Due date.

  Happy due date, Tyler! We had another great appointment with week- Tyler is growing crazy fast. He's gained 9oz in the last six days and is doing so well, we don't need to see the dr. again until February! At two weeks old, our littlest guy is very easy going, hardly cries, has slept up to 6 hours at night, puts up with all his big brother's craziness, sleeps in his crib at night, and is still swimming in newborn clothes {being 6lb 14oz will do that!}. 
  It's hard to imagine life without him already. He fits so seamlessly into our days and goes perfectly with the flow. In true second child fashion, we don't have as much time for snuggles or long nursing sessions. He eats crazy fast {10 minutes is a marathon for him} and is perfectly content to sleep in his crib, the mamaRoo, or wait for cuddles until big brother is asleep. 
  Oddly enough, I'm sort of emotional about today being my due date. Tyler is here and he's pretty perfect for our family! I think all my emotions stem from knowing this could be our last newborn, I may have finished my last pregnancy, and these days really are fleeting. Oh, and the hormones could be impacting all of this. And by could, I mean they definitely are. We're on the fence when it comes to whether or not we'll add any more kiddos to our family, either by adoption or biologically, and I'm pretty ok with that unknown. It is still seems extra important to soak up this newborn phase, the newness that comes with an infant, and just this really unique phase of life with two under two. 

Ps. Don't forget about this fun Christmas giveaway! 

Tyler's {birth} story.

   I really wanted to write this out before too much time passes and the details become fuzzy. Birth stories seem intensely personal to me and I want to be able to recall or read the stories of first meeting my boys years from now when they're older. Unedited, personal stories are my favorite and I don't want to forget any of the big and little things that marked the moment I met my youngest son!

{Read more after the break} 

37 weeks. {round two}

  

This is officially the longest I've ever been pregnant! Ha. Isn't that ridiculous? I'm technically not even full-term {I think I would be considered early term?}. Since this is still a really normal amount of time to carry a baby and I'm not even really close to my due date, I think it is bananas that I've been carrying this kiddo longer than I did Caleb. He was born at 37 weeks to the hour. But here we are! I'm still fully prepping myself to go a bit late and I'm feeling great about it.

  When we found out we were having a December baby, I was pretty bummed. I just dislike the idea of this kiddo having his birthday clumped with Christmas every year. While I still think that stinks and will probably try hard every year to avoid that very thing, now I'm loving the thought of a newborn during this holiday season. It's somehow making the holiday season so much fun and magical for me this year!
  On a more serious note? I learned that another sweet friend lost her baby last week. Of all the tragic things in life, I still hold to the thought that losing a baby or child is the worst. The most unnatural. It's not ok and I don't know how you heal from that, except for the grace of God. Life is so so bittersweet. A few weeks ago, I caught myself choking back a few tears as I watched Caleb poke and touch and scream excitedly at a friend's new little boy- it was so sweet to see our boys together. We had been talking about and dreaming of these days since college. But it was also really really bitter that there was one boy missing. All because his life was taken before it even really started. We'll always look at our boys together and know that the oldest was tragically taken too soon. It will probably sting less over time, as those things go. I've stopped trying to make meaning out of hard things in life, because things like a baby dying just aren't supposed to make sense on this side of heaven. Instead I'll keep choosing joy and celebrating with friends who find themselves in seasons of celebration and grieving with friends who have lost babies or marriages or seem to be waiting forever for their family to grow or to find healing for whatever really hard thing has been thrown their way. We just can't avoid either part- the bitterness or the sweetness of life- so we have to learn how to do them both together, right?
  On that really heavy note, I should probably end this post with some fun things! I'm to the super glamorous stage where my ankles swell like crazy if I stand for too long and I regularly forget how big my belly is until I try to bend and remember a literal human is blocking me from doing so. BUT! I can still paint my toes, put my shoes on, and shave my legs. So that's a win? And while I have a serious resolve to walk a lot in the next few weeks {I did a 5k the night before my water broke with Caleb}, I've also officially decided I'm in no hurry for this little guy to be born. I love these days with just Caleb and know that babies have a mind of their own, so come whenever you want little guy! 

34/35/36 weeks. {round two}

  It is crazy to think that if this pregnancy is anything like my last, I could be meeting this little boy in ONE WEEK (!!!!). What?? 
  We are actually really prepared for this little guy. His nursery is all set up, which wasn't the case with Caleb. We already have the pack n play upstairs for naps and the MamaRoo together and the carseat base in the car- having a baby visit us last week gave us an excuse to get it all ready. But despite being tangibly more ready for this kid, I think that I'm feeling less prepared. I didn't have any anxiety or fears about having my first baby and Caleb ended up being so easy. No sleepless nights or endless crying or any real 'newborn fog'. It was just really easy to transition to life with a newborn, and I know so much of that was luck of the draw. Two under two though? I think I'm feeling a little frazzled about it. I have no idea what to expect! What are the chances we'll end up with such an easy baby again? And now I have to split my time between a very busy toddler and a newborn, so those long days of snuggling and Netflix marathons and plenty of time to cook and clean just won't exist. Which is ok! But phew. I'm starting to realize that these next couple of months may just be super crazy for me. Women have been doing it for hundreds of years though, right? I think that's what is keeping me from freaking out- knowing that I'm not the first or last to have two kids under two. Also, I just don't care if my house gets cleaned or I am able to shower every day. If both kids are fed, changed, and rested- I will call each day a success!

