It's a...

BOY!

We are so thrilled!  Our baby was very happy to be photographed yesterday.  He wasn't shy at all.  (Hooray that my nightmare didn't come true!)  The ultrasound tech got all the images she needed, without any trouble, and our little man made it very clear that he is a boy.

He also looked perfectly healthy as far as our tech could tell.  The images will be reviewed by a radiologist as well as by my doctor and we will go over them, along with the rest of our genetic testing, on Monday.  If there's any news, we'll share.  But so far he looks good; smaller than our other two, but good.

~ The Story ~

Caleb, Luke and I went out to a special lunch before the doctor and while there I asked Caleb once again whether our baby was a boy or girl.  For months his answer was girl, but the last few days he's been adamant that our baby is a boy.  So just an hour before the ultrasound he empathically answered, "He's a BOY Mom!"  After he said it I felt this rush of emotion and suddenly wanted three adorable little  boys SO BAD.  I have such handsome little men; how could I not want another?  Three boys and me just suddenly sounded like the perfect thing.

I felt it so strongly that I texted Tyler and our parents about it. My simple phone sometimes can't handle group texts and the message only went through to Tyler.  I had to wonder if it was an omen and my phone had saved me from eating my words.  But I still felt so excited about having three boys.

We made our way to the hospital and Tyler met us there.  We were a full 30 minutes early; I was so anxious to get in there!  Of course, a mom of three boys chatted with us while we waited.  How many moms have I met (besides my friends!) that have three boys since Luke was born?  I can't even count - there have been so many!  I should have known.

The boys did okay in the ultrasound.  It was so cool that Caleb understood.  We marched right through it because the baby was so cooperative.  He jumped, waved, looked right at us, and even pushed against the wand once.  We even got to watch him suck his little thumb!  How cute is that?!  Lastly, she told us he's a boy. Tyler's first thought was: I knew it.  Mine: I laughed and was so happy.  I felt relief that he's healthy and that I don't have to figure out something new!

I was kind of giddy on the way out and couldn't help kissing Tyler in his uniform (we go to the Naval Hospital on base so he has to wear his khaki uniform) and telling random people.  THREE SONS!  We're going to have THREE SONS!

~ In Other News ~

The kids and I woke up early and watched White Christmas for the second time this week (Luke's choice, holla Kim & Caitlin!)  Our shopping is done, Christmas cards all sent and now it's just time to play.  Merry Christmas everyone!!

Ultrasound Tomorrow

Since Tyler started active duty service with the Navy, we have enjoyed 100% health care coverage for in-house doctors. Overall we have been very happy. Worst thing so far: forced to reschedule an appointment because I checked in 2 minutes late. Ugh! Best thing so far: our pediatrician in South Carolina - he listened, explained, was organized and clear, had all the time in the world, emailed back promptly, cute with the boys … he was good.  But as with any set of doctors, they make their own rules about certain things, and my current doc said I couldn't get my big ultrasound until I was AT LEAST 20 weeks - and even then he thought he was doing me a favor!

So I'm exactly 20 weeks tomorrow, December 20th, and we're getting our ultrasound.  I could have driven 14 miles down the road and paid $65 for a 3D ultrasound and gender determination 4 weeks ago, but we saved our pennies (6,500 of them) and waited. The stress is mounting - my eczema proves it.

If this baby is a girl, my heart would race, I'd yelp, and I would be so excited to tell everyone and then I would be nervous. It's new territory for us, and we'd have to get all new clothes and blankets and some new toys (eventually).  I'd have a lot to do and only 20 weeks to do it!  But it would be exciting.

I am completely happy at the prospect of having all boys except for one little thing: I want to be part of a daughter of mine having a baby.  That's the only thing that I really get worked up about.  Hair ribbons? Nah. Tights? On a baby? Hallelujah.  Nail painting? They have professionals for that. Crafting? Never liked it much anyways.  I'm telling you, the rest doesn't bother me. Just that one thing.  But it's a million miles away.  And I know, having one daughter doesn't guarantee she'll have children.  But there's the hope of that moment.

On the flip side, of course I would do all those girly things with her and manage the tights and periods somehow. It would be fun! If this baby's a girl she would be the first female grandchild for Tyler's parents and first girl for one set of Tyler's greats.  Girls aren't anything new on my side of the family though. :)

If this baby's a boy, I will breathe a deep breath and rest easy.  I have the stuff, I know the routine.  We'll have this adorable family of three boys.  I'd be in league with some of the best moms I know.  I would be excited to tell everyone and feel like someone upstairs really trusts us to raise that much energy. Someday the three of them will go golfing with their dad all Saturday morning and I will sleep sleep sleep.

The thought of having another boy isn't as thrilling or scary as having a girl, but just as sweet.

