Maternity and Family of 3 Pics

My sweet, talented sister outdid herself once again! She was nice enough to grab a few pics of my huge belly and my loves. I am in love with how they turned out. My sweet family of 3 is documented to perfection with Campbell being her sweet, silly self, and my adoring husband in his baseball cap. This is my family and I'm so thankful for them. I am so excited we get to love on another baby girl in a few short weeks! She is loved already, and Campbell is really starting to talk about baby Callie more. She keeps asking when she's coming...just wish I could tell her!

So I'm getting just a few of my favorites uploaded while I put my feet up for a second. Jacob took C to  the pool, and while I have a million things I need to be doing, my body is hurting and telling me to stop for a second. I have been getting out baby clothes, doing a million loads of laundry, and trying to get ready for a new little baby to take over my world! Hope you enjoy my maternity/family of 3 pics:

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...because time is getting away from me...

As we get closer and closer to meeting this sweet girl in my tummy, I can't help but feel a little sad as the time comes that Campbell is no longer my only baby. Not that she acts or seems like a baby. She is a big girl...2 years old...with her little personality that cracks me up every day. She seems so mature right now. Yes, she is still 2, with her tantrums and meltdowns occasionally, but she talks to her daddy and me in full sentences and thinks about what she wants to say before she answers. She has an imagination.... She loves to sing and dance.

I've had a lot of one on one time with her lately because Daddy has been traveling, but we are hoping that is just about done for a little while, or at least until after baby girl comes into this world! Being pregnant, this one on one time can be exhausting, but it is also so precious to me. She constantly wants to "hold you momma." And she is now rubbing my tummy and asking when baby is going to be here. She wants to sit in my lap for hours watching Mickey, reading books, and just cuddling...and I LOVE IT!

I know that this stage of her being an only child is just part of the change of having a growing family, but I can't help but want it to slow down just a bit. Less than 5 weeks and her whole world is changing. I know she's up for it...she can handle anything. She's proven to be super flexible and go with the flow. And she won't remember the time before her baby sister was here. I pray she transitions well, and knows we love her so so much, even as we tend to a newborn. I know the love in my heart is only going to grow as I watch her become a big sister. But as a pregnant emotional mess right now I'm sad about it not being just her. But then again, I'm so excited and anxious to meet her little sister. Just mixed emotions I'm sure so many 2nd time moms feel.

But I am constantly reminded by God that she is not mine, but His. He has wonderful plans for her and I am just blessed to be chosen as her mommy. And that I am! She brings me joy that I never knew I could have! And He is about to entrust another baby girl into my care. I pray my girls will know Him and do great things for His name!

I'll leave you with a few pictures of my girl that most of you have seen on my Facebook. Her smile... nothing to describe the feeling I have as I look at her!

I will try to post an update on baby girl soon. I think we have decided FINALLY on a name (dream/details included) and I'll see if I can muster up the courage for another belly pic. Actually, my sweet sister is coming in a few weeks and I'm hoping we can sneak in a pregnancy/family of 3 photo shoot before we need to do our family of 4/newborn shoot!

I don't want to forget this...

I definitely have seen this pregnancy fly by, besides the first 12 weeks, mainly just because I have been chasing a toddler around and haven't had time to really stop and think about it. I know this is just the beginning of even more chaos, but I don't want to forget what this feels like. This little life growing inside of my tummy. The flutters that move on to kicks, and turns, and hiccups, and overall craziest feeling I've ever felt! I don't want to forget the experience of carrying precious lives inside of me. I want to remember the way my body has felt and changed over the past 2 pregnancies. I don't want to forget how exhausted I feel, the aches and pains everyday, or the nausea and vomiting in the first trimester...because all of it leads to something amazing and truly beautiful. I don't want to forget the 9 months I experience before meeting my baby girls. I don't want to forget how truly blessed I am. That I get to experience this miracle; that God has allowed me to carry 3 precious babies. This could be the last time I am pregnant, and I just don't want to forget it. I want to remember the joy I feel everyday as I get closer to meeting my second baby girl. I want to remember Campbell touching my belly and realizing that there is a baby growing in there. I want to remember the way my husband looks at me as I  carry his baby girl. I want to remember how beautiful I feel as a woman and mother, how my body looks carrying a baby. I want to remember the struggle it is to be pregnant and raise another child. That I am strong enough to do it and get through it just fine. I don't want to forget the ups and downs that come along with pregnancy...the emotional rollercoaster ride it can be. It really is such a short time in my life, and so I don't want to forget.