  Gah. Did that sound like word vomit? I guess I'm feeling super honest today. And if I'm being honest, I'm also super excited. At nearly 1 1/2, Caleb is a ton of fun. I can confidently say that I love him more today than when he was born. Which makes the thought of having a new little person that much more exciting. My heart can grow and it will! I will be so smitten with him at first, but even more so as time goes on. Knowing I have to capacity to love and to love deeper over time, that just makes being a mom awesome, you know? 
  We refer to this baby by name all the time, which we never did with Caleb. I was so worried Justin would change his mind and I'd have to unattach myself to his name, but this time around it just feels natural and we sort of settled on his name unexpectedly. Caleb knows where the baby's room is and says baby all of the time. He is fascinated by babies and tries to be really gentle with them. Which is adorable and hilarious at the same time.
  In other, less interesting news- I'm still feeling great pregnancy-wise. I was worried since I got big so fast that I would end up being miserable. But really, I hardly feel pregnant and have lots of energy still {until 8pm. Don't try to get me to do anything after that}. I'm waking up every day between 3-5am, just like last time. My belly button hasn't popped out {it never did last time}, and my varicose vein is INTENSE. My ankles and feet swell if I stand too long. So funny that those things were the exact same last time around. Our bodies are fascinating! Oh, and I bought some maxi pads and painted my toes this weekend. So basically, I'm all set to birth this baby! 

 ---------------------------------------------

35 weeks.

{I wrote this last week and never got around to taking a photo!}

  Phew! This is the official homestretch of meeting our newest baby boy. 35 weeks today and my dr has started me on weekly appointments since I went early with Caleb. How crazy is it that with C was only 2 weeks (to the HOUR) away from meeting him at this point?? Gah. I can't imagine this guy coming in two weeks and am still mentally prepping for him to come late.
  I'm also feeling so much less overwhelmed about our to-do list. My parents so graciously took Caleb overnight Friday  and ALL day Saturday, which gave Justin and me tons of time to just get stuff done. We deep cleaned our bedroom (thing HUGE closet purging) and garage, hung the last nursery things, baby proofed some cabinets, and finished a billion loads of laundry. We were even able to sneak in a free date night on Friday (gotta love gift cards!) which was all sorts of amazing. And just like that, we are far more prepared for this baby than we were when Caleb arrived!
  I'm sort of in love with this baby's nursery. I need to drum up a few more pieces to put on his shelves, but I'm in no hurry for those. We moved the glider from Caleb's room to the nursery over the weekend and I just can't even imagine the hours I'll log nursing or feeding this little guy. And how different it will be this time around!
  Let's talk about that. Caleb was pretty sick last week and I had a few moments of 'holy crap. Why did I ever think it was a good idea to have two under two??". Caleb's newborn days were slow and quiet and simple and I just know that it can't be the same with this one. Our days will be a bit more hectic, since there's a toddler running around. I'm already giving myself lots of grace and letting go of any expectations- it won't be the same as it was with my first baby. And that's ok. Remind me of that when I inevitably feel overwhelmed or guilty in those first few weeks!

---------------------------------------------

34 weeks.

{I wrote this last week and never got around to taking a photo!}

  Will this be the month we meet this little guy? Or will he come late? The suspense is killing me. Justin is confident he'll come early, just like Caleb. I'm just mentally preparing to be induced on December 19th and letting anything that happens before that be a complete surprise! I never got to a point in my last pregnancy that I was just done with being pregnant and feeling miserable, so I want to try to keep it that way this time too. Just easier for everyone, right?
  So. The nursery. It would be done by now, except that on Saturday I decided (while Justin was golfing and Caleb had 20 minutes left in his nap left) to start painting it. Really smart, right? Currently, 1/5 of it has one coat and that's as far as I've gotten. I had no plans to paint it because it's such a neutral off white/beige-y color that has been there since we moved in. And then we put the white crib and gray dresser and yellow curtains and it just started looking peach-y to me. Gross. And I happened to still have some paint leftover from our bathroom makeover and all the paint supplies I needed...so I started painting. Stay tuned! It has to be finished eventually, right?
  We've had a little glimpse into what nights with a newborn will look like again. {Isn't it crazy how you sort of forget those things?} Caleb's been really sick since Saturday night and has been up off and on all night fighting his fever. So sad, but great practice for me sleeping on edge and functioning on little sleep!