And what's my hunch? I think more about having a girl than a boy, but just because it's different.  Do I really think I know or have a hunch?  No.  None.  Notta. I've got nothing for you. Or me.  Just dying to see that ultrasound!

I did dream two nights ago that my ultrasound tech only looked at the baby for about 3 seconds, said, "Your baby is healthy. Your ultrasound is over. Please exit through that door." I rebutted with needs of measurements, disability testing, and gender discovery!  I've been so worried about disabilities with this baby and I NEED TO KNOW.  Seriously, I'll show you my stress-induced eczema.  She got sharp and before long it was a crazy yelling match.  It was a complete nightmare!  Please let that not happen.  And if my baby's shy, there's no going back without a fee.  So come on baby, cooperate!

Halloween 2013

So….what? Thanksgiving's next week?  It's okay, these are still cute.

The plan was for Caleb to be Buzz Lightyear and Luke to be Woody.  They wore their costumes to a party with Uncle Peter & Aunt Terri the weekend before Halloween and Caleb managed to destroy his costume (it was used and old and really not his fault - it fell apart).  At least we got one picture!  That same night we held an adults-only party in our house, so of course we had to dress up!

So for Halloween night Caleb got to be Bullseye, Woody's horse. :)  We had an unused horse costume that I got stuck with thanks to lame Halloween return policies.  So it worked out.  He ran around the neighborhood yelling, "Ride like the wind, Bullseye!"  I didn't have the heart to tell him that Woody says that line and the horse doesn't talk. :)  He was such a good sport about being a horse.

Goey came for the weekend and we made Jack-o-Lantern pizzas like last year.  We walked the neighborhood with 3 wonderful families who live on our street.  We are so blessed to have such great neighbors!! (I seriously keep getting lucky in this department.)  Our 12-year-old cousin Steven, who lives across the street (yes), and whom my boys adore came with us as well.  Luke held his hand the entire time (no one else would do) and they walked so slow.  It's hard to keep a hat on a cowboy! Luke understood trick or treating way better than Caleb at his age (… probably because we didn't even take Caleb out that year! Haha. There are plenty of advantages to be the first child - there's got to be a disadvantage or two too, right?)  Caleb was more excited about the candy than last year, but he was mostly pumped to run around with his friends, particularly Aria, whose hand he held at least half of the time.  It was a great Halloween!

Adoring baby Donovan - the youngest of the neighborhood gang, in our sweet giraffe costume.  SOOO cute! 

Mommy Has A Little Baby

Caleb has a little brother,

whose smile's as good as gold.

And everything that Caleb does,

Luke tries to fit his mold.

They stayed at home and played one day

while Mom and Dad went out.

They saw Mom's doctor whom confirmed

a baby is en route.

And then the Daddy did rejoice

for soon he'll have all four

to play all eighteen holes of golf;

three kids forever more.

May 8, 2014

(Or if this one's like his/her brothers, 

about May 13-15.)

Family Photos, Beaufort

The talented Amy at Coastline Imagery took these photos of us at our favorite South Carolina beach just a few weeks before moving.  I'm sad we didn't do it sooner because it turned out that Amy was so much fun and we shared some mutual friends!  I love small towns.

Anyways, it was SUPER SUPER windy once we hit the beach so my hair is ... different.  Still, we got lots of great shots and I am grateful for her work.  Here are my favorites.

Hunting Island State Park, I miss you.  Can you see how it is the flattest beach ever?  The waves crash so gently, far out, and just roll in.  My boys loved to stand ankle deep and jump over each wave as it reached us.  Oh man, I am missing it too much.  So glad I got some beautiful pictures to remember our wonderful year in the south.

Can I Change My Mind?

Hi Friends & Family,

I miss blogging.  Surprised?  I don't miss the stress of feeling behind on my blog, but I miss writing.  My current career as a full-time mom of a 3-year-old boy and a 1-year-old boy doesn't require me to write much, like almost none at all.  I believe there is power in the written word to elevate, motivate and inspire - all things I need.  I read through a bunch my older posts and (while I wasn't particularly impressed with my writing) I remembered the thought that I put into my words and I missed the process.

After kids entered my life my blog turned into a photo-sharing site and I quit really writing.  Since joining Instagram my need to share current photos of my boys is fulfilled!  But my desire to write and elevate my thoughts thereby is left wanting.

So I'm starting again.

Not because I think I am a great writer waiting to be discovered, but just because I want to.  I want to direct my life intentionally rather than reacting to the demands placed on me each day.  I want to remember my light-bulbs and be deep and think hard.

I'm not going to try to cover everything nor will I require myself to write regularly.  But the blog can be here for me whenever I want to use it.

For my grand reopening, a poem.  Good? Probably not.  Sincere? Yes.


