The little blob that is sucking all life outta me

How is it possible that something so teeny can be so energy zapping? 

Last night I had my ultrasound, and I was able to see that little heart flicker on the monitor and see this little babe wiggling around so I figured it was about time to make this official.  Almost 10 weeks old.  Such a little miracle.

We could not be more excited for October to roll around so we can meet this last little Rush of ours.  We always knew we wanted to have three children.  Ultimately, we know it's all in God's hands, but we put a lot of thought into our family planning.  We've been blessed with the ability to get pregnant right away, and each child was/will be born when we thought would be best for the family.  But it still feels like so much pressure.  Are we taking on more than we can handle?  We certainly already have our hands full.  And although I would love to have 10 babies, selfishly, I could never do that to my girls.  I look at people like the Duggers, who are really remarkable, but think, how can she possibly have enough time to love all those children?  I know, of course, she does love them.  But how physically?  How does she have time?  Maybe my babies just are more demanding of my time, but I'm pretty sure once we add this third little one to our family, I'm going to be spread pretty thin finding the quality time to give them the attention they deserve.  And so, 3 is the number just right for us.

Babies are so amazing and such a blessing.  I can't wait to hold this little baby, and have him snuggle against my chest.  I can't wait for first smiles, laughs, and coos.  I'm beyond excited for this little one to reveal it's personality.  I can't wait to see how the girls bond with this baby and how, hopefully, they grow into best of friends.

 I kinda feel bad calling this baby a blob...but that ultrasound picture is so lousy, that's all it looks like!

Hopefully, now that I seem to have some life in me, I'll get around to posting more.  I also have had some computer issues.  Tax return = new laptop.

Insta-Life & Some This and That

Currently, the girls are loving the Pippi Longstocking movie.  No kidding.  They have such strange taste in movies.  Molly too!  Their little friends enjoy movies like Cars and Toy Story.  Not these two.  I am super thankful actually, and Pippi was one of my favorite movies (and I seem to still be enjoying it). 

Ok, this is just something that makes me happy, because I've just discovered this.  Giving Jane a pro-biotic mixed with her apple juice once a day has really helped with her constipation.  TMI? 

Our days are pretty busy!  On top of Jane attending school 3 days a week, both girls are little gymnasts at a local gymnastics club.  Jane also takes a class called "Broadway Babies".  She loves to pretend to be on stage so we took her interest a little further.  It's all for fun.  She dances and sings in the class to songs from Mary Poppins and The Little Mermaid.  She really loves it.  Molly attends "Babies Boogie" at the library once a week.  Phew...it's a lot of running around but it's so much fun!

Why does Molly never want to eat when we are at home?  Take her to Costco, she'll every sample there is!  Her favorite dining would be McDonalds.  (Soooo not proud of that, but isn't it part of the kid experience??  Remember those orange drinks and when the cool kids had bday parties there?) 

Last one and on another Molly note, that girl is so lovey.  I want one of her little hugs every minute.  Except in the middle of the night where I'd rather she be sleeping in her own bed...

 

We're having a heat wave

Or not.  Actually, we have been so spoiled here in Pennsylvania the past few winters where temperatures in the 20's and below were rather sparse.  But this week we are getting our dose of cold.  The kind of cold where if you don't have to lug your babies out, you don't.  Today we had no where we had to be, and we agreed that going out to search for Valentine's Day card supplies could wait!  Luckily our super cool neighbor was down for an impromptu playdate.  So she lugged her two little boys over (which made me feel a little guilty that they had to venture out) and the kids had a not so boring after all morning!

After Molly's nap we had some fun with shoes and headbands, had an early dinner, and took a loooong bath before daddy came home from work.

Spring, where are you??  Ok, I know it's only January, but I am longing for warmer days! 

Girls

I have to say that I just adore having little girls.  They love princesses and dress up, mommy's makeup and shoes.  With each passing day I see the girls' bond grow tighter.  Sisters. 

Every giggle makes my heart swoon.  Every smile makes me smile.  When they wake up, they look for the other which makes me think we must be doing something right. 

I have dreams that they grow to become best friends.  Sometime soon they will share a bedroom.  A sleepover every night.  I think about the secrets they will one day share late at night and the advice they will give each other.  

I have been truly blessed.

