Day 30 of 30

Whenever I hear someone tell me that they think Reagan looks like Devyn, I usually nod politely.  Mostly because whenever I look at Reagan, I see a feminine version of Hudson.  But then I ran across a photo of Devyn when she was 17 months old and I did a double-take.  For the first time, I do see the strong resemblance between sisters.

And thus concludes my 30-day, daily photo project.  It was fun, and I’ll admit I had a hard time coming up with new stuff, but I’m glad I did it and I’m sure I’ll do it again.  Tomorrow we’ll resume our regularly scheduled blogging program and I’m dying to share some things on a different level.  Thanks for following along!

Day 29 of 30

I don't think I've shared the finished product of Hudson's headboard and room. Grammie is arriving tonight, so it was a good excuse to clean and take some pictures.

Jon came up with the design of the headboard. Ok, technically it was my idea for the cloth-covered, do-it-yourself headboard. But he came up with the baseball bats and balls aspect of it. I think it turned out pretty well... Hudson sure is pleased with it.

Day 28 of 30

This was actually taken last night, after I’d set up a corner of our room for Ashlynn.  I walked in to find Reagan had climbed into the bassinet and Hudson was showing her all the fun buttons that turned on the lights, music, and vibration mode.  Good golly!  Hopefully by the time Miss Ashlynn arrives, the bassinet will be old news and no longer worthy of mischief.

On another note, I’m sure you’ll notice the red scratch on Reagan’s left eye.  Hudson was trying to be helpful on Sunday morning and tried to get Reagan out of her crib by himself.  Suffice it to say that while it was a sweet effort, poor Reagan now bears the markings of having an older brother.  Poor thing!  I have no doubt its not the last time Hudson will put his mark on a sister…

Day 27 of 30

I have two for you today…

This is what happens when I disappear into my bedroom for ten minutes to get dressed.  I tell you what, life with Hudson is never dull or boring.  That’s for sure.

And secondly, we’re getting ready for Ashlynn’s arrival.  Its surreal to have these in our bedroom again… 

Day 26 of 30

I am wondering how much bigger I can possibly get during these last 6-9 weeks of pregnancy.

I'm still very much in denial that Ashlynn is coming out and joining our family so soon. Of course these braxton-hicks contractions are quick to remind me that soon it will be.

Right now I'm still adjusting to full-time stay-at-home-motherhood, trying to cherish my time with Reagan as the baby, and getting ready for a newborn in the house again. (Did I forget to mention that we're also looking into our sterilization options?! Ha!)

Life is about to get even crazier in Munchkin Land!

Day 25 of 30

More from the birthday party and their backyard…  I just love Hudson trying to fit into “big boy” sporting gear and this picture of Devyn and Reagan just melts my heart.

 

Day 24 of 30

I was out of commission for most of the day yesterday.  I’d been dealing with a headache for two days, and just incredibly achy, so I missed yesterday’s daily picture.

Instead I’ll pick up from today.

We got to celebrate a 4th birthday with our friends, who also happen to live in the neighborhood just north of us.  They outdid themselves with a pirate-themed party and bbq.  We had a blast!  And the kids wore themselves out, which is always an added benefit from the fun.

These two shots are the sunset from their backyard.  I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, I just love living in this beautiful state.

 

Day 23 of 30

Today is the day that I share that I tend to be a “kids should be kids” kind of mom.  So when Devyn and Hudson gathered every pillow in the house, made a pile by the couch, and starting jumping off, I shrugged my shoulders and let them have their fun.  And if someone got hurt from jumping too far or playing too rough, it became a lesson about being a little more careful next time.

After they’d had their fill of jumping and then snuggling on pillows and under blankets, everyone pitched in to clean up the mess and help make their beds.  

Day 22 of 30

I just love when she crawls into my lap, snuggles in close, and gives me open-mouthed kisses. She's a lover, that Reagan Jacqueline, and she's all mine.

Day 21 of 30

Potty training is going really well… eerily well actually.  Jon had great success on the 1st day; Hudson struggled on the 2nd; the 3rd day brought more excitement and less desire to wear diapers; and the 4th day brought Mommy’s turn into the mix.  As extra incentive to obey Mommy, a brand-new toy was placed on top of the fridge in plain sight.  Monday was a great day, not a single accident, and the smile on Hudson’s face when Daddy handed over his new toy was a sight to behold.  The rest of the night was spent with Jon and Hudson examining the toy shotgun and shooting bad guys.  I think Jon was just as excited as Hudson with the new toy.

I am also happy to report that today, our first day out after starting the potty training process, was a huge success.  We went to breakfast with my dad and ran errands all morning without a single accident.  I am so proud of our Little Man!

