A New Year: 2015

Lets recap 2014. We all had a great year!

Brinley had lots of firsts this year. 

She was busy with swim lessons, her first dance class, and a great session of YMCA gymnastics where she kept getting bumped up to the next level for her age group. She is a natural athlete and I'm happy she has found something that she loves to do. It is amazing how fast the gymnastics centers want these little kids to go from a 1 hour class once a week to multiple days a week. For now, seeing as though she is only 5, we are sticking with 1 day a week this year and having fun while doing it! She hopes to join a soccer team this spring too. Brinley also started VPK in 2014. She has excelled in school. Her teachers adore her. She comes home chatty about her cute friends and their fun adventures they have on the playground. I am so proud of Brinley this year. She has become quite the big kid. Every month she looks older and older to us! She has grown up. She has become more reliable and helpful around the house which has really helped me. I love her so much and appreciate her sweet spirit and loving heart. 

Ellie. Ooooo Ellie. 

You are knee deep in the 2 year old world right now, but looking back, lots happened for you too in 2014! You joined nursery (!!!!) and really started coming into your own. We learned that your red hair is exactly how your personality has blossomed: feisty and loud and spunky! Ellie has a big personality. I hear that a lot from strangers when we are at church or out running errands. I've really tried to embrace her wild spirit because she is so determined and stubborn and I just know those attributes are going to take her the distance in life with school and making friends and overcoming trials. Her stubbornness is kind of killing me now, but I know I'll appreciate it someday :-) Ellie loves Brinley so much and those two are best friends. Brinley loves taking care of Ellie and Ellie loves doing big girl things like her big sister. We rarely have fights break out between those two because they honestly do play so well together.

Ryan and I were busy too this year. At the start of 2014, we decided on our word of the year: patience. I think we did a pretty darn good job at riding out this first full year as a full-time attorney living in south Florida. He worked exceptionally hard this year at work and we are so proud of him for doing so well. It is amazing how the days and months fly by when you're out of school and don't look at the year in 3 semesters. We settled into a grove and tried to make the most of our free Saturdays together. We also committed to MORE DATES and family fun activities. We went out on a date at least once a month and really enjoyed being out together. 

In 2014, we also committed to doing the Whole 30. It seems like, at least for me, 2014 was the year of BODY CHANGE. I went from getting into the best shape of my life and clean eating because of Whole 30 to now being pregnant! 

In August, we found out we were expecting and it has been an exciting journey ever since. Now we are under 3 months away from meeting our new baby. Time is flying by! I have been anxious to get the house settled and organized for his arrival. I've been purging and rearranging and organizing and it is so therapeutic for me. I love it. We been so grateful for the baby boy clothes that have been given to us to start our collection. Going from 2 girls to now having a boy is hard work! I gave away 2 bins of clothes Ellie has grown out of to make room for all the boy clothes we will be accumulating. 

And onto 2015.

We don't really have much lined up for this year except having a baby! I laughed with Ryan when we sat down to go over our couple goals, family goals, and individual goals because my only goal this year is to survive. Survive pregnancy. Survive the c-section. Survive having another baby. and survive the transition to 3 kids. I'm not giving myself any other goal because I think gaining another member of the family is a big enough change! I don't have any weight loss or fitness goals. I don't have any amount of books I want to read (except I did start the Harry Potter series again to help make the last of my pregnancy fly by...it has been so much fun!). We have a few fun trips planned, possibly Disney World and our Canadian family reunion this summer. We hope to just make the most of the last few months of pregnancy with our girls, and then enjoy the rest of the year as a family of 5. FIVE!! That sounds crazy. Ryan and I are so grateful for all the blessings we received in 2014, and we are trying our hardest to have another smooth year of work, family, church, and everything else!

Lion Country Safari

This place, you guys, is unreal. We had such a fun time! It has been on our "Florida To-Do" list for awhile now and the 3-day weekend made it possible to go as a family.

The first part of the adventure started with first, getting an information CD about the safari animals to play while we were driving and then going through Jarassic Park-like gates to start the 4 mile safari. The first thing I said when we pulled up to the gates was, Windows DOWN! and the first thing the lady on the CD said, NEVER open your doors or windows!  Major Bummer. Windows went up, and then we took the girls out of their car seats and sat up front with me. We were cruising at 5 mph and it was great to be able to point out animals, especially for Ellie.