31 weeks and counting...

Lately...and a 30 week update with baby #2

Well, the days/weeks are just flying by here. It's hard to believe I'm 30 weeks with baby girl #2 (well tomorrow I will be). And have yet to do anything. I guess that's totally 2nd child syndrome. I have grand plans...mostly for a big girl room for Campbell. That way we can give baby girl her nursery. I wish I could quit calling her baby girl and give her a name already...I'm really loving one name right now, but haven't gotten any official approval from her daddy...story of my life!

We are also prepping for Campbell's big 2nd birthday! In 2 1/2 weeks I will have a 2 year old...aaaahhhh!!!! So hard to believe! We are keeping things simple with a Minnie Mouse, family party, and she's gonna love every minute of it! We keep talking about her birthday and she's already pointed out a minnie tricycle that she wants....a girl down the street has one. So, looks like that's what mommy and daddy are gonna get her.

We've also been dealing with a little sickness with her this past weekend. She seems much better this week though. I'm thankful Daddy was here to help. He's been traveling and is planning another quick trip soon. I know he's trying to get it all done before I'm so close to having his second baby girl.

A little about the little lady growing in my tummy. She's got the hiccups like 5 times a day. A lot of the times it's when I'm eating, but dang, those hiccups can be annoying. I'm hoping she won't have them that bad outside of the womb. She also is quite the mover and squirmer. I guess she's taking advantage of it while she still has room left. She's probably about 3 pounds and 16 inches long according to my babycenter calendar; like a head of cabbage. I had my glucose test a few weeks ago and passed with flying colors, but was told to take some extra iron because I was low....which isn't a surprise, I've always been a little anemic and was with Campbell too.

I'm feeling pretty good still. I'm having to tell Cam I can't carry her as much anymore. I know it's bad for me and baby and it could put me into preterm labor and that's not something we want. She's not too happy about it though, and sometimes I do give in...but Daddy has been really good getting her when he's around. I have plenty of Braxton Hicks contractions...and I feel them more when I know I haven't had enough water to drink. I have to get better at that. I feel huge, but I guess what pregnant woman doesn't?! I'm excited for the weekend of Cam's birthday because we are going to have a 3D/4D ultrasound. My heartburn is outrageous. I feel like I have it after every meal...so all day long. And tums just isn't cutting it anymore. I have been taking a zantac every night...so I will be expecting this baby girl to have as much if not more hair than her sister did!

Enough of that. I hope you all have a great week. And just to put it out there, I am praying for all the victims and families affected by the bombing in Boston. This is/was the work of the enemy. But we all have to know that GOD has already won and overcome. He is always there for us in times like these. I pray our nation can come together under His great name and praise Him through this storm. I pray for peace and healing for these families and all of those now living in fear across the country. We as Christians need to be a light to those in fear. We CANNOT live in fear, we can't hide away in our homes and never leave. We can't shield our children from every little thing. We have to live the life God gave us. He knows His ultimate plan for us. He knows what our futures hold. He wants us to live a life of joy and be His light and love in this world. And so with that I am going to continue to pray for Boston and those affected all over the country...and those in need...and give the rest to God. He's got this people!

22 Months and 24 Weeks...

Campbell Grace, another month has already flown by. In less than 2 months I will have a 2 year old. That is absolutely crazy to me! You are definitely such a big girl. The "baby" is fading away so fast, but your daddy tells you everyday that you are still his baby girl and you adore him!

