The Best Stage Yet

I've realized that I've let my pregnancy consume this blog, and I haven't written a post on my favorite little man in my life in a long time. I feel like Evan is changing so much these days that I'm going to miss something, so I want to be sure to capture all these changes or as many as I can.

Before having a child of my own, I would hear parents say that whatever stage/age their child was in it was the best one yet. I never really understood that until I had Evan and I can now say with no doubt that this age/stage that he is in is the best one yet!

Every day Evan is saying and doing something new that just blows my mind. Granted, I am his mom so even the little things blow me away, but they are still wonderful and shows me and those around him his laid back and funny personality. Awhile back I wrote about how I was worried that Evan's verbal skills were lacking and that I couldn't wait for him to start talking with us. Boy has that changed! He is talking more and more every day and putting entire sentences together. I know this is part of a child's developmental growth, but to hear my own son tell me things like "I want to go outside and swim" or "I'm done eating. I want down" or my favorite "I love you mommy" is mind blowing. For over a year I felt like verbal communication was a one way street and now to hear Evan interacting and answering my questions is fantastic! I feel like we've broken new ground and able to explore a whole new world. It also gives me more insight into Evan's personality. He is a huge jokester and likes to see the element of surprise on your face when he gets you with one of his jokes. For example, his favorite thing to do when you're tickling or play wrestling is to fake cry and as you go to pick him up or see if he's ok he starts laughing as hard as he can and then tackles you. Who knew a 2 year old could master the art of a fake out so well? I know I didn't!

I'd say one of the most awesome things that Evan is doing right now is potty training himself. Yep, you read that right....he is potty training HIMSELF! At Evan's 2 year check up his doctor told me to not start potty training yet as boys are usually slower to master it and if you start too young it could have negative effects. So, I decided to heed this advice and made a mental note to revisit it closer to him turning 3. One day we were hanging out in living room playing and Evan turns to me and says I have to go potty. Huh? I thought, but immediately took him into the bathroom where he promptly went potty. Thinking this was a fluke, but also praising him all night, I didn't think about it again. As the weeks went on, he got better at telling us when he had to go potty and he's now at a 50/50 success rate, which in my book is fantastic! Granted most of the time he wants to go #1 outside (thanks to John) so I feel a little weird opening the door to the backyard and "letting him out" like we would the dog, but hey whatever works right?!? He's also getting better at going #2 (in the potty thank goodness) although with not as much success rate as #1. I think a lot of this potty training comes from seeing his peers at daycare use the restroom, but the fact that he's put two and two together and wants to do it too shows how smart and determined he is. I'm hoping that this will continue and by the time he is 3 he'll have mastered the bathroom all on his own. Again, who would have known that I would have been blessed with such a determined smart little boy!? <----------yes I realize that's a proud mom talking.

Another thing that amazed me about Evan lately is how I can reason and explain things to him. Granted, I have to break things down to his level and he still has his moments of throwing temper tantrums. But, for the most part I can explain things and he'll take it in stride and tell me "ok, mommy" and move on with his day. I know he got this laid back trait from John and I'm so glad he did. He's also starting to understand feelings and have empathy for people. For example when I tell him that he can't pull on our dog, Rocco's, tail because it hurts him he'll get up and go hug Rocco and tell him he's sorry. One of the cutest things that I don't think I'll ever forget happened just the other day. I was sitting on the couch with my feet elevated because they were so swollen, and he came over and wanted me to get on the floor to play. I told him I would in 5 minutes but I need to rest for a second because my feet hurt. He then went down by my feet kissed and patted them. Talk about melting my heart!

I could go on and on with other examples and things that Evan is doing right now that amaze me, but those are the major changes that have really blown me away. And as I've heard other mom's say, this is the best stage yet and I can't wait to see what the next one brings!

My little cutie showing off those adorable dimples

Evan on his favorite ride at Chucky Cheese

Hot tub cutie

Logan's Nursery

One of the many great things about having a baby is getting to decorate the nursery. And since I had full reign this go around with Logan's nursery, since John got his sports nursery the last time, I must say I'm beyond pleased with how it turned out. I wanted something that wasn't too babyish and semi modern. The idea for this room hit me when I was singing one of my favorite songs to Evan one night "You are my Sunshine". I wanted to base the room off of that song by using grey and yellow as the main colors, and my favorite trend right now the chevron print which reminds me of sunlight beams. I was able to find almost everything I got online, and through Etsy (the best website for unique finds around!)

