WIWS: 39 Weeks

Well, this is the last of the maternity series of What I Wore Sunday for awhile.  I'm linking-up with Fine Linen and Purple one last time!

dress // asos maternity

shoes // cole haan

We've reached the end!  Tomorrow be a new normal for us.  Thanks for all of the thoughts and prayers. Have a blessed Sunday!

Roses for Sophie

As per the usual, it's dry here.  I've already re-planted my vegetable garden once. However, what's amazing is that these little rose bushes in my flower garden have never had more than one or two blooms at a time.  A couple of days ago I counted the blooms - at least thirty/plant.  Unreal.  I can't help but think they're a reminder of Sophie's patron saint (Therese) and are a little sign of her upcoming arrival.  

As we prepare for a new little one to join our family, I'm always flooded with emotions.  I am the crazy lady who after just giving birth holds my new little one in my arms and thinks, "I hope we have more."  I l.o.v.e. the newborn stage.  Yes, it's tough.  No, I'm not always smiling.  In fact, I think I cry quite a bit.  But, there is absolutely nothing like their smell, the way they fit so perfectly cuddled up in your arms with their head at the base of your neck.  They are only tiny for a few moments, and every thing in their life is dependent upon you. As I watch some of my friends' babies grow via Instagram or other forms of social media, I realize just how quickly time passes.  It's the one thing I think people say the most.  And, I have to constantly remind myself that the passage of time and their growing up is a blessing...it's a good thing.  What if they didn't get the chance?  I just have to remember to soak up every moment...one no more precious than the other on their journeys.  Regardless of their age or size, they are always our children.

So, as I anxiously await seeing what little Sophie will look like, whose nose she will have, what color her eyes will be, if she'll have hair, if she'll have dimples, and if she'll be as big as the doctor is predicting, I also remember that on Monday, our lives will change forever.  For the better.  But there is still that teeny tiny part of me that gets caught up in wondering exactly how things will change.  Have I spent enough time with each of my boys?  Do they know that I love them just as much as I will love this new little baby, even though the time spent alone with a child will be heavily weighted in her direction for awhile?  Will they know when she arrives home how much their lives will be better with her in them, or will they just be a little upset for awhile?

With each new birth, I am more clearly aware of the blessing of a child.  And, each time around, even though I worry over inconsequential things, I'm made more aware of the gift of a sibling, a new son/daughter and the incredible gift of life.  It is something that even on the most trying of days, I never want to take for granted.

I thank God for the opportunity to have one more, as I know it is an incredible gift and a complete miracle. Yes, come Monday, our lives will be altered but in the most beautiful way.

WIWS: 38 Weeks

It's time for another round of What I Wore Sunday with the ladies of Fine Linen and Purple.

I think the week of not much sleep for the boys finally caught up with us.  After the ranch party, we've had a few other events and a couple of days of bad naps, and let's just say this Saturday night made us pay a little bit.  It started with John Paul falling off the pew onto the unpadded kneeler (completely my fault).  That sent us to the cry room.  And, I think the older two maybe got a little jealous (ha!) and earned themselves a trip there as well.  We made it back out just in time for John Paul to yell, "Hi Fahder!  Hi Fadher!" at the priest for the entirety of the final blessing.  Thank goodness this priest loves kids.  

dress // Motherhood (from first pregnancy)

38 weeks and "about ready to pop" or so I've been asked more times than I can count this week.  I would ask myself that too if I saw me at an event, haha.  One more OB appt.  One more week of semi-good sleep.  One more week as a family of five.  One more week of just me and the boys.  We're so close, and while we absolutely cannot wait to have this little Sophie in our arms, I'm praying for a week of really enjoying these kiddos and making the most of our last few days of "just us."

Have a blessed Sunday and check out other outfits on FLAP!

What I Wore Sunday: 37 Weeks

If they're doing a link-up at Fine Linen and Purple, I'm linking up...if not, here's one of the last weeks of What I Wore Sunday (maternity style)...

top // Pea in the Pod (old)

linen pants // Old Navy (non-maternity)

14 days left unless she decides to come early!  Everything is still as good as it can be.  I feel like there are a lot of things that happen throughout pregnancy that you can talk/complain about, or you can realize that everyone who has ever been pregnant has probably experienced it or is currently experiencing it, so why bother?!  Our lives will be changed for the better very, very soon, and that's what we cannot wait for!  

