My two older kids have been working on their writing. Dekker, because he’s in school and thats an obvious part of learning, and Laela because she wants to and has been seeing Dekker do it. I’m SO thrilled at how far Dekker has come! He has been jumping into every reading level along the way, staying right on par with where they want kids to be in his grade, even skipping a few because its coming naturally! Win! Laela knows SO MUCH going into kindergarten, which is the beauty of her having an older sibling, I’d say 🙂 She is so ready, yet still so little and funny. I hope all of children always write at least some of their letters backwards!

I’m starting with Laela today, because I ALWAYS go in order of age. Today, ladies go first.

I’m not sure what it says at the very top, but she wrote out her alphabet yesterday all on her own, and I’m SO proud of her!!! I think the E is my favorite, lol! The V is a close second. I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t taught her much this year at all. This is ALL her! So considering that, or even not considering that, I think she’s doing an amazing job!! Laela, your kindergarten teacher won’t have any doubts about you 🙂

And to Dekker! Not so much focused on his writing, but what he wrote!

“I went to my eye appointment. I loved my eye drops.”

😭

If you guys have been here long enough, you know what a struggle we went through with Dekker and his eyes. It was small potatoes compared to lots of big picture things, but even small things need dealing on and talking about. The fact that this is what Dekker chose to write about for his homework blew me away. He was very proud, too, of his efforts to spell “appointment.” It was “apoytmint” first, which I LOVED, but he insisted I tell him the correct way to spell it so he could get it perfect. The message just choked me up, though. My little boy is no longer scared of eye appointments. I never pictured we’d reach this point. It felt impossible, but just that it was going to be our reality, and that was ok. Sometimes things are hard! But this is even better!!

Way to go, little smarties!! I’m sure proud of you guys!!!

With Brady being home a bit this week, we have been crushing a handful of small jobs, and it feels SO good!! So to recap…

Yesterday, Brady worked in the morning and was home before lunch. But before he even went to work, he picked up our beautiful new gazebo for the deck!! He assembled the frame, and then tied the canopy on while the kids were eating lunch.

You saw a picture of it yesterday, but here are a few others that are just SO good!!!

While the littler ones napped, Brady took Dekker with him to run some errands. While they were gone, Cher came over to take pictures and chat for a bit. Our photos were successful, as always, and the boys brought back iced coffees for us, because dollar days!!! There errands had been a bit of a bust, but they managed to find a mesh strainer that we needed, and new bulbs for our pot lights, two out of three of which are burned out and have been for quite some time. Win!

The strainer strained our first batch of cold brew of the season. Still haven’t found a second to drink it yet. Sigh. One day.

Beyond those obvious jobs completed, I ordered two playpen mattresses, some sheets for them, and a fold out mattress for this summer at the lake. Last year worked decently well, space wise, but this summer Laela will be without a bed in our little condo set up. So, crisis averted now, thanks to Walmart!

Today has been far busier than yesterday, but once again, in a super productive way! It kicked off with Brady taking Dekker to an eye appointment. He’s stylin’, I know.

Apparently he laughed like crazy while his eyedrops were administered, which has NEVER been the case, but was obviously SO much better than him wailing and panicking. Brady took him to the hospital cafeteria for a treat to celebrate, and to pass the time.

As time passed, however, Dekker’s eyes got more and more sensitive, as happens when they’re dilated, so he wound down a bit. Look at those huge pupils. Dekker looks like a teenager here, to me.

Matchy-matchy boys!!

While they were away, I took Laela to her LAST day of preschool for the year!! She still has a little grad and a wind-up, but the last preschool morning was this morning. She is SO much different than when she started. I sure love her!!

I took a load off while she was away, and Brady made it home just in time to drop Dekker back at school and pick Laela up from preschool. They picked up the mail on their way home, so Laela’s little car seat toy (the coral pineapple teether!) is here, along with this month’s Ipsy! As soon as Brady and Laela were home, the kids started eating lunch and Brady and I made an afternoon plan. It was quickly in place, so we got the kids lunch finished up, dressed the little boys, and headed out to run errands!

