For What It's Worth...or Not.

A Whole HAND for Cash!

2015-09-14T22:36:00.000-05:00

Cashton is FIVE!

Our boy is always full of energy. Like, run around, shirtless, jumping off everything, tackle-jump-hugging, superhero, cowboy, farmer, ninja, crazy sweet, full-of-love, BIG BLUE EYED heartbreaker...is a whole hand full of fingers, FIVE.

Birthday Party request: Packer Party to watch Aaron Rodgers Play
Wish list: Legos
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite drink: Juice
Favorite Animal: Cheetah

Favorite Song: "Honey, I'm Good" by Andy Grammer
Favorite Book: Ninja Turtles
Favorite TV Show: Wild Kratts
Favorite Movie: Big Hero 6

Best Friend: Josh (his cousin)
Favorite Part of School: Playing with James
What do you want be when you grow up: Build trucks like Daddy

Cashton, there are no words to truly describe how proud we are of you. You become the Big Brother to all your siblings even though you aren't the oldest. You are kind, wise, and loving beyond your years--many times being the peacemaker between your sisters. Although, you constantly want to be bigger and older to do all the things that daddy can do, I pray you slow down.
I love listening to you play cowboys, ninjas, farmers, hunters, and superheros all at the same time. Your imagination know no bounds.

Please stay sweet, little man.

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY!

WE LOVE YOU!

The Great Eight for Sam

2015-08-17T08:49:00.000-05:00

Our Sweet as Strawberry Pie, Sam, is EIGHT today.

and the interview with the little lady went as follows:

Sam, what do you want to do, now that you're going to be eight?

I wanna practice my shooting the basketballs.

What makes you happy?

When daddy puts me on his shoulders and carries me around.

What makes you sad?

When I am all alone, and nobody is playing with me.

What makes you excited?

When mommy gives me hugs

Favorite color: Orange ***honestly, this is the first time I heard that

Favorite food: Bagels

Favorite drink: Water, but with no ice

Favorite animal: Giraffe

Favorite song: "Hairy Perry" (Katy Perry) "Baby you're a FIREWORK!"

Favorite Book: Llama, Llama

Favorite Movie: Rapunzel

Favorite TV show: Elsa

Samantha, you make the world brighter.

Celebrating your birthday with your cousins at the campground this year was as simple as a cake and the birthday song. You sat quiet and still as the round of "Happy Birthday to You" rang out among our family.....you blew out the candles...

and stared a bit lost at us all. You were patiently waiting for us to sing the "How Old are You?" verse. We began, and you directed!

That smile, and that giggle.....I pray you never loose your joy, sweet girl. We all were treated to the SOLO of "I'm Eight Years Old!"....and your night was complete.

Of course there was the cake & the gifts, but you asked if you could go to bed....you loved your birthday as it was already.

SO simple.

So innocent.

My heart explodes.

(don't worry, your cousins didn't let you go to sleep without opening your presents)

This past year you have grown so much! Reading & Writing is becoming easier everyday....and although you struggle, you've made LEAPS of GAINS at school. You are about to embark on the 2nd Grade, and we are so SO SO proud of you!

May the LORD Bless you today, and everyday after,

Samantha Brynn.

We Love you!

Colton turns ONE!

2015-04-05T15:14:00.000-05:00

One year has never felt so short.

Colton, you've grown up so fast. Maybe it's because you have 3 siblings to teach you, and maybe it's because I've wished you to stay little....

either way, your infancy is behind you already,

and with tears welled up in my eyes,

I am trying to put into words just how much we love being blessed with you!

You are brimming with personality already!

You love to laugh with whoever is laughing, and wave to and kiss those who say good-bye.

Most endearing of all your traits, little man, you are a hugger.

Wrapping your chubby little arms around someones neck and snuggling-in is the move:

melted hearts are the result.

And although you give out lots of this love...my baby boy, you still love mommy the most. I'm not complaining, nor do I want to give up my preferred status anytime soon. I know this won't last.

So, I will come when you call.

I will let you snuggle right in.

Sweet, Sweet Boy.

You are ONE in a MILLION.

We celebrated your birthday with a WHOLE LOT of family...

can you believe you belong with this rowdy bunch?

Grandpa Bob manned the Fish Fryer

and we continued the fish theme from the cakes

to the balloons...

with a big family like ours,

you get to celebrate your birthday with lots of your cousins too

We all LOVE you so much, Colty!

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY !

Best Pencil Sharpener Ever

2015-01-21T08:21:00.000-06:00

I'm sure you think my post title is an exaggeration. You may even think that someone paid me to say that....

Let me get to the point.

The perfectly sharpened, pencil point, that is.

The Classroom Friendly Pencil Sharpener is not only amazingly EASY to use, but it sharpens pencils perfectly. Every. Single. Time.

I was first introduced to this life changing contraption at my sister's house. They have 4 kiddos too...just a little bit older than ours though, so all in school...meaning they know a thing or two about pencils (lots of homework). My brother-in-law gave this pencil sharpener rave reviews, and my nephew and nieces all showed me how it works.

Since we had been using a little hand held sharpener in our house and therefore breaking pencils left and right....I knew we needed this in our lives. It was so exciting, we even started sharpening our colored pencils too!

I was actually about to order one directly, but I stumbled upon the opportunity to review it for you. SO LUCKY me...and LUCKY YOU!

If you have children that use pencils at all, this must be in your home.

Just look at these tips!

The sharpener feeds the pencil in itself and never over sharpens. I'm telling you no lies my friends.
Watch this short little video and see how it works:

One more perk: It's quiet. In our house, the decibel level of a pencil sharpener is hardly an issue...LOL! But, I'm sure it is an awesome perk for the classroom.

If I've peeked your interest at all...go visit the website: Classroom Friendly Supplies and look around. They have multiple colors to choose from...which makes no difference in pencil sharpness, but they are fun to look at :)

Disclaimer: I was only given this product for an honest review. ( don't tell them I would have bought it anyway...let's just keep that between us) ;)

Our Advent Candles: from trash to treasure!

2014-12-01T11:02:00.001-06:00

Now we light the first for HOPE!

Keeping Christ in Christmas: Advent & Nativity Round-Up

2014-11-30T04:25:00.001-06:00

'Tis the Season my friends!

The Most WONDERFUL Time of the Year!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas Time! I love the decor...I love the music....I LOVE the magic! I Love everything about Christmas....and while this post is going to focus on the TRUE meaning of Christmas, I promise you that my children are plenty exposed to all the other stuff too.
In fact, the whole purpose of me compiling this list for you...is so WE can remember to focus on the GOOD stuff. The MOST important stuff.
The birth of our Savior.

I've been pinning it up out there....so if you DO have a Pinterest account, you can see even more here That's my "Advent" board. However, I know some of you are smart enough to stay away from pinterest ;) so here are 3 of my FAVORITE ideas in each catergory (in no particular order) I PINNED more than this, but you'll have to go check that out for yourself ;)

ADVENT CALENDARS

Scripture Advent Printable byAKA Design

TOTALLY Free! What a generous gal!

