2013 Reflections

Josh woke me up this morning with a kiss whispering, "Happy last day of 2013, baby."  As I wiped the sleep from my eyes I realized the depth of his statement.  This past year has been one of the biggest and best of my entire life. 

We started off the new year with my 27th birthday celebration.  It was just a small get together with close friends/family and we had an incredible time.  Shortly after I decided to take a break from Facebook social media.  That was probably one of the best decisions I made.  I realized that friends/family would keep up with us via social media instead of calling or stopping by and when I "disappeared" it was very evident who our true friends/family were.  We learned a lot through that process. 

In the Spring I enjoyed a much needed break from school and celebrated our little princess' very first birthday.  Yes, I went overboard, but I am SO happy that I did.  We have pictures that will last a lifetime, not to mention cherished notes from friends/family for Callie to open when she turns 18.  Our little girl really blossomed this year.  She went from a babbling baby to a full blown toddler speaking in 3-4 word sentences. 

Summer went by in a flash!  I started my Etsy business and closed the season with a trip to Destin with Josh.  It was our first time being away from Callie and though it was a struggle, we came back rejuvenated, refreshed and.... pregnant.   :)

The news of a new baby on the way was such a joy after suffering a miscarriage earlier in the Summer.  We came to find out that our second child is a little boy and will be naming him Kellan Joshua.  So far he is more of a mover than his sister, I am not sure if I should be thrilled or petrified for what this next year is going to hold for our family!

Josh celebrated the big 30 this year.  We celebrated with friends and family and he handled it like it was no big thing... I am so proud of the man he has become and so incredibly grateful for his faith and dedication to our family.  He has become the most incredible dad over the past several months and an even better husband.  We are TRULY blessed by him daily. 

Thanksgiving was spent with Josh's family in East Texas.  It didn't really feel like Thanksgiving to me this year, I am not sure if it was the lack of "tradition" but it was difficult to get into the spirit (not to mention Callie and I were both very ill). 
Christmas followed quickly after.  Callie was spoiled beyond belief with way too many toys/clothes and Josh and I were able to spend time with both sides of our family. 

Callie is now 19 months old, 20 lbs and so much fun.  Her favorite things are babies, balls, books and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  She just started using the potty daily, and after an attempt at full on potty training we realized that she and mommy just aren't quite ready to nip diapers in the bud completely.  One of her favorite gifts from Christmas was her play kitchen / food.  She loves to play pretend mommy and does such a great job pampering her little dolls.  Her giggle is out of this world, her smile even better and not only is she a smarty pants, but she is great at giving hugs and kisses, too.

2013 was incredible.  I grew in my faith, strengthened my relationship with my loving husband and accomplished more than I could've hoped with motherhood.  As the day grows closer to night I realize that we are saying goodbye to a chapter in our lives.  Our family of 3 will be growing to a family of 4 in just a few short months.  We will have new obstacles, battles, hardships and stresses, but along with those will come new memories, opportunities to grow and learn as a family and for that I am so thankful. 

I don't want to stress myself out by setting a bazillion goals for this new year.  Truly there are only 3.  Be the daughter of Christ I was made to be, cherish my family (and make them FEEL cherished), and be the most incredible, loving, selfless Mommy that I can be.  I am thankful for the blessing of another year lived, and will not take 2014 for granted.  Here's to making new memories with those who matter most in the coming year... Happy New Year to you and yours! 

19 Weeks with Kellan

 

How far along: 19 weeks, 7 days (in the photo)
 
Total Weight Gain/Loss: 8/9 pounds

Maternity clothes: None yet, just using a belly belt every now and then.  

Stretch marks: None

Sleep: Still wonderful

Best moment last week: We had some crazy Texas weather that allowed for a FOUR day weekend... That's right!  We were iced in for four days and it was LOVELY.  We had a fire going every moment, a camping bed on the floor and Christmas movies a plenty.  After such a stressful Thanksgiving break it was such a joy to get some serious resting time with my little family.  On top of it all, we got to see Kellan and Josh finally felt him kick!  