We started by picking up an adapter that will let us use our infant car seat in our beautiful new stroller. We had a friend offer us a newer, sturdier car seat, and I think this adapter will work with it, as well. Maybe. So we’ll see!! Whether we get that or not, we have an adapter that currently works, which is a HUGE worry off my plate! And it wasn’t even beastly expensive like the new ones are! Yay for second hand everything. While we were in Martensville, my girl Cher messaged me that she was at Dollarama and had found the elusive baby hangers we couldn’t find the other day, and offered to grab us a stack. Thats another thing off my list! YES!

She saved us a stop, so we booted it into the city from there and bought some printer ink, as well as a handful of hooks to hang up bikes in our garage. Brady and I have been working tirelessly in our garage to get it a bit more organized, and getting these little bikes, trikes, wiggle cars, etc. off the floor would be HUGE. So, bikes hooks.

We made it to my chiropractor just in time for my appointment. Laela had to pee so she came in with me.

We waited a bit and she experienced the Etch A Sketch for the first time. She LOVED it. The receptionist insisted she could bring it into the little exam room with her, so that was a treat, since we usually insist they leave the waiting room stuff in the waiting room. She played patiently through my treatment, and Dr. Mike said for the first time ever, “Keep doing what you’re doing, because its working! You’re in great shape!!” This has NEVER happened! I’m always so broken by the time I go in, and this time, my pelvis was just a little off kilter, but nothing compared to the pain of previous appointments. Win!

On our way home, we hit up OTV and bought some memory cards that we need for cameras, and that was it! We made it home a bit early, and the little boys were fast asleep, so we drove aimlessly around town. It was cute.

We got Dekker from school, and Brady has the kids now in the garage with him while he’s been trying to figure out how to hang ALL the bikes and such. Its a pretty adorable set up, if you ask me!

Our adult bikes and trailer are closed to the overhead door. This is just the little stuff 🙂 The kids are happily playing away, even though they’re in the garage and not on the deck. The deck is SO FUN but Dekker’s eyes are still very dilated and he needs the shade, so its working.

Once I’m done this, I’ll head down to the kitchen and peel and chop up a ton of carrots, because I’m pretty sure we ate all the prepped ones, start supper, and tidy dishes a bit. If I have time, I’d love to hang up all the kids clothes that have been sitting, draped over stuff, without hangers for a few days. Dekker has some homework to do, but we need bedtime to happen on time because we have a music practice at 7:00! Eek! Lol!

These full days feel just crazy, but SO productive! I feel like we’re crushing ALL the little things off of our list! There is obviously more to do, but it feels really good to me to know these things aren’t forgotten! May has been a HUGE month, and while some things are coming to a close and winding down, I think it would be foolish to anticipate June was going to slow down. In fact, I don’t anticipate much slowing down in our life anytime soon! Not for years, likely! These crazy days are going to be normal, likely, and I think thats great 🙂 I’m completely on board!

You know that rewarding feeling of having sore feet and messy hair and a super hungry tummy? Yup. I’m there. I earned that feeling! Brady more than me, but still. WIN!

Six. More. Weeks. Oh my gosh, I can’t even believe it! There is SO much happening in those six weeks, I couldn’t be more thrilled! I feel like JUST the other day, I entered my third trimester. I remember being 29 weeks and feeling like time was MOVING. FINALLY. Now, being 33 weeks along just feels surreal. On one hand, I feel pressed for time all of a sudden, yet in the exact same breath, she still can’t come soon enough. I’d break ALL of my commitments over the next six weeks if I could just have her! (Yes, people, I’m aware that she ideally wouldn’t be born yet 😉 I know we want her full term. I’m just EAGER!)

Size Comparison: A ferret? A 5 lb ferret. Not my favorite mental picture, but ok. I’ll roll with it. Baby Center says a pineapple. I like that WAY better!! 🍍

Appointments: I have one this Friday! I’ll let you know next week how it goes 🙂 I think the only real question I have for them is to ask permission to have someone come along to take pictures. Because that is only fitting for the most well documented pregnancy of all time, right??? I don’t anticipate an issue with it, but I’d hate to have an issue on the day because I neglected to ask. 

