Happy 5th Birthday, Noelle!

Happy 5th birthday to my first baby!

one last picture with my 4 year old!

It has been so fun watching you grow in to the little girl that you are. I know that in the last few months that I've begged you to stay 4, but I know the next year will be so good for you! Loving on your sister, starting kindergarten, telling Jonah what preschool will be like- it will be a year full of good changes.

You love My Little Pony, Octonauts, Littlest Pet Shop, and a variety of other shows that you watch on your little tablet. Which you almost always fast forward through because you can.  You love being read to, and one of our current favorites to read together are the Sophie Mouse books. Our current summer goal is to read 100 different books, with the reward of frozen yogurt. (An Ellie favorite!)

You love cheese (and only cheese!) pizza, peanut butter sandwiches, turkey meat, yogurt, oatmeal, and chips. Your sweet tooth is not as strong as mommy's, but you did eat three cupcakes on your birthday yesterday!

You play a lot of pretend with Jonah- managing a store, restaurant, Care Bear as your baby, and putting on shows. You don't seem to have a fear of being on stage as you had no problem being up on front of people at your Pre-K graduation and end of Sunday School presentation. You still are not a fan of being outside, especially of it's too hot or too cold, but you do enjoy a trip to the playground. One of your favorite things to do is go to the mall. You're all about the carousel and getting Chick Fil A for lunch. And spending any money that you've been given- my little shopper!

You try to avoid bedtime regularly by coming into my room and telling me you miss me. And your current bedtime prayer every night is "thank you that mommy and daddy had the baby." You're still all about wearing dresses, and thanks to one of your best friends, Sophie, we are well stocked for awhile.

You're very insistent that your name is Ellie, but you've told me that I'm allowed to call you Noelle during the Christmas season. You're recognizing a few words here and there when we read books, and you amaze me with all the things you learn from Sunday School, and even from the t.v. shows you watch.

We love you so much, and continue to pray that you will love Jesus above all else!

Happy Birthday, Noelle!

Clara's First Week

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19

This verse is so how I feel about the first week of Clara's life. There have been so many precious things that I want to remember and treasure in my heart. Out of all our kids, this has been the easiest transition with a newborn, and I'm praying that it's part of her personality, and will continue to be this way! And maybe it's also because this isn't our first time, and because I've longed for these newborn days for awhile.

In the hospital, Clara really only cried if she was hungry or wanted some extra attention. She didn't always take to nursing, but even if she fussed through that, she would fall asleep in my arms, and I would just stare at her while she slept. I stayed awake with her for a few hours the first night with her just laying on my lap. It was precious and sweet just staring in my brand new baby girl, thanking God for the opportunity to be her mama. The second night, Luke stayed up for a bit holding her so that I could get some sleep, and seeing Luke love on his daughter is a sight to cherish.

When my parents brought Noelle and Jonah to visit after church on Sunday, they had on their Big Sister/Promoted to Big Brother shirts. The first thing Noelle said was that she was right- the baby was a girl! She absolutely loves that she was right about getting a sister. Someone from our church told me that when Jonah was dropped off for nursery that morning, he exclaimed to the whole nursery that he had a new sister. When my sister and her husband got to to the hospital, Jonah proudly pointed to Clara and told them that she is our baby. So much sibling love!

On Thursday we were visited by one of our pastors just to check in and make sure that everything was going well. And then he prayed over Clara that she would continue to grow, and come to love Jesus as her Savior. It made my mama heart feel so loved and blessed by our church. We've already received a few meals, and will continue to receive them for another two weeks from friends at church, and then my local MOPS group will provide meals for a couple of weeks. The generosity of friends is felt and SO appreciated!

Everything is certainly not sunshine and roses- I'm struggling with this post baby body even though at the same time, I realize that it just grew my little Clara girl, and that is such a miracle to me! She still fights breastfeeding at times, and I told Luke that it feels like she's rejecting me. I know it's because the bottle is easier, and I'm just happy that she's getting some breast milk, but still, I want my baby to be happy and satisfied. I'm hoping breastfeeding is a more positive experience overall this time (and so far it is!)

We're so thankful that she's growing, and sleeping so well. I love how she sticks her little lips out when she's done eating, and sticks her chin out as she stretches. I love when I lay her on my shoulder to burp her and she scrunches her little body up like she probably was in the womb. So many tender things that fly by in the newborn stage!

We love our little Clara! Happy one week, sweet girl!

Clara Irene

Clara Irene joined our family at 6:33 p.m. on June 24th! She weighed 5 pounds 10 ounces and was 18 3/4 inches long. We are all smitten with our baby girl, and adjusting to life with THREE babies!

Noelle is so excited that she gets a little sister, and will often ask if she can just sit and watch the baby. And Jonah's little voice telling people that this is our baby, and calling her baby Clara is so incredibly sweet. I love seeing them in the roll of big sister (again) and big brother.

