Preparation

I will be 39 weeks tomorrow.  I am so thankful that Adam has lasted this long inside the womb, just in case he is still "developing."  I just hope he won't be too big. haha!
The past two days have been spent preparing for the time i will be in the hospital.  Laundry, cleaning, making sure James is taken care of, etc.  I feel very accomplished, but all these things will have to be done all over again in a couple of days - if Adam doesn't come soon.  The anticipation of this little one's arrival has almost put a halt on our home.  
As i was busily doing laundry today and straightening things up, again, i found James just playing quietly in the living room with his trains.  I just had to drop everything and take some time out for this sweet boy of mine.  I went over and scooped him onto my very crowded lap, and just held him so close.  It was my own way of assuring him (and even myself) that even with another little one in the house, i will still take time to love on him.  The laundry can wait.  The dishes can soak.  I don't want my boys to wait for some time with mommy.  Little kisses, big hugs, and simple "I love you's" does so much for our children.  They'll remember the times spent with us, parents, more so than their laundry being folded and put away or whether or not the dishwasher was loaded. 
I think God was just telling me to enjoy James today.  So all this morning was spent outside doing the things that James loves to do.  Riding his bike.  All i do is sit and watch him ride around and around in the driveway.  He never asks me to "participate," but i always catch him looking up at me to make sure i am watching him.  So sweet. 
Next we spent some time in the back yard.  Gammy got him a big brother present last week - a water table.  

And of course, it wouldn't be playing outside until you get muddy, right?

Then of course, my favorite time with him is reading books before Rest Time.  (i can't wait to be able to hold him on my lap again! haha) 
I'm so thankful for time alone with my little doodlebug.


Well, it would not be called preparation unless it involved some kind of baby craft right?
I found a blog that did DIY pumpkin seat covers.  With james i always just put a blanket up over his seat when we'd go to the doctor or out and about, but it would always fall.  
With the help of my sewing machine mother, i made him one. 
I picked two different fabrics from hobby lobby - sewed them together.
Then sewed extra fabric for the straps that hold onto the pumpkin seat handle.  (i used velcro so i can take the cover on and off easily)

     

With the fabric pulled back

The Velcro straps (i'd like to find big buttons to put on them...give it a little extra umph)

Say some prayers for baby Adam and me...the braxton hicks contractions are starting to become stronger. :) 

Surrounded By Boys

I never dreamed of having two boys in a row.  Now, as Adam's due date is approaching closer, i could not imagine my life any other way!  

As i think back on my life, God has prepared me (as much as He could haha) for a life filled with boys.  I was the only girl in my family.  Outnumbered by 3 brothers.  Sure, they would sometimes team up on me, but i loved knowing that i also had 3 "protectors."  

Every job i have ever had has involved kids - church nursery, teaching, daycare, working kid's sports camps, teaching dance, and nannying.  

My nannying job, i watched two boys.  Who were so precious!  

Whether i am to be outnumbered by "men" forever or just for now...i am completely content and happy with how my life is.  

I love finding little hotwheels cars all over the house.  I love that James is all about being outdoors.  I love seeing the father son bond that James and Ryan share.  And i love how, even at 2 years old, James treats me like i am the most wonderful and beautiful woman in the world...and how i am the only woman for him...for now. 

I am excited to go through all of these things again with Adam.  Though they will have different personalities and interests, i will always treasure this time where i am the only woman in my boy's world!

So here are a few things that i am excited to to experience all over again with another boy:

Muddy Messes

Sweet Mommy Kisses

Riding Big Boy Bikes

Being Mommy's Little Helper

Teaching Him to Be Gentle and Caring

Teaching Him to be Adventurous 

And Watching Him Watch His Daddy

Thank you Lord for entrusting me with another one of Your sweet little bundles!  

Proverbs 22:6
"Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it."

Psalm 127:3
"Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him."