How am I feeling emotionally: Its been a weird week in the way of emotions. I mentioned the other day that we have two dresser drawers in our bedroom, waiting to hold Bambina’s clothing, blankets, diapers, etc. One is currently holding some baby stuff we’ve picked up through our losses, and the other holds paperwork and Jamin’s scary little box of cremains. I just don’t know what to do with them. While I KNOW that it is perfectly acceptable and wonderful that we are pregnant again and excited to welcome another life into our family, it sometimes feels really bad 🙁 In this case, I feel pretty sick about moving Jamin’s ashes to make room for stacks and stacks of pink sleepers, flannel blankets, and teeny tiny white socks. I haven’t been able to do it quite yet, but I really want the jobs to start getting done. I combined the drawers into one for the time being, so Bambina has at least one drawer of her stuff, and the other drawer is filled with the memories I’m not sure what to do with. I know that drawer needs to get sorted and reestablished before she comes, but I’ll get there. This just wasn’t the week for it. 

How am I feeling physically: Last night, I slipped getting into the tub. I’m SO careful, but alas, it was bound to happen. I slammed my knee into the tile edge, and wrenched my back HARD. At least it was before the bath and not after, right? So needless to say, not only is my knee super swollen today, but my body is pretty unhappy. Thankfully, this week is less slammed than the recent weeks, and I was planning to hit up my chiropractor anyway, so it couldn’t come at a better time! I also have a super annoying and persistent eye twitch that refuses to quit. I’m sure its partly due to stress, but usually this kind of thing is resolved with a chiro treatment. All the more reason to get there! Beyond that, not much as changed. Reflux is still around, I’m still congested with plugged ears, etc. I don’t anticipate much change in that area until Bambina is born!

Wish Lish/Purchases: I’m SO excited! Baby party invites have arriiiiived!!! Eek! They’re SO pretty and just exactly what I pictured. I’d show you, but then I’d have to kill you 🤷 Because her name is on them. Twice! Besides that, I was gifted a bag of beautiful little baby girl things to add to her adorable little wardrobe. We are so well set up these days <3 Branching off of this, though, I need more kids hangers!! Lol! I bought a TON from Ikea when I was in Edmonton the other weekend and they didn’t even dent my “issue.” Lol! Add that to the wish list! Or just the errand list… I haven’t bit the bullet on anything from the bigger list that I shared last week, but I’m working on it. I’ve made a few decisions finally! So, success.

Pictures: Have you noticed the fresh “day of” pictures recently? Cher has been coming every Monday to take pictures recently, so it would appear that, barring any unforeseen changes, I’ll have a new picture for each series post for the duration of this pregnancy!! If you don’t care about belly pictures, thats completely fine! Just you wait for what comes after the belly pictures!!!

That bumpity bump just keeps getting bigger and bigger… No lie…

It keeps happening!

How are the kids feeling: These kids were just built to have a big family. They make my heart swell on the daily. Even after those really long, trying days when I have my mama doubts and fears, Brady and I always end up discussing how amazing they are, and how grateful we are, and how hard they try, day in and day out! They are exceptional! I will never tire of the cards Dekker makes for her, the pictures that Rowan has started coloring for me and her, and how Laela insists that she will hold Bambina all day, every day. 

Seriously, I am just so excited to add another family member to our group. And so are they! I know many people view a baby as a bit of a shake down, but I feel like when we finally have our baby out and in our arms, things can finally go back to normal!!

Getting to know the baby: We had a big errand day last week, where we shopped Costco, Walmart, and Superstore. Among those things, I got super lost in the hospital trying to visit a friend. Basically, I got my exercise that day! And WOW, the baby did NOT like it! Lol! She’s not so much into the “physical fitness” side of things. Which I’m ok with. She’ll want to be busy soon enough. I hope she just wants to sleep and snuggle for the first little while. I know thats all I’ll want to do! Thats SUCH a good part!

