Belly Update

19wks 3days

I have been so bad at taking belly pictures this pregnancy. I was very diligent with my other two. I know I'll regret it when I'm done! It just seems these days that I'm living in what I like to call survival mode. I can definitely say that I am not one of those women who feel their best when they are pregnant, but that'd be nice! This third one has really been an experience I'd like to never have to go through for the rest of my life. I know the end result will be so wonderfully worth it.

When I got pregnant, I knew I'd start feeling yucky at six weeks. I figured I'd just push through and live my day to day life and get through it. Well, don't we all love to plan, and then see what reality has in mind for us! I didn't know that it was humanly possible to feel so emotionally, physically, and mentally tried. I've never lived in such a moment by moment type of time. I woke up each morning looking forward to bedtime, not that that brought much relief, at least I was able to sort of sleep through some of the misery.

I had to learn to rely heavily on family. Mike was in his last semester of his MBA program, therefore he was gone lots. My parents and Jamie and Tucker were actual life savers. My kids were taken care of, my house was taken care of, my laundry was taken care of. All I had to do was worry about myself, and even that felt too hard. I cannot even fathom having my kids around full time during that process. Making them chocolate milk in the mornings was about enough to make me run to the bathroom. I actually felt mean for making it cause I couldn't imagine a human being thinking that it sounded good!

I feel more than grateful to be over that hump. I have to remind myself on days that I feel extra gross, that it's nothing compared to what it was! We get to find out Wednesday what we are having. I finally feel excited to know. This pregnancy has just felt so different in a million different ways. I think for the first while it was really hard for me to connect that I was feeling the way I was because a human being was growing inside of me! Now that I can feel the movement and can, for the most part, eat food pretty normal, I feel excited to know who is inside of me!

These Two

He likes watching her play PBS Kids on the computer
At Chili's waiting to be seated

I have really been enjoying watching Lyric and Paxton's relationship lately. They are becoming good friends. Lyric does a great job at assuming the role as the big sister. Most often, Paxton is okay with that, other times he'll let her know his thoughts with a nice whack to the back of her head with his toy hammer. With the good has to come the bad!

They love watching "Fresh Beat Band" together and singing and dancing to every song. They love to play baby and mommy together. And if we ever have a hard time understanding what Paxton is saying, chances are Lyric can translate for us!

Sneaky Skates

Lyric got a pair of skates for her birthday, and Paxton has insisted that they are his! He walks around saying, "my skates," knowing that it'll get the reaction he's looking for out of his sister. It works like a charm every time :) She is very nice and often obliges when he asks to wear them.

I've also had it weighing heavily on my mind to have him potty trained by the time the baby gets here. He understands the concept, it's just that he actually finds pleasure peeing in spots he's not supposed to. The walls, shoes, the carpet, and most recently called me into their room to show me he had peed in Lyric's empty toy box. I need to push through and just get it done. He loves wearing underwear, and I have to say I think his little butt looks so cute in them!

Christmas Sunday

Dec. 20:

We had to do our traditional pictures with the kids in their cute matching outfits after church. They looked so cute this year, as they do every year! My mom always does such a perfect job getting all of their outfits put together so meticulously! They are always so excited to wear their new Christmas outfits, I can't just say dresses cause there is one little boy in the mix!

Ward Party

Dec. 11:

I took the kids to our ward's Christmas party. They had lots of fun. The primary sang a few cute songs. The kids were also able to sit on Santa's lap. Lyric was all for, and Paxton wasn't so sure. He wasn't scared, just a little weirded out I think! Of course when asked what he wanted, his response was candy! Lyric named off her list of barbies, doll houses, and everything else!

First Haircut!

Dec. 11:

At almost 2 1/2, we finally decided to get Paxton's hair trimmed. I say trim, cause we probably only took like an inch off! It just needed some of the baby hair ends taken off. When we wash his hair it goes at least half way down his back! It's obviously not that long when it's dry. I took him in to get it done, because there was no way I was attempting that one on my own!

He was a little hesitant at first, but did pretty good. By the end he was very excited that he had just gotten a hair cut. I am just not ready to part with his curls yet. They make him who he is! I cannot imagine him with short hair. Who knows, maybe his curls will go away one of these days, but until then, I'm keeping them! It's funny because whenever I see an older teenage boy with curly hair, I want to ask him his feelings on having curly hair. Does he hate it, does he love it, did he get made fun of for it? I feel this extra little connection because of Paxton. I love his curly reddish hair, but I'm sure mean kids will find a way to tease him!