July 6, 2014 - 21 Weeks

I hate that I can't be on top of these posts.  I guess that's to be expected with a toddler to run after and the fact that this feels like the busiest summer EVER.  I am writing them on time.  I've just been lazy uploading pictures.

Nothing really new or exciting pregnancy-wise to talk about.  Still feeling generally good.  I'm getting more tired by the end of the day with swollen feet here and there.  I was SO SWOLLEN by the end with Zoe, so I was hoping to avoid that this time around.  But maybe it's going to be in my cards again.  I'm also starting to get out of breath really easily.  I don't remember this happening so early before. And makes me a little nervous as to how I'm going to last 19 more weeks!

The highlight of the week was our weekend, adult getaway.  Beeba and Papa took Zoe up north while Aaron and I enjoyed a trip to Holland and then back for a night in GR.  We missed our little girl like crazy but it was so nice to just nap whenever, not worry about how late I was staying up because I knew I'd get to sleep in, not worry about eating at a certain time or nap time or any of the scheduling.  Don't get me wrong, I love every second (or almost every second ;) ) with that little girl.  Mommy just needs a little break to recharge once in a while.

Holland was filled with shopping and beach time.  It was crazy how quiet it was on the 4th.  The summer is their tourist season so I would have thought it would have been busier.  Nope, lots of stores and restaurants were closed.  GR was also fun.  The restaurant we wanted to go to was closed too (what?!), but we made do.  The fireworks were literally on top of our hotel so we were able to have a really good view.  Then Sunday it was back to my parents to pick up Little Miss who was so excited to see us.  She did have tons of fun though and had a few mini meltdowns when having to leave the "sings" and "wawa" (swings and water).  Story of our life so nothing new there :)  I think Beeba and Papa were exhausted too but had fun!

Next weekend it's off to CO!  Crazy busy summer!

June 15, 2014 - 18 Weeks

It's so crazy to me to think that in TWO weeks, we'll know the gender of this baby!  Or could know depending on how we decide to find out ourselves.  I just can't wrap my head around the fact that time is just flying by so fast and we are almost halfway there.

I've been feeling great this week.  Tired from so much running around last weekend, but oh well.  I always seem to be tired even when I'm not pregnant :) 

My appetite has slowed down as well.  I still need a morning and afternoon snack, but they can be smaller and I don't have to go crazy and eat after dinner usually.

I'm definitely starting to show even more.  I've even been wearing some of my maternity tops.  I know with Zoe, I didn't bust those out until after my 20 week appointment so we're a little early this time around.  But I guess it's my second pregnancy so I expect to be bigger a little faster.  Aaron says he thought my baby belly looked cute (unsolicited) so I guess I'm good with it as long as it still looks "cute" and not "huge" :)

No real worries either.  I know, I know.  Who is this person typing?  I sometimes feel so bad that I haven't had any real time to sit and think about and embrace this pregnancy this time around.  With work and vacations and running around after Zoe, I have minimal time every day and by then, I pretty much crash on the couch and watch TV or read.

We did find a rug online last night for Zoe's room which was the major thing we needed.  So that's been ordered.  My mom is in town next weekend to babysit so we can go out for our anniversary and we plan to go to IKEA before she leaves so she can get a few supplies as well.  Then we should have the dresser and bookshelf.  Other than that, I have the vision planned, it's just a matter of putting it all together :)  I'm excited to make it girly since I never really got around to putting much pink in the nursery.  I have to live up the pink while I still am the one picking out the decor :)

Here's the rug we went with.

My parents are coming in August to help move a few of the heavier pieces out of the guest room and then I will be able to finish everything off.  I've made a list of everything we need to finish Zoe's new room, the nursery, and then a few baby gear items we'll need this time around.  Whew...it sounds like a lot!  It really shouldn't be too bad since I have 5 months to spread it out.

Father's Day was jam packed with going downtown to the River Walk and riding bikes.  Zoe had so much fun seeing the water the whole time.  We attempted to go to the new splash park but the water turned off as soon as we got there and wasn't working so we gave up and went back to the fountains.  She really could care less as you can see from her face.  Water is water to this girl :)

April 20, 2014 - 10 Weeks

We're getting there!  10 weeks....1/4 of the way done.  Putting it in those terms is a little scarey to think about...