Or how about a day by day Scripture Reading Plan? This one is from last year.

Advent Reading Plan by Hello Mornings

Of course, with littles like we have....I still LOVE the advent Book-a-day that we do in our house.

We have secular books along side our Christian preparation for Christmas....wrapping up 25 books to open one by one in the days leading up to Christmas. (not new...just the books we already have :)

I must say,

I better get WRAPPING if I want to do this again this year!

ADVENT WREATHS

This was a subject I was so excited to explore, as we don't have one in our house....yet.

THIS WILL BE NEW to us this Year!

I have always enjoyed the lighting of the candles at church, but since we've been married, we haven't had one in our home....so maybe one of these will make the cut:

Painted Votive Advent Wreath by White House Black Shutters

Or how about this Flipped over chandelier!!!!

Pretty Handy Girl is just THAT...Pretty Handy!

and this one a ESPECIALLY LOVE...because I know my friends very well

and no matter WHAT your skill level is....

THIS. This you can do.

Chalkboard drawn candles!

photo courtesy of herz-allerliebst.de

NATIVITY SETS

Friends. This is my favorite part. But let me tell you, with 4 very small children, the only Nativity set that made it out of the box in the past few years has been the PLASTIC Precious Moments one.

Sad panda.

We need more kid friendly ones until the small people in my house can learn not to break things...(so 18 years or so)

Oh Holy Night Nativity Set from Caravan

you pay for the download of the clothes...how ADORABLE are these!

Or maybe you're into more minimalistic approach

Like this

RIVER STONE version!

Artist: kcLinn

and CALLING ALL LEGO LOVERS!!!!!

This site has instructions to build your OWN set!

You are Welcome.

ORNAMENTS

If you are a member of my family, look away now. These will most likely be part of our Christmas gifting this year:

Clothespin Nativity Ornaments from Shaken Together

Here's another FREEBIE for ya:

The Felt Patterns to these adorable Nativity Ornaments can be found here:

This idea might just BLOW your MIND.

Check out how the girls from SewCakeMake make floating images in glass blubs:

KIDS CAN MAKE

As you probably know (if you've been around here awhile) I'm a sucker for handprint/footprint art
See Turkey & Snowflakes

So I swooned when I saw this Handprint Manger by Crafty Morning

and who doesn't have popsicle sticks they could dress up?
This idea from like a pretty petunia

or...if you need some window art...
This shapes suncatcher is super fun from No Time for Flash Cards

HOME DECOR

Can we all just agree that rustic and manger scences just go together?!?!
please....
great.
Then you'll like these as much as I do:

From Beyond the Picket Fence

from Chrissie Grace Designs

and my personal FAVE

Mary, Joseph, AND Baby Jesus!

From Jodi Marie Pallet Designs

TELL THE STORY

We've been very blessed in our little family that up until this year (our oldest being 7) we haven't had to reign in the Christmas Crazy. However, this year, I feel as though we may have to work a little extra at SHARING the TRUE Meaning of Christmas will the littles.

Here are 3 of the ideas we are going to try at our house this year:

Nativity Sensory Story Box

Christmas Story Bracelet

Find & Fill Nativity

That's not ALL! I've pinned a whole lot more HERE

(just couldn't fit all the goodness in one post)

What about you?

How do you Keep Christ in Christmas in your home?

Have any traditions you'd like to share?

Metallic Handprint Turkey

2014-11-25T13:38:00.001-06:00

We have so much to be Thankful for in our house....

I mean...with the busy,busy life of having 4 little turkeys of our own:

To capture the tiniest parts of our lives this year....Grandma and I thought we would put it right up there on the wall!

Are you thankful from your hands....

All the way down to your toes?

You can do it too!

We started out with thrifted pictures that we just painted the glass black.

Then one by one each kiddo had a turn to handprint (of course you'll have to guide them gently where you'd like them to be placed) also let each layer dry before the next one goes ;)

Sam in gold went first...

Cash in silver....

Georgia in bronze...

Colt in a different shade of gold with the cute little baby foot turkey body :)

Then I lettered it in Gold!!!

How fun would this be as a Thanksgiving Day project with your family?!?!?

We pray you have a Blessed Thanksgiving with all your Turkeys too!

Cashton Turns FOUR!

2014-09-15T07:52:00.002-05:00

What's your name?
(holds up 3 fingers)
What's your name?
(makes a "C" with his thumb and pointer finger)
Starts with that.....what's your name?
CASHTON!

How old are you?
THREE (visual again)
How old are you going to be?
ah, FIVE! (holding up 4 fingers)

Favorite color: BLUE
Favorite food: Peanut Butter & Jelly
Favorite Animal: Horsey

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A Hunter
What are you going to hunt?
Deer

Best part of school?
Playing with my Friends
Who's your best friend?
James. James. James. James. Just James.

What's your favorite song?
Cowboy Song

What's your favorite book?
Ninja Turtles
What kind of birthday do you want?
Ninja Turtles

What do you want for your birthday?
Ninja Turtles

BOY OH BOY!!!!
I feel like that's all I need to say about you, buddy!
At 4 years old, you are
high energy, rough and tumble, curious, silly, and yet,
gentle, loving, scared of bugs, and still like to snuggle in mama & daddy's arms.
Having a little brother pretty much made your whole LIFE this year. You've been so helpful and affectionate with Colton...and now that he's old enough to interact with you more....you get the biggest belly giggles from him every time you try.

You are Daddy's little shadow....

Today you may be a Ninja Turtle....tomorrow a Cowboy again in the morning, a Farmer in the afternoon, and a Hunter in between.
You change clothes almost as often as you change your mind....and have worn the soles right off your Cowboy boots.

I get to see glimpses of the future when you look up at me with the Big Blue eyes and tell me I look pretty or you like my outfit, or best yet: "I love you!" with a sweet little kiss....someday...some girl is going to be sooo very lucky to hear the same.

But right now, you are ALL mine. (okay, I'll share you with Daddy)
I will take all those hugs and kisses....and steal a few here and there.
I will let you climb into bed when there is a storm.
I will sing you to sleep, and wipe away those boo-boos.
And, I will try and let you grow up a SLOOOOWLY as I possibly can.

I LOVE YOU, my Sweet Boy!

HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY!!!!

5...4...3...2...and you thought I forgot

2014-09-08T06:30:00.000-05:00

so...the thing about having 4 children...life is crazy busy.
I have to hand it to all you bloggers out there that keep up with this. Turns out, 4 kiddos is my ultimate blogging-breaking point.

HOWEVER. I have NOT stopped snapping photos and documenting my little ones' lives. ESPECIALLY child #4. I'm a #4 myself....so I know how that goes.

And, yes, Mom....Dad...I now understand the lack of photos. I am sorry for all the grief I gave you. You were busy. I get it.

