Some News!

"Like arrows in the hands of a mighty warrior are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man whose quiver is full." 

Just wanted to drop in and announce that our fourth "arrow" is due on June 6, 2013 :) We are thrilled beyond belief to be adding our family once again :) I am 9 weeks, 2 days pregnant.

So, my lovely blog readers, I hope you're ready for another 7 full months of bump updates, belly pictures, a gender reveal, a name announcement, and then of course, a fourth beautiful birth story :)

I took this picture a week ago, but wow, huh? That's what we call 4 babies in 4 years. Doesn't take long for a belly to pop when your body is so used to carrying a baby in there :) I still haven't had my first appointment, but I can't wait to see our newest little bean in there!

I'm feeling great... I get sick at night which I'm grateful for because my body seems to wait until my kids are in bed before I'm really feeling my worst. I'm thankful for that grace. I'm definitely tired and keeping up with my three isn't easy while growing a fourth, but I'm grateful and joyful in the midst of it. I don't mean to paint a false picture of all roses, I just know that I am blessed and I don't ever want to take forgranted the miracles of life that are my FOUR (!!!!) children.

I'm hoping to get back to regular blogging soon! So stay tuned :) :)

Lots of Love,

Photo Dump

I'm feeling tired lately. Happy, thankful, at peace... but tired. I'm officially in the EIGHTH month of pregnancy and I'm feeling it! I had my 32 weeks appointment yesterday and was a little nervous about it because I've been having some contractions and pain. My OB checked my cervix and I'm 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced... but she's not concerned. She basically said that if this was baby #1, I'd be in the hospital, but with baby #3 we can really relax and bide our time. I'm to take it a little easy, but thankfully no bed rest at this point :) She will check me again in 2 weeks and we'll talk again from there. I'm so relieved that I'm not on bed rest again! I can't even imagine trying to do that with TWO kids! Doing it with one was difficult enough last time! So little Hunter is healthy and strong and staying put for now :) I'm over the moon!

I'm tired and uninspired, but I thought I'd throw a few photos at you since I'm normally so bad about doing that :) 

MY BIRTHDAY IS ON FRIDAY! I'm BEYOND excited! My amazing husband already got me a gift................. the cutest slippers EVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. They are seriously amazing and don't ever leave my feet now. I'm in love... with both the gift and the giver :)

 My little dolls LOVE their nightly bath. It gets them all squeaky and ready for bed and they love having "picnics" and drinking up all the bath water *gag!* I just love watching the two of them playing happily together and splashing with each other :) I love their friendship.

Horsey rides with Daddy are ALWAYS a highlight!!!!! I'm so thankful my girls have a daddy who really knows how to make life fun for his little ones. He's certainly the hero around here :)  He's been doing TONS of work on our house lately and it's coming along so quickly again! (for any newer followers, we are renovating the house we're living in and it's been a long process!) He's been putting up a lot more trim which helps make the house look so much more clean and finished. The girls love helping him work, and I love watching him :) 

(sorry there's marker on her face! compliments of big sis!)

My poor Britany has been through almost every sickness in the book this past month! Her nose is still running a bit, but thankfully she's doing much better lately than she was for a while. It's sooooo good to see her wrinkly smile lighting up her face again :) *sigh* I love this princess!

Big sister is growing up SO quickly! She's becoming more and more obedient (DELIGHT OF MY HEART!) and is entertaining us constantly with her bubbly personality. She comes out with the funniest sentences and I love hearing her babble on and on! She says John 3:16 from memory every night and loves to sing all her favorite songs over and over again. She counts very well, draws amazing pictures (that actually really look like what she meant to draw!) and can spell her name. She also can pick out several letters from words. She impresses me with how she remembers animals, shapes and colors too. I'm so proud of her and her excitement for learning makes me excited to be her teacher :) Life is never boring with this one around!



Well, last but not least........... an image of our VERY messy play room after a day hard at play. I often can get a headache looking at a picture like this, but I want to remember it this way........ because this picture shows that my children have a good time :) And truthfully, so do I!

Have a blessed Monday! 

31 Week Bump Update & Morning Sunshine

Sorry this is a TERRIBLE quality photo.. and it's really JUST my belly haha.... But there it is... my belly at 31 weeks  with little Hunter :)


How far along are you? 31 weeks and 1 day :)

How big is baby? About 3.9 lbs (the size of a head of lettuce, lol)

Weight gain? 25 pounds (shudder!!!)