The highlight of this week....finally telling our parents!  They were all so excited.  My parents took a while to figure out what her shirt said.  And it was horrible having to wait until Saturday morning when Aaron was back from his trip and Zoe was up.  My dad kept asking Friday night when we were going to have another.  I think I did a pretty good job lieing :)  Then we told Aaron's parents on Sunday - a little hurried since we had to wait for Zoe to get up from her nap and then needed to leave to get to his sides Easter party.  At my family's Easter, my uncle commented on if I was eating for two (ok, I had two small roll sandwiches) and my cousin said Zoe clearly needed a sibling since she was so obsessed with their "baby" as Zoe kept calling out.

It was a great weekend though.  Beeba, Nana, Zoe, and I went to the Meijer Gardens Saturday morning.  Zoe was more intrigued with the "wawa" (water) and plants but we had fun.  We'll definitely have to go back when it's warmer.  I had no idea they had so much outdoor space for kids.  Then we went to lunch at Panera before heading home for naptime.  My mom and I treated ourselves to a mani/pedi as well.  Sunday was FILLED with church, parties, and a little bit of relaxing while Zoe napped. 

I'm starting to feel less sick, but I'm not sure if that's because the "morning sickness" is going away or if I'm consciously eating more.  I have a bowl of cereal before bed which has greatly helped how I feel in the morning and then I snack all day and make sure I haven't something for the ride home just in case.  But smells....ugh.  They just are horrible.  Our house still smells "weird" to me and Aaron promises he doesn't smell it.  The fridge at work, the trash at home.  I literally have to stop breathing sometimes quickly while I'm doing stuff like opening the fridge or throwing something away.  Just breathing out of my mouth even makes me gag.  It's bad.

Again, I'm running out of flowy shirts.  Yesterday, I just said screw it and wore one or my regular sweaters.  It is what it is at this point.  I do need to bust out my bella bands soon though.  Some of my work pants have to be unbuttoned by the end of the day.

No huge worries right now.  Of course, I've spotted on and off since Saturday which made me wonder if telling our parents was a mistake.  But in the end, these are the people who would know if something bad happened anyhow so it's ok.  But it's been much lighter and less frequent than with Zoe so I'm trying not to think about it.

Aaron dislocated his shoulder on Saturday so things have been a little interesting.  I've been on making dinner, cleaning up, and 100% Zoe duty all week.  I'm exhausted by the time 7:30 hits.  He's doing what he can though.  It's just hard when Zoe's starving, she needs to eat, but all she wants is for ME to hold her until her dinner is ready.  And it's near impossible to cook her dinner and hold her at the same time.  Thankfully, yesterday has been the only really bad day.

Mother's Day

It's so hard to believe that my second Mother's Day is already here.  Last year was a bit of a whirlwind with a weekend full of parties and a little girl with her first cold.  After having an 6 month who had slept through the night for a while, staying up all night with a poor little girl who couldn't breathe was rough.  I wasn't seasoned anymore.

I've said it a million times, but being a mom is truly such a tough job.  But it's so much more rewarding then any performance review or bonus at work. 

Hearing Zoe talk to her animals and baby over the monitor in the morning...

Walking into her room and seeing that HUGE smile just for me and her popping up with her arms outstretched....

Finally getting kisses when we ask (even if they are open mouthed and slobbery)...

Putting her to bed at night and having her say "night night" and wave bye bye through her crib slats well after the door is shut...

She's amazing.  I had no idea what to expect when I was pregnant.  And things are definitely different since having her.  But wow, they've changed for the better.  I never imagined the sheer magnitude of love I'd feel instantaneously.  And somehow, it keeps growing and growing which I never thought possible.

I'm so thankful for this little girl who made me a momma.  Even when she tries my patience, I wouldn't trade her for anything :) :)

Holiday Recap

Yes, we are still alive over here.  It's been a crazy two months since her birthday!