Day 20 of 30

There’s something about Fall that brings out the baking in me. I’ve been craving pumpkin bread and pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting. I was thoroughly distressed to find out that there was a bad crop of pumpkins, therefore, no canned pumpkin. Which means no pumpkin baked goods for us… At least until someone in my family hits the jackpot on the MIA canned pumpkin and buys a case for me.

But I find the baking bug is still strong, so I pulled out my trusty KitchenAid and we made our favorite chocolate chip cookies. However, we did something wrong and the first dozen came out incredibly flat. I pulled out the baking dish and turned the dough into chocolate chip bars instead. Yummy!

Day 19 of 30

That's a lot of mismatched socks... Anyone want to come over and try to match their missing pairs?

Day 18 of 30

Sharing goldfish crackers while waiting for swimming lessons to start. Poor Reagan! Its a long 70 minutes while Devyn and Hudson learn how to swim.

Day 17 of 30

Here is Hudson helping Daddy drill screws into a block of wood. However, that's not what I want to point out to ya'll. Notice the lack of pants on Hudson. Today was the first day of Jon's "Daddy Potty Boot Camp".

After very little success with all of my attempts to potty train Hudson, including a very bad day on Monday when he climbed on top of his dresser and pooped on a book, Jon decided to try the training himself. Apparently the difference between Mommy and Daddy was significant because Hudson took to it like a fish to water. He never fussed, cried, nor threw a tantrum when Jon dressed him in little boy briefs, has had only two accidents all day, and even pooped in the toilet for the first time ever. I'm sure hanging out in the garage with Daddy and building "stuff" all day didn't hurt either. =)

Sigh. I guess it really doesn't matter the HOW, as long as its done. Right?

Day 16 of 30

Rub-a-dub-dub, three babies in a tub. About time too...

Day 15 of 30

Officially I’m 29 weeks and missed my update by a week, but its also nearly impossible to get someone to take a belly picture for me.  I’m amazed at how fast this pregnancy is flying!  It seems like just yesterday I was seeing those 2 blue lines and trying to remember how to breathe.  I’m definitely feeling the effects of this being my fourth pregnancy; everything seems to be happening earlier and stronger.  A few of these Braxton-Hicks contractions already bring me to my knees!  I’m just praying for Ashlynn Rose to stay put another 8 eight weeks or so…

How Far Along:	29 Weeks and 2 Days
Size of Baby:	15 inches long, approximately 2 1/2 lbs, roughly the size of a butternut squash.
Total Weight Gain/Loss:	I do know that I gained another 3 pounds in four weeks, and overall, I’ve gained about 16 pounds so far.
Maternity Clothes:	Having to be extra careful with maternity clothes, my belly is definitely wanting to peek out from underneath some shirts.
Gender:	Baby #4 equals Girl #3, Miss Ashlynn Rose.  Devyn and Hudson refer to her Ashlynn, as far as Reagan is concerned, she is just “Baby”.
Movement:	Ashlynn is constantly moving!  I truly believe that she is our most active baby in-utero ever.  I wonder if I should be scared…
What I Miss:	Being able to sleep on my belly.  That’s definitely out of the question now.
Sleep:	Without fail, I’m waking up for a good 2-hour stretch every single night.  During those 2 hours I’ll visit the bathroom, get a drink of water, eat a snack, and play several rounds of Sudoku.
Symptoms:	Its come back with a vengeance, only now its blamed on heartburn and/or indigestion.  Unfortunately, Tums doesn’t touch it and Dr. Susie gave me permission to start using something stronger.
Best Moment This Week:	Overhearing someone whisper, “She looks as tiny as ever!  You would never even know she was pregnant from the back.”  Definitely a boost for this pregnant woman’s self-esteem.
What I’m Looking Forward To:	In all my pregnancies, I have never had maternity pictures taken.  But since this is definitely our last, we decided to use birthday money and my first maternity shoot is next with my dear friend, Becky.  I absolutely cannot wait!

Day 14 of 30

Its been a while since I shared photos of sweet cousins, Reagan and Elliana.  Born only 2 weeks apart, we get such joy at watching these two grow and change together.  Reagan is the only one to call Elliana, “Anna” and Elliana’s nickname for Reagan is “Re-Re”.  Its really too precious for words.

Here they are watching Papa mow the backyard.

And then sharing a kiss over dinner.

Day 13 of 30

Reagan and Hudson were on a backpack kick today. They had to put on backpacks to take Devyn to school, and again when we picked her up. There's nothing funnier than an 20-month-old being weighed down by a larger-than-her backpack.

Day 12 of 30

I really meant to do a belly pic with an update today, especially since tomorrow ushers in the 29th week. But obviously that's not going to happen tonight.