A pic of the bedding and wall shelf

Another pic of the bedding and framed prints which are the lyrics to "You Are My Sunshine"

My favorite part of the nursery the tree wall mural. You can also see the cute chevron changing pad cover I was able to find. 

Another pic of the wall mural. If you look really hard you can see the custom art work I ordered for Logan which has a yellow chevron background and in grey lettering it says "L is for Logan Lane"



Below are the links for everything I ordered for Logan's nursery in case you see something you like :)

Bedding- JoJo Designs. I was able to find the exact same bedding on ebay for half the cost http://www.maternityandbabyshoppingmart.com/zig-zag-yellow-and-gray-crib-bedding-set-by-jojo-designs.aspx

Tree wall mural- Etsy. http://www.etsy.com/listing/62716227/wall-decals-baby-nursery-decor-shelving

Changing Pad- Etsy. http://www.etsy.com/listing/98486852/build-your-own-chevron-contour-changing

You Are My Sunshine Prints- Etsy. http://www.etsy.com/listing/89878669/on-sale-40-off-you-are-my-sunshine

L is for Logan Lane Print- Etsy. http://www.etsy.com/listing/102667077/personalized-monogram-print-all-color?ga_search_query=yellow%2Band%2Bgray

Zig Zag Shelf- Pflatzgraff. http://www.pfaltzgraff.com/Zig-Zag-Wall-Shelf/5042851,default,pd.html?utm_source=googleshopping&utm_content=pfaltzgraffshopping&utm_campaign=googleshopping&tmcampid=23&tmad=c&tmplaceref=GGL&tmclickref=5042851&CAWELAID=930979478

Stuffed owl and bird. Etsy- http://www.etsy.com/listing/104368943/large-yellow-and-gray-plush-bird-yellow

The End is Near!

The end is near! The end is near! The end is near! This is what I keep telling myself to help me get through these final days of pregnancy. Although I've been pregnant before and have experienced the last gruesome month of pregnancy and what that entails, I feel like it's my first time again. I'm having the typical irrational thoughts of wondering if I'll ever have this baby, how much more expanding my belly can actually take, and complete discord with those around me that aren't pregnant.

To say my hormones and thoughts are out of control would be an understatement right now. I feel as if the Mrs. Jekyll side of my personality has stepped in and there is nothing I can do about it. I keep telling myself to relax and enjoy these final days/weeks before Logan is here, especially since I know what's ahead (a lot of sleepless nights and a complete life adjustment) but it's almost impossible. It may be due to the fact that I can't sleep at night because of the horrible sciatica pain I'm having or the multiple trips to the bathroom. Or the fact that every time I talk or see someone they make the same statement that is obvious, "you're still pregnant!" Or perhaps the fact that I get tired just walking from upstairs to downstairs in my own home. Put all of these things together and it makes for one cranky me!

The other day as I was sitting on the couch with my feet elevated because my ankles were the size of my head, I started contemplating time and how slowly it seems to be ticking by and realized it's because I can say I've been pregnant this ENTIRE YEAR! Yep, that's 232 days of feeling not myself. Granted not all of those days have been uncomfortable and bad, but when you throw in multiple doctor appointments, trips to the bathroom, and the Texas heat it can seem like forever.

The thing that I will miss the most after Logan is here is feeling him move around inside my belly. That is the one thing that I absolutely LOVE about being pregnant. I can't get enough of watching my stomach bounce, move, and contort itself while Logan is practicing his dance moves. The feeling is like no other and an amazing one at that.

And while I know these days I have more complaints than not about pregnancy, I am thankful that I've been able to go through it again to bring a second life into this world. I love being a mom and feeling the unconditional love from Evan. To get to experience that twice is truly a blessing. I know Logan is going to bring another level of love and bonding to our family and I can't wait to experience that with John and Evan. So, until our little angel is here please excuse my crazy hormones and know that the end is near!!

Me and my belly at 37 weeks

My sausage like ankel by mid afternoon on most days. It doesn't even look like it belongs on my body.

