Thanksgiving

We got a surprise kick off to Thanksgiving  when Ryan's mom called us Wednesay morning to ask if we would want to go see Disney on Ice that night....umm, you bet! I couldn't believe they were able to get tickets! We decided to tell Eva that we were just going somewhere "amazing" and let it be a surprise when we got there. Her guesses for where we were headed were Target or the park - glad those places are her expectation of amazing. I guess most weeks must be pretty awesome in her eyes.

The show was so good. They had a special Frozen part which was of course the hit of the show! Eva also really liked the Tangled and Cinderella scenes. She did not like when Malificent from Sleeping Beautfy turned into a fire breathing dragon. Too scary!

We spent the night at Nana and Papa's after the show which was also a surprise because we had told her we would be going on Thursday. Thursday afternoon we headed over to Ryan's aunts for some food and family time.

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The grandparents with their girls. I hope those arms are ready to hold and love one more baby next year!

During halftime everybody was outside running around with a football. I got cold so I snatched a cozy blanket and the next the I knew I had two snuggle buddies. They kept pretending to lie down on the porch to sleep - yeah right!

Seriously, could these two little girls be any sweeter together? I love them so much. Eva has started to tell me that Mallory is really her sister, not her cousin. I hope they grow up to be as close as sisters.

Family photo! On Friday we headed over to my parents' house. We got their just in time for nap time (after our maternity photo shoot!), so I let Ryan and Eva sleep while I hit up Super Target. It was already mid afternoon so all the crazy black Friday shoppers were gone and I was able to a few good deals on things on our Christmas list. And I have to admit, it was really nice to have some quiet time to stroll around Target alone between the busyness of two Thanksgiving.

With her Baba! This is the only photo I remembered to take at my parents house. At least it's a cute one! On to Christmas time....

Maternity Photo Shoot

The day after Thanksgiving we set up with my friend Erica to take a few maternity photos. Erica is not a professional photographer - just a friend with a great camera - yet I was SO IMPRESSED and OVERJOYED with how these photos came out. Thanks Erica for capturing this sweet time for our family! I know how even now it is special for me to look back at my maternity photos with Eva and explain to her how God was creating her inside of me. I want my children to know how happy I was to be pregnant with them even when it was hard. It's also such a unique time to be able to embrace that your body is changing...and expanding...because it is growing a human in there! I love that our culture now thinks it is beautiful show off the pregnant belly because it really is so amazing!

 {Not a maternity photo...but soooo cute, could you blame me for including this one?}

Days of Thankfulness

Our first Thanksgiving with our tiny turkey.

At the very beginning of November Ryan began a teaching series on thankfulness. At youth he encouraged us to go beyond just saying "I'm thankful for my family" or home or whatever and be more specific. God has blessed us in very creative ways and we can be more specific when thinking about what we are thankful for. Thankfulness creates a heart of contentment and appreciation for all that we have. The morning after Ryan taught I read the following scripture during my quiet time:

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Colossians 4:4

I decided to be intentional about watching for the things in my life that I could thank God for every day. On the back of my paper from youth the night before I started a list. My goal was to right down one thing each morning for that I was thankful for from the day before. So for most of the list the number on the list lines up with the day I wrote it. I really love seeing how my list was filled with the things that I am most grateful for. I don't want to risk losing a random piece of paper so I decided to post it here. I'm not at all saying that my life is perfect or that my heart is always content. I do encourage everyone reading to find at least one specific thing that they could praise God for TODAY, for the Bible teaches us that the Lord is the GIVER of every good gift.

What I am thankful for:

1. A mother's love and that my mom would give up time to bring us Jensen's dresser. A husband's hard working hands digging up plants to make my backyard more peacful.

2. Time to spend outside under the pre-evening clouds. Conversations to speak truth and encouragement into other women's lives.

3. Moments to hold and rock Eva while she is still small and cuddly, and the honor of covering her in prayer.

4. Fall leaves changing colors and the significance of seasons in our lives.

5. The sound of Christmas music and how it brightens my heart.

6. Fellowship and laughter through MomsConnect.

7. Highschool girls who enjoy playing with Eva and letting her be a cheerleader with them.

8. In-laws who truly love my family, especially Eva and who are always encouraging and never critical.

9. The taste of chocolate chip cookie dough.

10. Feeling Jensen wiggle while I'm praying for him.

11. Ryan chasing Eva outside, hearing her abundant giggling, listening to Enya music in the background and the sun setting behind the fence.

12. Eva's face lighting up when she saw the snow at night.

13. The smiles on Eva's face singing and leading "If You're Happy and You Know It" at the library.

14. Soft pajamas.

15. Time with my forever friends fo rmy birthday.

16. A God that is okay with me crying out to him on hard days.

17. People that put up early Christmas lights.

18. Still, quiet moments.

19. Surprise birthday presents.

20. Early morning snuggles with Eva.

21. Time to talk and communicate with Ryan.

22. Starbucks dates.

23. Movie nights with my family.

24. The truth that each day starts fresh.

25. A home big enough for everyone to gather in - this was a prayer for our home that God answered so specifically. 

Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the family and food that God has provided you this week.