Maternity Clothes? more every day :) I still have a pair of jeggings that aren't maternity that I wear often, but more and more my maternity pants are calling to me! They are just so much more comfy! And I've definitely taken to wearing sweats more around the house :)

How are you sleeping? I've been sleeping well at night (aside from getting up a lot to pee!) but it's hard to get naps during the day. My body begs me for them, but it's not always practical with 2 little ones around. I try to nap when I can though, even for a few minutes at a time.

Movement? As with all my babies so far, YES! Lots and lots of it. I never have to wonder if he's in there... little Hunter is always reminding me of his presence with lots of rolls, kicks, jabs and flips! He does seem to settle at night which makes me hopeful that he'll be another good sleeper like Miss Britany :)

What I miss: I miss being skinny! Always! But beyond that I miss being able to accomplish all the things around my house that I'd like to. We are still very much in the renovation phase with this home and there are SO many little projects that I'm dying to get my hands on. But a lot of them have to do with painting, and even though I know they make paint with much milder fumes these days, it's freezing cold and the fact that I can't even practically crack a window while I paint makes me too nervous to do it. I'm looking forward to being able to get cracking at my to do list once Hunter gets here (whenever I have time between chasing 3 kids, of course!)

What I'm looking forward to? My mom is throwing me a baby shower on March 9th! I'm so excited! I can't wait to get together with some of my girl friends and get excited about this new little life inside me! And we are slowly but surely preparing Hunter's room and it's getting me really excited to meet this little man.

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We are finally on the upswing from all the sickness that has been in our home! Both girls are on antibiotics for ear infections, and I'm glad they're on the road to recovery. 

I'm so thankful for the sunshine that's been pouring through my windows lately. The warmth of its rays remind me that there is a spring to every winter and a hope with every morning. As I reflect on the past few "seasons" of my life, I'm so thankful that God has been by my side through each step. He has used every moment to lead me to where I am right now, and I am so at peace with that. I have daily frustrations and disappointments, but the overwhelming sense of peace that "surpasses understanding" is ever present. God is constantly opening my eyes to new knowledge. I am learning to slow down in the crazy moments and seek quietness. I am learning the all important lesson that sometimes I need to stop being such a Martha, and practice being a little more like Mary. I have a tendency to rush around my home like a mad woman cleaning and cooking and preparing and........ and putting the emphasis on the temporary rather than the eternal. Because in the moments when I simply sit in His presence, sipping a cup of hot chocolate and feeling the warm sun on my face... those are the moments that will last. The floor will always need sweeping and the dishwasher will forever need unpacking. But the tenderness in my heart towards my Lord can easily be lost. I must submit myself daily to tending the fire of my soul. I must practice wonder and dwell in hopefulness. I must set my hands to a different "plow". Set aside the sponge and the polishing rag and pick up the Word and the praise. God will meet me. And my home will run all the more smoothly as a result. These are the things I have to remind myself of constantly. But praise God, He is patient. 

22 Week Bump Update

I'm not the greatest at getting someone to take belly pictures of me... so it's more like "Oh! I'm a new week today! I better quick snap some pictures of my belly!" and then I run to my full length mirror and snap a few quick shots of my belly for the record books :) I want to be able to show my children one day what they looked like "in-utero" ;)

haha, do you like how my bed is un-made in the first picture and then made in the second two? Classy, right?! ha!

How big is the baby? The size of a papaya!! A pound already :)

Weight Gain: my home scale says 12 pounds so far. The Doctor would say less, but I'm a realist here so I'll go with my home scale since I'm weighing myself here more regularly ;)

Maternity Clothes? A little of both. I'm wearing some maternity jeans, but some of my maternity jeans are still a little too big. I'm still in a few pairs of regular jeggings from PacSun. And shirts are a big mix. Just depends on the fit of the shirt. I have a few trusty maternity shirts, but other than that I just improvise from what's in my closet. In the picture above nothing I'm wearing is actually maternity. I definitely love to come home though and throw on my yoga pants. Soooo comfy :)

Sleep?  Thanks to my Leachco maternity body pillow, I've been sleeping like a dream this whole pregnancy! Now if only I didn't have to get up to go pee a million times a night.............

