Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Don't Wish It away

It's still the year 2020.  And I get it, it's been a hard year and there's still 2 1/2 months left! Our lives have been disrupted, people are selfish, our "rights" have been at stake more than ever, and who knew we could bake banana bread? We've had to cancel plans, vacations, school, get groceries delivered, invest in toilet paper and hand sanitizer. We've endured countless hours of "information" from officials, waged war on our social media platforms, de-friended "friends," blocked family members, and complained about being lonely all while social distancing. This was-no IS the year we found what we're made of.

Regardless if we were ready or not, this year showed us that we were not prepared or equipped to handle for what a lot of people already call life. We watched from our living rooms as our country literally began to fall apart. 2020 was-no IS the year where generations from all sides, banded together to fight for their causes, march in the streets, and burn buildings just to be heard. 2020 was-no IS the year people continue to wish away.

Then there's me, getting in a round of IVF before all procedures were canceled, finding out we're pregnant during a "pandemic," learning how to navigate this "new normal" with a 5 year old. You know what? I found a new appreciation for sidewalk chalk, jams, homemade cleaners, the outdoors, supporting local, and my neighbors. I watched as my husband took his free time and taught our daughter how to grow grass, build a shed/playhouse, and brave the unknown as an "essential worker."  Together we tried to shelter Eloise from "the virus" physically and emotionally. Her little life was halted when Preschool stopped, when she couldn't see her friends or play with her cousins, and was forced to connect with others via the computer-something we never let her touch prior to covid.  

In my personal prayer time I have begged God to alter this time we find ourselves in. I too have had moments of despair and depression. I've also been perplexed, confused, and angry when I hear people complaining. We live in a time where you can make more money not working than working.  You don't have to go hungry, there's literally a food pantry every day of the week if you need it. You're bored? How? There have been so many opportunities to take FREE classes, meet new people, chat across the world via zoom,  catch up on your hobbies, learn a new skill, write letters, read a book, check in with friends. All the things we complain about not having enough time to do. Instead we make meme's, binge watch, lay around, criticize everyone and everything, we found out what we were made of. We continue to wish the remaining months away so we can have a different outlook, new goals to pursue, to be better. But what if 2021 isn't going to be "better?"

So here's my charge friends, let's cherish the remaining months and fill them with compassion, friendship, giving, and gratefulness. Make everyday a beautiful memory that you once wished for. Find peace within your soul and tackle those demons. Don't wait until New Years to start getting healthy-get moving and introduce fresh air and produce into your life. Embrace the wonder of the world around you-get outside, take a walk, stop and smell the flowers, hug a tree for the fun of it. Learn something new-challenge your mind no matter how long it's been or how old you are. Fight for connection-call your grandma, write a letter to your friend, be apart of your community while keeping safe.  Dance in the kitchen with your significant other, cuddle your children no matter what age they are, be present when someone is talking to you, invest in yourself and others. Let's remind 2020 who we are and that while we wished it was better, we became better people because of it!



Saturday, October 10, 2020

38 Weeks and Counting

Our little/BIG man


How are we feeling?
This is a loaded question because I am FULL of complaints. I hurt so bad and wonder if my bones are breaking from the inside. Pregnancy takes it toll on your body in ways you  never imagined and this pregnancy is sooooo different than it was with Eloise. Water is my life source and I've come full circle as fruit is the only thing that sounds good. I'm also feeling like I might be too old for this....

What's up with the bump?
Little man or I should say BIG man is measured to be weighing 8 pounds 90z already! Because I am scheduled for a c-section, they will continue to let him grow. This means my stomach is HUGE and he could end up weighing close to 10 pounds when born. I cannot wait to get this show on the road and be able to walk more than 10 minutes before collapsing in pain.


What crazy thing did we recently learn?
That everything for baby comes in giant cardboard boxes. We literally have a truck full of cardboard that we need to get rid of.  We also learned that our car was not going to fit our growing family and bought a new one!  Our neighbor works for a dealership and got us a great deal. It's nice to have something bigger for our growing family. You can see how enormous my belly is in this picture!



Subject I'm not ready to think about?
Being stuck in the house for another 5 months. Between winter and covid, I wonder if we will ever get out! At least Theodore will be someone new to keep us occupied, but this outgoing mama misses people!

Big Daddy's Take:
"As of late I have been thinking about the differences in raising a girl vs. a boy. I can think of many moments where I have positioned Eloise to see other women doing things that would encourage her that she could do as well, but as I think of Theodore I find that I will have to be that example of the type of person he can become. I've looked at other women as being Eloise's teachers, but with Theo I will have to be that. "

Big Sister's Take: 
"I love him with my whole heart, will always keep him safe, tell him about God, and hope he comes soon!" For the record, she's already picked out his Halloween costume to match hers as well as Christmas jammies! Eloise also got to practice feeding her new baby cousin Jaydn-my sister Racheals newest bundle and we are excited to have our boys two weeks apart. 


Thursday, September 10, 2020

34 Weeks and Counting!

 How are we feeling?
Large and in charge!  My belly is HUGE even thought the little guys is only 5 1/2 pounds. I'm tired and running short on brain cells. Getting off the ground is hilarious to watch and Eloise gets a kick out of all my moaning and groaning. I also feel accomplished having started schooling Eloise and getting the boy's room done at the same time. Also wondering if there's life after laundry???


LOVE those chubby cheeks already!

What's up with the bump?
There's some confusion with our umbilical cord issue. Several doctors are weighing in and our due date has changed twice. Let's just say it could be anytime between Sept. 29th-October 14th.  While baby boy is growing "beautifully," we are still watching and waiting to see how things progress. I go in twice a week to monitor growth and this little guy refuses to participate.  So, the monitor appointments go longer than planned. Boys!


What crazy thing did we recently learn?
So much has changed since we had Eloise.  Anywhere from hospital test/protocols to new nursery items. So many things we never had with Eloise, we now have with him. Also, boys clothes aren't as fun as girl clothes...

Subject I'm not ready to think about?
Even less sleep than what I'm already getting.

Big Sister's Take:
"Im excited when he finally comes out!" So many people ask if she's excited and while she is, she is over waiting for him to come out.  It seems she's counting down the days just like Mama and Daddy are! She's also been "practicing" with her baby dolls and brings them everywhere!
Here are a few photos from my sister and I's maternity shoot