While Waiting III

Again, chronicling another weekend of waiting on baby. In case you missed the first installments, here are Week I and Week II.


If it's winter time and you are waiting on baby, you will take advantage of a sunny, warmer day and build a snow fort.

If little girls only take a short morning nap, you'll decide to do a trial photography session to see how well she handles it. And then you'll find that the feather boa is cute, but since she is very ticklish she only tolerates it for about two seconds before whipping it off.

If the troops get restless, you'll find that a walk in the crisp winter air takes their mind off their crabbiness and gets in some quick exercise for mama too.

If all else fails, you'll find that a new addiction to a little thing called Pinterest can waste away oodles of time. And, get you inspired to take your nesting to a whole new level in the craftiness department.

If you get hungry for something sweet, maybe baby will decided to arrive when he/she smells some yummy cupcakes fresh out of the oven.

Frost them with some homemade cocoa buttercream frosting and at least you'll be satisfied, despite baby not arriving all weekend long. Again.

In the end, we keep plenty busy because baby is worth the wait. Some of us get a little tired though and decide that we might as well take a snooze in the mean time.

Sorry to bore you with the details of our waiting period, but I figure I might as well post something because I don't want my readers to get antsy.

How was your weekend? How's every little thing in your corner of the neighborhood?

While Waiting II

Another week of waiting on baby brings another post of the things we do while waiting. Sorry, but knowing my history you are probably guaranteed at least another one of these posts next week too.

Over the last week I've kept busy:

putting my feet up
earning more Swag Bucks
keeping the kids on task at school
maintaining the household
cooking and freezing baby food for Gianna
preparing freezer pleaser meals for after baby arrives
etc, etc....

Over the weekend we attended a family event sponsored by our parish and the local KC's. Unfortunately, after enjoying weeks of glorious and warm winter weather things turned nasty this past week. Saturday afternoon brought gusty wind, blowing snow and frigid weather to be out in.

We did get in on some of the fun with a horse-drawn wagon ride, which was pretty enjoyable.

Turkey bowling, anyone?

Of course, there was also plenty of food to enjoy and apple cider to keep us warm. To end the afternoon, there was even Mass (indoors). A small gathering of hearty Minnesotans, but it was a welcome diversion for those of us waiting on baby time.

This little girl is taking advantage of the waiting and squeezing in all the daddy time she can get.



Happy Monday!

*Colleen, this is written IRTime. Yup, I'm still here. *wink*

Waiting On A Child

It's the week before Christmas and while I'm thinking about that infant child, the King, I've got my mind on another baby too.

Our baby.

Yesterday I had the chance to catch another glimpse at Baby Gem. At my regular OB check up last week I was measuring a few weeks smaller than what I should've been, so my doctor ordered an ultrasound.

This morning I heard back from my doctor and he said Baby Gem is roughly 4 lbs. 12 oz. and ultrasound and growth were both normal. While waiting on little one it's always comforting to see their growth and changes. How can we not fall in love all over again when we get to watch him/her move and wiggle, swallow and move their hand up by their face? Precious. The tech even pointed out some hair too. So cute. It also confirmed that I again am currently carrying a 'low rider' and this baby is low in my pelvis and in position for delivery. This would explain the pressure I've been feeling over the last two weeks.

These new shots of baby will hopefully inspire us and move us in a direction of decision to get baby names narrowed down. We talked about it over the weekend, but then when we tried the names out on the kids they were less than enthused with them. Not that we decide on baby name solely based on the kids' likes or dislikes, but let's say that we're currently 'in negotiations.' It will come, I'm sure. Until then, don't ask us the names because we won't be sharing any more during the remainder of the pregnancy. We'll fall in love with the names on our own and then fall in love all over again when we put it with the face of our lovely little one.

Waiting and watching, are tough to do. We know arrivals, big and small, come all in good time. As we wait, we prepare and make ready...our bodies, our minds, our hearts. These last days of Advent our precious days, even though they are filled to overflowing with things to do, school to wrap up, piano recital and daily duties that call. Hopefully we can still capture in our home the wonder and awe of waiting, preparing and making ready.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!

Fluff And Stuff

I'm feeling fluffy today.

No, not fat kind of fluffy, although my baby bump is certainly growing. More of a do-I-really-have-anything-insightful-to-take-the-time-to-type-into-a-post-because-my-readers-deserve-some-new-material-but-I-just-have-randoms-in-my-head-so-I'll-write-a-fluff-post-instead.

