Four kids, a mini-van and a lot of love

Am I the only one?!

2012-02-15T08:21:00.000-06:00

So...this little princess had decided to change up her sleeping patterns.

She has decided that since we have a baby on the way, we might as well get used to the newborn sleeping patterns now.

{um....no thanks!}

Here is the scoop, she goes to bed really well. Sleeps till around 2:30-3 am and then decides to wake up and get out of bed. (she shares a room with Abby, which make this hard) We have a two-way monitor in their room, so I usually try telling her to stay in bed, or tell her to find her Nuk and blanket and go back to sleep. That used to work! Now, she just starts crying and gets out of her bed and cries by the door, until we come and get her. Then she won't go back in her bed, she wants to come sleep with us.

Now and then I don't mind, but this has been for the past three nights.

{Keep in mind, I am 7 1/2 months preggo, and I don't sleep well as it is}

Not to mention, I have this little guy that shares a bed with the hubs and I

Has anyone else had to deal with anything like this?

I have no problem in letting her cry, but I don't feel that is it right to wake up Abby because of it.

I would love your input and help, cause this needs to be nipped in the butt, before

this sweet boy arrives!

Happy {LOVE] Day!

2012-02-14T13:21:00.000-06:00

Wishing you all a VERY happy Valentine's Day!

DIY Valentines!

2012-02-13T15:17:00.000-06:00

I have a friend who posted this on Facebook last week, and I just had to have Chase make them for his Valentines!

So, Chase was more than excited to make his first Valentines!

Here is what I used...

25 cutout fishbowls (I used my Cricut machine to cut them out)

25 clear bags with twisty ties

4 bags of Swedish Fish

A Permanent marker

A blue crayon

Write this phrase on each fishbowl

"So glad we're in the same school"

Color a squiggly line with your blue crayon and color the bottom portion in.

Write the name of the child the Valentine is for on the top of the fishbowl and your child;s name on the bottom.

Put the colored fishbowl in a clear baggie...

Add 4-5 fish to each bag

Wa-la! You have some really adorable Valentines!

And now not only are you super mom that has a great idea...you have one happy kid, who can't wait to bring his Valentines to school!

Baby #4 - 32 Weeks

2012-02-09T09:50:00.000-06:00

How far along: 32 weeks

Size of baby: He is 4 lbs 6 ounces (we found out in our Ultrasound on Tuesday)

Total Weight Gain: 20 pounds {Jamaica might have added 4 of those pounds}

Maternity Clothes: I live in comfy clothes, but when I go out, I still like to get dressed up, so I mix maternity and non-maternity clothes. My jeans are just starting to get tight, as this baby boy is hanging out pretty low.

Gender: Baby BOY! Here is our reveal video!

(3D picture of his face pressed against my placenta)

Baby bump: I feel like I have a basketball under my shirt, it is sticking out pretty far

Sleep: Pretty good, but I do wake up about 2-3 times a night and it is tough to get back to sleep
Cravings: Bread and pasta, grape Icees and rotisserie chicken!

What I miss most: Sleeping through the night and being able to be 'mobile'

Symptoms: Being very tired and running out of energy quickly

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting my little man!! I also can't wait to show you guys the nursery...pictures are coming soon!

Baby comparison photos

Baby Boy UPDATE!

Baby boy is now considered a 'normal' baby!

HOORAY!!!!

We had our 32 week ultrasound and....his kidneys are in the normal range and there is no need for any more ultrasounds. They are still slightly dilated, but no need for concern. They are still in the 'normal range. They are supposed to be under 7.5 mm and his are both 6.1 mm.
If things stay this way until birth, he shouldn't need antibodies at all.
{God is good!!!}

Jamaica Part 1

2012-02-08T09:30:00.001-06:00

A BIG thanks to my parents for the awesome Christmas gift to Jamaica!

We had a blast and these pictures prove it. It was a great 'baby moon' and little getaway!

The view of the sunrise on our 6 am flight

This is the view from our room!

{breathless!}

Ready to start out our kid free week!

Welcoming drinks!

(The waitress even brought my a n/a one!)

My brother, the hubby and my cousin

Time to check out the buffet

Loving the Vitamin D!

Me, my mom and my SIL

Their first purchase...~~big~~ HUGE mugs for their drinks!