 

Movement: Daddy got to feel two kicks this week!

Food cravings: Banana bread and pineapple, banana, orange juice.

Gender: BOY!!!  

Labor signs: Just regular contractions from having IU (irritable uterus).  Unfortunately when they measured my cervix last week it was measuring between 2.8-3 cm.  They want you to be between 3-5 cm and anything below 2.5 can require a cervical cerclage.  We are desperately trying to avoid that option so I've been on pelvic rest and will be getting measured again this next week.

Belly button - in or out? In, but it is getting closer and closer to being flat

What I miss: It would have been super excellent to get to indulge in some adult beverages whilst being iced in this past weekend, but I'd much rather have our sweet boy kicking away inside of me than a glass of wine in my hands. :)

What I am looking forward to: Hitting the halfway point!

Milestones: Baby kicks

Thankfulness 2013 & 18 Weeks with Kellan

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone! This year has brought so many incredible things to be thankful for and one of my favorite traditions is taking a little time to sit and write about those things.  My dad always loved sitting around the table during our Thanksgiving meal and getting everyone to say something they were especially thankful for.  I used to hate it because it seemed like a chore to have to think of something, but now that he isn't here to keep that tradition alive I've really missed it. 

First and foremost I am insanely thankful for my Savior, my faith and my church family.  Without Christ I would be nowhere, I would be nobody and Josh and I would not be as close as we are.  Josh and I have made it a point to be more purposeful in our time with the Lord and it has paid off tenfold in not only our family life but in our love life! 

That leads me to my second one; family.  I always knew that being a mom was something I wanted desperately and this past year with Callie has only reassured me of that.  She is now 18 months old, 19 pounds, 32 inches and full of life, laughter and lots and lots of words.  She's an extreme busy body and is absolutely obsessed with babies and playing with balls.  We call her a little momma!  Josh is my everything, my love, my best friend, my cuddle buddy and my confidant.  He and I have grown closer than I ever could have imagined over the past year and now with Kellan on the way things have gotten even more exciting.  This time next year we will be a busy little family of FOUR!!!  Sometimes I have to pinch myself.  :)

Jobs are another thing that I find myself being thankful for every day.  Josh and I are both blessed with wonderful, reliable jobs that provide us with a means to live the life we are living and for that we are so grateful.

There are a million more things I could list, among them are a wonderful group of friends, extended family, our beautiful home and our health. 

This Thanksgiving break was quite busy as we spent two evenings with family and then traveled to East Texas for a long weekend.  Tuesday night was spent with my family, we had a nontraditional meal and spent time playing with all of the kiddos.  Wednesday was spent with Josh's family.  His mom made the most incredible meal which was consumed all too quickly and the next day we made our way to Josh's grandparent's house in East Texas.  Last week I came down with a terrible illness and finally, after battling a high fever we finally caved in and visited a CareNow where I was diagnosed with avian flu.  It's the most miserable I've felt in quite some time.  Despite our attempts to keep Callie away from me, she somehow ended up catching the flu anyway.  Traveling with a non-medicated, recovering momma and a very sick, cranky 18 month old was NOT the best idea.  Needless to say, our "vacation" ended up being more stressful and exhausting than we could have imagined and we were both relived to finally be back home to get back on our schedule. 

Sometimes it's difficult to find things to be thankful for, especially when you aren't feeling well or things aren't going the way you'd like for them to go.  But with all of these blessings, I'd be crazy not to take a moment and thank the Lord for all of them! 

Now onto a pregnancy update! 

How far along: 18 weeks, 4 days (in the photo)
 
Total Weight Gain/Loss: 8/9 pounds

Maternity clothes: None yet, just using a belly belt every now and then.  

Stretch marks: None

Sleep: Still wonderful

Best moment last week: Spending Thanksgiving with family, even though Callie and I were sick as can be, we really did enjoy the time with everyone.

