Zoe Louise | 21 months

This girl is growing like crazy.  And her vocabulary is exploding.  We had to go back 2 weeks after her 18 month checkup so Dr. Butry could check her ears, and she asked what new words she could say.  I was caught off guard and said well we were here just 2 weeks ago so I guess I don't know.  Dr. Butry said to watch out because she'll have a new word every few days soon enough.  And was she right…

Piggies!  Finally!

She repeats almost everything.  She can form short sentences.  "Go ou-side" is of course her favorite.  She loves to say "ride" to ride in her wagon or cozy coup.  She loves her "strower" (stroller).  Every morning now we wake up to "Momma, dadda, Wawyyy....Momma dadda, Wawyyy!!  MOMMA, DADDA, WAWYY!!!"  While I wish sometimes she'd sleep in just a little later than 7:30 am, her jabbering is the cutest wake up ever.  And I love how Wally's name is now thrown into the mix.  She can say birdy which sounds slightly like boobie...and loves to point out every birdy she sees on our walks.  And currently "Beeba" sounds like boobie too :)  We get a good kick out of that one.  "Kitty" is another favorite.

One of her new favorites during this time period is "What's tiss? What's at?"  (What's this, what's that?).  And she asks this to EVERYTHING. Even with things I know she knows.  It's super cute though :)

She's really good with Sesame Street characters too.  She knows that Abby is on her shoes.  And she will open the book at school right to Zoe and yell "Oeee"!  She can't get the "z" out quite yet.

She knows who "Papa" is and loves to repeat it and question where he is.  She doesn't get that they don't live close to us.

Then there are the things that are funny but not the best habits...She recently started saying "No, go away!"  Not sure where she picked that up...we are trying to teach her to say "No thank you" which usually comes out "No, go away! No kank you. Go away." Or some similar combination.  Or the fact that one of her books has a phrase "Stop right there!"  And she'll point to people now and say "Stop right there."  Again, it's funny and SOUNDS cute coming out of her little mouth, but not the best thing to be saying to people.

She is doing great at trying new food now.  She'll eat more fruit including blackberries, blueberries, nectarines.  We're getting there on the meat department.  She ate ribs earlier.  I'm really just happy if she tries something even if she doesn't like it.

Her moods have been all over the place these past few months.  She's super happy, then she's throwing the biggest tantrum.  School thinks she can sense that I'm pregnant.  I'm not sure about that...she is getting more of her teeth.  Her eye teeth are almost all the way in.  And I can't quite see the molars.  But I think this is a lot of it.  She's just been very "sensative" as they put it at school where she has a fit over what seems to be nothing.  But then she's super sweet and helpful.  Maybe she's getting out her terrible twos early :)

She's starting to take more to other kids/people.  She was in Aunt "Joey's" wedding and walked down the aisle like a pro holding hands with the ring bearer.  He was very good with her and played with her the day before which helped warm her up I think.  She was also best buds with Aunt "Caky" by the end of the week too.

She can also count (somewhat).  I start by saying one, then she can say "two, see (three)", I say four and five really fast because she moves right into "six and nine!"  We'll get there :)

She's starting to HATE her car seat which has not been the case for her entire life up until this point.  Ugh…maybe when we move her forward it will get better.  Because she can last about an hour tops now and then it's over.  She cried for 45 minutes on the way to my parents until I finally stopped, gave her baby and a kiss and she fell asleep.  Then the way home from the reunion for 4+ hours by myself?  I don't even want to talk about it.  And the 4+ hours to Denver when I thought for sure she'd fall asleep since it was past her bedtime…nope.  Just screams.  

But really, she's a great little girl and makes us laugh constantly.  She can say "pease!" so well and in context.  She's getting better and better with "kank you!" and will run around saying "kank you…you're we-come" all to herself :)  So precious and nice to see that she's learning her manners.  She also says "bess you!" when we sneeze, cough, yawn, etc.  I've given up trying to correct her when we do something other than sneeze and just tell her thank you because it's so darn cute.