Our favorites:

The lions! Ellie kept saying "Yion King!!!"

The ostrich's ran around like deer and pretty much did whatever the heck they wanted. Which was awesome because one came right up to our car and pecked the window for like 5 minutes. We were all dying! It was so funny!

Ellie and Brinley both loved the Zebra's!

Family selfie!

Ryan's definite favorite, the while rhinos. These big boys walked right behind our car. If we hadn't pulled forward, he probably would have rammed right into the back of our suv! They walked so slowly and the girls were amazed at the close up view we had. I was amazed at how many there were in the park, probably 8-9 rhinos!

My favorite for sure, the giraffe's! The biggest giraffe walked across the road right behind our car and it was shocking that the only view we had was the legs. They are so tall it is amazing! Giraffe's really are such magical creatures.

After the safari, we parked the car and went into the rest of the park. I really had zero expectations about the "amusement park" portion of Lion Country Safari, but it was so awesome. It was super clean, beautifully groomed, and I loved that almost every ride in the park was included in your admission price. 

There was also a little petting zoo and we bought lettuce at the stand and the girls fed the little goats. It was hilarious!! Ellie was loving every second of it. Brinley was a bit more cautious but warmed up to the goats quickly. I wish I got a video of the girls inside the petting zoo, but I was so distracted watching them!

To finish it off our experience with a bang, we went and fed the giraffe's. It was such an incredible experience! I just wish I wasn't a total wimp. My kids were feeding the giraffe's and I could barely hold onto the piece of lettuce! 

The best thing ever was the little boy in the picture below next to Ellie. He was feeding the giraffe pieces of lettuce and the giraffe was wrapping it's weird purple tongue all over his hands and little arms and then MULTIPLE times he then put his hands and fingers in his mouth. I was DYING. I don't know if his parents were aware of him doing this, but from where I was standing, it was the most amazing view. I was laughing so hard!

So if you come and visit us, we would love to take you to this fun place! 

Fishing Adventure

Ryan got a surf cast fishing pole for Christmas and has talked nothing but fishing ever since. When he said, "you guys should come fishing too!" I'm not going to lie, it didn't sound like fun at all. Surprise to you all, I'm not much of an outdoorsy person. I like being outside, but I'm definitely not the first hand to go up when someone wants to go hiking, or camping. As a single, I was all about it! But as a parent, it is so much work to get out the door everyday, let alone doing something outside like camping!

BUT, fishing at the beach!?? Ok!!! We had SO much fun! I was seriously so surprised how much fun we were having. Ryan went an hour before us to get started, and the girls and I followed with Publix subs, chips, and drinks a little while after. The girls had a blast playing in the sand, watching daddy fish, and of course chasing birds.

FISH #1

FISH #2

FISH #3

a salt water catfish! 

The fish Ryan caught weren't huge, but the fact that he caught SOMETHING was totally exciting. The girls, me included, were screaming and running around as he was reeling in the fish. I couldn't help but laugh because we live 5 miles from the beach! From the OCEAN! Sometimes our life sounds so crazy. We are really trying to enjoy the ocean any time during the year. It was colder (70), and windy, but man we had fun! We also realized Ryan needs to invest in some longer pliers, gloves, and a net. You never know what you can reel in when you're fishing in the ocean. Our goal is to get a shark...until next time! 

Mama's Wish List for Baby Boy

I made a wish list while I was pregnant with Ellie, and it was a great way to prioritize my mama needs and narrow down the important things I wanted/needed after she was born. It was so nice to have a girl for our second baby because we didn't really need to buy anything to prepare for her arrival. But now, with our baby boy on the way, things are different now. Everything we own is pink. Blankets. Burp cloths. Socks. well I guess our bumbo is blue, so that's good. haha, but seriously, we are starting from zero here! Fortunately, we bought a double stroller and an Ergo which will be great to use this time around too. The double strollers will be mainly to keep Ellie controlled and contained! She is a wild thing. I'm also really happy to already have my double jogger stroller to get up and moving after my c-section incision has healed. 