Movement: While visiting with Josh's grandfather I actually felt him kick from the outside!  He is sitting VERY low so the movements have been mostly inside, but I was so excited to finally feel him on the outside.  Maybe his daddy will get a chance to feel him soon!

Food cravings: This week, nothing... I was lucky to drink enough water and eat what was available.  I did, however, chow down on a LOT of sweet potato casserole.

Gender: BOY!!!  

Labor signs: The contractions have officially started.  On a good day I have 2-4 an hour.  On a bad day I can have as many as 10-12 an hour.  It's incredibly frustrating and we will be discussing options during our high risk appointment this week. 

Belly button - in or out? In, but it is getting closer and closer to being flat

What I miss: Being able to stay active!  These days I am getting very tired, very easily.  Makes it hard when you're constantly chasing after an 18 month old.

What I am looking forward to: We get to see our little man on Wednesday for our anatomy scan.  We are just hoping that he is still a he when we go!  :)

Milestones: We hit 5 months!

17 Weeks - Kellan

Introducing our little boy, Kellan Joshua Morgan!  

How far along: 17 weeks 6 days (in the picture)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 8/9 pounds

Maternity clothes: None yet, just using a belly belt every now and then.  

Stretch marks: None

Sleep: Still wonderful

Best moment last week: Making more time to spend in quiet with the Lord.  Josh and I both started putting aside more time to pray and in doing so God answered one of our biggest worries that we've had all year regarding Callie's childcare situation.    

Movement: Still just a few jabs and kicks here and there but not as much as with Callie.

Food cravings: Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!

Gender: BOY!!!  

Labor signs: Just a few contractions here and there, nothing too serious. 

Belly button - in or out? In, but it is getting closer and closer to being flat

What I miss: Feeling healthy.. This week included food poisoning and a sudden diagnosis of avian flu... yes, bird flu.  I have NO clue how I caught it but I'm pretty sure it's from the mixing pot of germs in my kindergarten classroom.  This week I would've done anything for a big ol' swig of Nyquil!!

What I am looking forward to: A week off to spend recovering and decorating for Christmas.  Holidays are my absolute favorite and you can be sure that we will be working in Kellan's room a TON in the next few months. 

Milestones: Finding out the gender and getting closer to the halfway mark.

16 Weeks with Baby #2

How far along: 16 weeks 6 days (in the picture)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 8 pounds

Maternity clothes: I'm still able to fit into my normal clothes with the assistance of a Blanqi and Belly Belt :)

Stretch marks: None

Sleep: So good, mostly attributed to our wonderful new bed.

Best moment last week: Finding out that we are having a little BOY!!!!!!  

Movement: Still just a few jabs and kicks here and there but not as much as with Callie.

Food cravings: Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!

Gender: BOY!!!  

Labor signs: Just a few contractions here and there, nothing too serious. 

Belly button - in or out? In, but it is getting closer and closer to being flat

What I miss: Feeling healthy

What I am looking forward to: Decorating his nursery and buying little boy things :)

Milestones: Finding out the gender and getting closer to the halfway mark.

15 Weeks Baby #2

  Since we find out the gender this week I thought it would be fun to answer some old wives tales before the big reveal.  We are SO excited to know if this baby is a boy or a girl and can't wait to share the news with everyone soon!  

Sleep Position:
If you prefer sleeping on your left side, you’ll have a boy. Right side? You're pregnant with a girl.
BOY

Upset Stomach
Extreme nausea means you are having a daughter.  (Same as with Callie... but a little less so....)
BOY

Soft or Dry Hands
If your hands are dry during pregnancy, you are having a boy; soft—expect a girl.
BOY

Food Cravings
Salty/Sour: Boy.  Sweet: Girl
BOY

Adult Acne
If altering hormones makes your skin break out, expect a girl. (no skin change...)
BOY.

