Baby Evie 23 weeks (Pregnancy)

How far along? 24 weeks and 4 days.

How far to go? 109 days

Due Date: February 6, 2016, but I will have to have a csection so I am thinking this baby will be born at the end of January.


Baby? cantelope  


Maternity Clothes: I live in maternity leggings.  

Stretch Marks: Not anything new...yet. Just much fatter.

Pregnancy Symptoms:  I get round ligament pain, middle back pain, frequent trips to the bathroom, and trouble sleeping.

Sleeping:  Sleeping is a struggle.  I have to go to the bathroom a lot, so that interrupts my sleep and I have a hard time going back to sleep after that. 

Best feeling this week:  Getting things done.  A tad more motivation. 

Movement: More kicks and punches.  Curtis got to feel her having a party one morning.  

Cravings/Aversions: Apples!!!! Yum! Blackberries!!!!  Yum! 

Belly Button: In

What I miss:  Being motivated and keeping myself busy.  I feel so lazy anymore.  I also miss being able to take walks without fear of pain in my lower abdomen or passing out because my blood sugar drops. 

What am I looking forward to: Holding this little one in my arms!

What I want my girls to know

This is a difficult and scary world to be in the beginning stages of raising children.  There are hidden dangers lurking around every corner.  Society and social media are running rampant with ways to tempt our kids from being who they were created to be.  I want my girls to know that there is more to this life than what they see on tv and in movies, books, and magazines. 

So, without further delay, here are the thing I want my girls to know before they begin the really hard walk through teenage years. 

1. Never be afraid to share the things you are passionate about.  You may still enjoy playing with baby dolls or your dollhouse when you are 10 and that is ok.  You may still really enjoy swinging on swings and playing dress up.  If you enjoy it, it is ok.  Never let anyone take your childlike innocence away. 

2. It is ok to disagree with me and others.  God made you fearfully and wonderfully, and uniquely.  Your differences are what make you an individual.  You will not always agree with everyone, even those who you hold near and dear to your heart.  That is perfectly ok. 

3. You are beautiful. You are made in the image of God.  He created you perfectly.  Don't let what you see and what you are told by others get in the way of you seeing yourself the way God sees you.  You are a daughter of the Almighty King.  He thinks you are beautiful no matter what.  Don't let anyone label you.  A good friend told me the other day that the only one who can label you is the one who created you.  Hold tight to that. 

4. Pour yourself  into books.  They can offer so much insight and wisdom, especially the Bible.  Books help your imagination take off and discover so many fun and fascinating things. 

5. It is really never about you.  People are going to say mean things to you and about you to others.  They are going to hurt you.  People are imperfect and we say and do things that are hurtful to others.  Don't take it personally.  It isn't you.  They are struggling with a problem of their own.  Remember we are not fighting the people we see face to face but the powers of the evil one who only comes to destroy lives. 

6. There is no one human being who will be your everything.  It has taken me a long time to come to realize that I cannot find fulfillment in people on this earth.  Your fulfillment, your true joy and contentment come from your Heavenly Father.  He can be your everything.  Make everything you do be about knowing Him, loving Him, loving like Him, and being in a continual, everlasting relationship with Him.  God loves you. 

7. I really am doing my best.  I know it may not seem like.  I know I say things an react in ways that are hurtful.  Please forgive me when I do.  I don't know what I am doing.  Parenting is a new territory for me and THE hardest thing I will ever do.  Be gracious to me as I work to be gracious towards you.  I will not always love the choices you make, but I promise you that not a second will pass that I don't love you with every ounce of my being.  And that is the truth. 

8. Follow truth.  Your life will be riddled with lies.  Don't believe them.  Don't follow after the author of lies.  Read God's Word to know the truth.  Don't allow lies to take root in your heart.  It is hard to get those pieces back. Align yourself with the Father of Lights.  In Him there is no darkness. 

9. Speak Life.  You will be held accountable for the things that you say.  Make your words glorify God and bless others. Speak truth in a loving way that only breathes life into others. Let your words be few and your listening be more.  Don't let negative and profane chatter come out of your mouth.  Guard your mouth and ask God to help you speak in a time He has appointed with the words He has appointed you to say so that everything you say is seasoned with grace. 

10. Free yourself from fear. Remember fear is something we allow to take over us.  The moment we do this, we are essentially saying we don't believe God can do what He says He will do.  When fear is occupying a place in your life, God cannot exist there, too.  You have all the power over fear because Jesus gave you all authority over the enemy.  Fear is a tool of the enemy.  Don't let him in. 

My girls, I love you with every bit of my heart.  I hope you know that and feel that every day

10 Things I want my Daughters to know before they are preteens

This is a difficult and scary world to be in the beginning stages of raising children.  There are hidden dangers lurking around every corner.  Society and social media are running rampant with ways to tempt our kids from being who they were created to be.  I want my girls to know that there is more to this life than what they see on tv and in movies, books, and magazines. 