The BEST part of being pregnant: These days, the best part of being pregnant is my children, specifically Dekker, snuggling up with my belly. Most of the time, I get down to his level and hug him tight, but the times that I stay standing, he takes as opportunities to snuggle Bambina. I LOVE this, and will miss it so much when its over. He’ll gently rub my tummy and talk to Bambina. Sometimes he makes jokes to her, or pokes his nose into me. And then he just rests his head there, waiting to feel her. He hasn’t yet felt her move, because attention spans are a thing. I hope she puts on a good show for them still before she’s born! I know they would all get a kick out of her kicks 😉 

Favourite thing: THIS is my favorite thing!!! 😍 

To be fair, I haven’t had the opportunity to use it yet, but I know it will be one of the best things for this summer!! We had absolutely no cover on our deck last year, which was fine, but not ideal. The kids got red and sweaty and overdone very quickly, and this way, Bambina and I can join the fun when the kids want to play outside, and we’ll all be able to enjoy the deck together, whether its sunny or shady.

I often write these series posts all throughout the day, which is handy for a few reasons. It leaves time for my lovely friend to come take pictures and even edit one or two up for me to use. It gives me wiggle room to remember things that I don’t necessarily jot down my first go round. This is my third time sitting down to work on it, and as I lay here, reclined in bed, which I can only do for a short, short time before Bambina’s weight crushes my insides and makes it impossible to breathe, she’s rolling around like a maniac in there, trying to distract me from the task at hand. I’m sure it’ll only be more so that way when she’s on the outside. Which will be in roughly SIX WEEKS!! Somebody pinch me!!

Except don’t, because I’ll cut you 🤨 I mean it. Do not pinch me.

Today has felt a bit crazy to me, though it probably really hasn’t been. Brady and I had breakfast in bed before getting the kids up, fed, and ready for church. We were weirdly ahead of the game and had lots of time to play before it was time to go! Brady and I even started our first big batch of cold brewed coffee, to test our recipe and make sure its yummy enough to be one of the drinks at Bambina’s party this summer. I’ll let you know how it turns out 😉

We got there on time, and everyone sat well for the first few minutes or so, but that was it. I’m sure a handful of you can relate to the challenge of trying to keep kids quiet during church. Its HARD. And today was just not an easy day for it. I think Brady walked Solly out five different times, mostly thanks to Solly demanding Brady’s travel mug, and when upon finally getting it, smacking it into his teeth, face, etc. It wasn’t easy. Church went longer than usual, and we actually ducked out early, which we never do, but it just wasn’t happening, and I knew they wouldn’t calmly sit through communion. Plus, with Solly crying on and off, red faced, chewing his hands (two year molars maybe?) it was just time to get some food moving so naps could start.

Our plan was to have my parents over for waffles for lunch, so we headed home and started right into it. We figured if we had to, we’d just feed the kids the first ones, and the rest of us could eat after. No biggie. But my parents arrived shortly thereafter and we all ate together. We got them down for naps a bit later than usual, but all was well. The nappers all fell asleep in great time (which is sort of unheard of for Laela these days) and mom and I ducked into the city for Costco, since she needed a thing or two, and we had forgotten a handful of things last time we were in.

We moseyed through the big store and chatted, shopped, took advantage of a few sales, and made some plans. I picked up something I wanted to try out for the baby party, and it was SUCH a winner! Guys, its going to be SUCH a yummy party!

While we were driving home, Brady texted that there was some construction going on next door, with lots of loud beeping and such. He was pretty discouraged that naps would end early :/ I tried to reassure him that tomorrow is a holiday and it would be fine. Thankfully, they didn’t wake up immediately, and still all got probably roughly 1.5-2 hours of sleep. Just one left to wake and we’ll head to my parents for supper! This 50 km wind has changed our backyard wiener roast plans, but I think hot dogs are still on the menu, which should please the masses. Some relaxing is whats sounding good to me!

It turned out Brady got yesterday off, and Dekker had school off, too. We took it as an opportunity to head up to the lake! We didn’t know whether it would be slammed busy or completely deserted, based on it being the long weekend.

The kids were SO happy to be heading back to the lake! They were patient with the drive, and sang along to the music while watching out the windows. As the trees got taller and denser, the kids knew we were getting closer. We were pleased to see our little lake town was quiet, hardly populated at all, and ALL the snow was gone!! YES!