Welcome Weight

the welcome weight of his sweet head on my chest
the peaceful cadence of his breath
his ear over my heart hears the familiar beat

one hand rests on my belly, the other on my arm, knowing there is no need to cling
his chubby legs curl in my lap
he sinks into me and I hold him, staying ever so still

my whole body longs to remember how this feels forever.

he sleeps knowing he is safe and loved and perfect
he will wake happy without a care in the world

i love providing that

so many responsibilities are difficult to carry,
but this weight is welcome,
oh so welcome

I think I'm done :(

You guys, I think I'm done blogging.  I didn't even post once in April and the next post on my chronological list?  Christmas.  We've been on half a dozen trips since then plus every day life... I just can't keep up!

Plus I'm trying to start making family photo albums.  Our 5 year anniversary is this Friday and I haven't made one yet.  Not one.  I thought I would just transfer the blog, but it's turning out to be much more complicated than that because I'm picky about formatting and making sure nothing is left out.

So until/if I ever get a smart phone and start Instagraming, I'm creating a super private blog-replacement group on FB so I can occasionally post timely pictures of my kids.  That's basically the point now of our blog, isn't it?  I used to love trying to write witty things, but I just don't have time, or brain power, during this phase of my life.  And I hope I don't become illiterate because I rarely find myself having to write a complete sentence in my everyday life.

I'm sad because I've loved blogging and reading the blogs of others (which I'm sure I will still do some), but alas, I'd rather have good family albums someday than my blog and I don't have time for both.  So thanks blog friends; it's been real.  Auf Wiedersehen!

Luke is One!

Exactly one year ago I was in substance-subdued nearly pain-free labor in Magee Women's Hospital and telling Dr. Woo that I wanted to wait just a little longer before pushing.  Little did I know what a wonderful decision that was.  When I started pushing around 8:45am it only took two contractions worth of pushes to meet my little Luke.  Tyler recalled last night that he came out MAD.  He did that wind-up scream/cry where they suck in as much breath as possible before belting it all out.  He cried louder and more than Caleb and for the first several minutes including my first time holding him and all the initial clean-up and testing.  He first calmed in Tyler's arms.  I wondered what kind of temperament we were in for, but at the same time loved him completely no matter what he would be like.

Turns out our first impression was completely wrong.  He has been the happiest baby.  His first night in the hospital he slept for 6 hours straight.  He first smiled when he was 10 days old.  The first time I trimmed his nails I cut him with the clippers and he didn't cry.  Of course he's not always cry-free (especially now that he's pushing through FIVE teeth), but he is uncommonly happy and quick with his smile.  He has the most perfect laugh and is a great snuggle bug, even giving big kisses when asked.  His first word? Mama.  He adores his brother and daddy too.  We love the influence he is in our family!  We are so lucky and grateful to share our days with Luke.

EdVenture & Zoo Lights

We spent a very fun day in Columbia in December.  First to the children's museum called "EdVenture" - many thanks to Lisa for informing us about it!  It was little boy heaven: fire-fighting, car-fixing, snowball-mkaing, grocery shopping, cars-playing, tractor-driving... The list goes on and on.  If you're ever in Columbia, SC with little kids, go there.  You won't be disappointed.

Can I find the time to make them / buy them some super cute firefighter gear?? Too cute!!

Off to the right there is a real full-size firetruck they get to play in... so fun!

For a while we had this little toddler and construction section all to ourselves so we just plopped down and let the kids play.

Who needs socks?!

We went out to dinner then met the Frandsens for a cold but super fun night at the zoo!  They put up tons of lights, and surprisingly, the animals weren't all sleeping.  It was great fun!

What a great day!

Navy Blue / 9 Months

One day at the beginning of December I dressed my boys in their matching blue shirts and khakis.  When Tyler got home from work we discovered he was wearing the same colors.  (He leaves for work before the three of us wake up so we didn't know.)  We were a few days past Luke's 9 Month Birthday, so I threw on a navy sweater and we headed to the park for pictures.

Luke learned to clap in his 8th month of life, so you'll see that skill on show below.  Ever since Luke could sit on his own, the two boys have enjoyed doing things side by side, like sliding and swinging.  Their brotherhood is always changing as their abilities and understanding increase, but it's always very loving.  Luke is still the smiliest baby around!  That is the most common comment I get about him - his smiles and happiness.  The second most common is a tie between his content/good/easy personality and his beautiful eyes.  Third most common is probably his stork bite which continues to appear. although some days more than others.  I am so deeply happy for Luke that he was born with such a pleasant personality.  I think he will/does naturally enjoy the simple things in life so easily and is a boon to others.  I hope this qualities perpetuate with him throughout his life.  We sure are lucky to have him in our family.

If this picture weren't blurry it would have made the Top Ten Favorites list. :-/

Luke Newel
9 Months

Luke Newel
9 Months