Mom and dad! Thanks for the trip!

Our crazy crew!

Gorgeous views from our resort!

Sitting on the reef with a cold one in hand...doesn't get much better than that!

My brother looks like a giant (he is on the reef)

Siblings!

My bro and SIL

Waiting for the next round of drinks!

Double fisting n/a drinks!

Kyle and Josh

Josh

(Kyle's 'other half' for the trip)

Hanging out in the pool for a bit

The view of the kid pool

Early in the morning before the swarm comes over the chairs

The view from the far side of the ocean, looking at our resort

My oldest bro and I

The girls

Swim up bar!

This is what my brother was famous for....

That is me in the splash...outcome=wet

We got to watch one of the locals climb a coconut tree bare foot with a machete and cut down coconuts

Hanging out at the adult pool

The view of the pool and ocean

The Queen of the pool :) {My mama}

Hanging out bar side!

Mom and Dad

I'm their favorite ;)

More drinks!

Two dang good looking guys!

Loving the family time!

Everyone...minus mom, the photographer

I {Heart } him

Yes, I know we look a lot alike

Quality time with the hubby!!

Many more pics to come!

Our Love Story {Link Up}

2012-02-07T10:42:00.000-06:00

I'm linking up with one of my favorite mama bloggers Becky over at From Mrs. to Mama.

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?
We have been together for just over 11 years!

2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}
Well, we actually started talking online. I messaged him and after a month of talking, we decided to finally meet. He worked at Target as a security gaurd, so I took the kids I nannied for at the time shopping with me at his Target. When we walked in, he wasn't there, like he said he'd be, so we shopped around for awhile {little did I know him and his friend were watching us on the security cameras} Then when we were headed out, after grabbing the kids and Icee, he was at the door and we stopped to talk, until the kids got restless. He gave me his number and the rest is history.

3. If married, how long have you been married? If not, is this the guy you hope to marry? {do tell}

We have been married for 7 1/2 years.

4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding? If not, where would you like to get married? And will it be big or small?

We got married at his home church, also the church that I worked at around that time we got married, and we had a big wedding. {Go big or go home}

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!
We have a couple...He calls me Bel and Babe, I don't really use any for him anymore, I used to call him Bug and Pumpkin, but haven't recently.

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

1. He is patient and funny

2. He loves me for me, preggo or not, sweats or dressy!

3. He supports me 100% and is my best friend!

7. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?
We went to the St. Paul Ice Castle (2008, the last year they had one) when it was 20 degrees below zero {no, I am not exaggerating} and after waiting for his cousin and wife to show up, we took one more loop around the place, ended up in the middle and he got down on one knee with a Ring Pop and asked me to marry him. I didn't think he was very funny and as I was about to 'rip him a new one,' he pulled out the ring and started saying 100 perfect things that made my heart melt, then (as his cousin was taping and taking pictures) asked me to marry him. Of course I said YES!

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?

Not really either, he usually does a cute card from him and one from the kids and sometimes I get flowers, but I am not really a flower girl (they die)

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?
I really love just staying in and watching a movie and cuddling on the Love Sac. If we do go out, dinner and a movie is usually what we do. I wouldn't mind a picnic on the beach at sunset now and then though {hint hint babe}

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?
I actually would love to jump out of a plane with my hubby, if I had enough 'balls' to, but since that will probably never happen, I would love to travel to Italy sometime with just him and I.

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day.
We haven't talked about plans yet, but maybe a fun dinner with the kids on Valentines day and then have a date night later in the week. (I am not one for fighting crowds on busy holidays)

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?

Since we are having a baby in a few short weeks, and I have been trying to get stuff together for baby boy, that we need, but if he wants to get me something practical, I'd love a linen closet in the kids bathroom (who am I kidding, once you have a house and kids, practical gifts are the way to go)

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.

I'd say communication and just being best friends!

14. Show us a picture of what love means to you.

Wordless Wednesday!

2012-02-01T14:46:00.000-06:00

Winners and a Sneak Peak

2012-01-31T11:05:00.000-06:00

The winner of the

giveaway is #24

J over at J2's New Adventure

(CONGRATS! You have 48 hours to e-mail me, or a new winner will be drawn with random.org)

The winner of the Valentine LOVE Blocks

is #1

Amber over at Maddux Monologues

(CONGRATS! You are 48 hours to email me, or a new winner will be chosen with random.org)

A Sneak Peak...