I know, they’re super classy 😉

The beach was just GLORIOUS!!!

We fed them some quick lunch in the van before releasing everyone out onto the playground, where they played for a good hour or two.

Lol! A little head bonk for Solly, but he bounced back 😉 Literally and figuratively.

Rowan’s signature move – sitting over on the teeter-totter, waiting for a new friend to come join him.

Aaaaand Solly’s play structure of choice.

We eventually took a little break and went for a walk.

We went down to the pier and spent I don’t even know how long throwing rocks into the water. No lie, I could’ve stayed there until the sun went down. Turns out that little side beach is my happy place, and my kids loving it only made it happier.

We stopped by the bakery and discovered they’re making more menu items already!! So we got the kids some sticky buns and Brady and I ate some pepperoni sticks wrapped in pizza bread. YUM!

We finished our snack and walk up, and decided to head home before everyone broke down. Sometimes its really hard to find that perfect sweet spot, because it feels like such a shame to leave when everyone is doing well, but its worth it when no one screamed the whole way home. I’ll take what I can get. They ALL napped for a chunk of the drive home. But I only have pictures of the ones closest to me in the van, as usual. Sorry, boys in the third row!

We stopped in PA for food. The kids ate McDonalds but Bambina wanted pizza. And yes, I know, I’m only allowed to use that for a liiiiittle bit longer.

We made it home in time to unpack the van and snuggle everyone up on the couch for a few happy music videos before everyone packed it in for the night. For the first time in a while, Brady and I just called it after the kids went down. We’ve been better at getting jobs done after the kids go to bed, and pushing ourselves not to just call it quits like we so often do. But the day had been a full enough. GREAT, but full. We enjoyed a nice long soak in the tub and some snacks and tv before nodding off.

It. Was. Awesome. Thanks again, Waskesiu Lake, for the beautiful day!

I’m realizing that its kind of almost crunch time here! The things we need to order for Bambina need to be ordered SOON! Things that need DOING before she comes need to be done SOON! Yes, I’ve had a few kids, and I am aware of the fact that, really, she needs very little. She needs milk to drink and a place to sleep. Thats really all she needs. And she has those things. But there are a handful of things I’ve had on a list for a while now, and its time to start acquiring those things.

I looked at my list this morning. I shared it with you guys months ago as a wish list, mostly filled with expensive things I didn’t actually need but would make life more convenient. Its cool to see how many of those things have already come into our possession one way or another, and which ones just weren’t worth the money.

For instance, we were gifted a beautiful car seat cover to keep the sun out of Bambina’s eyes, which was on my list! I was able to find a maternity swim top, as well as one that will work postpartum. I got the book I wanted to use as a bit of a guest book for the baby party. A friend let us borrow their rock ’n play, which was something I really wanted to have available, since my babies are historically barfers, and those things are known to be amazing for babies with reflux. Brady just recently bought me the diaper bag I wanted, and we even managed to find a fabulous deal on an amaazing stroller that I NEVER thought I would get!! My mom is on the books for sewing her some beautiful little personalized blankets. We have a good load of cute little clothes now, with very few holes left to fill. We are SO fortunate to be SO prepared!

But, going back to the title of todays post, whats left?

I still need to get a mattress for the playpen. It obviously has a padded board to lay on but its not soft. The little girly has a cradle to sleep in, but our kids outgrow it pretty quick and move to a playpen. So, a playpen mattress. We might even get two so that both she and Solly have a comfier bed for our lake trip.

I still hope to buy some of those menstrual underwear. If ANY of you have tried them, please message me to chat about them! I would love some input about brands and whether they’re worth the price or not. I just can’t help but think they’d save my (literal and figurative) butt this summer.

I was hoping to get a second Baby Brezza (basically a keurig for formula) and a second ubbi diaper pail, both for up in our room for all the midnight diaper changes and feeds, but they’re both solidly expensive items that I can’t justify buying just for convenience. So my eyes are always open but I’m not counting on those things. I’m thankful to have one Brezza in my kitchen and one ubbi in the kids room. They’re both AMAZING!

