Time Is Love

It's November 12, 2012 at 12:45 in the afternoon, and I'm just sitting here trying to wrap my brain around how fast this month is flying by.   

With the holidays approaching, there's no doubt that time will keep moving right along.

Some of the best advice I've received (from many mamas) during this pregnancy, is to cherish the second trimester and make the best out of this time.  And it's easy to see why.  I feel great for the most part.  My energy is there and I'm taking it for all it's worth.  I'm not back to a full-fledged vampire or anything, but it definitely takes me a while to run out of steam.  And I enjoy being able to stay up later and have a few more hours to my day. 

With the second trimester, comes growth - a ton of growth, where my belly and boobs are concerned.  My back is starting to feel the effects of it as the weeks go by.  If Steve had a dollar for every time I whine to him about my achin' back, he'd be a rich man.  And if I had a dollar for every time I asked him for a massage and received one, well, I'd be mega poor. 

(Luckily, my pal, Jessica, gives the best massages ever.  So much, that I offered her a full- time position as my personal masseuse.) 

Still, I'd take energy and a sore back versus no energy any day. (Ask me about this when I'm 30+ weeks or about to pop!)  ;)

I won't take anything for granted.  We're beyond thankful for this thriving, healthy baby girl I'm carrying.  I'm thankful for this healthy, "uneventful" (I mean that in the best way possible) pregnancy that allows us to relax more than we ever have in this journey.

I'm thankful for all the love that has poured over us - not just in these past few months - but always.

I'm thankful to be able to continue to clean - Steve and I joke that we don't think my boss has ever asked me for more help than in this past half year.  I'm thankful my boss is caring and sensitive and has remained faithful along with us.  And that he treats me the same as he did before this pregnancy.  I'm thankful that Steve helps me with the office with 8 trillion trash cans (that makes up for his lack of massages). 

There's so much to be thankful for.

We hit the halfway mark last Sunday - 20 weeks.  And today, I'm just a day over 21 weeks.

It's just insane to be here.  Awesomely insane.

We have so many ideas, thoughts and dreams floating in our heads and can't wait to bring them to life.

We never know what tomorrow brings, but I am living my life more than ever, in the now - appreciating all of our blessings.

  So with this time...I will use my energy while I have it - I will clean while I can.  I will enjoy some sleep while I can. 

And I will always love.

I'm so thankful for this time in our lives.

Time is certainly love.

<3

Time is Love - Josh Turner

Great times over the past few days...

A day with Jessica.  2 chicken paninis.  Lots of yip yapping.  Lots of Googling paired with lots of

oohing and ahhing over Jessica's finds for baby girl and her nursery.

Lots of fun.

A night with Doug and Vanessa.

They came over and the four of us chowed down on way too much pizza, did tons of catching up (and talked about zombies and took zombie quizzes).

A day at mom's. My brother and Steve in their own little world.

Ed and Jessica came over for dinner on Saturday.  It'd been too long since the four of us got together.  Steve braved the chilly air and grilled chicken and steak.  Jessica brought awesome homemade mac n'cheese and a pumpkin cake made of magic.  And I whipped up my famous stuck the sweet mashed potatoes in the microwave for five minutes. 

The boys watched a movie while Jessica watched me turn into a "babyzilla" for a few minutes as we Googled some more.

Steve and Ed checking their drafts.

20 week bump shots

Ed photobombed us.

We I ended the night with my crazy and horrid faces and poses.  Jessica asked if they were going on the blog.  What the heck, I'll post one -

This will give you an idea...

And on that pretty note...

Have a HAPPY Monday, friends. <3

I'll see ya later this week.

Time Lovin',

A Fitting Past Few Days

 First,

a giant THANK YOU to everyone! 

Steve and I can not begin to express how much your words and support have touched us along this wild journey.

Thank you for all of the wonderful wishes on my last post.

We were so excited to share our gender reveal video with everyone.  We watched it later Thursday night and cried such joyful tears again as we took in that special moment.  It is certainly one that won't be forgotten - one that we are so happy we can relive again and again - and someday show our daughter.

Our daughter.

It's really sinking in for the both of us.  The first couple days, we caught ourselves still referring to her as "the baby" and even "little guy" (as we, especially I, thought for sure it was a boy).  And then, we'd pause for a second and smile, looking at one another

 while realizing we can now say "she" and "little girl."

  I think I've cried about a million and seven times these past few days.  While in Target this weekend, shopping for a couple important little girls in our life - it hit me. 

I passed the adorable, tiny, preppy boy sweaters and plaid shirts that I had my eyes on for years -  always picturing us having a little boy.  Making my way to the girls' section, I began running my fingers along the pint-sized dresses, the baby jeans, the tops adorned with bows and tulle and glitter - and I lost it...

"Steve!!  We are having a girl!! " I screamed as he called me to come over and take a look at the cute kitten hat he just found.

It's just such a surprise.   Yes, of course, I know it's a 50/50 chance.  We would have been just as thrilled with a boy.   To get such a surprise like that, was so neat (there I go again with that word).  A big WOW - that sweet little being growing inside of me - we "saw" her on Thursday - we watched her move and dance - we watched her heart beat, blood pump through her body, her feet wiggle, her mouth open and close. 