We had a low key Halloween.  We decided to go DIY this year, and Zoe was a jazzercise baby.  I thought she looked pretty freakin' cute if you ask me.  Those thighs and that belly.  Too much.  The weather was horrible, so we didn't go out (I figure she's only one - she could care less), but thankfully she got to celebrate at school.

Before Thanksgiving, we headed to Bay City to visit my college roommate and her little girl.  Zoe was only a few months old the last time, so it was fun to see the girls interact more and play together.  Zoe was very interested in Grace's socks and was a good sport when Zoe decided to start taking them off.

Then came Thanksgiving.  We went to my in-laws early this year since we'd be heading back to Detroit a little early.  It was so nice to have a few extra days off.  The house was packed with almost the whole family (the Seattle siblings didn't make it home), but I know my mother-in-law wouldn't have it any other way :)  It was so so much fun to see everyone.  And thank you to all of Zoe's aunties and uncies who read her Barnyard Dance a million times.  Saturday we started a new tradition of having my brother and his husband over for for dinner with my parents (his family is from OH so getting to GR would be quite the drive).  It was great seeing them too.  They live in CA and we don't see them nearly enough.  I miss my little brother.

Since Thanksgiving was so late this year, that gave us just a few short weeks until Christmas to pack in shopping and getting ready to travel back to GR.  My mom and I had out annual Christmas adventure.  This year we chose Frankenmouth.  It was FREEZING, but we had lots of fun.  Sadly, my grandpa passed away so Zoe and I made an unexpected trip back for the funeral.  She got to see Aunt Jodi and Uncle Andrew since they flew in as well.  The following weekend Nana came to babysit while we finished up our shopping and went to a friend's Christmas party.  Nana even braved making cookies with Zoe...they tasted delicious!

Uncle Andrew and Uncle Nick flew in the week before Christmas and we all headed home minus Aaron and Wally (he had to work on the 23rd).  The days were filled with Christmas parties, baby showers, family outings, etc.  It was crazy busy but so much fun to see everyone. 

I always hate the letdown after the holidays.  We are left with freezing temperatures and not a whole lot of excitement in the near future :(  I did book my trip to Cali though to visit my BFF and her little bundle come May (and Jon of course!)...OC reunion here we come!  Is it May yet??

Zoe's First Visit Up North

We are alive over here!  Summers are just so busy for us.  And July has been crazy.  This is the first weekend we've been home all month.

It's no secret I love up north Michigan.  It's absolutely gorgeous.  I don't know how you can't love it - especially in the summer when it's warm and sunny and the beaches are beautiful.

Every year (almost), my family goes camping up north.  When we were little, we'd go to different campgrounds, but at some point we got stock on Traverse City and we've been going there for a LONG time now.  We weren't able to go last year because of my brother's wedding (it was worth it!), but this year we were able to fit in a few days around the 4th of July.  And Miss Zoe got experience her first trip up north AND her first time camping.

She did awesome for the most part.  The last day/night were rough.  She was hot, tired, whiny, and cutting a tooth so it was just a mess.  Not much sleep was had.  But thankfully it was the last day/night and the rest of the time was perfect.  

She even got to sleep on Uncle Andrew's table bed.  She was one lucky girl to have that whole thing to herself!

She LOVED the beach.  She could have
stayed there the whole time.

She even took a 45 minute while Grandpa held
the umbrella for us so it wouldn't blow away.

Beeba helped us take a bath in the same "tub"
the three of us used as kids with original stickers
on the side and all.  She BARELY fit.

Aaron claims this was the cause for his
horrible game.  I won by the way.

She loved the campfire!  I can't wait for when she can
actually stay up a little longer to enjoy it.

Mommy even snuck her some frozen yogurt.  It was like crack.

And her 4th of July outfit.  Nana got her and Ida matching onesies and I found
this headband on Very Jane along with some super cute bloomers that she
has on that you can't see.

Father's Day

I am so terrible at posting anything on time these days.  The excuses are endless, so I'll spare you...Anyways...

We had such a great Father's Day weekend.  Aaron had traveled to Vegas at the beginning of the week and then I went to Chicago at the end of the week so we were all ready for some R&R and time together.  Saturday I ran errands, cleaned and tried to get most of my weekend chores out of the way earlier in the day.  At night, we had friends over for a BBQ (although the weather didn't cooperate and we ate inside).