Thankful Thursday

I haven't been able to blog as much lately, because everytime i try to during James' nap...our internet isn't working. Thankfully, Insight is coming out tomorrow to hopefully fix the problem. Adam's due date is drawing nearer and nearer. I find myself not being able to sleep at night. Not just from my scrunched up bladder, but just from thoughts of this little guy. I am praying that i will be able to sleep peacefully and comfortably these last couple of weeks...Lord knows how hard that is for a mother. haha! I am so excited to have another "baby." Whenever james sees my mid drift belly, he asks, "when is Adam coming?" I wish i knew! James is going to be a great big brother - he already has it all planned out what he and Adam will be doing when he arrives. He wants Adam to watch him play his cars and trains, eat snacks while watching Curious George, and play outside. I don't think James knows that Adam is not popping out a full sized toddler. haha.
 Yesterday, i had my Dr. Appointment. I was a little curious to see if there were any changes. My dr. checked my cervix and there is still no dilation...and maybe only a 5% effacement...nothing huge yet. Which, in most cases mothers would be disappointed, but i have to say that i am thankful. My wonderful Dr. left for vacation today until the 13th. She has another dr. backed up for me in case i do go into labor, but she and i both really want her to be the one to deliver Adam. Either way i will be fine. My Dr. asked that i not do anything next week until she gets back - keep your legs crossed and tell Ryan that the "batmobile has to stay out of the bat cave." haha! It is hard for a soon to be mom to rest and take it easy. You constantly think about all the things you want to get done before the little one arrives...but i know this will be good for me to take it easy - because once he does come, i really won't have the opportunity to take it easy for a while. :) Other than that, Adam is doing great! Heart beat is wonderful and is in the head down position. I am also thankful that i am full term. That was always a huge goal of mine (as is every mother's) to make it to full term - to be sure their all of the baby's organs are well developed.
 In the midst of thinking about baby #2, i have been trying to spend as much time as i can with my baby #1. I will miss and have to make it a priority to have one on one time with James once Adam comes. The other day, i had to run a few errands - James did so good while we were out. So i took him to the airport lookout until it was time to have lunch with Daddy.

 James Consentrating on every Airplane

Wearing Daddy's Sunglasses

I am so thankful for the time i have with my little doodlebug and for the fact that i am able to do it everyday. Being a stay at home mom is one of the biggest blessings to me. (thank you Ryan for working so hard so i can pursue my dream as a mommy) I finally finished the boy's burlap name meaning. I also made one for a fellow mommy from my mommy group and her new baby boy. Here are the photos:

I love this scripture! I want so badly to represent my Jesus well!
12 "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." Colossians 3:12-17
 Have a Thankful Day everyone!

Nap Time Craft

Since it has been pretty much a dreary and cold weekend, i really had the itch to do a simple craft in which i already had the supplies to do. With the help of pinterest and my love for baby name meanings, i was able to make Burlap Name Meaning Signs...all while James took his nap. (i haven't gotten the picture frames yet...i'll post pics of what they will look like in frames later) All you will need is *Freezer Paper *Burlap *Iron *Printer

(Make sure you iron the burlap first so it is nice and flat) Place the freezer paper (shiny side) on top of the burlap.

Then iron (no steam - medium heat)

Once it is nice and stiff, cut the freezer paper that is around the burlap.

Next is printing on the burlap. I used Microsoft word - i had to play around with the font and size for a bit...just to make sure it would fit. Make sure you print with the burlap facing up.

Next, you can either peel off the freezer paper or leave it on. Cut the burlap to the size that fits your picture frame...and that's it! Here are James and Adam's without the frames.

Very simple and affordable! Mine will look best probably with black frames. But you can change it up - if you have colored ink, you can pick a different color to make it more fun. (i however only have black ink) :) My little doodlebug is now awake from his nap...happy crafting!

Is Forever Enough?