Best Moment of the Week? I keep a "Mother's Journal" for all my kids (a place to write my thoughts and dreams for them during different stages of their childhoods.. starting during pregnancy and I think I'll probably give to them at either graduation or their weddings) and I started writing in this little boy's journal this week. It felt so good to write my thoughts to him and take time just to day dream about his coming... it can be easy to get caught up taking care of the other two, so it's important for me to take those moments just to single out this little man and give him some love :)

Food Cravings/Aversions: I've been craving lots of grapefruit, still cereal and salty snacks like chex mix. Bryan got some jalapeno cheesy bread the other night and when he heated it up and I smelled it it made me feel SO sick! So that's a definite aversion. ha! glad to know I can check jalapeno cheesy bread off my list, lol.

Gender: BOY!!! still in disbelief on that one :) but can't wait!

Movement: Lots of kicking all the time. Just recently the movements have moved from low in my abdomen to the center of my abdomen. And I'm starting to feel kicks in several places at once, making me know that my little man is exploring the use of his hands and legs!

What I miss? Laying on my belly, playing more actively with the kids and wearing all my adorable little clothes!!!

What I'm Looking forward to?  CHRISTMAS! I'm really excited this year. It's so fun this year because Peyton is really starting to be more into the excitement of Christmas. I love wrapping the kids presents and thinking about how excited they'll be to open them. And it's been so exciting to teach Peyton the true meaning of why we celebrate such a special holiday. I'm looking forward to picking a name for this little boy! Bryan and I have tossed ideas out there, but we haven't really settled on any certain name. I'm looking forward to being able to call him by name and be able to imagine him even more as a part of this family. And of course, in the longer term, I can't wait to meet this little man!

Hope you all have an incredible Sunday!

20 Week Bump Update: GENDER REVEAL!

Sorry to keep you all in suspense!! (although if you follow me on Twitter or are friends with me on Facebook, then you already know the news!)

Well, I'm 20 weeks pregnant! We had our ultrasound yesterday morning! I had butterflies all morning long and I found myself dying for the minutes to pass by so it would be time!

When I got to the doctor, I found that I was actually 45 minutes early! I had the wrong time! haha, but they saw me a little earlier anyway so it worked out okay :)

When we got into the ultrasound room, my doctor came in and casually asked if we wanted to know the gender (OF COURSE!) she put the wand on my belly and immediately said, "Well, the legs are pretty close together. Let's see if we can sneak a quick peek." Then she sort of held the wand over one spot for a few minutes going, "Hmmm. Looks suspicious." Bryan and I were both like WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? then she says, "I see a suspicious bulge you probably haven't seen on an ultrasound before". Then she just continues with the ultrasound! Finally we were like, "Um, what is it?!" and she goes, "Oh it's a boy!" haha! It was such a weird way of telling us that Bryan finally said to her, "How sure are you?" and she goes "Oh, 100% that's definitely a little boy!" then she gave us another very clear shot so we would be convinced ;) We were both RADIANT! We are soooooooo excited to have a little boy on the way!

I am still in shock! I think having 2 girls already, I was just sort of expecting that this one would be another girl... but secretly, I was really, really hoping for a little boy! AND THAT'S WHAT I GOT! I can't wait to meet our little man :) It's still sinking in though! It really started to sink in when my mom and stopped by the mall after and I started letting myself linger over the racks of little boy clothing :) I made a couple purchases:

The jury is still out on a name, but we are SO excited about our sweet little boy :) I'll let you know when we decided what his name will be! It's so fun to now say hello to my little man and to dream about what he'll be like :) I'm now able to pray much more specifically for him as well which is so fun! 

Unfortunately the ultrasound pictures didn't come out as well as I would have hoped. With Peyton I was in Minneapolis and with Britany in South Africa and both places had much more advanced ultrasound systems than they do here in Vermont. We really didn't get a clear profile shot or anything like I was hoping for  :-/ But my favorite picture of the day was this one: 

Isn't it great? Bryan is very proud already of our little football player :) (disclaimer: although of course we will love him just the same even if he doesn't choose to follow in his daddy's footsteps athletically!!!!!!) But I just love that our little man already has his hand perfectly cupped as if he's preparing to throw a pass! Little Quarterback, perhaps?!?!?!

Well, I'm off to get some rest :) This little boy is a sweetie, but he makes momma tired with all his growing!

Oh that reminds me... He's 11 ounces big :)

19 Week Bump Update

Me at 19 weeks... haha yes, I know, there's no belly. Whew, I need to get better at the belly picture taking!!!

Baby Size: Summer Squash! 6 inches long :) Baby is starting to THINK and to LISTEN. Only 10 more days until we know if baby is a he or a she!!