The Awesomeness of Lunch Bunch

It's been a year since I've relished in the solitude of naptime.  I'm jealous of friends who do chores alone, craft, workout, read, watch tv during during those glorious hours.  I love my girls to bits, but sometimes, I just need some alone time!

Well, I'm getting my fix today.  Jane's school offers this great little bonus to their day called Lunch Bunch.  For a few extra dollars, Jane gets to have lunch and some activity, and once I get Molly down for her little nap, I get my alone time.  So once a month I pay the extra money and send her off until 2.  It's been fabulous.

Today I took Molly to Trader Joes which is a treat for us because it isn't around the corner.  Of course on my way I realized I had forgotten my shopping list and as it turns out, my memory is pretty lousy.  I think that happens when you haven't slept through the night in four years.

The rest of my day I am looking forward to tidying up without anyone to follow behind me taking out whatever I just put away and then catching up on some of these shows on my dvr.  The funny thing is, I do miss my little Janie Poo despite the hair pulling morning we had (refusing to get dressed, then insisting on doing it herself, but wait, she couldn't get her nightgown off, mommy you help, no, I can do it, no I can't...cry cry cry, Mommy want to go crazy....).  I look forward to 2 oclock when she climbs into our car rambling about the day she had.  Until then, I'm going to enjoy.

Here's a few photos from the past week to enjoy.

Another year gone, another year ahead

Why is it that as you get older, the years go faster?  As a kid, becoming an adult could not come fast enough.  Now that I'm a mom, I want nothing more than for time to slow doooowwnnnn!

My husband and I have a tradition on New Years Eve.  What's that?  Oh that would be going to bed before midnight.  And this year was no different.  We wouldn't want to break tradition!  We had a crazy morning taking the girls to the aquarium. 

They both went to bed at 6pm.  Brian and I played some rummy, watched a little tv, then headed to bed by 10.  We're wild and crazy, I know!

Reflecting back at this year, I can honestly say I've been eating healthier and have definitely gotten better in the kitchen.  No more of those packaged noodle side dishes ;)  So for that I am proud!  On the other hand, I haven't been as productive as I'd like.  For that I blame tiredness and the purchase of my iphone.  The tiredness I'm not sure I can do much about.  Molly's been a terrible sleeper lately, waking up usually before 12am to join me in bed where hogs up most of my space. And on top of that she's been waking up again around 2am whining and sitting up, crying, trying to get off the bed....and this goes on for up to 2 hours!  I know, what am I doing letting her do this??!!   She's been very slow at getting teeth.  As each tooth comes in, we go through this whole ordeal every night until that little bugger breaks through all the way.  And I am not good at letting her suffer alone.  Soooo, back to being tired.  I do try and get to bed by 9:30 and the girls are usually up at 6 for the day.  Most days, I feel like a walking zombie.  Not good for productivity.  Now as for that phone....one of my goals for this new year is to use it leisurely when I'm either waiting to pick up/drop off Jane at school or in the evening after then go to bed.  My other goal for the year is to read the bible cover to cover.  This is something I've been wanting to do for so long.  This is the year I'm going to turn the tv off early and read.

Here's to another fast paced, crazy year!

The week before Christmas

Well, I tried.  But I think that "doing less" before Christmas is just impossible!  I've been cookie crazy over here which isn't doing my waistline any good.  Cookies for neighbors, cookies for doctors, cookies for teachers, cookies for swap, cookies, cookies, cookies.....ahhhhh!  I really enjoy giving them though so just a few more nights of all this baking I think I can endure.

Last night we took the girls to a church down the road that had a live nativity.  It was rainy and Molly was clinging to me for dear life so I didn't get any photos, but it was amazing to watch Jane name each person seem to really get it.  It was worth the trip out in the rain.  Molly, on the other hand, is really beginning to go through that stage where strangers are terrifying.  It's strange, and kinda heartbreaking, to see my little outgoing girl shake with fear and hold on to me when she's afraid I'm going to put her down. 

This week is sure to be a busy one with visiting friends, wrapping gifts, Jane's last couple days of school before break, baking, both finishing up last minute gift shopping and food shopping, and anything else we can manage to squeeze in.

Here's what we've been up to over the past couple weeks.

Dollar store for craft supplies

Little Gym

Ikea

crafting

fun evening with friends that included a carriage ride

 

gymnastics class

a visit with Santa

Jane shares what she'd like for Christmas.  Molly prefers to watch from my lap.

But she does enjoy herself some candy cane