You get all that?

Who doesn't like fluff? I like fluffy teddy bears and fluffy slippers and a big fluffy pillow, don't you? I hope you aren't disappointed, but I'm forging ahead with a pregnancy brain, fluffy post. Feel free to leave now if you'd like. I won't mind and I promise that there will surely be more substance back here very soon.

Here we go:

-I'm trying to get myself into Advent. But, as I said here, my brain is still stuck in September. It's a bummer because this is my absolute FAVORITE time of year. I love the preparation, the decorating, the baking and the family time. Now I just need to jump in and get my head in the season.

-Perhaps the above will be better once I start decorating the house and baking cookies. I love when my house is decorated and smelling of Christmas. The last couple years though it's the setting up all the decor and pulling out the bins that is daunting. I blame the belly. Good thing I've got such a helpful and willing hubby.

-Almost all of the Christmas gifts are bought or ordered. I scored a great deal on my photo gifts for several people, so that thrilled me to no end. And, I was offered an Amazon Prime free trial at the beginning of November, so I've been getting some great deals, plus free shipping. Sweet deal, but a little addicting to just go out on Amazon any time and order anything not worrying about shipping. Normally I'd be waiting and combining as much as I can when I order, but with the Prime I've been an orderaholic. Probably not worth it for us personally to actually purchase the Prime, but a sweet deal if you order a ton.

-The kids are growing up too fast. I know we all say that, but it's true. Lily is turning into such a young lady (already)and she is such a mother hen. She checks in with me daily at least once, asking if I've felt the baby move recently. I've never asked her why, but I think even she likes to have the reassurances. Jonah is keeping busy with constantly transforming and changing his Thomas the train sets and redesigning them. School has a few struggles for him, but we're trying to figure them out and work with them. Speaking of school, we are keeping a steady pace since we just have a few weeks until Christmas break, then another month of school and then baby may arrive any time. We'll see where we go from there.

-As for the little lady of the household, Miss Gianna is keeping us all busy and entertained. She is developing a fun personality and is keen on watching us all the time. She's drinking from a sippy cup, can drink from a straw and will self feed at snack time. I cannot believe she is nine months old!



I had her in to the doctor for a check up the other day and she weighed in at 21 lbs. 3 oz. and 29 inches long. Doing well. She absolutely hated the appointment though and she didn't get to show off her fun personality, funny little grin accompanied by scrunched up nose or hear her little laugh. She cried and screamed the.entire.time. And, that even included when the doctor (her Godfather) was checking her over. (Thankfully, she doesn't usually act like that when we see him outside the clinic)I guess she doesn't like non-family members in her space or at least she doesn't at the clinic.

-I find myself craving things and very hungry this week. Perhaps little Gem is going through a growth spurt? I've never really been one for cravings or to have them that long. Even when I have had them while pregnant, I don't usually give in or make my husband go out and get them for me. Coffee (half-caf) is tasting especially yummy and comforting lately. I try to stick with my one grande cup per day, but some days by mid-afternoon the second cup is calling. Sometimes I give in. And how about those advertisements for the Arby's Reuben? Have you seen them?



That is looking scrumptious right now. I should probably pass though since the sauerkraut may do a number on my tummy.


I think that is about it from here. There you go. How's that for a bunch of fluff?

I hope that your first week of Advent is going well. Please stay tuned here, despite the nonsense. Rest assured that I'm still reading from all of you, despite the lack of commenting.

Partly To Mostly Foggy

I was very relieved when I read Patty's post last week and found that I was not alone.

I thought perhaps I was losing my mind or that it was just MY connectors that were a little less than, well...connected. Good grief! Several times a hour day I find myself questioning some of the most obvious things or forgetting the most basic of tasks.

Is this normal? As the pregnancies add up, does my IQ and brain wave frequency decrease? Or maybe it's the close proximity of pregnancies this time around.

Restless/interrupted sleep?(Gianna still doesn't sleep through the night)

Well, I've been blaming 'pregnancy brain' in hopes that it was a good enough excuse.

It's some of the smallest details, but really things that are so every day and basic that I don't feel like I should have to think so hard about. It's peculiar though how often there is the missed connection somewhere that keeps causing the brain fog.

I'm hoping this will all come to an end soon, but if sleep deprivation is the main culprit then we might as well count on this continuing for at least another year.