Sunday, Aaron got to pick what we did.  He played with Zoe while I ran and got his last present.  Then we got Zoe ready to play in her pool.  She LOVED it.  She probably would have stayed in it all day if we would have let her.  And a baby in a cute, little, pink bathing suit?  Cutest.thing.ever.  We threw in a few of her bath toys and she was happy as can be.  We were all having so much fun, we didn't even realize Wally had escaped and was almost to Woodward Ave.  Ugh.  We quickly wrangled him and continued our poolside fun. 

Aaron and I lounged in the back and ate lunch and read while Zoe napped.  Once she finally woke up, we all walked up to the park so she could play on the swings for a bit.  She thought they were so so, but daddy pushing her and jumping at her?  HILARIOUS! :)  Will her giggles ever stop melting my heart?  I doubt it.  We made a quick stop to 7 Eleven on our way home and then it was time to get dinner ready and start the nightly routine. 

As usual, the weekend went way too fast, but it was so nice to have such a relaxing time.  Zoe did so many projects for daddy!  She made him a card, footprints at her old daycare, and a footprint hanging thingy at her new daycare.  Then we did this which I found on Pinterest a long time ago and wanted to make sure I did when we had kids.  I thought it would be neat to update the pictures every year as she gets older. 

First Mother's Day

Technically, I had a half celebration last year when my mom took me shopping for maternity clothes and my dad bought me a rose from church :)  But this was the first year with out little goose really here.

We spent the weekend at my parents since I had a training in GR and it was my sister-in-law's 30th birthday party.  For Mother's Day, we had brunch at my in-law's.  Zoe and daddy made me a perfect handmade card (Zoe even did a nice crayon drawing on the inside), a hand print keepsake, and got me a bead for my bracelet.  And Aaron even went grocery shopping for me when we got home...this was big!

Poor Zoe has definitely been working on building her immune system in the short few weeks she's been at day care.  She had a little stomach bug earlier this month and become and runny, snotty mess Mother's Day weekend.  Needless to say, I was up until 5am holding her upright Saturday that weekend night so that she could get some sleep and be able to breathe.  It's crazy how fast you forget the newborn days of sleep deprivation.  We've been living in a nice bubble with a baby who sleeps through the night for a LONG time now (I'm hoping I'm not jinxing myself...).

Mother's Day weekend was a good reminder that this really is hard work, but so worth it to see her smiles all day on Sunday. 

I hope everyone had a very, Happy Mother's Day.  Ours was perfect!

Easter

Zoe got to celebrate TWO weeks of Easter for her first.  

Beeba and Grandpa headed to Colorado to visit Aunt Jodi and Mark since Mark was confirmed at Easter mass.  So, Beeba and Grandpa decided to come over the weekend before to give Goose her Easter basket.  She loved the giraffe toy and really wasn't interested in much else :)  But everything was much needed and the clothes and sandals are going to be adorable this summer.  

Keeping with the giraffe theme (her
basket was a giraffe too)

This little chick was mine when I was little.
Beeba found it and cleaned it up for us.

Of course "King Tut" had to be in the picture too (...Brody the dog).

The dogs were a little upset Zoe got a basket and they didn't.

Grandpa time!

For the actual Easter weekend, Nana and Grandpa came to visit.  She was so cute in her Easter dress!  She loved the toys from Nana and Grandpa.  The cellophane on the outside of the her basket was the biggest hit :)

Aaron thought she looked like a tight rope
walker with her onesie and tights on.  So...he
found a rope and we posed her :)

Uncle Nate came over for lunch and to
watch the U of M game :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

My little Valentine is napping right now, and we don't have anything crazy planned for today, but I've definitely doused her with extra kisses :)  I can't wait until my big Valentine gets home from work and we can all celebrate together!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Our big kid goodies from our parents.

Zoe's goodies from the grandparents.  Nana and Grandpa found
this great book all about "Zoe Gets Ready".
It's even spelled the same!!  Love it :)