The journey it took to get to this point has just made me extra aware and grateful for what we've been given. Every single baby is such a huge blessing, and my heart it so full knowing that Clara was God's plan for us all along. Even though I struggled with the emotions of infertility and trusting God, this is exactly what He wanted for us. It's certainly not the journey I would have chosen, but in His grace, He knew exactly what we needed to go through.

So far (5 days in) this has been our easiest transition with a newborn. We are SO thankful for how everything is going. Even in the hospital, she only fussed if she was hungry, or if she just wanted to be cuddled a bit. She's fought nursing here and there, and like we planned, we're supplementing with formula. But each day she's definitely getting better about nursing, and I'm pumping to keep up my supply. At her first pediatric appointment yesterday the doctor was pleased with her two ounce weight gain (up to 5 pounds 5 ounces), and how she looked overall. We're tired of course, but overall, she's already sleeping better than Jonah was at six months (#problemchild). I know that things can, and most likely will, get more difficult, but for now we're just soaking it up!

all the cousins!

Five Things

We've been keeping ourselves busy as we await the arrival of baby W! Some days I get through the day without thinking too much about it, but the closer we get, the more I dwell on how it really could be any moment. Like our due date is now 4 days away. Thankfully, this is the most physically comfortable I've been at the end of a pregnancy, which I think helps me a lot with not feeling as impatient. I've been able to walk in the mornings, and moving my body is so important to me and makes me feel so much better overall. With the other two I could hardly move at this point because of back pain (Noelle) or ankle pain (Jonah), so I'm thankful to be able to take one day at a time and move my body still!

one.

This past Wednesday was our first one without Holden. Mostly it was because I had kindergarten testing for Noelle and didn't want to worry about having both boys with me. But it worked out well because Jonah was a disaster all day on Wednesday and even with God's grace, I was still pretty cranky about it. (#truth) BUT usually we love having Holden be a part of our days- even Noelle and Jonah get excited to see him in the mornings he's here. And of course he fits right into our day, running errands and hanging out together. 

two.
Last Friday we met up with a few friends at a conservancy nearby to wander around saying hi to the goats, playing on the natural playground, visiting the little science center, and enjoying a picnic lunch together. It was fun for the kids, and I enjoyed being able to connect with some mama friends I hadn't really talked with in awhile. It's amazing how quickly over two hours can fly by when everyone is having fun!

three.
My sister. She is an amazing photographer, and kept asking me when we were going to do a maternity shoot. I knew I really wanted to do one, so last Saturday when she texted me asking if we wanted to meet up with her that afternoon, I said let's do it! I know Luke hates doing pictures, but thankfully he also knows how important they are to me. We brought candy to bribe the children and met my sister at the entrance of an area in nature mostly reserved for hunters, which also just so happens to be right between where we live (which when you're 5 minutes away from each other to begin with makes it extra easy.) Jonah was not super cooperative, but that lead to one of the best pictures! I want to do a post with all of them just have them somewhere all together. I LOVE THEM! And I know I'll cherish them because pregnancy is such a unique and brief time that I love and enjoy overall! I will miss this baby belly!

And just to compare from the maternity pictures when I was pregnant with Jonah- clearly there is some hesitation about welcoming a new member. :)

four.
Father's day 2017. I took 0 pictures that day. But it was busy and full, and I was hot, sweaty, and swollen, so I figure it's all good. We met up with our families and my sister's in-laws at the local park where we met up last year. Luke grilled us some delicious meat, and we had all sorts of yummy sides. Noelle and Jonah were covered in dirt by the end, and would have stayed longer if they could have. Luke and I were definitely thankful to come home to a cool house and put up our feet after the kids were bathed.

I love seeing Luke as a dad, and I so appreciate that he has way more patience than me! I'm looking forward to seeing him snuggle a newborn again. :)

five.
We celebrated our NINTH anniversary this past Wednesday! Poor Luke worked from home on Tuesday and Wednesday because he wasn't feeling great and hadn't been sleeping well, but it was nice to have him there. After my rough day with Jonah that day, I was ready to get out of the house and away for a bit, so thankfully Aunt Lyd came to watch the littles. Since Luke wasn't feeling great, we decided to keep it super low-key and went to Panera for dinner, and then grabbed ice cream from Twin Kiss to eat as we walked around the path of a local park. We didn't make it far before it started raining, but it was so good to be together just the two of us!

Some Recent Happenings

We've been busy and I've been tired, so I haven't been keeping track of life as well. But I just ordered my 2016 blog book, and it was my reminder to keep at it so we can remember all the fun, little things we do!

Memorial Day weekend included a cookout on Sunday at my parent's house, where Luke and Jason shot little rockets out into the yard, and Noelle and Jonah would go chase them down. It was hilarious, and actually got Noelle to move! On Monday, we went to a local parade, and then to Luke's parent's house for a cookout. Weekends that are long and filled with family are the BEST!