Thankfully, my children aren't old enough to admit me to the Funny Farm yet. Although, maybe hubby is about ready to. Doubt it. He'll probably keep me either way.


PS..When I wasn't busy losing my marbles yesterday, I took a Sunday Snapshot. It's a small glimpse into my world at a certain point on a Sunday. Go check out Snapshots from a Sunday to see what others were up to yesterday.

Baby Love

For Colleen and anyone else who enjoys baby bump photos.

Baby Gem and I today, at 26 weeks:

Now, before you all leave comments on how small the bump is or that you can't see it, etc. (because I know you all too well), keep in mind that Lily took the photo and it's not zoomed. Also, the light pink shirt is forgiving. I did do my best to show the belly, but I could only turn in so many different angles and have m little photographer take so many shots. I'll do my best to wear something tighter and unforgiving next time.

This was one of my first baby belly shots this time around. I just keep forgetting! I suddenly realized last week that I haven't been nearly as vigilant with the photos with this pregnancy. Trust me, we are growing bigger and thriving as the weeks keep flying by. Eager for the end, but also firmly grasping each day and moment as Gianna keeps sailing through her first year.

Speaking of my little eight month old, I had my photographer snap this photo with my out-of-womb baby:

Baby love, all around.

Wordless Wednesday: 40+

In Case You're Wondering

No baby yet. I'm still at home. Still pregnant. Still waiting.

Not really a startling revelation, but it's further proof that God's plan and timing are all in His hands and not mine. He and baby apparently are in cahoots together.

There must still be a lot for me to learn on waiting and patience. This baby has been a long time coming and while we spent so much time/effort making sure baby stayed in long enough, now we can't get him/her to come out!!

Ah, the humor in it all.

In other news, baby's heart rate is around 150-160, I am dilated to 5 cm and baby is sitting nice and low so when the time does come, it will hopefully go fast. Well, not TOO FAST. I am also scheduled for induction on Friday if nothing happens before them.

Either way, Baby Blessing should arrive by the weekend!! Hooray!! I can't wait to lay my eyes on little one and hold him/her safely in my arms.

The Incredible Shrinking Toilet

Okay, so who's been secretly slipping into my house and lowering my toilets?

C'mon, fess up.

Because seriously, somebody's been doing it.

How is it that my toilet seems to be getting lower and lower to the floor by the day?? And especially so during the night when I waddle aimlessly in the dark wander from my bedroom to the bathroom?

I'm a (relatively) tall woman, but this baby belly is really crampin' my style when it comes to taking care of business. But then, at almost a full 40 weeks pregnant I suppose that's to be expected.

Anyone else with a similar problem?

I'll scoff no longer at those raised toilets for elderly/sick. Right now one of those is looking pretty enticing.

Boy Or Girl?

Any guesses?

With Baby Blessing being the 'tie-breaker' in our household, I certainly am anxious to see which gender God sent us!

I am so eager to find out and to finally put a name with this little one. With several names on our list for each gender, it certainly will be interesting to see him or her and finally call them by name.

That alone will make labor & delivery all worth it.

Humor me and let me know what you think! Leave a comment with any last guesses!

What I Know For Sure

It's February!!

That means that THIS MONTH at some point:

Reed will rush me to the hospital (ahem, have I mentioned I'm already at 3cm??).

We'll deliver a precious little one.

We'll finally meet our new baby boy OR girl.

My arms will once again hold a newborn.

Life will drastically change.

Our household may be turned upside down.


But man, I sure am looking forward to it!!

I think the amethyst birthstone will be a beautiful addition to my Mother & Child pendant.


**Pardon the giddiness with all the baby postings. Sorry to keep mentioning it, but I just can't help it!

Preparing A Place

We've kicked things into high gear here in the last week or so to make room for baby. All of those final things I've been waiting to finish have finally all come to fruition.

And now we wait.

Fittingly, the kids and I were talking about the virtue of Patience last week at school. The book's definition was simple: Waiting with a happy spirit. We have that reminder on the fridge and we are actively trying to remember patience in all things these days.

The last details of the baby's room are complete

The clothes are washed

And a couple of new ones are waiting (Lily and I couldn't help ourselves)

Stripes and Hearts!!

With a happy spirit we'll wait for the precious baby boy or baby girl that will fill the cozy car seat.

Counting down the days!!

Mommy Matters: Postpartum

I'm getting ready to head into 35 weeks here in a couple days and I'm contemplating my postpartum days and weeks ahead.