I still vow to not fall into that trap. So snap away I go.

And here's what you've missed blogging world:

COLTON AT TWO MONTHS OLD

There is no shortage of love for this (big) little guy! While Samantha gets as much snuggle time as she can after school....Cash & Georgia spend the day kissing and hugging on Colton.

Two months old, our little man weighs in at 14 pounds 6 ounces (90%) and 23 inches (48%) and is busting out of 3-6 month clothing.

He started modeling for Mommy's clothing business....

I'd say for his 1st official shoot, he didn't do so bad! :)

Little Brewer's Fan already!

I threw this shot in just because....I don't normally get in on the pictures, but my mom snapped this one of us on Colton's Baptism Affirmation Day....love me some baby kisses!

COLTON at THREE MONTHS OLD:

Three Months Old, no official measurements, but 6-9m clothing is getting to be a tight fit!

Colt's 1st BIG Vacation was spent in the Dells over The 4th of July! Mommy & Daddy went out to dinner for their 8th anniversary, and Grandma said he wanted to wait until Mom got home to eat. Ugh. Mom was nervous for another "bottle refuser"....but for the most part, he'll take one if he has to...which is good cause Mama went back to work part-time on the night shift.

BOY does he LOVE to watch his sisters and brother!

COLTON at FOUR MONTHS OLD:

Tipping the scales at 18 pounds, 7 ounces...our bouncing baby boy is filling out 9-12 month clothes!

and CHOMP CHOMP CHOMPING on those fingers every chance he gets!
In fact, Cash spotted a couple teeth!!!! Sure enough, Colt's two bottom teeth just popped the surface!

He can stop growing any day now!

I don't think any of the other kiddos needed Chew Toys as much as him....Just look at that drool!

And don't even get me started on my love for those arm rolls!

but the fun doesn't stop there...because.....

COLTON IS FIVE MONTHS OLD!

BWAHAHAHA!!!!! DROOL MONSTER!!!!!

Do I have something on my face?

The older kids love to play "Let Colton Drool on ME" a LOT! This game consists of them laying down on the floor and us putting Colton on their belly....then, you guessed it...Colton drools on them and laughing commences from all.

Another amazing development in Cashton's Life: Colton likes trucks & tractors! It's taken FIVE long and grueling months, but Cash finally has a little boy to "play with" LOL! (don't tell Cash that you could put a baby doll in front of Colt and he'd be happy too)

Pretty much ANYTHING in front of this little dude makes him HAPPY!

HAPPY FIVE MONTHS, LITTLE MAN!

First Day of School 2014

2014-09-02T09:35:00.000-05:00

Our school year started off with a BANG!

This one missed the bus...and Daddy took our car seats to work with him....oh, and we have TWO kiddos in schools that are on opposite sides of town. Good Stuff!

Good thing we got up extra early and had plenty of time for pictures!

Sam is SO excited for 1st Grade...NEW TEACHER, NEW BIG BUS, NEW SHOES!

.....and CASHTON GOES TO SCHOOL TOO!!!!!

Wanna see his number!?!?!

He even got a BRAND NEW, HOMEMADE ALLIGATOR SHIRT for the FIRST DAY!

AND NEW SCHOOL SHOES TO BOOT!!!!

all kidding aside, we had a very unexpected morning....running here and there and everywhere, late to one school, but that just meant Sam got to help me drop off Cash....you know, to help him with the transition....
PUH-LEASE! This guy barely even cared if I walked him in the building! Biggest concern: making sure his SpiderMan Gym Shoes were in the cubby that he left them in at Open House. I had to chase him down to get a hug.

GUESS HE WAS READY!

BLESSINGS TO ALL ON ANOTHER YEAR OF LEARNING!

SEVEN for Sam!

2014-08-15T05:45:00.000-05:00

Time for an interview with .......

What is your name?
S: Hi! My name is Sam!

How old are you?
S: I six. I am almost 7.

What makes you happy?
S: I play some playdough, and squish (making the motions with her hands) with some green playdough

What makes you sad?
S: when Emily swing the bat in my face. (a few weeks ago she accidentally got hit by a baseball bat)

What makes you scared?
S: Scary shadows in my room

What is your color?
S: My favorite color green

What is your Favorite Book?
S: Strawberry Shortcake, and even Dora and even Princesses

What is your Favorite Song?
S: My favorite song is Precious Lord

What is your favorite part about school?
S: I love play toys

What do you want to be when you grow up?
S: I want to be Rapunzel

What is your favorite animal?
S: My favorite animal is giraffes

Who is your Best Friend?
S: My best friend is Georgia

What is your Favorite food?
S: String Cheese

What is your Favorite Drink?
S: Water

What kind of Birthday Party would you like?
S: A Rainbow Party, please Mom, I just want a Rainbow party, not a Packer Party. (this is 3 days away from her party....we've already planned the Packer Party she has been asking for for 6 months. awesome.)

What are you most excited about being a 7 year old?
S: I excited about my cousins coming over

What do you want to remember?
S: I want to member I have a loose tooth

What do you want to learn this year?
S: I want to learn to read books and sing and even practice basketball

What do you like about being a big sister?
S: I like being a big sister to take care of Colton for you and help change Colton's diaper with you.

Anything else you want to add?
S: I want to add cupcakes and cakes and even marshmallows too!

Another year older for this Sweet n' Sassy Girl.

This past year, you have grown before our eyes....in so, so many ways.

Perhaps a little less noticeable on the growth chart...
You are still the most petite of 7 year olds, but your heart is larger than I think I could even begin to describe. If you have an emotion inside of you, it is plainly laid out for all the world to see. Your flair for dramatics surprise and exhaust us everyday.

You LOVE with everything. You CRY with everything. For a little thing, YOU LIVE BIG!

Still so sweet...Dad & I can always count on you for an impromptu hug, kiss, & "I Love You" Your gentleness with Cashton & Georgia is sporadic recently, but there is never a moment you are not willing to give to your baby brother, Colton. From being a diaper gopher to serenading him for mommy when she just needs a few minutes, you are an incredible helper!

Over the past year, you have gone from barely writing your name to spelling out all sorts of things! You love learning! It brings us so much joy to see the look of accomplishment in your eyes!

You will do BIG THINGS in this life....

You already have.

We love you SO Very Much, Samantha Brynn!

How do you say Happy Father's Day?

2014-06-10T20:11:00.000-05:00

My dad was never really an "I LOVE YOU" kind of guy.

So, although we say it every once in awhile, it's not the kind of thing that flows off the tongue.

He's the kind of guy you get a card like this:

Every year for Father's Day, we all go to the baseball diamond....do a little tailgating, drink a little beer....basically just being together. It's not sappy. It's us. And WE Love him for it.

Here's a pic from our EARLY Father's Day Baseball game this year....BEFORE the torrential, game- suspending, downpour:

Father's Day T-Rats Game 2014

Now, as a wife and mother, though, I get to wish another man in my life a VERY HAPPY FATHER'S DAY....

