I've Been Missing...

Because of this little one:)

Birth Story to come!

Ideal VS. Reality ~ Birth Doula

I started doing Doula work when Buddy Boy was a little over a year. We were unsure whether or not we would have more kids, but thought we may be done after I had two miscarriages. Well, a week after my doula training I realized I was pregnant with Baby C. I tried to attend a few births but between morning sickness and little ones at home, it was very hard on me. So I took the rest of the year off and started attending births again when Baby C was 6 months old. It was even harder. I love being a doula but between pumping, being away from the baby, and trying to find a sitter for all my kids for an unknown length of time it was all too much. I again decided to take another break. I was contacted by a few people in mid October last year who needed a doula and decided to go to a few interviews... I figured if it was meant to be, it would be. I guess it wasn't, because before I even made it to the interviews I found out I was pregnant again with Baby #4. I knew then that I wasn't suppose to be a doula at this stage of my life.

It is sad for me but I know again, that I need to be at home with my kids in order for our family to run smoothly and for there to be peace in our household. I also know that life goes through stages and that although at this time I can't do doula work, one day I will find myself back in the birth world. I still have dreams of where I want to be, they are just not part of my reality right now.

Staying Busy!

We have been staying busy lately.

Trampoline fun with friends...

Yearly doctor and dentist visits

Midwife appointments

Bounce houses

Spray parks

Trying to nap...

Grad parties

Birthday parties

Swim lessons...

Berry picking...

This was the start to Bubba Love's "bad luck" week.  She slipped in the mud 2 times while picking berries and then got stung by a wasp.  Poor baby!

Anniversary dinner (2 dinners really)

Swimming at Yammie's

Story time @ the library

Moving into a big boy bed after figuring out how to climb out of the crib...

Trip to the Zoo

This was Bubba Love's second day of bad luck this week.  She tripped and tore up her knee pretty good.  When we asked for a band-aid though, they gave her (and all the kids) ice cream to cheer her up.

BBQ w/ family

Yearly midwife potluck

Father's Day breakfast

Pedicures...

Is that enough to fit into 10 days??

I really should slow down because at the end of the evenings I am SO tired, but we are trying to have some fun before the baby comes and we will be laying low.

Coming up this week...

More swim lessons

Madagascar 3

Hair appointment

Then hopefully a baby!!

Crafting ~ Nesting Style

Over the last week I have had a few breaks from my kids... So I have been crafting!

First I made the new baby this cute minky blanket.

This is the first blanket I have ever made, it was pretty easy to make and super inexpensive.  I think these may be my new baby shower gifts!

Then with the left over fabric from the blanket, I made a boppy cover.

Baby C was breaking it in for us tonight:)

Then I saw a really cute, fast and easy tutorial for canvas photos here.

So I printed off a few of my favs from our recent family photo shoot and made them into canvas.

I am just waiting for Daddy to hang them up.... hint,hint!

Lastly, I made a birthday gift for one of Bubba Love's friends.

Her Dad told us she has too many toys, so I thought this was a great gift instead.

 

All these crafts are keeping me busy and my mind off of having a baby!  I am going to have to think of a few more things to craft this week:)  Any suggestions?

6 Years!

Today, Daddy and I have been married for 6 years!!

Happy Anniversary Baby:)

Last anniversary we said we were going to try to slow down a bit... but here we are again with another baby on the way!  It's the only way we know how to live, never a dull moment.

So for 6 years, here are 6 reasons why I love Daddy so much!

1. He loves me and our family more then anything else in this world.  He shows me everyday by working harder then anyone I know, so that the babies and I can stay home and enjoy everyday!

2. He has a passion for making thing and working with his hands.  He is beyond meticulous which causes for long days in the shop but amazing results in the end.

3. He is not a romantic in any way, but he knows exactly how to make me feel special.  In a much better way then flowers or chocolates could ever do.  