Hanging out in the pool

Dunn River Falls

Me and the hubby waiting for dinner

The whole crew

(My dad, mom, me, hubby, SIL, brother, Cousin and brother)

How I spent most of my week....double fisting two virgin Piña coladas

{MANY more pictures to come}

I'm Back...

2012-01-30T14:07:00.000-06:00

Trying to get back in the swing of things.....

Trying to get this picture out of my head...

Trying to hang out with my kids as much as possible, since I missed them like CRAZY, while I was busy doing this...

Trying to spend as much one on one time with this guy, whom I LOVE SO MUCH!

Jamaica was AMAZING, but I am one happy mama to be home!

I have more pictures than I know what to do with, so stay tuned for a BIG post on our vacation.

Today is the last day to enter in the two giveaways I have going on...

GIVEAWAY for a custom valentines silver stamped necklace from

and a GIVEAWAY for a set of Valentine LOVE blocks from me

Kenzie Boo

2012-01-27T10:22:00.021-06:00

My little Kenzie Boo you are the sweetest...

Most outgoing, sassy, spunky...

vocal, adorable, silly...

little pea pod, whom I LOVE dearly!

You are 2 going on 10....I love you to the moon and back!

{I wish my other kids would sit still long enough to get some cute pictures of them playing too!}

Baby #4 - 30 weeks

2012-01-26T08:30:00.027-06:00

How far along: 30 weeks

Size of baby: He is 3 lbs (we found out in our US...big baby boy)

Total Weight Gain: 16 pounds {hopefully I can keep this in check on vacation}

Gender: Baby BOY! Here is our reveal video!

Baby bump: I feel like it is the same size as last month, but the mirror tells me different. ;)

Sleep: Much better now that he has turned and is head down. Before he was laying across the bottom of my belly and it was very uncomfortable to sleep.
Cravings: Bread and pasta still, but Grape Icees and rotisserie chicken!

What I miss most: Being able to work out!

Symptoms: Vein pain...veracious veins aren't fun!

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting my baby boy! Getting the rest of the nursery decor up and getting the cradle out of the attic!

Belly comparison photos with baby boy

(yes, I am wearing the same thing at 20 and 30 weeks)

2 Great GIVEAWAYS going on, don't forget to enter!

Art of Silver GIVEAWAY

Mod Podge Valentine Blocks GIVEAWAY

{Scroll up a few posts to find them}

What I'm loving Wednesday!

2012-01-25T07:31:00.019-06:00

I'm loving that my 3 adorable kids are getting some quality grandma and grandpa time!

{but I miss them like CRAZY!}

I'm loving that my countdown has started and I have less than 10 weeks until I meet my baby boy!

I'm loving that Kenzie LOVES her dollhouse that Santa brought her

{mommy likes to play too!}

I'm loving my new morning drink

I'm loving my new pots and pans that my hubby for me for Christmas

I'm loving these adorable fashion finds

{that I can't wait to fit back into!!}

Houndstooth Print Belted Coat

Striped Dolman sweater with keyhole back

Lace Trim Ruched Top

Mock neck Slub Tiered tank

Madden Girl Lyons polka dot Mary Janes

What are you loving?!

Link up over on Jamie's blog!

Proud Auntie!

2012-01-24T08:15:00.004-06:00

Erin took some great pictures of my adorable nephew and I am a proud auntie, so I just have to share...

Big baseball fan in the making!

Little pea pod!

Thanks for taking his pictures Erin, I can't wait for you to take baby #4's!!

Don't forget to enter in the giveaway above from

Art of Silver review & GIVEAWAY!

2012-01-23T09:14:00.115-06:00

I love personalized things! Clothes, blankets, jewelry...you name it!

I was looking for a unique Christmas gift for my two Sister-in-laws and decided I wanted to get them something personalized. So I started my search on Etsy and when I cam across these two pictures on Art of Silver, I knew I found exactly what I was looking for.

Katie was about to become a new mommy, so I got this necklace for her...

and Kate is a mommy of 2, so got this one for her...

When I had Makenzie and I wasn't sure if she was my last baby, I got a necklace very similar to this one...