33 weeks. {round two}

  I've found myself daydreaming about this little guy so much lately. Will he look just like Caleb- blonde hair, blue eyes, little dimples, so tiny? Or will he look more like me than Justin? Brown hair and brown eyes? With a first baby, you have no idea or expectations. But this time around I find myself just imagining another little Caleb, since it's all I know. Will he be an amazing sleeper and hardly cry like Caleb? {I'm doubting that one} Or will he be a bit more motivated and adventurous? So many unknowns that I'm excited to discover. 
  And I find myself feeling extra ready for Christmas this year. It's still in the mid-70's around here, which is great. But I'm not dreading cooler weather and could be easily persuaded to put my Christmas tree up right now, even though Halloween hasn't even happened. My doctor assured me last week that we can induce the weekend before Christmas if this little guy still hasn't arrived {6 days after my due date} and I won't have to have a legit holiday baby. No matter what, we'll have a baby by Christmas! And that just makes me so happy.
  This stuff is just for me, so I can look back and remember these little details: baby boy has started having hiccups all day long, just like Caleb did! For the longest time, I only felt this guy below my belly button. Really, really low, like just above my pubic bone. But now he's stretching and growing and all up in my ribs. He's pretty active during the day and not so much at night, just like Caleb was. Which makes me wonder if he'll know the difference between night and day from the beginning, too! {I know, I keep comparing them. Second child problems?} In some ways, this pregnancy is the same as my last. But in others, so different. I feel more pregnant. I've been less healthy {running is so hard to squeeze in!}. I've gotten bigger so much faster. But my weight is the same and I forget that I'm pregnant and can still do as much as I was pre-baby. So hopefully it all evens out!

Ps. 33 weeks with Caleb. 

32 weeks. {round two}

  We have a name {first and middle!}, crib set up, dresser almost painted, and double stroller ready! All of the sudden, we're more prepared {with stuff, at least} for this guy than we were when Caleb arrived. We finally got rid of our guest bed and as sad as it was to basically throw it away, it was so nice to start doing things in the new nursery. I have been a non-stop get-stuff-done machine since then! We're keeping the whole room simple and not doing too much, but just clearing out the closest and moving things to the newly organized attic and getting our old dresser painted feels good. Our weekends and evenings from now until my due date have filled up crazy fast and I was getting a bit overwhelmed at the thought of crossing all of our must-do's off the list. Not anymore!
  Can we talk about how emotional I am these days? Caleb and I drove to MI last week to spend a few days with Lauren and Mark and to finally meet baby Davy, who I've just prayed so much for. On the drive home, I just thought about how good God is. In hard seasons and in seasons of abundance. It's so bittersweet that one of my closest friends is also a boy mom of two, and that only 3 of our boys will grow up together. But our boys get to grow up together! Seeing Caleb with Davy was so much fun {even though I worried he would crush him because 'gentle' is not in his vocabulary yet...} and I can't wait to add another to our mix!
  And then there are those ladies in that picture. I showed up to Cooking Club last night and they surprised me with gifts and cupcakes and so much excitement for this new little baby.  We are far from a perfect group of friends and we probably fumble around a little as we navigate the different parts of life together, but we don't give up. Babies and marriages and new houses and miscarriages and infertillity and challenges at work- we all have different things going on. And we all try hard to walk through those things together. I will never, ever be able to say how sweetly God answered my prayers when he landed me in this group 2.5 years ago. I'm so unsure about how life as a stay at home mom with two under two will look like, but knowing I have these girls around makes me so much more confident about it.
  Here's to 8 {or less?} weeks until we meet our little guy!

Ps. 32 weeks with Caleb!                                 

30 weeks. {round two}

 We're going to have a newborn baby in the house soon {ish}! I think it's really, really hitting me and I'm getting so excited. It seems like a lot of newborns keep popping up on my favorite blogs and in my instagram feed and I love it. I see those new, squishy babes and it feels right that we'll have one in our arms soon. I don't quite know how to explain it, but I'm just so excited. I'm sure most second time moms wonder how they'll have room in their heart to love another kiddo as much as their first or just how it all works out, but I think I can feel my heart shifting already. This little boy isn't just an idea or hope, but a growing baby that we're so in love with and attached to and excited to meet. I can't wait!
  But still, time slow down!!! This pregnancy just keeps flying by and I find myself trying to hold on to each day with Caleb and Justin just as our life is right now. Justin was gone over the weekend and I was super intentional about my time with Caleb. We kept so busy and had so much fun together. He's going to be an awesome big brother {we're practicing being gentle around babies!}, but I also want to bottle this up. Only children have such special time with their parents, and I'm not taking that for granted. Gah, I'm sappy these days.
  As far as this pregnancy goes? Not too many complaints! I still can't eat real chicken {though I have been able to stomach Chick Fil A nuggs!} and love red meat, but mostly don't eat real meals because I forget or don't want to bother with it. So different than my last pregnancy! I really, really wish I was able to run like I did with Caleb. But between not having a jogging stroller and you know, bladder challenges, its just not happening. I'm hoping that after this guy comes, I'll be able to get back into running for real. I miss it! But I'm trying to walk a few miles every day or so and stay as active as possible. I credit that for my easy labor/delivery/recovery with Caleb and want the same this time around, if I can help it. Other than all of that, I truly forget I'm pregnant most of the day. Chasing Caleb keeps me so busy that I don't remember until I'm so hungry I can't stand it or I try to bend over too much and have a big bump in my way!