Feeling the Love

This past weekend I was reminded of all the awesome people that are in my life and that truly love and care for me. I've always known people were there for me, but sometimes when life starts throwing you curve balls and your 8 months pregnant, with all the crazy hormones that come with it, that love and support can slip your mind.

I know that I haven't been as good as a trooper with this pregnancy as I was the last one, and I try not to complain about it but sometimes I just can't help it. This past weekend was exactly what I needed to remind myself that what I'm going through is temporary and for a greater reason that I still can't even imagine. My baby sprinkle for Logan (yes, we finally decided on a name. Woo-hoo!) was this weekend which meant my mom and step dad were coming into town. I think my mom being around was exactly what I needed because I just felt better about life in general by the end of the weekend and their visit. Even though I'm 31 years old, I still need my mom and there are certain things that only a mom's touch can make right. I can't exactly explain what that touch is, but it's something magical that I can only hope my two boys will feel the same about with me.

The baby sprinkle was on Sunday and I couldn't have asked for a better shower. I'm lucky enough to have some great in-laws who hosted the shower and made sure they took care of every last detail. Walking into La Madeline's where the shower was held (which happens to be one of my favorite places to eat) and seeing the decorations, the favors, the food, and most importantly all the friends and family that gathered to celebrate Logan's birth really touched me. There were a couple of times throughout the shower that I stopped and thought how blessed I was to have all these amazing people in my life. It wasn't the material things that day that we received but the thought and meaning behind it. To know that everyone in that room loves me and Logan (without even meeting him yet) made these past 8 months of pregnancy madness worth it. It also made me stop and count my blessings and focus on the positive side of things which in all honesty I needed to do.

So, my thought/reminder of the day to those of you that read this is when life has you down stop and look around you at all the wonderful people God has put in your life. Suddenly anything that has you down and out won't seem to matter as much.

My mother-in-law (on the left) and my mom (on the right). Two amazing women in my life

My sister-in-law, one of the shower hostess

My BFF, shoulder to lean on, fellow mommy and all around amazing woman

One of my dear college friends, confidants, and fellow mommy- Kristin

Three of the best coworkers and friend's a girl could ask for- Sherri, Ashley, and Marci

Me at 33 weeks

Bite Your Tongue I say!

Have you ever walked through life thinking you were a circus act or a freak show? No, well consider yourself lucky. I cannot believe the comments I hear from people on my baby belly. The comments come with such frequency and grander that I'm starting to think that I'm a walking freak show at the circus like the bearded lady or something. A few of the comments I hear almost weekly are:

Are you sure you're not carrying twins?

Oh my goodness you're huge!

You're going to pop any day now!

You are really getting big now!

And my latest comment that almost made me reach across and do a Three Stooges type slap to all 3 ladies was at a birthday dinner for a family member. We were all sitting down when one family member gets up from the table because they see a friend at another table a few tables away. The conversation went like this:
Family Member- "Have you seen Robyn? No, well wait until you see her stomach!" (I should call out said family member for even starting this conversation, but I'll take the higher road here)
To which I was then called over to the table to meet said friends (talk about a walk of shame).
Family Member Friend- "Wow! When are you due?"
Me- "September 8th"
Family Member Friend- "Oh my goodness, are you have twins?"
Me (between gritted teeth) - "Nope just one"
Family Member Friend- "Well, you are going to be humongous by then you poor thing!"

Humongous? Are you freakin' kidding me?!?! What planet do you live on that makes you think that's a nice thing to say to someone? As I waddled my way back to the table cussing all of them under my breath, I decided that from here on out any woman I saw that was pregnant I would tell her how amazing she looked.

I don't remember getting these kinds of comments when I pregnant with Evan and technically I've put on less weight this time than I did with him. My oh so sweet husband and friends tell me people only make those comments because I went from being a bean pole to now looking like I swallowed a basketball. Which I can see, but does EVERYONE have to comment on how big I look? I know I'm pregnant and carrying around another human being, but NO ONE pregnant or not wants to hear comments all day on how big she is! So, I'm asking all of you that read this to take pity on the next pregnant woman you see and tell her something about her looks that will compliment her and whatever you do DO NOT mention her size at all!

Me at 28 weeks. I'm sure I'm not doing anything to help my cause but I'm sure I'll look back at this pic and smile at it and all the comments that went along with it one day!