THIS GUY

This Guy does say I LOVE YOU often and easily, and I am so grateful our little munchkins get to hear it every day.

So, here's to you, Daddy!

Bacon-Loving, Samantha would like you to know:

From Super-Awesome- Cool Cashton to You:

Sweet, Incessant, Georgia says:

and from Colton, he understands:

For those of you reading this that don't know our kiddos personally....these cards are RIDICULOUSLY SPOT ON! Every kiddo and every Daddy has that special way of saying how they feel. I just so happened to find everything I needed to say at Treat.com (I bet you could too)

Make sure you tell that special Dad in your life just how much they mean to you....

Whether it's a Card, or a BEER, or an I LOVE YOU!

Our Mother's Day Tradition....at last!

2014-05-19T08:38:00.001-05:00

I have a confession to make.

I had a not so good, very bad week.

If you talked to me at all, you heard about it in part, I'm sure.

Last Sunday was Mother's Day, and I felt like I got jipped.

We had a very busy weekend planned which included 2 birthdays which we celebrated out of town.

I knew that it wouldn't leave much time on Sunday for Mother's Day celebrating, but we did plan on taking my Mother and Mother-in-Law out for Lunch.....and we did.

......and that was it.

I didn't get a card. I didn't get a gift.

(apart from some hand-picked dandelions from the kiddos and the handmade art from Sam's school)

which I LOVE, by the way...BUT

I was feeling quite unappreciated

That's embarrassing to admit...because I realize how that makes me sound.

I realize that it sounds shallow....or needy...or spoiled.

I know that...but it is still the way I felt....

...until yesterday.

Yesterday we FINALLY got to have our Mother's Day tradition.

For the past 6 years, Randy and the kids take me to Stuart's Landscaping, and we pick out flowers (and more recently veggies and herbs too) Then the kids help Daddy plant them when we get home.

But, guess what? I'm not even a huge fan of the flowers.

(don't tell Randy.... :)

What made me HAPPY....Finally HAPPY....and appreciated....and LOVED was captured in the following set of pictures.

1. You'll see the pictures are self explanatory.

2. You need to know, RANDY was the one behind the camera....and he snapped away willingly...even eagerly. this is HUGE. and the BEST gift I could ever ask for. Oh, I had FUN editing these!

(okay, so this one I took)

LOVE is ALL YOU NEED!

(LOTS and LOTS of LOVE)

Sweet Georgia Laehn....Too SOON for TWO!

2014-05-07T06:30:00.000-05:00

TOO CUTE!

TOO BIG!

TOO SMART!

Our Sweet Georgia Laehn, you turn TWO today.

It's amazing that two years have already passed, and at the same time, you act like you are SO much older.

To say you keep us on our toes is, by far, an understatement. While many people comment on how much you talk....we quickly reply: Yes, it's exhausting! Not that we aren't awed by your curiosity, and wonder struck by your ability to ask the SAME question 10 times in a row....it's just a bit much.

You talk in full sentences and ask a BILLION questions a day. Not to mention your favorite sayings: "I want some. I want some"
"I wanna see. I wanna see"
"I wanna help. I wanna help"

Miss Independence.

Your biggest motivation: Your Big Brother, Cash. You keep up with him all day long....and he has taught you to be tough and strong....curious and mischievous....and he LOVES you to pieces.

From your big sister, Sam, you have learned to dance like a princess and to love gently.

And just last month, your baby brother, Colt, has upgraded you to BIG SISTER. We have seen your mothering instincts kick in and are helping you to practice that gentle touch...

Recently, you have shown us your patience and hunger to learn. You will sit with Daddy and "help" him do anything.

And, with Mama, you will sing songs all day long...your favorites being: You are my Sunshine...and I LOVE you, a Bushel and a Peck.

What you've taught us is that even at the young age of two (and before) comes HUGE PERSONALITY! Loud and Strong-willed, you never go unnoticed or unheard. Those Bright Blue Eyes and WHITE Blond hair stop everyone in their tracks.   Flash them that smile, and it's all over.

Please, slow down, Little Girl.

We love your cheeks and your addictive giggle....
(even if you always tell us to STOP when we tickle you)

As I kissed you goodnight on the eve of your birthday, I asked if you would stay my baby forever. You replied, "Yes." through your Nuk stuffed little mouth....and Daddy was right there, so I have a witness. :)

You truly ARE our SUNSHINE!

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY, Georgia!

Colton: One Month Old

2014-05-04T20:56:00.000-05:00

At One Month Old, our little Colt is already proving to us that

EVERY CHILD IS DIFFERENT!

He's grown into 0-3 month clothing and size 1 diapers....probably because he eats NON-STOP. Around the clock every 2-3 hours....and fills his pants just as often.

(my only baby that actually cares if his diaper is messy. Change it, and he insta-relaxes..also, he has peed on me more times than all the other 3 combined)

For the sleeping part, he's very content to sleep long stretches during daylight hours....and very short ones at night when mommy is finally able to lay down.

Colton keeps the attention of his older siblings ALL DAY LONG.

He gets LOTS of kisses and hugs, which makes him very bored when the little ones are not around.

He grunts/talks all the time....probably just trying to keep up with the "big kids".

Daddy calls him CHAMP....so this hand-me-down shirt from his big brother Cash is pretty much perfect. He's strong enough to push himself up when on your chest, and loves to stare into your eyes when you hold him in your arms.

Now we just have to remember his name....between CHAMP, Buddy (Georgia's favorite name for him), and TOLT (what it sounds like when Georgia actually tries to pronounce his name)....

we just need to practice:

COLTON

COLT

COLTON

COLT.

Happy ONE Month, Colt!

Colton Roland has ARRIVED!

2014-04-08T14:46:00.001-05:00

On April 4, 2014 at 1:01am, Randy & I welcomed our 4th born child into the world:

Colton "Colt" Roland Jahnke

He weighed in at 8 pounds and 8 ounces.

Measured 21 1/2 inches in length.

and was so swiftly birthed that his whole faced was bruised and BLUE.

Daddy & Mommy are not only blessed & proud...but overwhelmingly complete with your newest addition.

Big Sister, Samantha, is just as motherly as ever. She is very gentle and quietly soothing at all times. HUGE helper with diapers, wipes, and sweet lullabies.

Big Brother, Cashton, is surprisingly smitten. He cannot give enough kisses and cuddles. He stays very informed on breastfeeding and every wrinkle in Colt's skin by questioning EVERYTHING. It's day 2 at home, and he doesn't enter or exit the room without a kiss for his brother.

New BIG Sister, Georgia, is Awestruck. Everything Colton does is hilarious to her. Although each baby holding session is short, she requests them frequently....with just a very mild case of jealousy when I'm nursing. She doesn't want Colton to stop, just wants to be on my lap too.

Before leaving the hospital, Colton Roland was baptized and welcomed as a child of God.