This month your words and sentences are becoming more clear and appropriate. You are putting more words together. Over the past few days you have been saying "Mommy/Daddy/Duke, etc, where are you? (mostly sounds like Are You?" and when we read your Peekaboo book, you say "I see you!" You still say, "Mommy, sit down" when you want me to sit in the floor and play with you or sit at the table and play with playdoh. And you also grab my hand and tell me "Come On."

You have become very polite saying please when you are asking for something and saying thank you when we give it to you. We have been working on this for a while, and it is so nice to see it finally sticking! You have also been saying yes and no ma'am. I say this to you all the time, but I also think you are learning it at school. Sometimes it comes off pretty sassy, haha, but it's so darn cute.

This month you have added a favorite show to your list...Bubble Guppies. It's a nice change for mommy and daddy, although you still enjoy Mickey.

You have started to want to dress yourself and put on your socks and shoes. It is crazy how much you are growing up! You pick out what bow/clip you want sometimes. You also like to pick out your shoes.

Bubbles have been a fun play activity for you when it's warm enough outside. And of course, going to the playground and spending time on the slides and in the sandbox.

When you see letters/numbers in a book you always say "8,9,10" haha. I think it's hilarious. You are trying to read, but you repeat numbers instead of letters. Needless to say, I guess we know your favorite numbers right now. You can go through your numbers 1-10 with our help. And you can pick out the number 8 anywhere.

You absolutely love to read books. And I love spending that time with you. Your favorites are Dr. Seuss, the Sandra Boynton board books, well, just about any of them!

I love you so much my gorgeous girl! You bring so much light to my life :)

We have reached the 24 week mark with baby girl #2. I can't wait to give you a name, but with your parents, we procrastinate and have a hard time making decisions...and we are sorry for that! We got to see a little, short, very short glimpse of you yesterday. Dr. B. is still pretty sure you are a SHE. So we will move forward with that.

Mommy needs to get a move on in deciding what to do with your room and your big sister's room. I have a feeling we will leave the nursery pretty much the same and you will get to experience the calm, soothing room that your sister grew up in for a few years. Your daddy worked so hard on it, and really, it is one of my favorite rooms in the house. I can't wait to rock and love on you in that sweet sanctuary. I will, of course, have a little different bedding made for you, maybe adding some other colors, but you will have the grey and silver walls with pink accents. I plan on using a lot of what I already have for your big sister. It just makes sense that way.

You are a mover little miss. And I'm loving experiencing it once again. You seem busiest when mommy is eating...which can make it really hard to finish. I have to constantly stop and take breaks. Your heart beat yesterday was 133 bpm. Absolutely perfect! I love hearing that sound.

We are so happy that you are growing and healthy in mommy's tummy. Meeting you will be here before we know it! I can't wait!

I love you baby girl!

Only 80% sure...

Well, of course, baby wasn't the most cooperative. Just like miss Campbell in utero. But Dr. B is about 80% sure baby #2 is a..............................GIRL! He saw no boy parts whatsoever, but was never given a clear shot of the girly parts. We will go back in 4 weeks for another doctor appointment and to do a gender confirmation sono, but my heart is telling me I'm gonna have 2 girls so we are going with it! Of course, we won't do anything drastic until we know for sure :)

Baby looked so healthy and exactly how she should. What a blessing! I'm just a little overjoyed that miss Campbell is going to grow up with a sister. There is nothing like that special bond! I feel like I can start thinking about names and actually preparing to have another baby around. So, so thrilled. My heart is overflowing.

Thank you Jesus for this precious child!

Just 5 more days...

In just 5 more days, we will hopefully find out if our next sweet baby is going to be a boy or a girl! I posted a poll in the sidebar for any of my readers...(not that there's many) to give me their guess on boy or girl! I'm getting so excited and anxious to find out.