Getting It Together

This past weekend was so incredible and fun that I felt like I had to share it with you! For those of you that have been reading this blog since it started (which was when I first found out I was pregnant with Evan) know that I feel like being pregnant can sometimes be a 9 month "no fun" jail sentence. And before anyone gets upset, I'm not trying to discount being pregnant because there are a lot of great things that come with it (like people being nicer to you and holding doors, elevators, or even letting you cut in a long line at the women's bathroom at a public event), but there are also a handful of things you can't do when pregnant (like drinking a glass or two of wine, going out to dance the night away, and certain activities like jet skiing or sky diving). So, I feel like a lot of times I'm left out of the fun that is going on around me.

This past weekend proved to me that there is fun to be had when you are pregnant. I've always been a big country music fan and I found out that a couple people from work were going to the Kenney Chesney and Tim McGraw concert that John and I had bought tickets too months ago. One of my coworkers suggested that we all get together before the concert to tailgate and enjoy some food, drinks, and good company. I was all for it! So Friday night I got a bunch of tailgating food ready (Don't judge! I mean if I can't partake in the adult beverage portion of the tailgating. I was definitely going to make sure I had the food portion covered!) which consisted of croissant wrapped sausages, salad on a stick, chile lime wings, 2 different kinds of sausage links, and my favorite Rolo/Pretzel bites (recipe can be found here). I also made sure we had plenty of non alcoholic drinks like cherry limeades, water, cokes, and an O'Doul's or two for me (hey, I never said that I didn't miss the taste of a ice cold beer on a summer day).

On Saturday we were lucky enough to have John's mom watch even for the day/night so we could go to the concert and we dropped Evan off around noon at nana's house and we took off for a fun day of tailgating. I was a little worried the Texas heat would get to me, but with our big ESPN tent and the nice breeze that was blowing all day it really wasn't that bad. Once we found everyone in the parking lot we all had passes too and got everything set up the rest of the day was perfect! A bunch of other people brought food and beverages so we had a popular spot on the way into Cowboys Stadium. The part I liked best about the tailgating was getting to know some of my coworkers that I normally don't interact with at work, and it further confirmed what I've believed all along.....I work with some AMAZING people! After about 3 hours of tailgating fun, John and I made our way in Jerry World (a.k.a Cowboys Stadium) and found our seats which were great! I then enjoyed 4 hours of my two favorite male country singers all while dancing and singing at the top of my lungs to all their songs. After the concert our tailgating group met back up where we enjoyed some more food and drinks before calling it a night and heading home.

Sunday was also a fun day, but in a different sense and meaning. John and I finally decided to become members of the church we've been going to for awhile now and part of the process was John getting baptized. This was a huge day for us both because it meant having a spiritual home and really vowing to raise and guide our kids in the way God would want. It's also something that I've been unsettled about since having Evan because I wanted him to grow up knowing God and church and laying that strong foundation for him. Since John and I came from two different religious backgrounds (me Baptist, and him Catholic) it's always been a touchy subject for us. So, it was great to find a church that we both loved and that we felt so welcomed and at home with.

All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better weekend! And it was great to dispel my "no fun" thought on being pregnant for a few days.

23 Week Comparison

I almost thought about not posting this 23 week comparison for a couple of reasons.
1. The number of comments I've gotten from people at how big I look. They usually follow it up with, "it's just your belly, not you" but what girl wants to hear how huge they are? Um, NO ONE! I kid you not about a week ago I was at a memorial service for a friend's mom that passed and a woman asked me my due date. When I told her, she said "Oh my goodness! Are you pregnant with twins?" Not only did I have to hold my hand back from slapping her upside her head, but I felt like crap the rest of the time.

2. My stomach really is bigger this time around. I know that your second pregnancy this usually happens because your muscles have been stretched before, but I really am starting to wonder if I'm going to give birth to a toddler.

3. There is nothing cute, sexy, beautiful, or charming about the comparisons.

So, why am I posting it then? Well, I'm sure there is going to be one day that I look back and want to see it and remember how awesome it was being pregnant.

Me at 23 weeks this time around. Why this uploads my pictures sideways when I correct it before saving, beats me but you can't miss the belly :)

Me at 23 weeks last time around.