Bella Gravida.

I participated in a Blog Blast Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Bella Gravida. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation

Hi! Just wanted to pop in with a fun find that I wanted to share. You may not be pregnant yourself, but you probably know someone that is or can tuck this away for yourself!

First of all, I should say I'm just not a shopper. I'm cheap and especially have a hard time buying pieces that I know I'll only wear for a short time. Most of my clothes are either hand-me-downs (thanks, sisters!) or one of the 3 staple pieces I wear over and over. Not super exciting, especially when we have events like weddings, showers, etc. 

That’s where Bella Gravida comes in.  Sort of like the other rental programs that are trendy right now, but for maternity clothing AND nursing-friendly outfits.  It just launched this month and has so many great pieces to choose from! So you can still wear gorgeous pieces that make you feel great (um, yes. This is a must when pregnant!) but with a better price tag since you're only renting.

A little more about Bella Gravida (which means “beautifully pregnant” in Italian- how fun is that??):

• For a flat monthly fee, you get access to a revolving closet of thousands of designer maternity and nursing outfits with free shipping and unlimited exchanges.
• They offer styles in six categories, Classic, Modern Trendy, Romantic, Bohemian, Dramatic, and Southern Chic
• No return deadlines and unlimited exchanges
• Includes laundry service
• Monthly pricing plans start at $39 per month for 1 garment at a time, $59 for 2, $79 for 3, $99 for 5, or $119 for 7.
• They have a ton of great maternity designers, including styles worn by one of my fashion crushes: Kate Middleton!

Learn more about Bella Gravida// Website// Facebook// Twitter

29 weeks. {round two}

 The thing about second pregnancies and babies {and I'm guessing third and fourth, etc} is that they sort of get lost in the shuffle. Unintentionally, of course. But when you're pregnant for the first time around, you are able to think about the baby all the time. Becoming a parent is at the top of your mind and the topic of a lot of your conversations. So much excitement and celebration happens throughout that first pregnancy.

  The second time around, you already are a parent. You're busy and it's harder to take time to think, dream about, and celebrate the newest little one. Maybe that's why I feel like this pregnancy has flown by in every way? 

  Of course, all the little kicks and rolls and undeniable symptoms remind me of this little guy all the time. But I'm sort of alone in that, no one else feels those things. I find myself dreaming of who is going to be and how our family will grow in the best ways once he comes all the time. But those are pretty private things, or just between Justin and me.

  So it was extra special when, this past Friday, some of my closest friends and family got together just to celebrate our newest little boy. My sisters planned the get together at one of my favorite local places {if you're local, you must try it out!} and invited a small handful of ladies. The table was set beautifully {thanks for the flowers, mom!} and the menu was perfect {I'm a sucker for charcuterie and delicious desserts}. But mostly, it was just special to take a couple hours out of life, step away from chasing my toddler and cleaning the house {my life on repeat these days} and just focus on this new little life with people I love. I think I've mentioned before that this pregnancy has been a little isolating. But laughing and dreaming about this little guy with these ladies reminded me how supported our family is and how loved this baby is, before he's even here. I remember talking with Justin at one point during grad school about how I so wanted close girlfriends who lived nearby and a genuine community of people to do life with. He encouraged me to start praying specifically for that and now, 4 years later, that's exactly what God has given me and it's so sweet. 
  Saturday Justin and I were able to get away for the day and pick up the new crib. It was really nice to be alone together for an entire day sans toddler and talk about life and the future. We're not oblivious to the fact that having two kids under two will be crazy and we sort of feel like we're gearing up for that by taking advantage of all these quiet moments we can get.
  So, it was a great weekend. We celebrated our new little guy and stocked up on lots of diapers and sweet outfits. And, thanks to some really generous gifts from family and friends, we bought his new crib and a really, really special sign that I can't wait to hang in his nursery. I can't wait to get started on the room!