Her new favorite songs are "pa-ey cake" and "issy beecy".  Skinninamarink by Sharon Louis and Bram was an old favorite, but she's SO over that one now.  She much prefers Patty Cake and Itsy Bitsy Spider.  And you MUST help her with the hand motions.  And life is pretty much over after we sing the last rendition and tell her it's time for bed.  Oh the drama! :)

Little girl, you really are my heart and make everyday the most fun.  The hugs and kisses you give make every tantrum beyond worth it.  Mommy and daddy love you so much and we can't wait to see what the next 3 months have in store.

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 22, 2014 - 19 Weeks

Maybe soon I'll actually post on the actual date (taken 6/22).

 

19 Weeks.  That means Friday is the ultra sound!  And so crazy to think that it's probably the last time we'll see baby until his/her birthday if everything goes normal.  We did have one extra ultra sound with Zoe, because the doctor was worried she was too small at one of our appointments - turned out she was right on track.  But we didn't complain about that extra sneak peak :)

I don't feel like I've grown too much from last week.  I'm sporting 100% maternity clothes now (except my scrub clothes - my t-shirts and gym shorts still fit).  I've started having Zoe point to my belly and say "baby" which she does willingly.  And it usually turns into her lifting my shirt and trying to poke my belly button because that's one of her favorite games :)

This girl loves to say "seese (cheese)!"  Thankfully it gets her to smile on queue.

Still craving all that is salt - McDonalds in particular.  Luckily, I don't indulge in that craving too often.  This week was horrible for working out, so I need to keep the fast food to a minimum.

Our anniversary was on Saturday!  6 years!  My mom made the trip over so that we could go out to dinner and not have to eat at super speeds to make sure we avoided an antsy toddler.  Mom and I also made the treck to IKEA to get what we both needed.  Check a few more things off this to do list.  And another visit to the splash park. This girl loves water!

No huge worries this week.  I did have some VERY minor spotting on Wednesday.  I had to travel to Chicago for work.  It was a LONG day.  Our flight left at 7:45 am and because of weather, we got stuck in Chicago.  We tried to get a rental, no luck - sold out.  We tried flights out of O'Hare - all cancelled as well.  So, we went back to the city and stayed the night.  Too bad it was already 10pm or we could have enjoyed some of it.  We got up the next day and headed back to the airport and thankfully left right on time.  Not fun traveling with no change of clothes though.  Oh well.  We survived!

Apparently with Zoe at this time, I had horrible hip pain while sleeping which I haven't experienced yet at all this time around.  I do miss non-side sleeping positions.  Similar symptom with Zoe - gagging.  I feel like my teeth must be rotting.  And I had a horrible time on our way to Chicago.  That is the closest I've ever come to puking on a plain.  We had out big ultra sound with Zoe at 19 weeks so this time around we have to wait one more week.

Movement is pretty consistent each day.  Not all day but at least a few times a day.  Which is always nice especially after the spotting.

Still hanging in there and just trying to enjoy the summer!  Things are going so fast!

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 :)

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 :)

June 1, 2014 - 16 weeks

This week has been a whirlwind.  With the holiday and work meetings and trainings, it went so fast.  Which was nice, but I'm ready to come up for air any time now.  

My Old Navy packages came this week and I love the clothes I found.  I ordered one pair of pants which I might return (I HATE shopping for maternity pants).  I found the perfect pair at Gap while I was in CA and love them so much I want the other color, but of course they are back ordered until July.  I'm not sure if it's worth it to wait that long.  I might go to the mall in the next few weeks to see what I can find.

Zoe's flower girl dress also came.  So cute!  I think it should be perfect…not too poofy or scratchy but still white and dressy.  Now we just have to try and find some cute sandals to go with it.

Zoe always longingly stares through the fence at our neighbors when we are all outside.  They have two little ones, and I think she really wants to play.  It's usually always time for bed, or we are headed out or they are so she really never gets to play.  This weekend though it worked out for a little bit and they all came over and could play for a while.  Zoe thinks Liam is hilarious.  And she actually did well sharing and didn't scream when they were playing her toys.  I was very impressed!