3rd Trimester {26 weeks}

Bump Pics: Weeks 21-26

In case you're wondering, the secret is out. I am pregnant. Apparently extremely pregnant. You know you're starting to really pop out when people start to say things like, "Wow. How much longer do you have?" or the even more considerate joke "You sure there is only one baby in there?" Hahaha....I'm sorry, is there any other time when it is polite to joke about how round a woman's belly is? No? Then it's probably not okay to say anything even semi-rude to a very emotional pregnant woman. When I made this collage and compared how I look now to how I looked even at 8 weeks (back when I already thought I was so big) it makes me a little bit scared but I still wanted to post because I know that when I look back it really will be incredible to see how Jensen is growing inside of me. Just Jensen. NOT Jensen plus a twin. And here is the best news ever - I only have 3 months to go! 13 weeks. That's it. This makes me so happy at the same time and also a bit sad because this will probably be the last time I'm pregnant. Ryan laughed when I said that and told me I couldn't be happy AND sad, that I had to pick one. I told him of course I can be happy and sad at the same time, that's what being pregnant is all about. Here's how I am doing at 26 weeks:
* We can see Jensen actually moving from the outside. We are in me and Ryan and Eva. It was really cool because we were having a family movie night and all the sudden I was like, "Look! My stomach is moving all around!"
* I feel like there can't possibly be any more room for him to grow in there. I feel jabbed and kicked and squished all the time.
*...which makes me feel really out of breath. Sitting, standing, lying down. There just isn't any room for anyting.
*....which actually makes me eat way less food. I make jokes about eating for two (which I AM allowed to say because I AM the one who is pregnant) but in reality, I do not eat much more than I would if I wasn't pregnant. I just feel full really quickly. There are times when my body actually feels hungry but I feel like I couldn't possibly eat food because there isn't any room. I ate way more food when I was pregnant with Eva.
* Even though I feel and look quite pregnant, I'm actually still way beneath my ending weight from when I was pregnant with Eva. I don't understand how all of that works. I know I still have time to catch up but I feel like I will end up weighing less at the end with Jensen but probably looking like my belly sticks out much further.
*....so I am taking maternity photos soon. Since I'm already in my final trimester I figured I would like how the photos look more by taking them now. Plus it will only be getting colder outside.
* I am still in pain most days and I STILL feel nauseous. I've also had leg cramps and lots of Braxton Hicks contractions. Good news, this can only possibly last 13 more weeks. We are doing a scheduled c-section at the beginning of week 39 so I know that by that time I will feel better different.
* I know that having a 3 1/2 year old and a newborn will be hard. Life will be crazy and chaotic. I will be really, really tired. Then I think about how much I love Eva. How sweet her little cheeks are when I sneak in to give her one last kiss goodnight. How I adore holding her tiny hand in mine when we cross the street. How I could literally give her a million hugs and kisses each day. And THAT is the reason why I am most excited to have Jensen. To get to live those sweet amazing moments all over again.

Finally the BEST news - Ryan and I took a quick "babymoon" this past week. We didn't go anywhere for our anniversary back in July because I was so sick, and we decided not to drive too far because I get so uncomfortable in the car...but we did spend an overnight away in romantic, exotic Frisco, Texas. Ha, ok so maybe it's not so exotic. It was fun and romantic to have a night away! We got to go to dinner, catch a movie, stay in a hotel, and do some shopping the next day. I really enjoyed my time away with him, especially knowing we won't get to go away just us again for a long time.

31st Birthday

{Warning: the formatting on this post is WAY messed up. I tried uploading my photos a different way and it didn't work. It is making me crazy but I don't have time to sit and fix it. Oh well. Life will go on. Enjoy the photos anyway!}

Yesterday morning I kicked off my 31st birthday with a birthday donut and a couple of presents. Who doesn't appreciate chocolate and sprinkles to begin their birthday?

Then we bundled up and headed out for a family day at the Fort Worth Zoo. When we first got there is was still a bit chilly so most of the African animals weren't up and moving around yet. Eva was really happy to see the big white tiger. I think the tiger was happy to see Eva too :)  It is REALLY FUN to take a three year old to the zoo. This was the most excited she has ever been. I don't think she stopped talking or running or laughing for at least the first hour. Seeing her be so happy makes my heart so happy.

Let me say, there are very few options for zoo/birthday/maternity fashion. You want something comfortable for walking, fashionable for photos, and it has to fit. Also it was going to be cold in the morning and warmer in the afternoon. I ended up layer 2 pairs of leggings with a maternity shirt and one of Ryan's sweatshirts. Not too glamorous but I don't think the tiger cared. Also I was talking to a lady who had an 8 week old little boy. I told her I was going to have a boy in February and she said that I didn't even look pregnant. Umm, totally not true but that was the best birthday compliment ever! Ha, it was also probably because I had a big sweatshirt on. I'm pretty sure that if she had seen me in just my shirt and leggings she wouldn't have thought that. I do look very pregnant.