28 weeks. {round two}

  Oddly enough, I'm feeling really great these days as I start my third trimester. Probably better and more energetic than I felt all of the second trimester. No complaints! We travelled to New Jersey over the weekend, and while flying with a one year old is exhausting, it was such a an easy trip. I feel like my body has finally figured out this pregnancy and I just feel good. It was so fun to meet our newest niece and take one last trip as a family of three. Both sides of our families have grown so fast over the last few years and making time to spend with our siblings, nieces, and nephews has been more important than ever to us. We already have a trip to Destin on the calendar to see more of Justin's brothers and cousins this Spring, which is extra exciting since we're sitting out holidays this year and we'll have this new little guy with us!
  Another awesome part of the trip? Seeing Caleb with a baby! He is {mostly} so gentle and curious, but not really jealous. That could completely change when that baby sticks around for me than three days, but it made us so excited to see him become a big brother. And we were reminded how simple life with a newborn can be {you can literally lay them on the couch and not worry about them falling or having to entertain them while you cook supper}. So that has us feeling a little more confident about this whole 2 under 2 thing.
  And on a personal note, I'm getting to that sentimental part of pregnancy. The part where I'm super thankful for this quiet time I have to know and keep this baby to myself. In a few months, he'll be a part of so many people's lives, but right now I'm the only one who knows his kicks and how he's growing and what wakes him up each day. That's such a sweet, sweet thing that I'm not taking for granted. Being a mom and being able to carry a baby is so unique and amazing!

27 weeks {round two} and a bit about adoption.

  

  Well hello there, third trimester! It is so crazy that I just said that... Time is absolutely, 100% flying with this pregnancy. And we finally have some plans to get some furniture for this little guy! And maybe even a name! I've even started thinking about his simple nursery and making a wish list of things I want to fill his space with {you can see it here!}. We're keeping his room really low key and I'm going even more neutral than Caleb's nursery- navys, grays, yellows. And I have my eye on these two pieces to hang on the wall, but I'm not sure I want to be that spendy. I just love the scripture sign and have loved that Etsy shop forever. We'll see!
  This little guy is such a mover lately. He doesn't move all the time, but when he does I can definitely feel it. He is so much stronger than I remember Caleb being! And I think he might be bigger? I can't tell how big he is, but my belly right now {at 27 weeks} is legitimately as big as it was when I was full term with Caleb. I still haven't gained much, probably the same rate as I did with Caleb. But man, is my body so different this time around.
  We're getting to the point that I'm so so curious about this little guy. I can't wait {well, I can. We have lots to do!} to hold him and see what he looks like and learn his little personality. The whole baby part of it all is seeming more and more real as we get closer to full term {9 weeks!!!!!!!!!!}. We had Caleb's 15 month check-up today and his pediatrician said the next time she's sees me, she bets it'll be in hospital for our new little guy! Which is ironic, since I scheduled Caleb's 18 month visit for my due date...

  Since this is our second, people ask us often if it will be our last or if we'd like to have more kids. Honest answer? We're split. I've always felt like I'd be a mom to lots of kids, Justin loves the idea of two. So truthfully, we have no idea. We're enjoying this pregnancy and this little guy before we start moving on to the next one in our minds {while praying God will align our hearts}.
  But we have talked about it hypothetically. If we did have more kids, we would seriously pray about adoption and if it is right for our family. This pregnancy has me thinking about adoption a lot, ironically. About how sweet a gift it is for a birth mom to give their baby the best life by choosing adoption. And how amazing it is for adoptive families to make such an amazing difference in a kiddo's life!
  I'm getting off track here. Where I was really going with all this is to say that this pregnancy has made me extra sensitive to adoption right now. The need for it, the blessing that come from it, and the beauty of the entire adoption process. To add to my pregnancy-driven and sensitive bend towards orphans right now, Noonday is partnering with AdoptTogether to gather communities across the country for #WorldAdoptionDay in support of adoptive families. It's pretty amazing. If you have 3 minutes {literally, its only 3 minutes long}, stop what you're doing right now and watch this video!

World Adoption Day! from Noonday Collection on Vimeo.

  Pretty awesome right? I'm so excited to be a part of Noonday and hopefully help some adoptive families raise money for their kiddo! Do you know an adoptive family or adoption agency? Are you adopting? Email me! {withasmileblog AT gmail DOT com} Like Jessica said in the video {seriously, watch it!}, let's bring those babies home!

On being prepared for #2. {a giveaway!}

  I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Chicco. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