Instead I'll share with you the one craving I've indulged in with this pregnancy. Oh Starbucks, how I love thee, let me count the ways. Its so worth the hour that Ashlynn bounces around in my belly after I inhale one of these bad boys.

Day 11 of 30

I’m in nesting mode.  And first on the list?  Get the room situations figured out… whose sleeping where, in what, and for how long.  Right now everything is going to stay the same with Hudson in his own room, and Devyn and Reagan sharing a room.  Eventually we’ll moved Hudson downstairs to his own room and bathroom (I have no doubt he’ll thank us for that someday when three teenage sisters are making his life crazy!), Devyn will have her own room, and the younger two will be sharing for quite some time.  But in the mean time we needed to make some bed decisions that included putting Hudson in a twin bed and bestowing the toddler bed to Reagan.  Last night was the first night for everyone in new beds and/or new bedding.

   Devyn came home from school yesterday to the new bedding on her bed and squealed in delight.  I think she may have even done the backstroke on her new quilt.  After countless times of putting Reagan back in her toddler bed, we eventually just moved her back to the crib (still in the same room) to fall asleep.  At which time, we moved her back to the toddler bed to spend the night.

Hudson loves, loves, loves his sports bedding and was excitedly pointing out all the different sports to us.  In true Hudson fashion, he flexed his muscles for the camera to prove that he was now a big boy.

Finally everyone’s asleep in their beds…

I woke in the middle of the night and checked on everyone.  Imagine my surprise when I walked into the girls’ room and saw Reagan asleep on the floor.  We have no idea if she fell out or climbed out on her own, but I picked her up and placed her back in bed where she stayed until morning.

The next steps involve headboards for the beds, cleaning out clothes that no longer fit, and organizing drawers and closets.  Hopefully one step closer to getting ready for Ashlynn’s arrival.

Day 10 of 30

Its quiet around our house this afternoon. Devyn's at school, Reagan is napping, and Hudson is off having the time of his life. This morning three men climbed into Jon's truck and ventured out for a day of fishing. This is Hudson and his great-grandpa fishing to their hearts' content. I hope he's able to remember treasures like today in the years to come.

Day 9 of 30

Nesting has kicked in full force, both to Jon's excitement and dismay. He knows I'll be keeping him busy during this last trimester. First up, rearranging, decorating, and organizing kids' rooms and closets. A stop at Target and we left with new bedding sets for all.

Day 8 of 30

I actually took this picture yesterday. It was a rare 20 minutes when all three were playing nicely, without fighting. Yes, it might be a doll house, but notice that Hudson is really playing with a superhero figure, he was the husband.

Day 7 of 30

This is my best friend, my love, my partner in life.  He is strong when I am weak; he is the perfect balance to everything that I am.  Marriage is a journey of seasons, some good, some bad.  Sometimes its easy, and sometimes its hard work.  His toast to Brock and Holly spoke volumes about who he is.  “Fight for each other, fight for your marriage, and remember to communicate!”  It is a joy and a comfort to know that I have a man by my side that will fight for what we have, for our marriage, for our life, for our family.  God has blessed me in a way I never thought possible in giving Jon to me.  I pray I never take him or our marriage for granted.

Day 6 of 30

Today we celebrated my grandmother’s 90th birthday with a hundred guests, tons of food (might I recommend the chips, salsa, and posole). Yummy! There were too many great shots, I couldn’t share just one. It was a special day for a special lady, what a legacy she has created!

Day 5 of 30

After a weekend of running around and wedding chaos, nothing says rest and relaxation like some good old-fashioned coloring. As you can see, Devyn thought her arm needed some color too.

Day 4 of 30

While Daddy helps Papa put up drywall in my parents' basement, Reagan is enthralled with the demise of Jack and Rose on our Saturday Night TV movie. It cracks me up!

Day 3 of 30

The future Mrs. Brock and the flower girls.

It was a beautiful wedding, celebrating a couple in love. Some moments that made me cry included Brock's vows, the Father of the Bride's speech, and the Mother-Son dance. We got some great pictures of the day, so I'm sure I'll be sharing more soon.

Day 2 of 30

Uncle Brock is getting married in the morning! But before all the festivities started, we managed to get in some pool time at the hotel. They're loving their water wings.

Day 1 of 30

Its been a while since I've documented my life in random snapshots and quick photos. It was May of 2008 to be exact, over two years ago. In that time, we've added another child and now expecting another one. So I thought to myself why not use September as the month to document our lives.

In this first picture, you'll notice that's it only September 1st and already our month is filling up fast. I'm hoping a calendar is going to help me keep organized. We'll see...