I know I've read numerous great ideas and tips over the years, but for the life of me cannot remember a whole lot of them.

How about you, dear reader? I'm betting you've got a lot of input in this department.

What are you postpartum must-haves? Products you find beneficial to ease into post-baby days; soothing relief for breastfeeding moms; invaluable suggestions/recommendations you'd love to pass along...

You name it, I'll take it!! Share the good and the bad. The hits and the misses in all-things-postpartum.

I'm all ears!

Mommy Matters: Diapers

Today I'm wondering about all things DIAPERS!!

In the past we've used disposables all the way and never questioned further. While not a fan of pricey designs, styles and brands, we always opted for something inexpensive from Target or Walmart. I mean, c'mon, these things hold bodily fluids from priceless little people, but really I'm not crazy enough to spend a fortune!!

As we progressed into quite a number of years without diaper wearers at our house, we're now preparing to be thrown back into full-on diapering routines again. While contemplating and waiting for this baby over the years, we've heard and read about gDiapers, FuzziBunz, Bum Genius and the like. We really thought that was the route we'd go when a baby arrived again. It seemed like a lot of work, but expense-wise even with the initial sticker shock prices we'd still come out way ahead.

BUT, now we're sitting almost 10 weeks away from EDD and we're still undecided. We've gone back and forth in this area. In fact, I've already starting stocking up on the disposables. But, that's also because I've heard that either way, disposables are the way to go in the beginning because the reusable, washable, eco-friendly types are just plain difficult to get to fit just right on those newborns.

It's crunch time ladies and we've got a decision to make!!

I'm looking for pros and cons and any input on the eco-friendly types. I'm looking for deals. I need to know how you save on disposables. Where do you find great prices or coupons? I'll take any and all of your suggestions you're willing to pass on.

I know there are a bunch of you frugal, moms of many out there who have done your homework. Would you mind sharing your tips?

Early Morning

I am awake much too early, but cannot sleep.

Baby and I cozy up on the couch in the chilly morning and we enjoy the stillness here.

Together we await the morning light.

He/she stirs and wiggles about while I silently type.

A little one so small and yet so strong that every movement is felt.

It's hard to imagine what it was like before.

A weary heart longing for this moment.

Silent hours shared between the two of us getting to know each other.

Mother and child.

My mind skips ahead several months.

We are here again, but baby is sleeping cradled in my arms.

Imagine the time we will spend together.

Precious moments that we will share.

And perhaps some very sleepless, unhappy nights.

Changes ahead for all of us, but so worth it.

I try to imagine it all, but can't.

So in awe am I of this little wonder and of the God who chose to bring him/her to bless our family.

100 Days (More Or Less)

Check out my Baby Ticker on the sidebar!

We're officially just 100 days from our due date. Hooray!!

I know, it's still a ways off, but I know with the holidays ahead that the weeks are going to fly by. We're so excited....and I've got some work to do in baby's room and some shopping to be done too yet. Yikes.

Most importantly, we cannot wait to meet our healthy baby boy or girl and be amazed at the preciousness of a new little one in our home once again.

Mommy Matters: Infant Car Seats

We're in the market for a new infant car seat for baby. We had a Graco Snugride with our other two children and I saved it because it was in such good condition. I then found out that due to our lengthy wait on baby news, it was far beyond the suggested time for upgrading.

So, we've got some car seat shopping to do. It's not exactly the most fun thing to do in the grand scheme of baby preparation shopping, but it does come down to my child's safety so it's kind of important, right? Except, that when I'm looking at car seats it goes beyond safety. It becomes about carrying comfort, color, style and fabric. Oh, and price. We are talking about putting precious cargo in this little thing, but seriously I'm not gonna pay $300 for one of these! I'm more in the less than $125 range.

I'm also finding it difficult to find neutral/unisex fabrics in these car seats. Does everyone find out baby's gender before birth and buy a gender specific car seat?? Good gracious. And then there are just plain ones that have black or gray, but I'd like to have a little bit of color/style in the fabric. And of course there are themed ones (jungle, Pooh, animals, etc.) which I personally just don't care for. I also want to like (no, I don't need to LOVE it) the thing since I will be lugging it around for a while and hope to use it again for another child.

I think we've narrowed it down to either another Graco Snugride or the Baby Trend brand since they seem to fit all of my criteria.