We had a teeny tiny birthday party for Noelle on June 3rd. I really wanted to give her a birthday party for turning 5, but I also wanted to make sure it happened with no chance of baby disrupting plans. She chose 5 girlfriends to invite, we sent out My Little Pony invites, did Pin the Tail on the horse, a My Little Pony pinata, and had cake and ice cream. And of course opening presents was a big highlight. She told me it was the best day ever, so I think that means it was a success!

We finally got the crib put together and the nursery set up. We've collected most of our dispersed baby items, including the bassinet, which Noelle and Jonah turned into a little bunk bed. I've washed a few baby clothes, packed a bag for the baby and the big kids, and even though there are probably a million more things I should do (like pack my own hospital bag), I'm feeling pretty relaxed about it all (that could completely change in 12 hours!)

Luke and I were able to attend the wedding of my best friend from high school this past weekend. It was fun to have some time just the two of us, watch Lauren get married, and catch up with a few people I haven't seen since high school. And I also met the girl who would have been one of my roommates if I had gone to Messiah College with Lauren as planned. It was a fun celebration, and I do really love being able to witness my friends begin married life! It's the best! Plus we're a little over a week away from our 9th anniversary, which makes June weddings all the more special. :)

Preschool Graduation

We officially have a preschool graduate! I know, not really a big deal, but still a big milestone when watching your babies grow up. For me, it's one of those moments of thinking "how has time passed so quickly?!?" She loved both years at the school, and it's been so fun watching her grow and change and learn. I enjoyed the few times I volunteered in her classroom, seeing her interact with her teachers and friends.

Yesterday we headed to the school one last time (for her at least- Jonah will be starting 3's next year!), and after grabbing seats in the chapel, I walked her down to her classroom. Nana and Grandpa joined the fun and brought Holden. And of course, as soon as they asked the parents to sing "Jesus Loves Me" as the kids walked in, the tears started. (I partially blame pregnancy, and partially the very little sleep I've been getting for all the emotions!)

The three classes of four year olds filed in, and then sang a bunch of songs for all the parents. Noelle had a part in the Alphabet Rock song (aka she held up the letter A as they were singing.) It was adorable and hilarious, and Noelle really seemed to be into the being onstage in front of an audience. Whenever the piano music started for a song, she would start dancing around, and then when the parents clapped after each song, she would do a little curtsy (even while sitting.)

After all the songs were sung, the teacher for each class called the children individually to hand them their diplomas. Noelle's class was the last class to go, and with her W last name, was the last child to walk down the aisle with her diploma. My friend was sitting in an aisle seat and got a good shot of her.

We all headed down to her classroom, where she ate ice cream with her friends, and then we headed out to Twin Kiss for ice cream with my parents (lucky girl!) I love watching her grow, but I truly can't believe I'll have a child in elementary school next year!

35 Weeks and Nesting

Only five-ish weeks to go until our little one arrives! I keep seeing a meme going around Instagram about how every month has about 30 days, except the last month of pregnancy, which has 1,465 days. I'm so torn between feeling ready to meet our newest babe and holding him or her in my arms, but also wanting to cherish being pregnant. All three pregnancies I've loved being pregnant (not every moment, of course), and this is the last time I'll get to experience the kicks and rolls, seeing our baby on a sonogram, growing a nice round belly, and learning to trust God in the day to day of growing a tiny human.

We had our second growth ultrasound at the perinatologist last Friday, and baby had jumped up to the 18th percentile! This is such an answer to prayer, and I think even the doctor was surprised by the growth. She suggested I get another growth sono before baby comes, which she said I could do there, or at my OB's office. I'm hoping to talk about it with my OB at my appointment next week to see what they say. And I'm hoping to not have to go back to the perinatologist because those sonos we have to pay for (like $400 a pop!) And weekly appointments will start next week!

I'm definitely getting into nesting mode, although we've done pretty much nothing in the baby's room. The crib is still in pieces, we don't have any of the baby items we've lent out to people (bassinet, stroller attachment for carseat, our swing), and I haven't washed a single thing. But I did start texting those who have borrowed stuff, I bought the baby detergent yesterday and had Luke pull out our boxes of newborn boy and girl clothing (which I gushed over all the tiny pieces I started pulling out!), we got a new infant carseat, and we bought a "new" loft bed to put in Noelle and Jonah's room.

We found a Kura loft bed on craigslist and just need to get a twin sized mattress for Jonah to put on the bottom  portion of the bed. The littles both love it, and so far Noelle hasn't had any issues with climbing up and down, even in the middle of the night. It saves us some space in their already tiny room, and someday the baby and older sister or brother can share it.

Last night when we were putting the kids to bed, Noelle looked at me and said "I just can't stop thinking about the baby and if it's a girl. And I'll miss you mommy! I can't sleep!" The missing me thing is something she says pretty much every night, which is adorable, but also completely a delay tactic. And I'm really hoping she's not disappointed if she gets another brother!