I love it and I wore it just about everyday. I just think having another name on there would have been too much, since 3 was a lot in the first place. I still wanted to wear a necklace that had something personalized about my (soon to be four) kids.
I was so impressed with the quality of the necklaces that I ordered for my sisters, that I didn't even search Etsy, I just went right to Art of Silver. I love the uniqueness in Judy's pieces, I love how personalized she can make them, I love everything about them!
I found this necklace right away and I knew I had to have it!

Even though my hubby says, 'you can't wear that yet, the baby isn't here.' I wear this necklace daily.

The detail of the peas in the pod and there is a cute pearl attached by the clasp, that just makes it that much more perfect! I have gotten a ton of compliments on this necklace and 'raves' about how unique it is!

Judy has a ton of products in her shop! Bracelets, rings, necklaces, key-chains, guitar pics...you name it!
Here are some of my favorites...

I love seeing necklaces like these on other mommies, it says so much, without even having to ask. It is also a conversation piece and makes it easy to talk to other mommies.

Judy from Art of Silver is giving away a custom valentine's love letter charm necklace to one of you!

{I am jealous!}
(you can personalize it however you'd like)

Here is how you enter...
Go to Art of Silver and let me know your favorite product from her shop. Also let me know who you'd get your necklace for or if you'd keep it for yourself. {mandatory}

How can you get a few more entries?!

1 extra entry- Follow my blog or let me know you do

1 extra entry- 'Like' Art of Silver on Facebook

1 extra entry- 'Heart' Art of Silver on Etsy

1 extra entry- 'Like' my Etsy shop, Your Life Long Memories, on Facebook

4 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway and leave me a link
10 extra entries- Buy something from Art of Silver and let me know what you bought.

***Be sure to leave a comment for EACH separate entry you are entitled and leave me an e-mail address, if you aren't on Blogger***

This giveaway will end Tuesday January 31st and the winner will be chosen with random.org

GIVEAWAY TIME!

2012-01-22T09:06:00.011-06:00

So many new followers and friends!

If you remember this DIY post I just posted last week, then you'll love this GIVEAWAY!

I had such a good time making these blocks...that I decided to make a second set...

...for one of you!

What do ya think?!

All you have to do is be a follower of my blog and leave me a comment on this post.

Any ol' comment will do!

Ready...

Set...

Go!

Comment away!

(Giveaway ends Tuesday February 31st and a winner will be chose with random.org)

{Stay tuned tomorrow for ANOTHER giveaway...I know...I am so nice!}

Go...Go...Go!

2012-01-20T09:00:00.000-06:00

A favorite of my kids is Marble Works! They love seeing how many ways we can put it together using all the pieces.

They love racing them down the track...

Go...Go...Go!

Then do it all over again!

Even Ponder likes to watch the marbles!

On your mark, get set...GO!

Abby is still gaga over her kitten!

(this picture make him look big, but he only about 3 lbs.)

Growing Up!

2012-01-19T09:20:00.013-06:00

Abby got her first real make-up from her aunt and uncle for Christmas and has been begging to use it.

{I keep putting it off, for this very reason}

My little 4 year old looks how she acts...13!

She loved looking at everything and testing it all out

Ahhhh...lip gloss! Here come the teen years!

Reminds me of the days I used to sneak out of the house with skirts that were WAY too short and tops that barely covered my belly button.

(those years will be here before I know it)

DIY: Valentine Blocks!

2012-01-18T08:25:00.001-06:00

I have the crafty itch lately, so I might as well make some decor for my house to benefit from it.

I need some Valentine's Decor, so I thought I'd start with some letter blocks.

Start with some 2x4 scrap pieces of wood...

(I cut 4 pieces for mine, cut however many letters you need for your word)

Sand the edge of each piece, to give it a more smooth look. I then took some spray paint and put a light coat on the bottom and sides of each block.

After they are dry, flip each block over and paint Mod Podge on the 'front' side of each block.

Cut your scrapbook paper the size of the block (actually a little bit smaller) and stick it down on top of the Mod Podge.

Smooth it out and make sure all the edges are stuck down. I flip mine over on a hard surface until I am done doing all the blocks.

Flip all the blocks over and get ready to put your letters on.