(we will have a Baptism Affirmation at a later date just like the other kiddos)

Here's the required Hospital Family Pic.

Easier said than done...

All Ready to Go Home!

if you are wondering...

Here's the MAN behind the name.

Randy's Paternal Grandfather, Roland Jahnke, loving on Colton at 3 days old.

Words cannot describe how truly blessed we are!

Colton has filled our hearts and completed our Family in so many ways.

I will be posting the full birth story soon...but I wanted to get you the big details now...

Plus, this is the "CLEAN" version for all you men out there ;)

80 Things I've Learned being Pregnant 4 Times.

2014-03-19T06:45:00.000-05:00

First of all, I'm no expert. Although, I may look like one. ;)
I just thought I would give you all a little bit of insight into what I've learned being pregnant 4 times.

Some people LOVE being pregnant. For others, it's a moderate to severe form of torture. I can safely say I fall into the middle of those two categories, so I'm not going to paint you a picture of sunshine and roses. I also, won't FREAK you out. (well, I don't know, some of my experiences fall into both of those scenarios as well) I'm just going to start.

This is MY experience. Maybe you'll find a little truth in it from yours too.

1. EVERY PREGNANCY IS DIFFERENT. I know you hear it often, but it is true. From conception, to pregnancy, to labor, delivery, recovery, child rearing....and so on and so forth.

2. Advice is often hilarious after 4 pregnancies because of Number 1.

3. Advice when you are pregnant the first time is OVERWHELMING because of Number 1 as well. It's hard to know what to believe. Take it with a grain of salt. Unfortunately only YOU know how you feel, what your body is telling you, what your baby is telling you, etc.

4. Conception was unexpected for 3 out of the 4 of our children. One of them we tried for 8 months. 2 of them had a shock value of 12 on a scale of 1-10. By far the most emotionally charged part of my pregnancies besides actually holding my newborn babies in my arms for the first time.

5. Google pregnancy symptoms and I have probably had all of them at one point during the 4 pregnancies. Yuck.

6. My initial doctor's appointment includes an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and determine due date. I realize only after they tell me there's only one in there that I had not really been breathing for the first part of the appointment. RELIEF is AMAZING! KUDOS to my MOMMIES of MULTIPLES friends, you are another form of SuperHero!

7. I have a bicornuate uterus. Found out when I was pregnant with Baby #1. I googled it. Don't ever do that. (LoL! I say that, but I totally do this all the time) It says it makes it very hard to conceive and carry children full term. (possibly why I go early?) Anyway, I'm on Baby #4. Apparently my uterus doesn't care what WebMD thinks.

8. Maternity pants are a SLICE OF HEAVEN. Stretchy, yet supportive. Don't fight it.

9. On the subject of Maternity clothes...unless you are one of those moms I hate (only kidding...kinda) you will wear maternity clothes after baby too. Try to buy larger sizes of "normal clothes" that are just longer in the torso. Case and point: I have been sporting Maternity wear for 7 years straight. woah. that was depressing putting that on paper.

10. Cravings are real. There have been moments when I've loaded all 3 kids in the car to run out and satisfy a desire. If you have lots of small children (think 3 5-point harnesses and winter jackets), you know how powerful that craving must have been.

11. Also food aversions. This may even apply to non-preggos too. If you have a shared work break room, please do not microwave FISH. ever.

12. Feeling the little baby flutters for the first time. NEVER. GETS. OLD.

13. Feeling the baby kick you in the belly button when your stomach muscles are flexed feels like someone punches you in the gut. I've actually given some stink-eyes to a few innocent bystanders. oops!

14. You get to experience growing pains in places you didn't know you had.

15. Things swell. in weird places.

16. Things widen, besides your waist and chest. Your hips. Your feet. I've gone up a shoe size.

17. DRINK MORE WATER. Glad I said this, gonna go down a glass right now.

18. SLEEP WHEN YOU CAN. This is so very important. First time moms have NO idea the luxury they have of nap times. I didn't. There is a reason that everyone says it. It is one of the only pieces of advice I back 110% and will freely give out to every preggo I meet.

19. In lieu of #18, the hospital is your friend. I know what you are thinking. You want to get home. You want to start your family life with you and your baby and your hubby and your nice comfy bed. THERE ARE NO NURSES AT HOME. THERE IS NO CALL BUTTON. THERE IS NO FOOD SERVICE. I was eager to get home after #1. I learned real quick after that. Here's the beautiful thing about the hospital. It's quiet. The staff is TRAINED to take care of you and your baby. You can still nurse or feed your baby whenever they are hungry or crying (just let them know this is your request) They will bring the baby to you, get you water, perhaps another pillow, bring you food....AROUND THE CLOCK. Then you can sleep without worry....I'm a bit passionate about this one. None of this will happen in your home, at least not for very long.

20. The more times you are pregnant, the less people care. Sad, but true. You practically become an expert after number 1....by number 4, it's almost like a new outfit.

21. Growing a person does crazy things to your body. Pregnancies #1 & #2, I was the bill of health. No abnormal test results to speak of (for me). #3 sent my Thyroid wacko, and I've had to be on meds ever since...fluctuating, of course, which means monthly blood draws. #4: still dealing with Thyroid draws, but now I'm in Glucose Tolerance testing land.

22. Glucose Tolerance Testing. Gross. That drink is disgusting, so pray you don't have to do it more than once. For the first time, I graduated to the 3hr GTT. This means fasting for 8 hours, getting your blood drawn, drinking that sugary crap, and drawing your blood 3 more times in one-hour intervals. Making pregnant women fast is just mean. Making them drink a sugar drink then draw their blood over 3 hours without eating anything more....pure evil.

23. I don't have "good blood drawing veins". :(

24. Pillows are heavenly clouds. Use them to sleep. Use them to sit. Your back with thank you.

25. We are "Surprise" kind of people. We haven't found out the baby's gender prior to birth. This is awesome for 2 reasons. 1) BEST Surprise ever! A truly awesome moment when the doctor announces to you and your hubby what "it" is. 2) you have gender neutral clothes for subsequent children. If you plan on having more babies...you're all set for the first few months cause everyone will gift you neutral items.

26. You will only be showered once. (as in Baby shower) See #20 LOL! No, honestly though, after the first one, you really do have the essentials (and non-essentials) needed to care for the babe.

27. Things we got for Baby #1 that we barely used: Diaper Genie, Bottle Warmer, Baby Powder

28. Things we used for Baby #1 that we NEVER used after that: baby monitor, baby mobile, Diaper Genie, Bottle Warmer, Changing table, Baby Powder

29. Baby carriers are awesome, and sometimes the only serenity you will have. That little munchkin is used to being warm and snugly inside you, they may want your skin-to-skin all the time

30. FREEZER MEALS! Something you can do ahead of time. There are great books, blogs, Pinterest boards, and Parties that can help you prepare. Make meals ahead of time and stock the freezer. CANNOT be more thankful to have some meals ready to go in the freezer. One less thing you have to think about.