Hope you all have a blessed Sunday and a wonderful day remembering those who have given their lives or who have fought for our freedom!  

WIWS: 35 Weeks

Linking up with the ladies of Fine Linen and Purple for What I Wore Sunday:

We went to Mass at another parish since we were out of town, and Carter and Peter were a dream.  John Paul made up for that though.

We've it the 35 week mark!  Peter looked at me today and said, "WHOA!  You detting soooo bigger (with arms outstretched and all)."  Oh, the honesty of kids :)

Take a look at other ladies' outfits here - hope you had a blessed Mother's Day!

The Coolest Ultrasound

Okay, I know I've posted a picture verrryyyy similar to this recently, but I finally got the image in color.  This new ultrasound machine is amazing - I mean, how much truer to life can you get inside the womb.

Okay, that's the last of them, for good.  I promise.

WIWS: 34 Weeks

Linking up with the ladies of Fine Linen and Purple today for What I Wore Sunday!

We had a crazy busy day of planting our flower garden, getting our lawn in order, playing, fixing prom hair (my sweet cousin actually ended up doing it for my other cousin while I provided company - and she's amazing at it, so it was a win for everyone), going to our fire department's annual fish fry and then heading to the late Mass.  The big kids couldn't have been better.  John Paul couldn't have been more talkative.  But, we made it through...followed by a little playground time and a late, but fun, night for all.

 and for a better look at that growing bump...

dress // Isabella Oliver

jacket // Old Navy

Everything is still about the same in the pregnancy department.  I thought it would be fun to walk a little much on Monday on the good ol' treadmill and couldn't quite walk on Tuesday.  Haha, I think it speaks of my lack of consistent exercise this time around.  Oops.  Nothing out of the ordinary and another appointment this week.  We're just a month away!

Happy Sunday, and have fun looking at the other outfit ideas on Fine Linen and Purple!

Rainbows and 33 Weeks

I was making dinner Sunday evening when Jeremy came in and said I might want to run outside to get a picture of the beautiful rainbow.  I grabbed my gear and headed out the door but saw nothing.  Nothing except these beautiful ray-like things in the sky.  So, I snapped a few pictures.  

It wasn't until I uploaded them onto my computer that I saw the glimmer of a rainbow in each.  What he saw so clearly, I couldn't even see (granted, it had faded drastically by the time I got outside).  Often I feel that's the way our lives are.  Sometimes we see the rainbows (promises of God) and other times we pass them by, but they are always there.

I start to feel that way a little toward the end of every pregnancy.  I know it's silly, but as the due date approaches, I often worry about losing the "baby" of the family as he moves up a rung, and the new baby moves in.  Never in my experience has it actually been a bad thing.  In reality, my emotions take over and I worry about crazy things.  I hold extra tight to those baby kisses and hugs, the times he needs me to carry him and the sweetness that is my youngest.  I pray that the older two adjust well again and love having a new sibling in the mix.  As I get more stressed about having everything prepared for the baby's arrival, and in turn, lose a little patience with the boys, I pray they forget those moments and know how much I dearly love each of them.  As soon as I hold Sophie in my arms, all of this will melt away.  I'll be so thankful for a brand new baby and its smells and sweetness (very often wondering when I'll have another), and I'll love the new roles each of the boys take.  

At 33 weeks, we're almost there (as you can see).  The "any day now" comments are about to start rolling
in ;)  Life will be changing again, really soon, and we'll have a new normal in the months to come.  Here's to always finding the rainbows in those moments!

WIWS: 32 Weeks

I didn't do much of anything on the computer yesterday, so here's my What I Wore Sunday post (linked with Fine Linen and Purple) a day late!

Mass was maybe one of the best yet.  The boys were quiet.  The joy of Easter surrounded us all, and the music was beautiful!  It's always nice to see so many there with their families celebrating and even better to be surrounded by three sweet little guys (and one big one)!

dress // Isabella Oliver

cardi // Banana Republic (old)

shoes // Cole Haan

Here's what the boys wore (surprise, they match!)