I used my Cricut machine to cut my letters out of coordinating scrapbook paper, you can cut them out by hand, use large stickers or whatever you'd like.

After they are dry, paint Mod Podge on the scrapbook paper and stick your letters on top of the paper.

Let them dry and then paint Mod Podge on top of the letters and paper.

After they are dry, take your sandpaper and sand each side again, to give them a more rustic look.

Ta-da!

If you have done some fun DIY Valentine crafts, leave me a link in the comments, I'd love to try out some more!

Scared...

2012-01-17T08:47:00.001-06:00

I am more than scared to leave my kids in just 5 short days! I know they will be fine with my in-laws and I couldn't trust anyone more, but a part of me feels mean.

I mean, going on a nice warm, week long vacation without them, to have a bit of relaxing/quality time with my hubby and family.

{well, we did bring them to Disney last year, so that has to count for something...right?!}

Kenzie hasn't been without me for more than a night. She is much more attached to me than Abby was (and Abby was very attached to me).

I don't know how a 2 year old thinks, but I would think it is somewhere along the lines of, 'where is my mommy and why did she leave me?!'

I don't know if we should Skype them while we are gone. I am sure the older two would love it, but I think it might make it worse for Kenzie.

Last time we left Chase and Abby for a week, was when Abby was a little younger than Kenzie. When we got back, they met us at the airport (at midnight) and Abby wanted nothing to do with me, she only wanted grandma. {I was crushed!}

When was the first time you left your kids for a long period of time?!

How did it go!?

Big Changes!

2012-01-16T08:45:00.001-06:00

Changes are good!

right?!

I have been doing daycare since 2006, and I love being able to impact children's lives!

I love being able to 'play' with toys and kids all day.

I love being my own boss!

I love being able to stay home with my kids!

I loved working with my SIL for the past year and a half.

But....it's time for a change!

My SIL had her adorable son....

{my sweet nephew Caleb}

and decided to watch one of the families we watch together, out of her home.

{it is SO convenient to be able to be at home, while working, and she wanted that convenience}

We still have 2 other families that we care for.

So when the new year started, I changed my hours and tweaked a few things. As a result of me changing my hours, my new hours didn't work with one of the families, so they ended up finding another daycare. That leaves the family that I have been watching since the little girl (Kendall) was 6 months old.

Chase, Kendall (6 mos., and Abby

Abby and Kendall (3 yrs)

Kendall and Abby are BFF's! They love playing together and they also have dance class together.

Kendall's mom and I get along very well and have a mutual love for Acapulco (the restaurant). She is also expecting and is due in June.

Here is the change...

I am going to just watch Kendall (and her sibling, when he/she arrives). This will give me the allowance to take the kids places and not be stuck home all day. Come fall, we will be able to go to story time at the library, the play park and open gym time with Kendall, Kenzie, my baby and Kendall's sibling, while Chase and Abby are at school. My days will be less chaotic and more one on one time!

I am one happy mama! I can't wait to see what the summer and fall bring with smaller numbers.

{It's kinda like back to my nannying days, so much fun!}

Been there...used that!

2012-01-13T14:23:00.001-06:00

I have gotten quite a few e-mails in the past asking my favorite baby things and the brands of things I use.

Well, I can tell you I have been through plenty of strollers {3 to be exact}, diaper bags {6 different brands/styles}, car seats {6 of them}, breast pumps {2}, bottles {8 different brands}, and so much more!

Going on 4 kids and being a daycare provider, I have seen and tried, just about everything.

Here are the things I have come to love and my number one brands!

Let's start with strollers...

I started with this single Graco stroller...

...which I loved and worked great until baby #2 came along.

Then I bought this Graco duo glider stroller...

...which worked okay, but I hated how the parent tray was infront of the handle, cause it was hard to get the infnat seat in and out and even harder to see most of the baby.

So...I bought this newer Graco duo glider...

...and I love it!! It pushes great {unless there is a 40 lb.s child in the front seat}, it has awesome 'plane like' searing handles that are great for hanging shopping bags and diaper bags on and the basket is huge underneath and drops down, so when the back seat is laying down, you can still get to your stuff.

Diaper Bags

I started with the cute messenger bag, that looked cool when my hubby carried it too and quickly realized that there is not way I can get all the crap I have to carry around, in that bag.