31. Ultrasounds are the coolest. You get to see your baby for the first time after feeling them move inside of you. I totally recommend having your children/spouse with you. Your pregnancy is REAL for you from day one, but they won't really get it until they see it.

32. Speaking of "getting it", my hubby didn't really get it until Baby #1 was out and in his arms. That's a hard thing for daddys to comprehend. Remember, YOU alone feel them growing inside you and kicking, and hiccuping....

33. Baby movement is one part amazing, one part reassuring, one part painful. Even having 4 pregnancies in 7 years, I forgot how crazy it all is. The painful part doesn't come until the end...and then it's only when somethings lodged somewhere, or you are in just the right(wrong) position (see #13)

34. Energy levels go as follows: Exhaustion in your 1st Trimester, Feeling good in the 2nd, Back to exhaustion in your 3rd. And nobody will tell your body to obey this standard. SO you may not have exhaustion or energy at all. Again with the "everyone is different" comment.

35. Sit down. Feet up. I've pushed myself to some limits carrying my children. Although you think you can do it, sometimes, you just can't. Listen to your body. If you are tired. You are tired. You need to relax a bit too.

36. Let/Encourage your kiddos to talk to/kiss/zerbert your belly. It's adorable. They love it. You'll love it. And it makes this baby coming more real to them.

37. The bigger you get (closer you get to due date) the clingier my children become. They sense the change. Especially the tiny ones. Probably because at some point you stop treating them like a baby and start using language like, "you're a BIG boy/girl now" They LATCH ON. It makes me nervous for their feelings/reactions to when the new little one arrives, but so far they've been AMAZING! (See #36, it helps a LOT)

38. Dropsies. It's a real thing. Starting early on in my pregnancies, I drop things. Random things. Pens. Granola Bars. Any small thing that just necessary enough that you have to bend down and pick it up. (thankfully no children yet), and then, just when I think I'm getting over that, my over-sized belly knocks things off of tables. It's a sad fact. Case of the Dropsies. Bonus: having small little helpers around to pick things up for you!

39. People will offer to pick things you drop up for you, and help you carry things. Let them. When they offer a seat, take it. (I know I need to follow my own advice more, but I really am getting much better at this one)

40. Chiropractors.

41. Warm bathes.

42. Rice Bags. If you don't have one. Make one. You don't even need to sew if you don't want to. Buy a Set of Tube socks, fill them with rice, tie the end off. (Optional: add an essential oil like orange or lavender) FREEZE ONE: In the freezer, it comes out as a COOL Pack and is AMAZING for aches and pains. With my TWO babes born at the end of summer it was amazing to just rest it on my belly where the stretching hurt or around my neck. MICROWAVE ONE: HEAT Pack for you back, shoulders, anything! Think postpartum too :)

43. EPIDURALS. I am a fan. My first two labors were 24 hours long. I didn't get the epidural the first 18 hours. So, I know the pain of labor quite well. Labor #3 progressed much faster: only 7 hours. Got Epidural after 4 hours. Worst part about it all...getting the IV started for fluids. (I don't have "good veins")

44. 1st Labor: Induced from NOTHING 3 weeks early. LOTS of Pitocin. HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE. Epidural wore off. Nurse wouldn't believe me for 3 hours. Thing I learned: A GOOD Labor/Delivery Nurse is INVALUABLE!

45. 2nd Labor: Water broke at work 3 weeks early. Contractions 2 minutes apart, no dilation. Serious Power Walking the halls for 5+ hours....LONG Labor. got epidural, it wore off. This time people believed me. Fixed ASAP. :)

46. 3rd Labor: False Alarm the week before. Started spotting following week. Called Doctor, and she said come in. I was 5cm dilated and my "bag 'o water" was bulging out. Sent me up to an L&D room and broke it for me. dilated to 8 in the next couple hours. Took 2 more hours, 6 tries, and 4 nurses to start my IV.

47. AFTER 3 Births...Here's my reality: PAINFUL IV start. Epidural fine, except husband will not like it at all. He puts on a brave face for me though. Relax a bit. NEED to vomit. NEED TO. Just let me, I'll be cool after that. (I barely take any pain meds, ever. I will puke every time you give me something stronger than Tylenol or Ibprofen) Once vomiting is over, I'm good. Relax a bit. Finish the dilating thing. 4 or 5 contractions of pushing....babies are out in 15 minutes or less. Every time.

48. Each of my babies grew by TWO POUNDS.

#1. 3 weeks early: 5lbs. 7oz.
#2 3 weeks early: 7 lbs. 13oz.
#3 2.5 weeks early: 9lbs. 2oz.
#4 TBD

49. Each new baby brought fear. How will I handle another child? I barely handle the ones I have!

50. Remember the Grinch? How his Heart Grew? It is an an indescribable feeling to have your heart grow with each babe. I don't ever have a feeling of the gender beforehand, but as soon as they place the baby on my chest I can literally FEEL my HEART ENLARGE. That might explain the tears. It's the most overwhelming experience I have ever had. And to have it happen more than once is UNBELIEVABLE!

51. There is NOTHING like seeing your baby in your husband's arms for the first time.

52. Closest thing I'll ever feel to God's love for me is holding my newborn baby in my arms for the first time and having their tiny eyes meet mine.

53. It's okay to now "kindly instruct" someone in the room to get the camera. (Preferably brief them ahead of time...but they'll need reminding at this point)

54. Food will probably never taste so good. I could have eaten anything they put in front of me a couple hours after birth.

55. Recovery hurts.

56. Accept help of every kind. Meals. Childcare or play dates for the older ones. Letting someone else carry the car seat with baby.

57. I am a HUGE supporter of nursing. It's not easy. It may be painful (in fact, starting out, I guarantee it will be painful) For me, it is cheap, convenient, a cherished bonding time, and in full supply.

58. If you don't nurse your baby. I do NOT judge. A happy Mom is a Happy LIFE for EVERYONE. Do what it right for you and your family.

59. Someone is always looking at you in reverence thinking they can't possibility do what you do.

60. Someone is always looking at you judgingly thinking they would never do what you do.

61. See 59 and 60. I never judge another mommy. Being a mom is hard enough. We need all the support we can get and give.

62. Peri-bottles. Use them. You will know what I'm talking about when you need to.

63. The more times you give birth, the less people care. Hospital visitors drop exponentially.

64. Number 20 and 63 are actually not REALLY true, people care. They just aren't sure what to do. Usually, it's other moms that WANT to help, but you won't except because now you know how busy their lives are too. Husbands are busy trying to do all the things you usually do (i.e. taking care of the other children solo)

65. If you have other children at home already, relish your hospital stay and the lack of visitors.

66. Public appearances when pregnant change with each one.

1st pregnancy: "You're Glowing" Smiles & Compliments on your beauty and excitement overflwoing for your pending arrival.
2nd pregnancy (assuming you have your 1st child in tow): Congratulations! Wonderment at how you possibly can handle one child AND be pregnant. You feel pretty awesome about your decision to reproduce again.
3rd pregnancy (with 2 children in tow): the word WOW will be overused. Looks of amazement fade into looks of pity. "You must be busy!" is repeated constantly, and you are not sure if they are commenting on your mothering skills or your sex life....then they follow up with "you look tired" Which makes you certain you look like crap.
4th pregnancy (with the 3 kids in tow, assuming you ever are brave enough to venture out): Silence. Pity looks are almost welcome, because you mostly get "you are crazy" stares. Real boost to the confidence level.