  We're about 3 months away from having a newborn in the house again and that is starting to sink in for us. We have been talking a lot lately about what this baby might be like. Honestly? We're guessing he might be a little high maintenance. Caleb was the easiest baby from the moment he was born. He rarely cried, sleep like a dream, nursed perfectly, the who shebang. We really, really lucked out as first time parents and skipped the stressful things like sleepless nights, feeding troubles, and witching hours. 
  But we can't be so lucky the second time around, right? And that's ok! But I think the thought of having a baby even slightly less easy than Caleb has us wanting to be more prepared. Especially for things like feeding.
  I haven't really talked much about breastfeeding Caleb because I think it's extremely personal and I never want to be another aggressive voice added to the breast vs bottle vs formula argument. Feeding your baby is amazing, however you choose to do it! 
  That said, I lucked out with Caleb. He nursed perfectly from the very beginning and we never had any of the pain or struggles lots of moms talk about. When he was 4 weeks old, we gave him his first pumped bottle and he loved that, too. So, for his first 12 months, I nursed him and pumped pretty consistently {I had some irrational anxiety that I needed to build a big stockpile 'just in case', which was silly since I'm a stay at home mom and ended up having some 250oz frozen}. If I was around, we nursed. If I wasn't, he had a bottled of pumped milk. Around 11 months, he started biting me and hardly eating at all so we stopped nursing and started using our frozen stash exclusively, slowly mixing in whole milk until we transitioned completely at 12 months. 
  Anyways, I mentioned all of that because we really did luck out. It was awesome that Caleb easily took a bottle, any bottle, when I wasn't around. We never had to shop around for special slow flow ones or anything like that. We honestly just used whatever came with my breast pump or what had been gifted to us at my shower. 
  But all babies aren't the same! I want to be so much more prepared that this kiddo could come out a little picky or needing some more assistance with feeding. And that's why I so love the brand new Chicco NaturalFit. They're designed to meet the exact needs and grow with your baby over time- aka taking out all the guesswork for me! Bonus? They guaruntee you're baby will love them or you get your money back. Yes, please.
   Chicco is such a trusted brand, and so many moms I know and look up to use Chicco consistently for lots of their baby needs. And since I know pretty much zero about baby bottle needs, I love how Chicco NaturalFit breaks it down into stages for me: 

STAGE 1- NEWBORN FLOW:

• The nipple is uniquely shaped; it’s at an angle to help prevent gas bubbles and avoid colic. If you’ve ever had a colic-y baby, you know this is a super important feature.
• It also has two anti-colic valves that aid in reducing air ingestion, gas, and spit up. I’ve had a few projectile vomiting moments with babies I could have certainly done without.
• The angle is also wider than other bottles, helping your newborn with their newly learned latch, and allowing their little necks to stay safe in the right position.
• The bottles are available in both 5 oz. and 8 oz. sizes.

STAGE 2- ADJUSTABLE FLOW (SLOW, MEDIUM, or FAST):

• Because of the baby’s changing feeding styles, the angled nipple is no longer needed and a straight nipple replaces it.
• These bottles are used starting at about 4 months, when babies have better head and neck control, and typically, no more colic.
• The adjustable flow nipples allow Mom to find the best speed for feeding specific to her baby, and to accommodate to baby’s growing appetite.
• These bottles are available in 8 oz. sizes.

STAGE 3- FAST FLOW

• Used for older babies with stronger suction abilities.
• The base of the nipple is smaller and less rounded so baby is able to have a tighter lip connection with the bottle.
• As baby grows, their suction power becomes more efficient and therefore a longer nipple helps aid in the best swallowing patterns.
• These bottles are available in 11 oz. sizes with a fast flow nipple. You can also get Y-Cut nipples sold separately.

  Overall, we're feeling more prepared for this baby, at least as far as feeding goes! Having the Chicco NaturalFit gift set gives a great starting point for being able to grow with out little guy's needs- whatever they end up being! And you can win some for yourself!!  
*I-C will randomly select 18 winners from all tiered program entries and will handle fulfillment of the winning prizes.

Chicco Natural Fit Contest!

Chicco:: Website // Facebook // Twitter //

#ChiccoNaturalFit #IC #ad

26 weeks. {round two}

{I've sort of just accepted that every one of these little letters will have a typo or five...}

 Phew. Only 14ish weeks to go with this little guy on the inside. Maybe less if he's like his big brother? Truthfully I'm rooting for more of a Thanksgiving baby than a Christmas one, but we'll see!
  Some things about 26 weeks with this babe: he moves a lot, he's making me much less nauseous these days, he's low, I'm thinking he's a bit bigger than his brother was? Or at least I'm much bigger this time around..., still doesn't have a name {but we've given ourselves a Halloween deadline to choose one!}, still doesn't have a single nursery item {but we're scheduling an Ikea trip!}, is starting to collect some really adorable "Little Brother" onesies and pj's from some sweet friends and family.

  Justin and I kept looking at each other while at the lake over the weekend and saying how different next year will be. We'll have a little baby and a big toddler! And you better believe we soaked in every bit of rest and quiet that we could this year, since we know it's our last vacation before this little guy comes and we have to adopt a man-man defense strategy. So fun to spend these little 'lasts' with Caleb and really enjoy them. At the same time, it makes us really excited to meet this new baby and see how he fits into our little family!

24 weeks. {round two}

 

Let's talk about how much I love my new full length mirror {finally!} but am questioning how unflattering it is!