So here is my happy Mama Wish List:

Bravado Silk Seamless Nursing Bra (found on Amazon)

Come to mama. It has fantastic reviews and I'm ready for a big girl comfy nursing bra. With Ellie, I bought a few nursing bras and was pretty unhappy with all of them the entire time. I used my old one I used with Brinley but it never fit properly. Has anyone tried this one?

Aden + Anais muslin swaddle blankets (found on Amazon)

These are a must. I have borrowed friends Aden blankets before and they are so soft and perfect and light for swaddling. Summer for babies in south Florida mean lots of onesies and muslin blankets. Don't want to over heat the babe, but these blankets add a perfect layer. 

Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base (found on Amazon)

The carseat we used with Brinley and Ellie has now been passed down to a friends little babe who will use it up until it expires this year. I knew when we were having a 3rd baby, we would need to get a new carseat. I love the Chicco brand and the front pull to tighten the straps. And hey, I don't mind giving this baby boy something just for him like a gender specific carseat :-) 

Adorable baby boy sheets (found at Land of Nod)

I'm not a full bedding set kind of mama, so a few fitted sheets will suit him just fine! Aren't these adorable!? I'm planning on sewing a changing pad cover to match since those aren't too difficult to make, and probably a crib skirt too. These sheets are pricey, so I'm on the hunt to find a cute cheaper version. 

Infant Seat (found at diapers.com)

Before we moved down here, I consigned our infant seat. That poor thing had taken quite a beating and thankfully, this replacement won't be expensive. I'm not too picky on the kind of bouncy seat. Something soft that will keep him safe with the girls running around wild. 

Is there anything you would add to my list? We have been so lucky to be on the receiving end of some hand-me-down boy clothes. YAY! Because before that, we had nothing! This baby is set for awhile on clothes and I am soooo grateful for that!  

Pregnancy: 25 Weeks

And just like that, I am almost in my final trimester! and I have been absolutely horrible on keeping a journal this pregnancy!

Let's see, after feeling sick until I was about 18 weeks along, things have been going great now. It is amazing how feeling drained and uncomfortable and crummy day after day after day just puts you in the worst mood ever. I was so relieved around Thanksgiving time when I actually felt like I could eat a full meal without needing to run to the bathroom afterwards to throw up. Even my heartburn has been minimal this time around too. So is it because we're having a boy? and maybe he won't have any hair? Who knows!

It is AMAZING how many comments I've gotten this time around about the size of my belly, or the amount of children I have, or because we are having a boy it's gotta be our last, right??

Seriously.

From comments from midwives at my doctors office about my weight gain, and comments from coworkers, and lots of strangers who feel the need to share the opinion about my belly size. It's probably best just to keep those opinions to yourself! I was at work the other day, and a customer asked if I was pregnant and if this was my first baby. I smiled and said, Nope, it's my third! If only I had a camera to capture the look on this woman's face. It was like I said we were pregnant with our thirtieth. Am I crazy to think three kids is the new norm and lots of people have three kids? But why do people always feel the need to share their opinion? Yuck. Just stop. Yes, this baby might be our last. But it is not because we are having a boy. Ryan and I have our own opinions and feelings about having more babies and guess what? We don't need the opinion of others! "Will this be your list since it's a boy?" or "I bet you're happy you're having a boy and not another girl." Ugh. And they're mainly coming from complete strangers!

But on a happier note, the baby is happy and healthy and moving around a lot! Ryan has been able to feel him kick around. I'm sure Brinley would be able to feel too, but she only waits a few seconds and moves onto the next thing. My back has been pretty sore during the day and especially at night. I'm blaming that on still working at Old Navy and being on my feet so much during the day. My sciatic nerve has occasionally twinged and dang that hurts! I feel so bad for pregnant mamas that have that as a constant problem. My doctor has reassured me that it is not going to get better haha but with a heating pad it could help a little. 

Speaking of doctors, I am struggling a bit with the office that I go to. I had such a wonderful doctor with Ellie that I am really probably just depressed he can't deliver this baby too. There are multiple doctors at the office and I just don't feel like they are very personable and friendly to me when I come in. Meh. I still have a few months to get to know them more, but it is definitely frustrating when an office doesn't really make you feel totally comfortable and welcome!