So, without further delay, here are the thing I want my girls to know before they begin the really hard walk through teenage years. 

1. Never be afraid to share the things you are passionate about.  You may still enjoy playing with baby dolls or your dollhouse when you are 10 and that is ok.  You may still really enjoy swinging on swings and playing dress up.  If you enjoy it, it is ok.  Never let anyone take your childlike innocence away. 

2. It is ok to disagree with me and others.  God made you fearfully and wonderfully, and uniquely.  Your differences are what make you an individual.  You will not always agree with everyone, even those who you hold near and dear to your heart.  That is perfectly ok. 

3. You are beautiful. You are made in the image of God.  He created you perfectly.  Don't let what you see and what you are told by others get in the way of you seeing yourself the way God sees you.  You are a daughter of the Almighty King.  He thinks you are beautiful no matter what.  Don't let anyone label you.  A good friend told me the other day that the only one who can label you is the one who created you.  Hold tight to that. 

4. Pour yourself  into books.  They can offer so much insight and wisdom, especially the Bible.  Books help your imagination take off and discover so many fun and fascinating things. 

5. It is really never about you.  People are going to say mean things to you and about you to others.  They are going to hurt you.  People are imperfect and we say and do things that are hurtful to others.  Don't take it personally.  It isn't you.  They are struggling with a problem of their own.  Remember we are not fighting the people we see face to face but the powers of the evil one who only comes to destroy lives. 

6. There is no one human being who will be your everything.  It has taken me a long time to come to realize that I cannot find fulfillment in people on this earth.  Your fulfillment, your true joy and contentment come from your Heavenly Father.  He can be your everything.  Make everything you do be about knowing Him, loving Him, loving like Him, and being in a continual, everlasting relationship with Him.  God loves you. 

7. I really am doing my best.  I know it may not seem like.  I know I say things an react in ways that are hurtful.  Please forgive me when I do.  I don't know what I am doing.  Parenting is a new territory for me and THE hardest thing I will ever do.  Be gracious to me as I work to be gracious towards you.  I will not always love the choices you make, but I promise you that not a second will pass that I don't love you with every ounce of my being.  And that is the truth. 

8. Follow truth.  Your life will be riddled with lies.  Don't believe them.  Don't follow after the author of lies.  Read God's Word to know the truth.  Don't allow lies to take root in your heart.  It is hard to get those pieces back. Align yourself with the Father of Lights.  In Him there is no darkness. 

9. Speak Life.  You will be held accountable for the things that you say.  Make your words glorify God and bless others. Speak truth in a loving way that only breathes life into others. Let your words be few and your listening be more.  Don't let negative and profane chatter come out of your mouth.  Guard your mouth and ask God to help you speak in a time He has appointed with the words He has appointed you to say so that everything you say is seasoned with grace. 

10. Free yourself from fear. Remember fear is something we allow to take over us.  The moment we do this, we are essentially saying we don't believe God can do what He says He will do.  When fear is occupying a place in your life, God cannot exist there, too.  You have all the power over fear because Jesus gave you all authority over the enemy.  Fear is a tool of the enemy.  Don't let him in. 

My girls, I love you with every bit of my heart.  I hope you know that and feel that every day. 

Baby Evie 22 weeks

How far along? 22 weeks and 5 days.

How far to go? forever...

Due Date: February 6, 2016, but I will have to have a csection so I am thinking this baby will be born at the end of January.


Baby? butternut squash.   


Maternity Clothes: I live in maternity leggings.  

Stretch Marks: Not anything new...yet. Just much fatter.

Pregnancy Symptoms:  I do not feel sick or nauseous anymore.  The things I have the most are headaches, lower back pain, round ligament pains, and heartburn/indigestion.

Sleeping:  Sleeping well is rare.  I have found that taking a nap when Ava and Sally Jean are taking a nap is the time where I get the most solid sleep.  Tonight, I woke up at midnight, had a headache and the headache never went away.  I think there is a lot of tension in my neck that causes these headaches, and even laying down puts too much pressure on it. 

Best feeling this week:  When God answered my prayers one night/early morning.  I was needing to feel Evelyn kick and so I prayed God would help me feel her.  Within a matter of minutes, I felt her! 

Movement: Light kicks, pushes, and squirms, and a little more often.

Cravings/Aversions: I like food.  Do not like the smell of beer. The smell of reheated chicken is disgusting.   Craving junk...again!  I also like shrimp and tuna.  I try not to eat too much of it in a week, but I really struggle with that. 

Belly Button: In

What I miss:  Getting some great sleep! I would like to say no headaches, but I struggle with headaches on a regular basis, not just during pregnancy.  In fact, this is my first pregnancy where I didn't get a reprieve from headaches. 

What am I looking forward to: Seeing what Evelyn looks like. 

Baby Evie 21 weeks pregnancy

How far along? 21 weeks and 3 days.