So I started to get bigger....and bigger...and bigger, until I went through 5 bags and was done buying diaper bags.

So...I did some research and bought this {awesome} OiOi diaper bag...

I LOVE it and it fits everything. It doesn't have outside bottle/cup pockets, but I didn't want those. It has them inside and has lots of compartments and a zippered pocket too.

Okay, now onto the expensive car-seats

I have been through 2 of these Evenflo triumph carseats...

...besides being VERY bulky, we loved the car-seat...then they expired. So we got these 2 Graco boosters...

...Chase uses his and Abby only does when she goes with grandma or daddy. Normally Abby rides in this Graco Nautilus that we bought after the other 5 point harnesses expired...

We LOVE this car-seat and Abby loves how comfortable it is!

Breast Pumps

I started with this Playtex Embrace electric double breast pump...

It got more than its fair share of uses with Chase and Abby, but when I had Kenzie, it broke and I bought this Avent Electric Breast Pump...

I can't rave enough about this breast pump. It is not nearly as loud as the Playtex one I had, it is very comfortable and easy to use!

Onto Bottles

If you have been reading my blog for some time, you'll know that Chase is the only one who bottle fed well, and that is because he drank out of one since the day he left the NICU. {he wasn't big on breast feeding, no matter how hard I tried}

He drank out of the Avent bottles...

...and HE loved them. They leaked half the time we used them, so I wasn't a big fan of them. I do know that since they became BPA Free, they changed them and added another piece to stop the leaking.

Then I had Abby...she was picky and after taking two bottles around 2 months, she didn't take another one until 8 months old. These are the bottles we tried over those long months...

...None of these bottles worked for her, until we found this Nuk bottle, which was the same shape as her Nuk and she FINALLY liked it...

Kenzie didn't take a bottle until 10 months and we got to start from square one and try all of the bottles over again.

Baby Carriers

I have only tried the Baby Bjorn...

...which I LOVE and wouldn't trade it for the world! I can do EVERYTHING I need to get done, wearing it.

I also had a wrap when I had kenzie and I like it, but I felt like she was uncomfortable in it.

and...last but not least Diapers!

I have seen and used every brand of diapers out there {being a daycare provider} I can tell you I don't like buying diapers anymore than anyone else...but I will never go for the cheap brand. I use Pamper swaddlers until size 2...

...then I switch to Huggies...

I have tried Target, Luvs, Kirkland and Pampers Cruisers...I stick with my favorites!

There you have it, I have been around the baby brands and I stick with what I like. I am not opposed to trying new things, but I love the brands that I have!

Baby Boy Update!!!

2012-01-12T09:46:00.000-06:00

Precious...isn't he?!

Thank you for all your prayers for our little guy! We had our level 2 ultrasound yesterday morning and it went VERY well!

Although baby boys' kidneys are still dilated, there is no other sign of anything else wrong.

{No blockage, no low fluids}

The perinatal that talked to us after the ultrasound was extremely helpful and told us that there was one of two reasons for the dilation. It could be a small kink in the ureter tube, where it meets the kidney. Since babies kidneys start in the lower front of their body, the ureter tube is long and windy, so it might also take the urine a long time to makes it's way down to the urethra. As the baby grows, the ureter tube stretches straight as the kidneys move up towards their right spot. It could also possibly be a mild case of reflux. The doctor said he might have to take antibiotics after he is born, to prevent reflux. This is the most she is concerned about! {Praise God!}

She said he won't need a surgery on his kidneys and everything else looks great, so the most I have to worry about is getting a newborn to take a few drops of antibiotics a day. {I can deal with that!!}

Oh....and the biggest problem I have to worry about is having a BIG baby.

Baby boy is one ounce short of 3 lbs. already. The average 27 1/2 weeks baby is 2 1/4 lbs.

All my babies were on the smaller size, since they were born early, but if they would have been full term babies, I am not sure I would be on #4!

Chase 34 weeks - 5 lbs. 11 oz. (he was a big 34 weeker!)

Abigail 36 weeks - 5 lbs. 12 oz.

Makenzie 38 weeks - 7 lbs. 8 oz.

(all my babies would have been about 9 lb.s full term...woah!)

They said I am measuring about 28 weeks 6 days.