 I'm sure this will totally jinx it, but my nausea seems to be 98% gone! Hooray! I can't let myself get too hungry or it comes back. Other than that, I just have to eat real meals {go figure!} to keep it at bay and feel like a normal person. Thank you Jesus for protein bars, Subway, and a husband who constantly nags me to eat!
  We're slowly thinking of what we'll need for this little guy. Of course, we have all the basics since we just did this a year ago. But we also need some big things like nursery furniture {ikea to the rescue again!} and a double stroller. I've started a little BabyList to keep track of it all and help us prioritize it all {baby crap is pricey!!}. I'm pretty sad to lose our guest room and not be able to host out of town friends anymore, but its inevitable. We probably won't do tons decorate the space since we want to move soon-ish, but I'm eying a few cute decor pieces and rugs to still make it simple and cute. All that to say, if you want to come visit one last time before we pack up the guest bed- our door is open!
  And on a fun and super random note- I bought Caleb and the baby coordinating Christmas pj's last week and I'm all of the sudden so excited for the holidays! Add to that the PotteryBarn email I got today reminding me that I'll need another stocking this year and I just can't wait for Thanksgiving and Christmas- we'll be meeting our new little guy and watching Caleb really enjoy it all this year. So much to look forward to!

23 weeks. {round two}

 

  Oh man, am I feeling all sort of things about this little baby this week. I blame it on hormones, a great conference with friends over the weekend, and celebrating my 29th birthday. The perfect storm for becoming emotional about a new baby, am I right??

  There are so many things I want to teach my boys and expose them to and help them understand. But mostly, and really the only thing that matters, is that they are loved and cherished and designed by a great God. I'm so new at motherhood, I get that. But I think I have a little grasp on the truth that I can't control my kids' lives, that they aren't really mine at all. That I have to trust God with every detail of who they are, who they'll grow to be, and how their lives will look. 

  Right now, this baby is safe and comfortable in my belly. But even that could change at an instant, you know? Motherhood, more than anything else I've experienced, has taught me to pray. So I'm praying specifically this week that our newest baby, along with his older brother, deeply know Jesus and his love for them. That it becomes the single truth they build their lives upon.

  And on an completely unemotional note? My nausea seems to be on the upswing! I'm hesitant to say that too loudly, because you know, I don't want it to come back and bite me. But a steady combination of eating real meals {my fault} and intentionally eating protein {again, my fault} seems to do the trick. Who knew? Well, everyone, I'm sure. It's pretty common sense, actually. But yay for me finally realizing it!

22 weeks. {round two}

  We're officially past the halfway mark in this pregnancy and no more than 19 weeks away from meeting our little guy! And to be honest, I'm starting to think we will have a Christmas baby on our hands because it seems too perfect that he'd surprise us like Caleb and come a whole 3 weeks early. We'll see!

  I can officially say that this pregnancy is so different than Caleb's. They were identical up until 18ish weeks, when the nausea came back. It's still so minor and nothing I can really complain about. Add to that an EXTREME aversion to chicken {the only meat I typically eat!} and a huge craving for red meat {something I typically hate!} and I just am not myself. Oh, and I've been napping. I took a two hour nap after church yesterday and probably could have slept longer if the doorbell/Jersey barking hadn't woken me up. You guys, I'm telling you. This pregnancy is craziness. Who am I?? It's all more funny than anything and completely worth it for this little guy. Justin keeps joking that this baby is going to be a bit high maintenance and not nearly as easy going as Caleb since the pregnancy is so drastically different!

  My absolute favorite part about this point with baby boy is feeling him move. He's so active during the day and I can feel him move so often now. Justin can feel him on the outside every once in a while, but his movements are still so gentle. That's sure to change soon. 

  We're starting to think of his nursery and make plans in our heads. Since we'll be making our guest room into the new nursery, we're sort of putting it off for a few more months in case we have any out of town visitors. It will be sad to lose that space and not be able to host overnight guests anymore, but we're excited to fill this house to the brim with our little family. When we moved in 4 years ago, so many rooms sat empty and without any purpose. That is not the case anymore! Every room in our house is full of life and purpose and evidence of God's goodness to us over the last few years.

ps. 22 weeks with Caleb

  

Baby number two is a...

  ...a BOY! And we are so so excited about it! First of all, we are just thankful that we had a 100% healthy scan on Friday. I've said it before, but I just don't take for granted that we'll have a healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery. All of those things are miracles and not guaranteed, so we're grateful that this little guy is healthy and happy right now!

  But back to him being a him. Can I be honest? I really, really wanted another boy. I was so hoping for one. Of course, I would have been excited about a little girl too- but a boy just seems so right. I'm over the moon!

  And all of the sudden, the whole thing feels real. We're having another baby! We saw his sweet profile and little legs and arms up by his face {just like his older brother}. We breathed a sigh of relief that seems to come with every 20 week ultrasound and seeing an actual baby on the screen instead of just a little blob. 

  So let the nursery planning begin! This one will be basic and simple since we want to move soon, but I have my eye on some precious animal {dog!} prints and area rugs. And we'll for sure be getting some of the same bargain Ikea furniture we used in Caleb's room. So stay tuned for more ideas and inspiration for a simple and sweet boy nursery!