It's all such a miracle.

One we will be forever grateful for.

(ultrasound photos and 20 week bump shots coming in the next post.)

Pictures taken right before we found out...

It was amazing and exhilarating being able to share our news with our loved ones - loud screeches (mostly from me) filled our living room...happy tears...elated screams...

It's a girl - shrieking from my lungs (just like you may have heard on the video).  A few friends had to ask me to repeat myself because of my hyena/witch cackles and cries.

Steve and I telling my mom the exciting news - she hyena shrieked right along with me.

She is going to be one awesome and incredible grandma Dee Dee (as she will be called)!

I loved watching Steve call his friends - he is already one proud daddy!

***

This past weekend couldn't have been more fitting and glorious for the news we just received.  It's like it was already planned out for us - giving us a taste of all things girl.

Kim and I went to breakfast Friday...sitting until mid-afternoon...talking about babies and children and the joys and humor of motherhood.

I got teary-eyed when she excitingly gestured to the space in between us and said, "Just think, next year there will be a little baby joining us right here!"

<3

Saturday, we headed over to Kelly and Kurt's.  Steve and I were all ready for our big sleepover.   We talked about it all week...and how fun it'd be to stay over with Addison and Chloe while their mom and dad enjoyed a night to themselves.

 Miss Chloe was the first to wake up from her nap.

Before she even finished her snack, she was begging Mimi to play hairdresser.

Addison woke up soon after and didn't bother asking for a snack - she loves playing hairdresser and couldn't wait to jump on in with her sister.

Steve and I laughed hysterically a few minutes into her styling...

She asked, "Mimi, how come whenever you come over your hair is always crazy and lumpy?  Can you help me brush it?"

Crazy and lumpy - she just described my hair perfectly - HILARIOUS!

And then the real fun came...

They love digging through Mimi's purse.  You never know what you're going to find.  There was an uneaten apple at the way bottom from probably a week ago.  And to Addison's dismay, sadly no gum was found.

Chloe busted out the hot pink gloss.  Addison discovered her favorite - my liquid eyeliner.  And then, they went to town.  Oh, but not on me.

On Steve.

And it was hysterical and heartwarming and adorable!

I giggled and smiled teary smiles as I watched him be such a good sport.

And thought about the years to come with our little girl

a flower and a person tattoo to start.

some gloss and a few more additions.

Chloe, you did a fabulous job, girlfriend!

Ravishing - I think this is a good look for Steve.

Addison found some shiny earrings in my purse.  She didn't believe me when I told her Steve had earring holes (from his old Steve-O days).  He let her put the earrings in.  She was amazed!  And completed the look with a few of her clippies.

Next, it was my turn.  They asked to "make me into a cat."

Sounds good to this crazy cat lady!

Thanks, girls!  We love our new looks.

We joked that knowing our luck, the doorbell would ring.  Could you imagine?!  Hi, we're the babysitters for the night!  We just escaped the loony bin.

After scrubbing our faces (babywipes work awesome), Addison and I decorated her princess mirror.

She loved her some glitter glue. 

It turned out fabulous!

Steve got his exercise for the next 20 minutes as Chloe and Addison screamed "Again!  Again!" 47 times!

Dancing and singing before and after dinner to Katy Perry's, "Firework"

on repeat!

 This girl has all the moves.

Precious!!

We couldn't wait to watch a movie and snuggle up.  Pinocchio, it was!

Or "Po-key-no" as Chloe says.

Addison and I wore our kitty pjs and ate a lil' Halloween treat.

Breakfast was bright and early. 

Chloe joyfully inhaled her bagel.

We read stories while giving manicures.  Addison requested I add some pink stripes to her red polish.  Chloe asked for sparkles.

And our beautiful stay with these awesome ladies ended on just the right note -

with another round of dancing (to "Firework," of course).

<3

Sunday, we celebrated Aubrey's very special birthday!

My step-sister's daughter turned one!

Who doesn't love watching a baby discover and devour their very first cupcake?!

Happy Birthday, babe!

She was in awe of the pretty red icing!

 <3

It's been a magical past few days and Steve and I can't wait to get started with all of our ideas!!

Thank you all!!  You've been such a blessing to us. <3

See ya soon.

Baby Girl Lovin',

Gender Reveal - It's A ...........!!!

We spent the day with smiles plastered across our faces - giving so much thanks for our beautiful, healthy baby - our anatomy scan was incredible and yes, so SO neat!  The brain, heart, everything -  all checked out perfectly.  We feel so blessed.  And after two hours of making phone calls, crying, screaming and jumping up and down with joy...

It's time for the reveal.

P.S. - The reveal is not until the very, very end of the video.  Oh, and Steve thought he turned the camera off.  He didn't.  So the end is super hilarious - it's in the process of being cut but I can't wait to post any longer.  On second thought, I'll post the edited and unedited version
 because we both kinda like the extra stuff. :)

Thank you for all the love and all the fun and sweet comments on my last post! <3

 *playlist can be turned off (on right sidebar).


Edited

Unedited

Ecstatic and Grateful Lovin',