We're still moving right along at 32 weeks.  It's not miserable, but I do get pretty tired from time to time. Just like everyone at this point :)  We'll soon be pre-paying and pre-registering at the hospital and getting more and more excited as the day gets closer.  We can't wait to meet her!

Check out what others wore for Easter, and have a great start to your week!

WIWS: 31 Weeks

Linking up again with the ladies of Fine Linen and Purple for What I Wore Sunday:

We made it through Palm Sunday Mass without having to go to the cry room - success!  Now, the boys weren't completely quiet, but they did well enough!  I'm not yet brave enough to try the Easter Vigil though!

 Dress // Zulily (old)

Cardi // Francescas (old)

Shoes // Nine West (you guessed it, old)

31 weeks and counting...Sophie is still measuring about 3 weeks ahead, but she's looking pretty sweet...

Here's a look at where I was with John Paul at this point.

Have a blessed Sunday and head over to FLAP for some outfit inspiration!

WIWS: 30 Weeks

It's time for What I Wore Sunday with the ladies of Fine Linen and Purple again...and another weekly update!

We went to Mass in a little town nearby this weekend, at a tiny Church.  We love the priest there and the people, but it is a very intimate setting.  So, John Paul's every noise was heard.  Luckily they have a make-shift cry room and we made it through.  Carter, however, was scared the entire time that someone might put ashes on his head (we went to the same little Church for Ash Wednesday services and that part may have been a nightmare).

Peter also got right outside the door of the Church after the Mass ended and began to pull down his pants. Thank goodness Jeremy was paying attention before everyone saw a bare-bottomed Peter using the restroom on a nearby tree (we really need the boys to learn the difference between outside at home where no one is around and outside anywhere else).

It was a wonderful Mass though, and we're glad we have the option to go there from time to time.

Dress // ASOS Maternity
Shoes // Cole Haan

And just for fun a pic of my cousins and sister-in-law pregnant:

31, 30, 24 and 17 weeks!

We're into the 30-weeks now!  Just two more months to go!  I go back for an appointment on Wednesday and see how she's measuring.  She feels pretty heavy, and I get worn out from time to time, but I have a feeling it might be because this is my fourth pregnancy - nothing will every feel quite as good as the first one did :)  Beyond that, I can't complain a bit and love knowing we get to take a peek at her squishy 3D face this week.

Have a blessed Sunday and enjoy the other outfits on FLAP!

WIWS: 29 Weeks

Joining with Fine Linen and Purple for What I Sore Sunday...

Dress // Jules and Jim (have had it since my first pregnancy)
Cardi // Banana Republic (old)
Belt // Madewell
Sandals // Bernardo

29 weeks and only 10 at the most left.  Seems long and then I think it's only a little over two months, and that doesn't seem long at all.  She's just growing (that's all I think I ever say) and definitely feeling heavy these days.  My stomach just feels constantly sore and it seems I'm slowly getting to that stage where sleep just isn't as comfortable, but nothing terrible.  Energy is hard to come by most days, too.  Carter asks how "his Sophie" is from time to time, and Peter still says he is "cited to hold dat little kitty cat!"  Ha!  Can't believe it's the third trimester already - we cannot wait to meet this little girl.

Hope it's been a beautiful Sunday - be sure and take a look at the other posts at FLAP!

WIWS: 28 Weeks

It's time for What I Wore Sunday with the ladies at Fine Linen and Purple again!

We were back in Mass finally (actually, I think we just missed one week all together), as everyone is well enough, whew!  It went as could be expected.  The big boys did well for the most part, but John Paul was a magpie the entire time, and sometimes a mad one.  But, we made it!  

Dress // ASOS Maternity

Cardi // old

Shoes // really old, too 

28 Weeks...and measuring 31!  Ha!  Okay, so maybe I don't really think that's funny.  Has anyone ever measured large?  If so, how did that go for you?  I know it could just be a fluke, and my doctor isn't too worried.  I guess he'll order an ultrasound if I measure big again next time.  And, I just took my glucose test, so I'm praying that all comes back normal.  I know it probably isn't a big deal at all and there could be much, much worse things.  It's just new to me, and what do I do...worry.  Carter always measured small and he was 8 lb 5 oz when he was born at 39 weeks.  The doc did mention everything could be fine, and she might just be a 9 lb baby.  Hmmmm.