19 weeks. {round two}

  19 weeks! I forget I'm pregnant the majority of the time, which is ironic since I feel really pregnant these days. And up until a couple weeks ago, I would have said this pregnancy was identical to Caleb's. But then I started getting more food aversion and feeling a little nauseous every morning/evening again. So I'm not sure? Overall, I can't really complain. I feel pretty good, except for when I first wake up and go to bed. And I've been really terrible at forgetting to eat throughout the days, which doesn't help. I'm working on that! And we've gotten back into taking long walks every day {well, when its not raining. Wettest summer ever!}. It's not the running I did in my last pregnancy, but without a jogging stroller- it's works. And I think 4+ miles each day will still help out with keeping this pregnancy/labor/delivery/recovery healthy!
  But really. All I can think about right now is that we get to see this little bean again on Friday!!!!!!!!!! You guys. No amount of exclamation marks can express my excitement about that. I have lots of thoughts swirling around about the health of this little one and a lot of peace about that. We always forego the early screenings offered because none of them would change the course of our pregnancy. And I don't regret that. I know God has and still is preparing us to parent this baby, just as he did with Caleb. So, boy or girl {!!!!!}- we just can't wait to see it again in 4 short days!
  On that note, any votes? Justin was confident its a boy, but is now wavering. Most of my family and friends think its a girl. I have zero idea!

ps. 19 weeks with Caleb

17 weeks. {round two}

{17 weeks with Caleb} 

  I'll spare you the "this pregnancy is FLYING by" rambling (but I guess I said it anyway?) this week. Instead, let's just talk about how excited I'm becoming. The shock of getting pregnant again so quickly and the idea of having 2 under two is fading {with more freaking out over the latter to come, I'm certain} and they're being replaced by genuine excitement. I feel so much better now that I'm well into my second trimester and I'm used to Caleb's newfound mobility. We've settled into our summer routines and that has freed up lots of mental space for me to dream about this new little life.
  While I spend lots of time dreaming of holding this sweet one, watching Caleb with him or her, and seeing how our family changes in the best ways- I'm mostly excited for right now. I'll be feeling kicks any time and finding out the gender in less than 3 weeks {!!!} and I love this time. Maybe it's my experience walking with friends through infant loss or my own experience with miscarriage or my little store of wisdom as a mom of an infant- but I believe more and more that each little moment needs to be celebrated. Even the ones that happen before the baby is born.
  Another notable thing? I'm suuuuuuper sappy right now. Did you catch on to that already? Oh, ok. I catch myself looking at Caleb and tearing up because he's just so fun right now and I can't wait to see him adapt to having a sibling. I teared up at the fireworks over the weekend dreaming up holding our two little babes next year. I tear up when I catch a glimpse of my massive belly in the mirror throughout the day, because right now there is a precious life growing in there.
  Gah. So don't ask me to watch the Notebook with you right now, mkay?

16 weeks. {round two}

  Real talk? I held off from writing this post until after my doctor appointment yesterday. One of my closest friends just recently lost her sweet boy at 16 weeks and another just miscarried at 12. My heart breaks for them. The older I get, I know it's only natural that I'll experience more friends and family struggling with infant loss, I know that. But it has been so rampant in the last year and has made me just not take for granted that I will hear my baby's heartbeat at each appointment. I don't mean that to sound pessimistic at all. It's just hard not to be impacted, you know? So I'm cherishing each day with this little one. And honestly, holding my breath each time they break out the doppler and not letting it out until I hear that sweet sound. 

  You'd think my ever growing belly would be evidence enough for me that this babe is growing away, though! I mean. It is crazy to me. I haven't gained any weight {how is that even possible?}, but you would not know that by my expanding waistline. Thank goodness for handmedown summer maternity clothes from my sisters! I'm sure I'll break down and buy one more pair of shorts and a few dresses I can wear into winter, but other than that I'm set.

  And did you see? Murphy was so into my bump photos today! Probably because if he had to choose, this baby would be his favorite. It's tucked away where it can't pull his hair or sit on him or pile toys around his face. The very things Caleb loves to do right now...

  But 16 weeks! If you've talked to me in the last few weeks, you've surely heard me go on and on about how excited I am to find out the gender. Probably more excited than I was with Caleb. There's a really good chance this is our last baby {I know. Let's not talk about it...} and I am so so curious about who is going to round out our family. Finding out with Caleb gave us a chance to get to know the baby better and feel more attached, so we've decided we're just the sort of people who aren't interested in the delivery room surprise. I mean, the excitement of having a baby is enough for us! Gah. 3.5 weeks. I cannot wait! 

  Oh, just so I don't forget, here are all the boring pregnancy details. I'm feeling 100% better! My energy is back in full force and we're taking our long walks every morning again. I'm going to start easing back into running and I am so so excited about that! I have already broken out my beloved Snoogle pillow because this big belly has made back sleeping pretty painful. Ugh. Side sleeping is my least favorite part of pregnancy. Which, I guess means I have pretty easy pregnancies and should shut up before someone slaps me...