Mood Changes
If you’re experiencing pregnant mood swings, expect a baby girl to arrive soon.
GIRL

Pendulum Test
Dangle a chain with a charm over your palm. It swings back and forth: boy. In a circle: girl.
BOY

Even and Odd Numbers
If your age and year of conception are both even or odd, it’s girl. One even and one odd means a boy.
GIRL

Baby’s Heartbeat
If the baby’s heart beats more than 150 times per minute, you’re pregnant with a girl. Less than 150, it’s a boy.
GIRL

Stress Test
A child tends to be of the same sex as the parent who is less stressed at the time of conception.
BOY

Dream Meanings
If you dream about having a girl while pregnant, you will wind up having a boy and vice versa. (Had a boy dream so....)
GIRL

Chinese Calendar:

BOY

 

Totals:
Boy- 8
Girl- 4

Looks like old wives tales say it's going to be a boy!  I guess we will see very soon!

How far along: 15 weeks 6 days (in the picture)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: + 5 pounds (according to my home scale)

Maternity clothes: I'm still able to fit into my normal clothes with the assistance of a Blanqi and Belly Belt :)

Stretch marks: None

Sleep: So good, mostly attributed to our wonderful new bed.

Best moment last week: Getting to sit on my butt for an entire day, Saturday.  It was much needed after a very long week.  I also got to stand beside my best friend as she got married on Thursday night!

Movement: This past week I actually started to worry because I hadn't felt the baby move much.  But yesterday, out of nowhere, it kicked me good and hard reminding me that it was all okay. :)

Food cravings: Chips... Mainly the ruffled cheddar chips.  I can seriously eat an entire party sized bag by myself.  It's bad.

Gender: We will find out this week!!!!

Labor signs: None, but after doing way too much this past week I had my first contraction.  I was really upset since I was 19 weeks with Callie when I had my first and with this one I'm only 15.  Let's just pray it isn't a sign of things to come.

Belly button - in or out? In.

What I miss: Wine.  This week was my best friend's wedding and the wine was free flowing for the reception.  It's totally worth it to kick it during pregnancy, but that doesn't mean I don't miss it!

What I am looking forward to: Getting to see our baby twice this week and (HOPEFULLY) finding out the gender!

Milestones: Baby now has hair and can even suck it's thumb!  And I think my belly has officially popped.
 

October Fun 2013

Having a toddler has been so incredible, challenging and rewarding.  I've always loved holidays but now that Callie is getting old enough to see the wonder in them it has given them an added excitement that I haven't ever experienced before.  This Halloween we wanted to try and save some money on costumes so I went out and purchased a t-shirt, pair of socks, iron on adhesive and made my way home for some crafting.

Two hours later they had been turned into a < $15.00 costume... Callie was completely transformed into Pebbles from the Flintstones.  I am in love with the way it turned out and had so much fun getting to make it myself.

Her preschool had a little costume parade where all of the kiddos got to exchange goodies (kind of like Valentine's Day) and she brought home three bags full of stuff!  I wish I didn't have to work so I could have seen her prancing around the hallways in her sassy little outfit.   Halloween night Josh got off work a little early so we went to his parents house to visit with them and spend some time watching the girls play together in their costumes.  We had planned on attending the Fall Festival here in Benbrook, but on the way home we saw that it had been cancelled.  It ended up being a good thing, however.  This baby has really taken it's toll on me, I get very grouchy and emotional for seemingly no reason whatsoever.  It's really frustrating to hear myself and see how I'm acting and yet still be unable to change it.   Prayer has been my only saving grace...  So that evening was spent trying to relax and prepare myself for one more day of work. :)  We had several trick-or-treaters this year which made it really feel like Halloween.

Jamie and Kenneth came over one evening for pumpkin carving.  It was Jamie's first time carving a pumpkin... Pretty sweet cat for a beginner!!  :)

October was full of busy schedules, preparing for the wedding of my best friend and lots of attempts to relax with family.  I can only imagine how much busier and crazier the next two months will be, but I wouldn't change it for anything in the world!  Bring on the holidays and the madness, this momma is fully prepared to take it on!