Symptoms & Cravings: Had a mini bug this week which was no fun :( Still lots of cravings--mostly cereal. Had a crazy random craving for pizza last week. Baby is moving A LOT these days and I love the feeling! I'm still so tired so I've been doing my best to make time for naps here and there!

Something you miss: Being skinny! All the gorgeous fall/winter fashions that are coming out keep making me miss my flat stomach and skinny hips. I feel like I'm missing out on some seriously cute fashion! Went shopping with my mom and my brother yesterday and I felt like an outcast back in the maternity section :( Ah well, it just makes it all the more fun when pre-baby body comes back!

Milestones: I had my doctor appointment this past week! Baby's heartbeat is 140 bpm and strong :) Baby is healthy... however... I'm dehydrated which has been causing mild contractions! So I left the doctor's with orders to drink, drink, drink! I'm doing my best!

Weight Gain: Up from 2 weeks ago! Weight gain is now 7 pounds!

Looking forward to: The same thing as last time! FINDING OUT BABY'S GENDER!!!


I'm so excited for Thanksgiving this week! I love this time of year :) I'm honestly really disappointed that there's no snow yet because I want to put my tree the day after Thanksgiving, and I just can't imagine doing that without snow! I love to turn up the Christmas music while I decorate and that just feels wrong when it's sunny and 50 (which it's supposed to be on Friday!!) Ah well, I"m sure the snow will be here soon enough :)

Daddy and Britany enjoying the fall leaves :) 

I can't believe that my baby Britany is going to be one year old in less than a month! Time flies when you're having fun :)

Beautiful Britany - 11 months old!

And then there's sweet Peyton, who never fails to make me laugh! 

Ever joyful Peyton - 2 1/2 years old

And there's a peek at week 19... for all of us :) And we all cannot wait to find out if a baby brother or sister will be joining us! Peyton changes her opinion daily ;) today she said the baby should maybe be named "One".

It's so funny to see how she's reacting to this pregnancy! She didn't react hardly at all throughout my pregnancy with Britany because she was so young she didn't understand at all what was to come. This time, the fact that she's older coupled with the fact that this is her second time going through this process means that she's a lot more interactive about the pregnancy.. and I LOVE it! She loves saying hello to the baby (my belly!) and giving the baby kisses and hugs. It's so sweet to hear her think about whether she wants another sister or a brother, and to try to register the thought that the baby will be here in the spring :) She is such a great big sister as well. She is so tender with Britany and really goes out of her way to include Britany in whatever activity she's doing. I love seeing them play together! Finally Britany is getting old enough to actually play with Peyton instead of just watch her ;)

Alright, enough randomness for this post :) I promise another belly picture will come soon! Well, I don't promise, because I'm just bad at taking pictures in general... but I'll work on it!

17 Week Bump Update!

I've been wanting to do these bump updates ever since I've started seeing them all over blog world! How fun to remember your pregnancy week by week! I guess I'm a little late in starting... but better late than never ;)

Unfortunately I don't have a picture this week! I feel so bad, I only have a couple of bump pictures so far this pregnancy! Mainly because my camera has been dead and I wasn't able to find the charger (just found it this morning, YAY!) and because the pictures that have been taken are on my mom's camera! I have to get her to email them to me and then I'll add them :)

17 Weeks Pregnant!


Size of the baby: Our little baby is as big as a sweet potato! 5 1/2 inches long and weighing in around 5 ounces :)

Symptoms: Really exhausted this week. I came down with a cold so that's not helping things :( I've just been really achy and sore and starting to feel bigger which is probably adding to it all :(

Cravings: This whole pregnancy, I just haven't been able to get enough cereal! Haha! I just want cereal 24/7!!! Something about the cold cereal with refreshing milk is so yummy to me! Doesn't really matter what kind! Honey Bunches of Oats, Frosted Mini Wheats, or this week it's been Captain Crunch ;)

Something you miss: Having lots of energy... and being able to lay on the ground with my kids :) I have a lot of back pain and it's always worse while I'm pregnant so I have to be careful with sitting on the floor or any hard surface really. So lame... here I am at 22 and I can't sit on the floor! BOO!

Milestones: I've been feeling the baby move for a few weeks now (since about 13 1/2 weeks), but this week I started feeling baby move even when I'm not sitting perfectly still! So fun to feel those kicks and jumps :)

Weight Gain: So far 4 pounds.

Looking forward to: Finding out baby's sex on November 30! I can't wait to find out if our 3rd little lady is in there or if the first boy is on his way!