I had pretty vivid dreams last night that we had a baby boy! What a shock that would be to my world, but it would be a blessing all the same! I can't say I have a guess either way. No specific feelings or anything. But Tuesday morning can't get here soon enough!

Let me know your guesses. I'd love to see them! Pretty sure the next post will be announcing the gender of baby #2! Sweet, sweet baby, we already love you and can't wait to meet you! We're just about half way there!

Snow Day + what else has been happening around here lately...

So yesterday we woke up to a nice little surprise...SNOW! I'm not that big on snow, especially when I have to get out in it, but luckily it was my day off, and Campbell and I needed to enjoy the snow. You see, at Christmas, when we got all that snow, both she and I were sick. Not a little sick, but pretty bad; me more than her. We just couldn't take advantage of it then, but we decided to yesterday. This was her first experience in the snow, besides looking out the window at it, and she loved it! Of course, she mostly wanted to eat it...but we enjoyed those sweet moments together and I brought my camera! She had to bring along her shopping cart, not really sure why, but why not?! Enjoy these pics!

Other things happening, well, yes I missed having a 20 month post for my girl! In 4 short months she will turn 2 and in 5 1/2 short months she will become a big sister! We are so excited :) Campbell Grace is quite the talker. She is also quite the toddler. Doing your normal, defiance, about to turn 2 things. She tests my patience daily and sees what she can get away with. I'm learning everyday how to parent. Most days are full of joy and laughter and a little frustration. I hear this is totally normal and may only get worse before it gets better.

All she wants to do is watch Mickey Mouse and Cinderella (mic nouse, and lella). She could sit for hours in a trance and watch them. Some days that can be helpful, but most it can be hard, because when I want her to play with her toys or color with me, she begs for TV. We are working on it.

Campbell is constantly pointing and naming all sorts of things. Her vocabulary has just taken off. It's fun to hear that sweet little voice everyday.

She has recently moved up to 2T clothing for the most part. She still wears 24 month and some 18-24 month, but she is so tall that 2T fits really well. Size 4 diapers still.

She's such a joy and blessing to us! We're half way to 21 months now :)

On another note, I'm feeling so much better this month and this baby is moving ALL AROUND! This is the best thing about pregnancy, hands down. We are 17 weeks this week, and in 3 short weeks we get to see him or her! Praying that this baby is healthy and growing right on track! So thankful for this sweet life!

Hope you all have a blessed week :)

finally....

If you've seen my facebook or instagram then you already know...or if you are a close friend or family, but we are so excited to announce we are expecting baby #2!  We are finally home from our crazy 2 week whirlwind and I finally have my laptop with me. It had these sweet pics of my girl in her BIG SISTER tshirt! This summer is definitely gonna be a memorable one!

Almost 39 weeks and some maternity pics!

My sweet friend Heather took some fantastic pics of me today despite the cloudy weather and wind! That's Texas for ya! Anyway...we had fun getting a few pics of Campbell Grace in my tummy before she decides to arrive. We went to the doctor today and are progressing right along where we should be for 38 weeks and 4 days. Jacob and I still have some minor things we need to do around the house before she gets here, but we are anxiously awaiting her arrival! The only bad thing about the past few weeks has been my increasingly awful ability to get around. The way she is laying is pinching a nerve going to my left leg, so I have an ugly waddle/limp. It hurts so bad, and is making work that much harder to do. I'm thinking this is going to be my last week anyway...I just don't think my body will allow me to work next week. Plus I need to finalize everything at the house before she comes. I am hoping we get to meet her before Mother's Day, but for some reason I think she has other plans, lol! We'll see how cooperative she is when we go back to the doctor next Monday...

On to some of my favorites from today! And I did the editing myself, not professional, just on my laptop, so don't judge me...! Thanks Heather!

We had so much fun! And I'm thankful to have a few pics of Cami in my belly! I absolutely cannot wait to meet her...Hope ya'll enjoyed these!