The kangaroos! I like kangaroos because they are so awkward. Their bodies don't seem to be made right but I guess they manage.

An alligator turtle! I had never seen one of these before. It is an actual turtle that is marked like an alligator and shares a habitat with the alligator. It looked very stone age or almost like an underwater dinosaur.

The mommy bonobo with her baby. I like watching how the bonobos interact with each other and it is so sweet to see mommy animals with their babies.

Yee-haw! Riding an alligator in Texas town.

Roar! After we had made a big loop we went back and looked at all the African animals again the afternoon once they were awake and warmer.

Such a perfect family day at the zoo! No crowds, good weather, lots of giggles - happy birthday to me!

Tuesday Thoughts

I thought I would share a few birthday week thoughts today. Not all of them are birthday related, but I felt like blogging about a few different things, starting with.....
1. My birthday party! My college friends came over to our house Saturday night to share a wonderful birthday meal with me. We grilled burgers and ate cake and laughed a lot. I love each of these ladies so much and am so thankful for their friendships. I have been friends with Ashley and Marianne for over 10 years now! And Erica is working on catching up to that number with me :) Thank you, friends for life, for making my birthday special. 

2. Snow! On Sunday night Ryan and I were out at a youth event and got home late. Even though Eva was already snuggled in bed in her pajamas we wrapped her up in a few blankets and took her outside to see the giant snowflakes. The look on her face was priceless. I am so glad we took her to see the snow. It would have been easier and probably more settling to leave her in bed, but seeing how magical the snow was to her was the best moment of my day. 

3. Snow...the next day. The next morning when we were sitting together at breakfast I asked Eva what we should to that day. Her exact response was, "Well, at some point we should play outside in the snow." Ha! What 3 year old starts a sentence by saying "well at some point"? I need to start a journal of all the funny things she says. The other day in the car she had been telling an imaginary story to me and Ryan as we drove. When she stopped Ryan turned and said something to me, then she piped up from the backseat "I am still talking!" And today she had her hand on my belly to feel Jensen move. When he pushed a hand/foot/knee/whatever up against her hand she said, "High-five little buddy!"

4. Christmas. The holiday season is quickly approaching and it is around this time that I start to think about obsess over how much stuff Eva already has. I feel this deep conviction to not let her life be overwhelmed by tons and tons of toys. This turns me into some kind of mommy-grinch that wants to tell everybody not to buy her anything because she has all of everything that any three year old reasonably needs. I want her to appreciate and actually play with a smaller amount of toys rather than have a playroom that is so packed she can't even find the toys she likes. When I think about having two kids next year and all the "stuff" that accumulates for two kids it kind of overwhelms me. At the same time, of course I want her to have a wonderful Christmas. I want her to enjoy the splendor of presents under the tree Christmas morning. I want grandparents to have the joy of buying her whatever their hearts desire. So, this is always really a struggle for me. I believe that Christmas is all about Jesus and that is where the focus should be. After that comes time with family and special traditions and then presents should be more of an after thought. When she looks back at her childhood Christmas mornings I want her memories to be of enjoying time together, because in reality, she will forget about most of the toys she receives over the years. To make this happen I have already purged the play room and organized it so that we can see all the awesome toys she already has. I also have bags of things to give away and a few things I am setting aside for Jensen to enjoy later on. I think all the grandparents are on board with not completely spoiling her, and for that I am so thankful. Also I am very excited about the few things we actually are giving her because they are things she has mentioned and wanted for at least a few months. There is one special present already hidden away that I am sooooo happy to give her, so maybe I'm not a complete grinch.

5. Pajamas. Eva probably spends 90% of each day wearing her pajamas. She will put on "real clothes" when we go somewhere but as soon as we walk through the garage door she heads to her room to put on her pjs. There are times when I wish she wanted to dress up more in the closet full of cute girly clothes she has, but at least she can wear them when we go places....and on the bright side, this has helped her get really good at putting on her own clothes!

Snuggle Day

It is another FREEZING cold day here where we live. Seriously, what happened to fall? We went from 90 degree temps to 40 degree temps in about 2 weeks. But...you might as well make the most of it and enjoy some snuggling on a cold day. We were supposed to go to MomsConnect today, which is a program we do that is similar to MOPS. I really love going and Eva always likes her class, but we decided instead to just make today a snuggle day. There is lots of sickness going around, so I was thinking that instead of going out in the cold we would just stay home and be healthy. We decided to spend our day watching movies, playing, putting healthy essential oils on our bodies, and eating healthy food. We have lots of fun festivities planned for this weekend and next week... for SOMEONE's FABOULOUS 31st BIRTHDAY....so I decided that we should help our bodies be strong and ready for fun! When I was teaching I always remember looking out the window on chilly, cloudy days and wishing I could be at home watching movies in my pajamas. Today I am SO THANKFUL to be able to do just that. We have already done all of our home school things for the week....we have nowhere we have to go....one day I will probably have to have some job where I brave the cold early in the morning...in a few short years she will have to go to kindergarten....but TODAY we will enjoy our cozy little home together.

Sending you some snuggles from us :)