25 Weeks

Actually, I'm at a point where I want to start counting down. I have 15 weeks to go, and that doesn't seem so bad. This pregnancy was rough in the beginning. It's been my most difficult pregnancy so far. I'm sure it's because I have to take care of Lila and Calvin, all while being tired and uncomfortable and grouchy. I keep thinking of all the women I know who have more kids than me and have been pregnant more times than me. I don't know how they did it. ANY of it. I'm guessing they just did it and it became doable, if that makes any sense. I can remember how hard I thought it was with just one baby, now I have two and don't know why I ever thought one baby was hard. I guess things just work out when we do our best and rely on the Lord for help. That's my plan, anyway.

Here's a picture for posterity's sake.

Up, Up and Away

For play group this week, we had the annual rocket launch at the Blattman's. I'm not sure how long they've been doing this but this was our second time. I didn't blog about it last year so here's pictures from then.

I can't believe how much Lila has changed!

Although, one thing that hasn't is I still can't get her to look at the camera and smile.

Here's pics from this year's event. 

It's such a fun activity. The kids color their rockets and then we tape them up and send them flying in the air. The kids even get to flip the switch. I know I look more excited in the pics but Lila loved it too. She asked to do it again and Kim was nice enough to let her. Calvin was a good sport too. He played/destroyed his rocket while watching it all.

Thanks Kim, for hosting this fun activity. We will miss you and your family when you move!

Ups and Downs

The kids and I went on a trip to Florida to visit my family. It was a 9 and 1/2 hour drive one way. I had to pull out the double stroller and strap the kids in if I had to use the bathroom. Which made for not so quick stops. It was quite the road trip.

Lila made leaps and bounds this trip. The other times we've visited, she was very clingy and not open to anyone but me or Chris. This time she had my dad reading her bedtime stories, my mom feeding her, and she even went to the store ALONE with my dad! I couldn't believe it. She had such a good time and has asked to go see grandma and papa multiple times a day since we left.

Calvin on the other hand was the clingy one. He started to cry if any male figure even looked at him. Yet he seemed to love the ladies. He refused to take naps and didn't sleep well during the night either, which made things worse. I guess it's just a rough age to travel and stay in unfamiliar places.

All in all, we had a great time. We went swimming, played games, had family dinners, and just visited. I loved seeing most of my family and missed those I didn't get to see.It's so hard to live far away. I really miss the day to day stuff. Maybe some day we will live closer.

I only took one picture while we were there but it's priceless to me.

Can't wait until our next visit!

The Sweetest Thing

 Lila walked into the bathroom, where I was getting ready for church this morning, handed me a box of chocolates and said in her cute, little voice; Happy Mother's Day!

I felt so loved by my daughter in that moment. It was the sweetest thing.

My amazing husband also made the day special with wonderful gifts, a delicious meal, and gave me a break from my regular mom duties. My day/weekend was very enjoyable. While I've been pampered and celebrated today, I've also had mixed feelings all day. I don't know if the mixed emotions are because the next two weeks are going to be crazy, busy, or the major changes occurring after these crazy, busy two weeks are getting to me(more on that another time), or if it's just the hormones from pregnancy, I don't know. I've just felt a little unsettled all day until I sat down to blog about today. So here are my thoughts. Motherhood has been very trying at times, but unbelievably rewarding. So often all the positive aspects of my life are clouded by the small disheartening or difficult parts. I'm still working on enjoying rather than enduring on a daily basis. I'm sure that will always be a work in progress, because I tend to be a complainer, especially when I haven't had good sleep. I'm going on 2+ years without good sleep and I'm not sure how I'm surviving. Anyway, when I feel stressed, discouraged, or unsure about how I'm doing as a mom, a thought always comes to my mind of my life before marriage and kids. The thought of how I longed for a wonderful husband and a house full of children. My spirits are lifted immediately, for I'm reminded in those moments, motherhood is my dream job. How many people can say they have not only their dream job, but their dream life? There is nothing I would rather be doing than spending my days with my two angels and looking forward to the man of my dreams coming home every night. I'm living that life and am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for listening and answering my prayers. I'm so grateful for the help He provides and for uplifting me when I'm doing all I can and that's all I can do. I know my Heavenly Father and Savior love me and that when I turn to them for support, I always get it. They are always with me and help my days end better than how they start.

Happy Mother's Day to me!

  

The Year of 3

That's right, we are having baby #3!

All of our babies will have been born in 3 different states.

We are waiting to find out the sex of our baby at the birth.

Chris' idea, but I agreed. He thinks it will make everything more exciting. 

You know what I think would make everything more exciting? Is if he carried this baby:)

My guess is we are having a girl and Chris' guess is a boy.

Due date is 9/24/12.

Both baby and I are healthy and we are halfway there.

I'm just starting to look pregnant but have felt very pregnant since the beginning. 

My morning sickness was not limited to the morning.

I was exhausted and sick during the entire first trimester.

Both have improved, thank goodness.

We are excited but a little nervous to figure out how to handle 3 kids.

I'm sure it will work out though. I mean, we aren't the first to have this many kids.

Lila and Calvin are excited to have another sibling, well, we'll just pretend they know what's going on.

Here's to being pregnant and raising babies:)

Cheers!

Strawberry Picking

 We had a lot of fun picking strawberries and they are delicious! Can't wait 'til next year. Lila was a little migrant worker, not stopping for a minute until the bucket was full. Then she started to eat them and run around. She really enjoyed it. Next year we will pick more and try out canning, or making jam, or making strawberry pie, or whatever our heart desires. Here's pics from the day:) 

Happy Easter

Chris and I both loved the tradition from our childhood of having an Easter basket full of goodies. I also loved when I got a new dress for Easter Sunday. We decided to have the same traditions. I forgot to take a pic of Lila in her dress but here are pics of the kids and their baskets.

After church we went over to a friend's house for an Easter feast and it was delicious.

Then we headed outside for an egg hunt.

Calvin enjoyed just sitting on the grass playing with his basket and a few eggs.

While Lila loved running around finding eggs then opening them and getting even more excited when she found the candy.

I've been called a practical parent recently. I think of myself as keeping things simple. However, sometimes I wonder if it's something else all together. While our kids are young and not interested in all the hoopla holidays have to offer, I prefer not to get involved with the craziness that sometime occurs. I love Easter for the reason of celebrating our Savior and getting together with family and friends. Since we didn't travel to be with family, we were in good company with friends. It was a nice, relaxing holiday:)

Happy Easter from the Johnson family:)