We are under 100 days now and it just feels so crazy to say that! I hope the next 3 months fly by, but at the same time, I need to really savor the time I have with just Brinley and Ellie. We have a few fun family adventures planned before the baby comes and I am so excited for it. Those girls are going to adore their baby brother and I can't wait to see how our family dynamic changes. 

Christmas in North Carolina: Part 3

On Christmas morning, we ended up waking the girls up around 7am because we could hear lots of little footsteps up and down the stairs. I knew it was time! The tree looked so magical from the upstairs balcony. 

the girls with their Santa gifts

a new art kit for Brinley

and a xylophone for Ellie! She loves it. 

backpack and new boots

showing off her new boots

Ryan surprised me with a New Balance watch that tracks steps and miles walked and calories burned. It's awesome. I especially love wearing it at work because it is amazing how many miles I walk just around the store!

Uncle Kip and Auntie Hayley

a fun surprise at the toe of his stocking :-) best wife ever!

Santa brought Brinley gum! Up until this point she has not even had one taste of gum and I am happy we held out this long. She has been very good about spitting it out in the garbage and keeping it IN her mouth when she's chewing. She kept saying all Christmas day, "Mom, I can't believe Santa brought me gum! You never let me have gum. I guess Santa wanted me to have it."

post present activities: painting nails :-) Isn't Ryan the best daddy!?

helping Joshua with his new Lego kit

After naps and quiet playing time, we headed outside to play! Ryan's mom and dad were still not feeling 100% and honestly, we tried to stay out of the house as much as we could. Sickness is no fun when you're stuck inside together.

Since everyone either had the stomach bug, or something like it, or had fevers and coughs, we decided to not make anything for Christmas dinner. I was pretty upset about this but my stomach was very anxious about the thought of getting sick and the more I thought about it the less I wanted to eat any rich foods. 

Before putting the kids to bed, we bundled up and roasted some marsh mellows! Uncle Kip kept the fire going and the kids were having so much fun roasting marsh mellows. 

After we got the kids in bed, Ryan told me that he wasn't feeling well. My heart just dropped. My biggest fear was that one of us would get sick and we wouldn't be able to leave home healthy. Around 1am, he came back into bed after staying on the couch just to be sure, and he said his stomach was just anxious about getting sick. We made the decision to drive home the next day to dodge any sickness. We made it the entire week and the last thing I wanted was to get sick on our final day. So the next morning, we assembled everything quickly and headed out the door around 9am. 

When we crossed over the Florida border, Ryan and I felt an immediate weight lifted off our shoulders. We were now 4 hours from home and finally felt like our stomachs weren't anxious anymore. The drive was extra long because of the day-after-Christmas traffic on the I-95, but we didn't mind. We were just relieved to be on our way home. 

It was an interesting Christmas week and I wish it had gone better. But there's only so much you can do when a stomach bug passes through the family and when we're all under one roof, the chances of catching it is really only a matter of when, not if. When we got home and unpacked and started taking down the decorations, it felt like we skipped over Christmas completely. It is a big effort to travel over the holidays and I think I'm more inclined to have Christmas at home as a family. The kids are just getting older, and it is a lot easier to have Christmas at home and have your own traditions to keep the stress levels low. We rarely left for Christmas when I was growing up, and now having my own family, I see why. 

On Saturday, we pulled out one last surprise for Brinley, a NEW BIKE! We put it together and off we went on an adventure. We've been out biking almost every day since and it is amazing how much better she is getting. Our favorite spot to bike is inside the complex tennis court. Since no one is ever seen actually playing tennis, it's our biking spot instead.

she HAD to stop to pick a dandelion and make a wish :-)

The following Sunday, I made a special make-up Christmas dinner of ham and potatoes. I ended up making a peach cobbler too! It was delicious and after that, I felt like we had made up for the weird week it turned out to be. I am grateful for my little family and the joy they bring into my life. Despite all the sickness and Christmas schedule thrown out the window, we really did have a great time together. It was so great to see Ryan's siblings and share some laughs together and catch up. We haven't had a Christmas together since at least before Ryan and I got married. We tried to make the most of the week. It surprised me how much I didn't like the cold! Holy cow, we are such Floridians! It was torture! We are happiest in our sunshine!