How far to go? forever...131 days to go

Due Date: February 6, 2016, but I will have to have a csection so I am thinking this baby will be born at the end of January.


Baby? size of a pomegranate. I had a doctor's appointment this morning.  I also got my blood work results from the AFP Tetra test.  They came back NEGATIVE!! PTL!  I have been feeling so on edge about Baby Evie since I found out about this cyst.  Dr. Stein told me that there was no increased risk of there being any downs, trisomy, or other chromosomal issues.  That the rest of the scan looked great which is more reason to not worry.  I feel so relieved!  And so thankful for yet another prayer answered!   


Maternity Clothes: I live in maternity leggings.  

Stretch Marks: Not anything new...yet.

Pregnancy Symptoms:  I feel much better these days.  My natural cravings for sweets has returned.  I do get the daily headaches and I have back pain and round ligament pain.  I also have to go to the bathroom more often.  

Sleeping:  I do not sleep good at all, although I don't think it can be blamed completely on the pregnancy.  For one, we need a new mattress and bed and I need my husband to not monopolize the bed.   

Best feeling this week:  Getting the good news about my bloodwork, being encouraged by all my prayer warrior friends, being reminded of the people that love me, hearing Evie's heartbeat, and feeling little kicks and pushes.  

Movement: Light kicks, pushes, and squirms.  

Cravings/Aversions: I like food.  Do not like the smell of beer. The smell of reheated chicken is disgusting.   

Belly Button: In

What I miss:  Getting some great sleep!

What am I looking forward to: Meeting this baby ( isn't this a given?) and getting her room ready!!!

Sally Jean 19 Months

Oh Sally,

You are such a wonderful thing.  You have become quite the clown, lately.  You will do so many things to get a good laugh out of people.  I hope you always bring joy and laughter to those you are around.

Although, you are still opinionated and can be quite hard to take places, especially out to eat, I am noticing that you are learning more ways to deal with not getting your way that aren't always throwing yourself on the ground, dragging your head along the ground, screaming a blood curdling scream.  I mean, you still do these things often, but not always.  :)

You have found a new way to express your creativeness.  Mommy  can't even go into the laundry room and fold laundry without you getting into something!

You like to do things on your own, Little Miss Independent!  Your Mimi thinks you are SO good with the fork and spoon.  I think she is a little biased. Look at you!  I mean, did anything get into your mouth?

You LOVE chocolate icecream ( or any flavor of ice cream, for that matter) at Sweet Frog's.  

You prefer to swing on the big girl swing!

And, there are these rare moments when I will catch you sitting in your little rocker reading books by yourself.  

You are like a billy goat and climb onto everything!  You get yourself into many predicaments because sometimes you underestimate the climbing ability that is needed.  You are a picky eater and prefer carbs.  You enjoy your nap time and bed time.  You have enjoyed sharing your room with Ava.  You two are so cute in the morning because I let you stay up there a little longer because you are both enjoying each other's company.  Ava will bring you books and get your pacifier for you if it falls out, and she told me that she likes to jump around and make you laugh while you are in your crib in the morning.

You, my spirited, determined, strong-willed little girl are very much loved.  By many people.  You have such a strong, but funny and lovable, personality.  God has made such a creation in you.  Now, go live it out for His glory!

What's up with Ava (Aug./Sept. 2015)

Ava is starting to turn into a 3 year old.  She has found her autonomy and can be Miss Attitude.  Her mouth can sometimes get her into trouble and I just wonder sometimes, where am I going wrong?

I know it is normal.  I know she is 3.  I know this is a part of life, but I had no idea how so much of this is out of my control.  And, for a control freak like me, that is not good.

She has had more outbursts than she has ever had and she almost lives to irritate Sally.

But then, there are these other sweet moments.  Like, a few weekends ago, I was extremely emotional.  I was sitting on the couch crying and throwing myself a pity party and Ava saw my tears and asked me over and over again what was wrong and if I was ok and she brought me a blanket and cuddled up with me.

Or the time she stayed with her Mimi for the afternoon and cleaned up her mess during her quiet time so Mimi didn't have to.

She is super gentle, caring and compassionate.  I know there is SO MUCH HOPE for her.  But, honestly, I feel like I screw it up for her a lot.  I don't know when I am being too hard on her and when I am not hard enough.

Lately, I just pray for her and me.  I pray that she chooses obedience over rebellion.  I pray that she is a vessel of love.   I pray that her heart is tender to the needs of others.  I pray that her attitude is kept in control.

She has completed 2 days of preschool with her teachers Mrs. Maleah and Mrs. Kayla.  She loves school and has a ton of fun.  I miss her those 3 hours, two days a week, but it makes my heart smile when I pick her up and she is so happy!

She loves to paint, play with stickers and watch The Magic School Bus episodes on Netflix.  Her favorite episode is the spider one.  Go figure!