4. He supports me in all my craziness!  Whether it's rescuing a stray or birthing our babies at home, he is behind me 100%. 

5. He is my dream man... Sexy in that rustic cowboy kind of way:)

6. He made a vow to me, and I know that no matter what happens he meant what he said.  He will love me forever and stick with me through it all.

Mommy Talk Tuesday {Best & Worst Baby Items}

Welcome back to Mommy Talk Tuesday! 

Sorry we missed the last few weeks, but we are excited to be back:)

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This weeks topic is {Best & Worst Baby Items}:
Tell us what you couldn't live without and what was a waste of money when it came to baby items!

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I have a lot of best & worst!
My best of the best is my Ergo Carrier.  I bought it when Bubba Love was a couple months old, and have used it with all the kids and it is/was a total life saver. The first few month of a babies life, all they want is to be close to their mama... so this carrier makes that easy and comfortable.
Other bests:
5 second thermometer
Gripe Water
Binkys

Worst of the worst has to be the pee-pee teepee.  We were given a set of these when I was pregnant with Buddy Boy and I never used it.  It takes more time to cover it up while changing a boy, then it does to just change a boy... learn to do it fast if you are that worried about getting peed on!
Other worsts:
Grocery cart cover
Swaddling blankets
Non-practical outfits & baby shoes
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Link Up!  But please remember to only link if you have a post related to the topic:)

Next Weeks Topic: {Mommy Friends!}
 How important is it to have fellow mommy friends? What are ways you have made mommy friends? What do you do about other moms who are judgmental towards your parenting style or try to push their parenting thoughts on you?

Wordless Wednesday ~ Close Ups

Ideal VS. Reality ~ Schooling

Lately I have been stuck in this limbo between my "ideal" life and reality.

All in all, my life is awesome.  I love where I am and how we have gotten here.  But there are some things that are coming up that I always thought would go one way... and now they are going another.

It bums me out because I feel like most of the reason they are going another way is because of me.  But I am to the point where I have to do what is best for me and the peace in our household.

 

 

Are you following??

Here is what I am beginning to see as reality... 

For the last few years we have planned to home school our kids.  I took Bubba Love out of preschool and home schooled the kids this year.  It has been fun(ish), but really exhausting and trying on me.  I LOVE my kids and I want to spend time with them, but I think we are all ready for a break from each other.  The sibling fighting and rivalry have gotten out of control lately and I think it is because they are ALWAYS together.  I can't take it anymore and I have started to loose my patience.  Not to mention the fact that I am going to be adding another baby to mix.  Mama needs some help!  Soooooo after a lot of prayer and a lot of discussion, Daddy and I have decided to put both of the kids into school next year.  Bubba Love into kindergarten and Buddy Boy into preschool.  It makes me sad just thinking about it... all the reasons we wanted to home school and all the reasons I really don't like public school.  But when looking at the whole picture, sending them to school is going to be best for our home right now.  Maybe that will change in a few years... we shall see.

Pregnancy Update ~ 36 Weeks

How far along: 36 Weeks!!! Officially full term:)

Weight gain: 22lbs

Symptoms: Fatigue, but feeling good otherwise.   

Food Cravings: BLT's... Although I am always craving bacon!!

Memorable moments: My midwife told me this week that she thinks that baby is already over 6lbs!  I am now planning on a Buddy Boy size baby (big)... which is fine with me, size doesn't matter as long as baby is healthy!  It makes me wonder if this baby will also have Buddy Boy's traits... blonde hair, blue eyes, light skin... since the other two kiddos were smaller and both look alike.

Planning: Deep cleaning and organizing.  Washed girl clothes but still need to wash boy clothes.

Emotions: Getting excited!!  You know last week when I said we had a busy June and time would fly... yeah, I have a feeling that isn't going to be the case!  I am anxious to get this show on the road.

What I am looking forward to: A busy week with the kids.  Trying to spend some quality time with the kids while I can.