67. Invest in Good, Quality, EXTRA UBER Soft Toilet Paper. For the last few months of Pregnancy and Post-Partum. I am usually a thrifty TP shopper...but now is the time for comfort.

68. Waddling is Sexy. Nope, it totally isn't, but if you keep repeating it in your head while walking, you'll feel much better about your new form of transportation.

69. When you become pregnant, you suddendly have a completely different outlook on other women: pregnant women, women who cannot bear children, women who choose not to have children, women who have had multiple children, your own mother, your grandmother, adoptive moms, etc. I'm not going to tell you HOW your perspective will change. I am just telling you, it most certainly will.

70. When you GIVE Birth...your perception of the following women will again change: pregnant women, women who cannot bear children, women who choose not to have children, women who have had multiple children, your own mother, your grandmother, adoptive moms, etc. I'm not going to tell you HOW your perspective will change. I am just telling you, it most certainly will.

71. Make certain you are comfortable with your doctor, midwife, doula, whomever you choose to help you welcome your baby into the world. Throughout the months of pregnancy, you will have LOTS of uncomfortable/embarrassing questions...and you'll want to be able to talk with them opening about them. Also, you may have a different opinion on certain types of care....you want to feel free voicing those as well.

72. Peace and quiet will leave you as soon as you go home.

73. In the final weeks of pregnancy, you will hear 3 types of commenters:

Women that either have forgotten what it's like to be pregnant or who have never been pregnant, and they will say things like: You're HUGE! Haven't you had that baby yet? or WOW! That went quick!
Women who remember what it was like: How are you doing? Hang in there! I know how you feel...
Men who will just stare and move quickly away because they are certain if they talk to you or look at you in a certain way, you will most certainly go into labor immediately and they will have to deliver said baby for you.

74. Try to cut people some slack (even if you want to punch them in the face)...they have to say something to you...you are literally and figuratively THE ELEPHANT in the room.

75. I have forgotten pregnancy pains 3 times now. How does that happen? Apparently it's true what they say...It's ALL worth it!

76. Signs of labor were DIFFERNT with all three.

#1 I was induced from NOTHING 3 weeks early. Pitocin is a PAINFUL route to induce labor when your body isn't ready.
#2 Water broke 3 weeks early, still 24 hours of labor....
#3 Had contractions for a good week, even went in under false alarm once....called Dr. went I started spotting, she had me come in and I was already 5cm dialted....sent me up to the room, baby born 7 hours later.

77. Since this is a VERY fresh memory: last night I just visibly watched Baby #4 "drop" and felt it all too. Holy Uncomforatble Feeling. I now have a baby in between my legs (almost) and lots and lots of pressure. This never happened so violently with the first 3.

78. Up side to baby dropping.... you CAN BREATHE again!

79. My children think the Baby took my Belly Button. I'll be happy to let them know when I get it back :)

80. Even with all my "experience"...I still have days I'm scared of labor/delivery.

I'm sure there are many more things I am forgetting, but I wanted to publish this before the Baby came out! :) I'd love to hear your additions! Leave a comment below, and we can all learn from each other!

The St. Patrick's Day Project that proves I'm losing my mind....blame it on the pregancy?

2014-03-16T20:32:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day...

so tonight at dinner, Sam and I were getting excited because you know what that means....

WE GET TO WEAR GREEN!

Basically, that's all Sam has talked about for the last week.

She has these ruffle pants from her Christmas outfit....so I thought I'd make something to match :)

Easy enough, right?

What I should have done was take the Shamrock I had already cut out last year...and iron it on to a shirt and be done with it....

What happened....an hour later.....I had Sam picking out a rainbow of colors while I serged...and ruffled each one...

It looked messy and the edges were raw....so I covered that up with a poorly shaped, white, minky cloud.

but...guess what?

I still managed to iron on the shamrock to make it all St. Patrick-y like.

AND look...it still matches the pants!

I have a serious problem.

I know.

But, at least she'll be cute...right?

Handmade Crib Sheets

2014-03-05T11:15:00.001-06:00

I can't believe it's taken 4 babies to get me to make a crib sheet!
It's so simple....and you have A LOT MORE OPTIONS!

I'm not going to give you the full step-by-step, because Dana does it so wonderfully already:
CLICK HERE for easy-peasy directions

I set out to make more than one set....but this is as far I got.

Isn't this neutral woodland print adorable???

It's at JoAnn Fabrics :)

All washed and ready for a soft, little baby head to sleep sweetly...

DIY Vintage Baby Onesies

2014-03-03T08:10:00.001-06:00

After 3 babies...it's definitely NOT economical to go out and buy NEW clothes. And you know how I love to be ~~cheap~~ thrifty.

Unfortunatley, buying new things for a NEW BABY is part of the Nesting Phase, amIright?!?!

I wanted some "New to YOU" clothes for Number 4...and since we have LOTS of plain onesies that have accumulated through the years, I thought I'd spice some up!

SUPPLIES NEEDED:
Onesies (Bodysuits) of whatever size you'd like.

Printable Iron-On Transfer Paper

(This particular time I bought mine at Walmart: ~$7 for 7 sheets)

Computer, Internet Service, InkJet Printer

Iron

Although I went with vintage pics....you can do WHATEVER you'd like.

The following images were all found at The Graphics Fairy

She has an AMAZING collection of FREE Vintage Images...

just think of all the Home Decor Possibilities!

Because we aren't privy to the Baby's Gender....I only did 0-3m size and Neutral Images:

Rabbit from Wonderland

Steampunk Hot Air Ballon

Giraffe

Hey Diddle Diddle, the Cat & the Fiddle

Vintage Tricycle

and for Geeky Mommy...

Vintage Microscope

ALL week I'm:

Gender Reveal Photo Props

2014-03-02T20:42:00.001-06:00

LOL! I hope I got a bunch of you to click on this post under the false assumption that I'd be revealing Baby Number 4's gender!!!! :D

I couldn't reveal it if I wanted to...cause WE DON'T KNOW!

Today we had a Maternity Photo Shoot Session with my friend from

TRINROSE PHOTOGRAPHY

and I wanted to do something special for the kiddos.

Since day ONE, Samantha has been CERTAIN that:

and 9 times out of 10, Cashton will say:

Georgia, is usually on the fence with:

when she's not just saying: BELLY!

