Prego update

As is typical with second babies, the craziness of life has sort of overtaken this pregnancy. I'm enjoying and cherishing every second, but also feel like time is flying by! The need for weekly belly photos and meticulous cleaning has gone by the wayside, and with just six or seven weeks until number two arrives, I've started to come to the realization that I need to get my act together, so as to not have a nervous breakdown when I go into labor! So, here are a few belly shots, and a blogger's pledge to myself and cyberspace to face the reality of what the next couple of months has in store for this thankful and blessed momma!

28 weeks (Chesney and McGraw concert)

31 weeks (at CE's second birthday party!)

 

32 weeks (dear friend Katie's baby shower- she's 34 weeks in this pic!)

 

 

33 weeks

 

And just for comparison, here's what I looked like at 33 weeks with Claire-bear:

 

 

Two-year Tribute

Thought I would share CE's age 2 "tribute" photo.  I created one last year for her first birthday, and I love looking back at it and remembering all of the things that she was "into!" Hoping this is a tradition I can keep up on, with all of my munchkins...because as we all know know, time flies by entirely too quickly. It's these small things that I want to cherish forever!

 

 

 

 

Rise and Shine Birthday

We celebrated CE's second birthday this past weekend, rise-and-shine-style! The girl loves anything breakfast, so why not throw a pajama party! Plus, it was pretty darn cute to see the kiddos in their PJ's, and rather simple to plan (a must when you're eight months pregnat!) I have to say, second birthdays are way more fun than firsts! She was so excited to open all of her presents and went around to everyone at the party saying "It's my Happy Birthday!" If you asked her how old she was, the answer was "I'm phree!" Minor detail, right?! She'll be all set for next year, I suppose. Happy Birthday, sweet girl. You bring us more joy than we could have ever imagined, and we can't wait to see just how great of a big sister you will be in just a few weeks.

Complete with casserole, mini muffins, homemade donuts, fruit kabobs, and a cereal bar!

The kids in their PJ's

Waffle cake made by Aunt Annie, yes please!

 

SJ's homemade train table was a big hit

This chick loves Thomas!

 

Cereal Bowl favors

 

 

 

Two years old and thirty-two weeks pregnant!

What a difference a year makes...

Second Baby Stuff

I am basically prepared ("stuff"-wise!) for the arrival of Baby #2 but there are a few things I would love to add to my collection before he or she comes along. Some are things that you just need with two kiddos others are just essentials that weren't as popular when Claire was born. Any other suggestions?

Muslin Swaddling Blankets- great for swaddling, keeping baby cool, and easy to stuff in a diaper bag! These are by Aden and Anais



ERGO Carrier- I loved my over-the-shoulder sling for Claire, but I'd like one that SJ can use, be a little easier on my back, and be usable into the toddler stage since I'll be chasing two around before I know it. Love the new Petunia Pickle Bottom prints, but would probably go with a neutral black or grey so the hubs would actually wear it in public!



Double Stroller-  I'm still up in the air about this one. Some people love their side-by-sides, some love their sit-and-stands, others are all about the jogging-style strollers that tend to be quite a bit larger and more expensive. I've talked to some moms who skipped the double stroller all-together. Hoping maybe I can find one in good used condition to save a few hundred bucks! Here are a few I'm considering...suggestions welcome!

Chicco Cortina ($250-300)



Britax B-Ready Inline ($450-500)


Phil and Ted's Inline Jogger ($400-500)



Baby Jogger City Mini Double ($349)



Pumping Bra-  I've heard great things about these bras, and although they look absolutely ridiculous, I actually think I'd use it a lot while juggling the needs of a a toddler and a newborn.



This photo needs the caption, "Pin while you pump!"

Marc Jacobs Nylon Bag- Most definitely not a "need," but wouldn't mind having one of these comfy, over-the-shoulder style bags by Marc Jacobs. The price is a little extreme for a "baby" bag, but a girl can wish, right?!

 

Fossil's version is actually a little bit bigger and would probably do the trick, especially for about half the price. It comes in great bold colors, too!

 
Have other suggestions for second-baby must-haves?! Please share!

Birdie big-girl room...

We have officially transitioned Claire to her toddler bed, and into her new birdie-inspired big girl room. I'm VERY lucky to have a little girl who is so easygoing, making the transition easy as pie. It took two days of going back in a couple of times per nap or night before she had her new routine down perfectly! She stays in her bed all night, then cries "Mommy, mommy!" when she wakes up, and waits for me to come get her before she gets out. Man, am I in trouble for baby #2, or what?! Check out her new digs:

A dollhouse built by her daddy will replace the rocker for Birthday #2!! That project and her "Rise and Shine" birthday plans, coming soon...

Welcome to the third trimester.....

Wow! The third trimester already?! I'm now 28 weeks and feeling great...although I am seeing my energy level starting to fall (could it be that I'm up four times a night to pee?!) and carrying around a toddler in her clinging-to-mommy-for-dear-life-phase is proving to be more and more difficult. Baby is quite active (as was CE) and I absolutely love feeling and watching this nugget try to make more room in there! Here's to twelve more, complication-free weeks of growing, growing, growing...

Pre-country concert extravaganza....loved my Jake, Kenney and Tim!