We had a pretty low key weekend.  We have so much going on in June and July (all amazing stuff) that it's nice to just relax at home before things get insane.

Still feeling good over here.  I could tell I over did it yesterday walking so much.  I was exhausted by the end of the day.  I tried laying low today as much as I could.

My cravings are moving more towards fruit again.  I went shopping yesterday and bought everything I saw….it just all looked so good and now everything is finally ripe and in season.  

I swear I felt movement early on like I said, which now has me freaking out because I don't really feel anything consistent and haven't felt anything in a while that I've noticed.  I'm sure everything is fine.  I'm only 16 weeks so I don't expect any crazy movement.  I have my next appointment this coming week so thankfully I don't have to wait to long for my worries to be put to rest.

After solo parenting this morning while Aaron was running a race, I have a new found respect for pregnant moms with toddlers.  I have no idea how I could be a stay at home mom and be pregnant.  I am exhausted.  Thankfully she took an amazing 3 hour nap, but still.  I don't know how I'd keep up every day!

OH MY GOSH!  Poking my belly button is SO funny :)  AHHH!!!

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.

May 18, 2014 - 14 weeks

The numbers seem to be creeping up so fast!  14 weeks!  I'm writing this a tad late since I was in CA on the actual day.  We had so much fun.  And it again makes me realize just how much I miss being closer to my BFF.  It's so crazy how you can meet someone on the first day of kindergarten 26ish years ago.  How 2 (1/2) babies later and an entire continent between us and yet she's still my go to.  She's my best friend.  And when we see each other, it's like I just saw her yesterday.  Can you tell I miss her already?  And her sweet baby, Harper.  Adorable!  I'm so glad that I'm 14 weeks pregnant because I have major baby fever after leaving.

Zoe was hilarious and actually not so interested in FaceTiming with me while I was gone.  Now I know how her grandparents feel!  The only time she was still was when she was eating her snack or when she was taking a bath :)  Getting a running hug and kiss when I got home made up for it. It's amazing how much she learned while I was gone.  She can now form short sentences or at least put two words together (that I understand - she talks in long gibberish sentences but I have no idea what any of it means), she has new words.  I was gone for four days! 

I'm feeling much better and don't need to eat nearly as much/often.  I do still gag while brushing my teeth.

All of my main worries now just deal with something happening to my babies AFTER they are born.  Weird I know.  It just seems like I've read a lot of blogs lately or heard a lot of stories where something tragic happens or the baby is born with a horrible, incurable disease.  I know what will be will be, and I can't keep them in a bubble.  But as a mom, it's so hard to know that you can't protect them from everything.  But enough of the sad....

I'm thinking that this week will be the week to bust out the maternity pants.  The bella band is just getting so tight and uncomfortable.

My parents are coming out next weekend to help with yard work and planting.  The weather is finally turning around and it's supposed to be gorgeous.  I can't wait to be outside all weekend (I'm sure Zoe will enjoy it equally as much).

May 11, 2014 - 13 Weeks

The appointment went perfect!  Heart rate is at 160 which seems a little lower than what I remember from Zoe, but I'd have to check my posts to actually remember what it was. 

I've gained 4-5 pounds already which seems like a lot considering how far I feel I have to go.  But I guess I'm 13 weeks so more than a fourth of the way there.  Although, I know I'll really pack on the pounds when I get to the end.  I can't worry about it though.  It will come off eventually.

Still feeling wierdly pudgy most of the time.  I'm scouring my wardrobe for dresses with leggings, maxi dresses, etc. so that I don't have to wear jeans.  They just are so uncomfortable.  The bella band helps but still not great.

It's so hard to believe that my second Mother's Day is already here.  We went to GR for the weekend.  Aaron ran a race on Saturday - mom, Zoe and I went down to watch/walk around.  Saturday night we had dinner with Aaron's and my parents.  Such a great weekend. 

In less than one week, I'll be on a plane to go visit my BFF and her little one.  To say I'm excited is an understatement.  I'll miss my little family like crazy, but it will be nice to have a few days to get away and see my BFF and her new little family.  I can't wait!!