I picked up these flat canvas boards at Walmart 3 for less than $7 and painted the words with good ol' fashioned craft paint.

Quick and Easy.

Trinity took photos of each of the kiddos and me with their signs.

I CANNOT WAIT to see how they turned out!

I'll be posting the pics as soon as I am able...but

until then

Tune in Tomorrow for more:

Crafting for Baby Week

2014-03-01T21:08:00.000-06:00

6 1/2 weeks to go until our Due Date...

and I am in full NESTING MODE.

There are some projects I've finished, and some I need to complete yet....so this week,

I WILL POST EVERYDAY.

I MUST.

It's for the BABY!

So, tune in each Day for something NEW!

...and then there was that face

2014-02-12T13:06:00.000-06:00

a moment.

an overwhelming, unexpected moment.

the moment you see that face from across the room...

and immediately you fall in love.

head over heels.

over the moon.

speechless

tears rolling down your cheeks...

honestly, desperately, hopelessly, unconditionally....

IN LOVE.

It is almost impossible to describe that feeling. You have to experience to get the full force, semi-truck to the heart, explosion, that I felt...but I thought I just had to try.

If, for no other reason, than to have it recorded for the one person that made me feel this way.

................................

Randy was sitting right next to me when the floodgates opened. This wasn't the first ultrasound I've had...and it won't be the last, but, for this pregnancy at least, it was totally, unexpectedly, amazing.

Ever since I found out I was pregnant for the 4th time...shock and awe was an understatement. There's been so many emotions, but the pure, utter, miracle of the child growing within me somehow never sunk in. Maybe it was because it's the 4th time around.

Maybe it's because it's hard to focus on a baby that is in my belly when there are 3 other ones in my arms more often than not.

But, for whatever reason, something was missing. I didn't even realize it until it no longer was.

At 20 weeks, I had the run-of-mill ultrasound. Everything looked good. Baby was healthy, active, growing on schedule. Too busy in there to pause for a good pic, but all signs were positive.

A few days ago, we had another ultrasound (again, due to Samantha's small size in my 1st pregnancy this is SOP for me). This time, Daddy came too! A RARE treat for us. He hasn't been to an ultrasound since Pregnancy #1 because of work schedules.

It started off with Baby in the Breach position, but within 2 minutes, he/she was already flipped around. It's always nice to have visual conformation that my children are crazy movers and shakers in the womb. I feel it constantly....but until the Ultrasound Tech is actually full-out laughing at the kid, I guess no one really can believe that you have a miniature, kick-boxing, gymnast in your tummy. Nice for Daddy to know what you're dealing with too ;) All-in-all, the ultrasound was going about the same way it did 10 weeks ago...

And then there was that face....

Smushed up against my placenta at first, but even then I could see the furrowed eyebrows: Daddy's scowl. I started laughing and brought everyone's attention to it....of course, Randy denied it. Said it was just because Baby's face was pressed up against something.....and just like that, Baby turned to look at us....Scowl still in check.

Plump little cheeks.

Mouth opening and closing ever so slightly....

and I LOST IT.

The only thing I can compare it to is seeing your baby for the first time after they are born. When they place baby on your chest, and they open their tiny little eyes to look at Mama for the very first time....

Oh the tears just didn't stop.

I don't think I ever had this powerful of a connecting moment pre-birth before. I know I did when they were all born....but woah....I was not expecting that.

I CAN NOT WAIT to meet this little one in the flesh.

Before You Speak: THINK Free Printable

2014-01-30T07:54:00.000-06:00

I know this saying is ALL OVER the place, but my mom had asked me to make her a printable...

and I thought I'd share it with you anyway.

The JPEG is in an 8x10 format, so if you print it out it to size, it will fill a standard 8x10 picture frame nicely.

I could write something profound or enlightening....but I THINK it says it all.

Enjoy!

28 Weeks and the Curse of Gestational Diabetes

2014-01-23T13:13:00.001-06:00

I hope you weren't expecting to see a fruit pic...
Apparently, keeping up with the fruit plan was a little bit more work than I thought.

Here I am. 28 weeks along with Baby #4. The past few weeks have been...different.

At 24 weeks, they perform the Glucose Tolerance Test. You do not need to fast, but One Hour before you come in, you are to drink the disgusting glucola drink, and then get your blood drawn.
Of course, I poorly planned my appointment and was up ALL NIGHT working and exhausted. At any rate, they expect your glucose level to <130 147.="" and="" mine="" p="" was="">
Cue the 3 hour Glucose Tolerance Test.
a.k.a. one of the cruelest forms of torture known to pregnant women.

You get to fast for 8 hours. Drink another horrible sugar drink. Get your blood drawn. Then continue to get your blood drawn every hour for the next three hours....also on an empty stomach.

My results: Fasting Glucose: 98, all the other values after the glucola drink were within range.
The "normal" fasting glucose for this test is set at <95 .="" and="" counselor.="" diabetic="" even="" my="" nbsp="" of="" p="" range...i="" rest="" sent="" the="" though="" to="" values="" was="" were="" within="">
I guess my OB is "Aggressive" with treating Gestational Diabetes. So, even though, according to everything I have been told & tested for, I don't meet the criteria for Gestational Diabetes diagnosis....they are having me act like it anyway.

I was sent home with a glucose meter, testing strips, and needles....and all the paperwork to record my every bite and my glucose levels 4 times a day. First thing in the morning and 1 hour after every meal. Good Times.

Why am I sharing all this with the world?

I think a lot of pregnant women got through this and are ashamed, embarrassed, confused, scared, lonely, angry....oh I don't know. I don't even know what I'm feeling, except for wanting to down a whole pizza by myself.
When someone tells me to watch what I eat, all I can think about is food. FOOD. FOOD! Oh, and pricking my fingers 4x a day is annoying too.
I'm most definately feeling sorry for myself.

I know in the grand scheme of things it's not that big of a deal.
I know that it's always better to be safe than sorry.
I would rather have a healthy baby than have a fit about a few weeks of eating healthy and a little discomfort.

I know.

I also know that being pregnant for the 4th time, with 3 small kiddos & hubby to feed and care for, working part-time on night shift, working 2 other "side jobs", lots of commitments, household duties, irregular sleep patterns, and on and on....is hard.
I'm having a little bit of a pity party for myself. Sorry. I'm not normally the WOE is ME type.

Also, not sorry.

I bet you've been here too. Just wanted you to know you're not alone.

I will say, Randy has been very supportive...offering to prick his fingers with me to make me feel better. Also, saying sorry just enough to let me know that it's okay for me to be upset.

On a baby note:
Baby #4 is a mover and a shaker. Entering the 3rd Trimester really changes the way I feel about movement. While it's super awesome that everyone on the outside can feel it, the feeling on the inside is a little less magical, and a tad more uncomfortable.

12 weeks to go until due date....here goes!

And if you are struggling with the Curse of Gestational Diabetes, I feel your pain. LOVE TO YOU, MAMAS!