How can i not be thankful? I have been following a mother's blog for a about a week now. I found her blog through a friend. This mother's blog is all about her newborn baby girl, Nora. Nora has what is called Trisomy 18. I do not know much about what Trisomy 18 is, except that it shortens the child's lifespan. Some live till they are teenagers, others only to have their first breath outside the womb. THe journey of faith that the family has endeavored on is quite amazing and humbling. Here i am worrying about Adam coming early when all this mother wants is for her daughter to live another day. I cannot imagine the pain and sorrow this mother is feeling. At any given moment...this precious baby girl could breathe her last breath. We give birth in order to bring forth life. Maybe God is bringing forth "life" through this baby in a different way? Is that not how we ought to live? Treating every moment as if it was our last? Snuggling with our kids more. Kissing and telling our spouses how much we love them more...Taking advantage of every blessing given to us... My precious James and precious Adam, all i want to do is gather you both in my arms and carry you forever! My heart and emotions are overwhelmed with the amount of love that i have stored up for my children. I want to love them unconditionally. I want to live freely and faithfully with them. I am so honored to be a mommy. I cringe at the days that i have taken (and will take) the mother role for granted. We only have but a short time to impact and love on our children...don't wait for another moment to go by! Please pray for this precious little baby, Nora. Pray also for her loving family...that they have strength for the days to come. To read more about this mother's journey and more about baby Nora you can go to her blog iwillcarryyou.wordpress.com. If you do read her blog, prepare to cry, but also prepare yourself to look at your children in a different way.

James Holding Baby Adam's Ultrasound Photo

Baby Land

Last week, my amazing mother took time to help me clean, organize, and set up baby stuff. I feel so much better knowing that we are a little more prepared. And not to mention so grateful for our house! When James was born, we were in a very tiny and inconvenient apartment...(it was still a blessing compared to our first place) but i am so thankful for God's blessings through our little house.
Adam is staying in our bedroom for...however long we feel like. My mom and i moved the crib, changing table, and rocking chair into our bedroom - to make it easier on me at night. And so i won't wake up James...hopefully. haha.
At first with idea of moving all that stuff into our room, i thought it was going to be so cramped, but it actually isn't that bad.



Can you tell i am excited about another baby? haha.

Next in the boys room, by taking out the rocking chair and changing table it made the room so much bigger. Eventually we'll move the crib back in, but for now it's pretty much James' space. haha. (he's in for a rude awakening)
This is where the rocking chair used to be, we made it into James' little reading corner.


Adam's name decor (james has his on the other side)



The last big baby thing we set up was the pack n play. We put it downstairs so i can easily put him down or change his diaper if James is downstairs or playing outside. I'm going for easy access and comfort here. haha.


We feel so blessed that everything that we used for James is still in great shape and is...boyish. haha. It's nice to pull out all of James' baby stuff and get to use them again.

This Easter weekend, Ryan has been busily working on house projects. A couple of years ago, we were given a bathroom cabinet (it did not have the top). Ryan had put a wooden top on it and we used it as a little island in the kitchen. This weekend, he added waynes coating (however you spell it) and painted it to match the rest of the kitchen. Eventually he wants to extend the top of it so we can make it like a sit in counter...which would be great for cooking. But for right now, i think it looks awesome!

Here is the before pic:


And After pic:



...i'm just so thankful...now off for a nice walk with my little doodlebug.

Easter Crafts

Easter is quickly approaching, and with the baby coming in May...i haven't really had my mind wrapped around Easter decor or crafts until today. Luckily i already had everything i needed to do these fun little crafts with James.

The first one, we made an Easter sheep.
You will need: paper (preferrably cardstock)
cotton balls
glue
2 clothes pin

*First i drew an outline of a sheep on the paper with permanent marker
Then i cut it out and clipped the clothes pins where the legs would be


*Next i put glue all over the sheep's bak and upper legs (clothes pins) and let James stick the cotton balls all over it.


After James finished putting on cotton balls, we stood it up...so cute.


James' little Lamb


STAINED GLASS WINDOW CROSS
*You will need: Cardstock paper
Tissue Paper
Glue
Clear contact Paper
Tape (to hang up)

*First i cut out the shape of a cross and glued the clear contact paper on the back on the cardstock paper.
*Then i lightly put glue all over the cross shape (clear contact paper) and had james put the torn pieces of tissue paper on the cross.




After the glue dried, i cut out the cross (leaving some cardstock paper - hold it together).
James wanted to hang it on our kitchen window where he could see it. It turned out better than i thought it would. :)





The last craft we did - james just colored what he said was grass and easter eggs. We glued a cross on the paper that he had colored as well. Very simple yet very cute!







Have a happy thankful day!