so the rest of us could finish up.  After Zoe went to bed, we had a fire in the back yard.  Sunday, we went to church and mom and I finished planting while the boys went to the Tigers game.  Zoe got to lounge in her pool after her nap.  We finished off their time here, with an excellent dinner and then said goodbye so they could make it home.  My poor parents had to landscape at their house all day Monday so they had no time to rest. 

Two more weeks and Aunt Jodi will be in MI for her wedding shower!  I can't believe the wedding is in less than 2 months now!  I'm so excited for our trip to CO and family time.  I hate how spread out we all are now, so it'll be so nice to have a week together.