I can honestly say, my worry is finally gone and I am just praying for a healthy baby boy.

I have another level 2 ultrasound at 32 weeks, to check his kidneys one more time and his size too.

Thanks again for all the prayers! We appreciate them all!

What I'm loving Wednesday!

2012-01-11T07:15:00.046-06:00

I'm loving that things are changing with my job and I am excited for what the future holds!

I'm loving this necklace that I got for myself for Christmas!

Here is an up close photo...

{GIVEAWAY coming soon! Stay tuned!}

I'm loving that in 12 short days I will be on a plane to JAMAICA!!
{I can't wait for the vacation...but I am also worried about leaving my kids!}

I'm loving that our dog and the new kitty are buddies and getting along great!

{minus the times that Bauer thinks playing is...gently putting his entire mouth around Ponder}

I'm loving that at my ultrasound today...we got great news and my worries are all put to rest!
{post to come!}

I'm loving these adorable swimsuits that I just got for the girls...super cute!!

I'm loving the support from friends and family! Don't know what I'd do without them!

I'm loving that winter weather might finally be here. I am excited for snow!
{I do live in the frozen tundra...so I expect snow!}

What are you loving!?
Head over to Jamie's blog and link up!

Getting so big & Winner!

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

When did she get so big?!

My littlest 'baby' is growing up so fast. She talks a ton, she is one smart cookie.

She has the sweetest heart and a love for everything!

My baby girl in her big girl bed, melts my heart!

Kenzie is finally keeping her Nuk and blanket in her bed and goes through the day without it {except nap time} She has also been doing great on the potty and was dry all day yesterday. I am a mama on a mission to get her potty trained before baby boy arrives. {one kids in diapers at a time is how we roll}

They say 'Time flies,' but these last few months have been at warp speed.

The winner of the

giveaway is.....

#19 Casie

{Congrats Casie, you have 48 hours to e-mail me or a new winner will be drawn}

Prayers Please!

2012-01-09T14:08:00.000-06:00

I debated back and fourth whether or not I was going to write this post, but I decided to go through with it after my last ultrasound.

Baby #4 would love your prayers!

This adorable little boy is already giving us a 'hard time.'

At my 20 week ultrasound, we found out that our little man has dilated kidneys. The normal size should be around 2.0mm each. At 20 weeks his were (R) 3.2mm and (L) 4.1mm. We were given the option of doing a level 2 ultrasound, because this can also be a soft marker for down syndrome, but declined, since I didn't choose to do the down syndrome testing at the beginning of my pregnancy.

In my 20 week ultrasound, my placenta was also too close to my cervix, so I was scheduled for a 27 week ultrasound. (if the placenta is too close to your cervix, it can cause placenta previa)

My 27 week ultrasound showed that my placenta had moved more than far enough away from my cervix for delivery. {Good news!} It also showed that baby's kidneys were even more dilated...(R) 5.4mm and (L) 5.9mm. {Not so good news} The doctor wasn't too concerned, cause usually in this situation, it means there isn't enough fluid and things aren't working properly. The ultrasound showed that everything is working perfect and he has plenty of fluids and everything else 'looks' normal (besides his kidney size)

The doctor is not worried, but of course anything 'abnormal' on an ultrasound is 'not fun news'. It is especially hard when I have had 3 other children with 'perfect' ultrasounds.

One of the hardest parts is 'doctor lingo.' {I just don't get it} They use HUGE doctor words and have to tell you everything {cause it is their job}, but some information can just be too much to handle, when you don't understand where in the world they are coming from.

I know my little boy is in God's hands and I there is nothing I can do and worrying isn't going to help....so that is where you come in. I would love your prayers for our little boy. I am praying that his little kidneys 'fix' themselves before birth, or if he decides to be 'difficult,' then a simple surgery, to ensure he doesn't have kidney infections later in life, will be something that can fix the 'problem.'

They have referred me to the perinatal center for a level 2 ultrasound, to look more in depth at his kidneys this Wednesday, so we might know more after that. Depending how that ultrasound goes, we might be having a few more ultrasounds before his arrival.

Have any of you mommies been told this with an ultrasound and if so, I would love your input!

{I am all ears!}

If you are as lost as I was, when I heard about it, I'd just love the prayers.