Here are a couple I've found online that I kind of like, but am not particularly attached to:

Graco Snugride in Lively Dots


Baby Trend in Mesa



Hubby doesn't really have a preference in this sort of thing and will be fine with whatever I choose. I could use your suggestions.

I'm wondering if you have a favorite brand? What's worked for you? Any current deals out there you're aware of and can share?

Hibernation And Nesting

You know, I think we could learn a lot from the animals. I don't think we give them enough credit for their instinctive actions. Most of the birds from around here fly south for the winter. As do retirees and we call them 'snowbirds', but I call them wise. Other animals find a warm, cozy place for their fluffy, overweight selves to hibernate. Best idea yet.

Oh sure, we're not animals and we do have obligations and duties that make us the responsible humans that we are. But when the wind starts howling, the temperature drops and weather forecasts give indications of first snowfalls, this mom starts getting in hibernating/hunkered down mode. You're right, I am not made to live in Minnesota. We come from hardy descendants though and we are tied with resilient heart-strings to our families and we just can't bear to leave this wonderful state.

Until the first snow flies...

So, when the first flurries began and the winds were howling and moaning out my window, creating slushy roads and reminders of winter realities, I couldn't help but think. You know, because I'm starting to feel like a mama bear these days. Big and rounded and testy. It's those hormones of course.

It's just fine though because I've got a baby in my belly that is gonna start growing like crazy in these next 15 or so weeks. There are holidays, holy days and happy days that will fill our calendar just enough to keep us busy. I've already begun all of the nesting and preparing. Trust me, even hubby was questioning my sanity when it all began last weekend. Why was I wandering around tearing into numerous projects, re-organizing and throwing things away like a mad woman? It's the change of season, the chilly weather and general nesting hitting me full throttle.

I started to wonder aloud, ponder and fret while hubby listened and chuckled. Why does it matter what we get the kids for Christmas RIGHT NOW? Why does it matter what kind of gifts we'll buy for this baby in a few years because we have so many 'things' already? What do you mean will this baby feel loved? Oh yes, I was all over the map and ever-patient-one that my dear husband is, he took it all in stride. You know, sometimes it's overwhelming (my new favorite word, just ask hubby) being so planned and organized.

In making plans for the coming months and Christmas preparations, I re-read my post from last year. It reminded me of how much I enjoyed the Advent season last year. I stayed out of the stores and we focused together as a family on the true meaning of Christmas. I think this will work out perfectly for my hibernation-while-baby-is-growing scenario and will also allow for some more wonderful memories and days at home.

I guess I better get plugging away at that Christmas shopping list, even though I'm planning on keeping it rather simplified and gifts more thought out/meaningful rather than spendy. I've got a little over a month to do it in an effort to keep with my December 1st deadline. I think I'm up for the challenge.

There's sure to be more nesting ahead too amidst my restful hibernation. After all, we all know that the state of every nook and cranny along with every closet in our house will really matter to this precious little one we are awaiting. Um, sure it will.

Wordless Wednesday: My Birthday And 24 Weeks Edition

Mommy Matters: Intimates

Finally back with a Mommy Matters post. Somehow they got lost in the shuffle of things around here, but rest assured I've still got a number of questions that need answering before this baby arrives!

So yes, today I decided to focus on 'intimates'. Specifically, bras. I just didn't want that word sitting up there hanging out on the top post. You never know who might get here with that word up there.

I'm going to lay it out there and be honest, so please don't blush. I promise, it won't be THAT detailed.

Let's just say that I've grown in more areas than my belly during this pregnancy already and honestly I'm getting a little worried. At this rate, things are gonna be awfully large before baby arrives and if nursing is in my future (which I'm hoping it is) then we're gonna really be gettin' big. Yikes. Here again, since it's been some time that I've been this abundant, perhaps I've forgotten that I was this large before. It's hard to say.

What can you tell me about maternity bras? Nursing bras? What I'm finding online is an acknowledgment that there is indeed a difference between the two, but in my searching I'm also finding that it is almost impossible to find maternity bras and every site only shows nursing bras. I don't remember having a problem wearing a normal bra during my pregnancies before, but I'm wondering if opting for a maternity bra (if I can locate one) would be a better choice.

Do you mind sharing? What do you do/wear at the later portion of your pregnancy? Where do you shop for your bras? Brands? Stores? Any other suggestions or recommendations? They are appreciated.



**Note: I promise I won't giggle if you start to blush while commenting.