Other than that report, all is about the same.  My glucose test was a little tricky/pokey.  Took six tries to get that stupid vein, and it always makes me just a teeny bit lightheaded when that happens :)  I've been told to quit "jumping around" in my workout videos.  Summer Sanders, here we come!  Blah.  But, better safe than sorry, I know!  Still gaining (obviously) and having a hard time believing how quickly it is all going!

Have a beautiful Sunday!

Be sure and take a look at the other Sunday outfits at FLAP!

WIWS: 27 Weeks

Joining the ladies of Fine Linen and Purple for What I Wore Sunday...

Top // Isabella Oliver

Jeans // JBrand Maternity

Blazer // Nordstrom (old)

Shoes // Dansko

27 Weeks: I have my glucose test this week.  Then, my appointments start coming every three weeks.  It's hard for me to believe it's already that time.  Since I started exercising on a more regular basis, my energy levels have come back up, thank goodness.  The little one moves a lot, yet doesn't cause much discomfort.  I'm not craving anything bizarre or feeling much different than I normally do.  It's a boring update, but sometimes boring is good!

Have a blessed Sunday and check out the other outfits at FLAP!

WIWS: 26 Weeks

26 weeks and linking up with the ladies of Fine Linen and Purple for What I Wore Sunday:

Dress // Isabella Oliver

Leggings // Noppies

Boots // Frye

Scarf // gift

Not much new on the pregnancy front.  Just passing the time and getting more excited about what's to come!

Have a blessed Sunday and check out the other outfits on FLAP!

7 Quick Takes: A Picnic, Being Mad and Riding Rocky

It's Friday and time for linking up with Jen and her 7 Quick Takes:

{1} On Fat Tuesday, we ordered pizza for lunch.  Right before lunch the two older boys were outside playing.  From the kitchen window I saw them heading toward the water faucet and stepped outside to warn them not to go there.  Surprisingly (ha!) that didn't work.  So, they were stripped until they were inside for good.  Fast forward to lunch and right after.  Jeremy set the remaining pizza (in the box) on our bench outside, and we let the boys back out to play while we cleaned up the kitchen.  I kept hearing the boys yelling that it was such a great picnic.  I looked out to see they hadn't quite finished their lunch.

{2} Wednesday, Jeremy, my mom, the boys, and I went to lunch and as we were finishing up, another lady came into the restaurant.  She's always really sweet to the boys.  But, for some reason, Peter had a scowl on his face.  It looked a little like this:

Typically, when Peter looks like this, people like to tease him.  I did it, too, when I didn't have kids.  So, she said, "Well, why do you look so grumpy?'  Usually he doesn't respond.  Yesterday he did: "Maybe I mad!"

{3} Carter yelled at me to come get a picture yesterday morning.  I found them on Rocky.  Think they're ready for the real thing?

{4} I ordered a bumper pad for Sophie's bed, being that the other two we've had haven't lasted.  One was even from Restoration Hardware.  All that to say, I LOVE this one:

The ties are really long, so they aren't stretched to their max when tied to the crib.  It's thin, yet beautiful, and it goes great with this little Aden & Anais crib sheet!  I didn't get the dust ruffle, but I highly recommend the bumper!

{5} 

John Paul is on his last four teeth (and has been for about a month).  The last few days (as those eye teeth start to poke through) have been a little patience-testing.  Or maybe a lot.  He just screams and screams when you least expect it.  And, sometimes it's the entirety of nap time.  When I prayed for patience, I didn't really want to have to learn it this way :)

{6}

My grandparents have owned race horses all their married lives.  In the summers it takes them to California a lot.  Over the past few years, they've developed a friendship with Jim Wilson, and his wife Faith.  They are producing the movie about Derby winner Mine That Bird that's releasing this month, called 50 To 1.  My granddad has a line in it that can be seen here (during the bar fight).  Can't wait to see the movie!

{7}

I'm reading this book:

While I know it's for fathers, it has great, applicable advice for mothers, too.  Plus, it's a quick read.  Check it out!

Have a great weekend!