A 3D ultrasound is off the list :/ I’m too far along now to really see the baby. *holds breath for the next 6-7 weeks*

Whats left for the baby party is mini jars for favours (Oh yeah, there will be a favour! I hope…) itty bitty tongs for the fruit trays, and I need to make her name sign! There is obviously still a decent list of baby party prep but so much of it will be done in the last days leading up to the party, and I’m not going to list it all here. Look for that post once Bambina is home!

I would still like to find a few headbands for the little miss. Some soft ones tho tie in the front, or twist, or something like that. Obviously not a need, but I think I’d be bummed if I didn’t make an effort to get her at least a handful of them.

I’m also still hoping to find her some little stretchy capri pants! I know that seems unimportant, but I had them for Laela when she was a toddler and this many years later, I’m kicking myself for not buying them in an itty bitty size! But seriously, how could I know?? Lol! In all my looking, I can only find full length leggings. Maybe that would be fine with my tall babies…

I need to wash up all of her little clothes, but there is still time for that.

We have to figure out the carseat to stroller issue, and either find a different car seat or an adapter to make it compatible with the stroller. A bit stumped on this one, but we’re working on it.

I have to organize all of my lady postpartum things. Menstrual pads, breast pads, pain meds, etc.

I have to wash/sterilize bottles up and give our Brezza a good wash.

I have to pack my hospital bag, and install the car seat. We have to decide how to configure the kids in the van without anyone having to duck under anyone else’s seat. We did that last time and I know the bigger kids really hated it.

We have two dresser drawers in our room where I plan to store all of Bambina’s blankets, extra sleepers, meds, diapers, etc. while she’s living up with us, and both need a clean out. One has some baby things I’ve bought throughout the last year and a half that I needed to put somewhere, and the other holds some paperwork from Jamin’s passing, and yes, his little box of cremains is in there, too. Straight talk, I have NO idea what to do with those drawers. But they have to be cleaned up and organized. Who wants to bet that’ll be the last thing I get to? 🙋

I’m sure there is more to add to this list, and I’ll probably kick myself later on for missing this and that, but my brain is pretty mushy and undependable these days. 🤷 What do you want from me?? Lol! If YOU can think of something important that I’ve forgotten, PLEASE don’t hesitate to post it in comments or send me a text or a Facebook message. It won’t stress me out, I promise, but rather help me be as organized as possible for the upcoming summer! Big or small, please mention it! Right now, none of this feels too ominous. I think I’ve done/planned more than I haven’t, so that counts for something. The things I’d like to do before she comes are pretty much off the list, because they don’t matter enough. A detailed vehicle? Whatever. Cabinets and dining chairs that are spotless for five seconds? Meh. A complete backup and reload of our laptop? If it fits, I guess. I’m not too worried about those things.

Ready or not, I’m SO excited for her to come 💜

Brady is home today!! Of all days, today was “beach day” at Dekker’s school. The last few days have been balmy and gorgeous, with the kids coming home without their hoodies/jackets, all tan and delicious. And today, it was windy and rainy to the point of everyone staying indoors for recess. But of course, it was beach day. Shorts and muscle shirts were out the window, but I think we did ok, creativity wise 😉

He was amped, and he’s since told me that no one else he saw had a lifejacket. Conveniently, he thinks thats awesome and not embarrassing, so I’m patting myself on the back for thinking of it and moving on.

Once he was at school, I got Laela off to an exciting day with the preschool, as they went to check out the kindergarten experience! She was so excited and came home happy, which made me happy, also. I can’t believe how soon she’ll be in KINDERGARTEN!! Crazy!!

Rowan and Solly played together beautifully while the older kids were away. Its not always smooth with the two of them, but its gotten a lot smoother than it was in the beginning of the school year! They played at the table together while Brady and I ate breakfast and looked a few things up.

On that note, we researched a LOT of things today, and in all honesty, I’m feeling a tad discouraged :/ I don’t think we got a straight answer or were able to make an informed decision all day long. When Laela was home from her morning out, and she and the little boys went down for rests, Brady and I had lunch and tried to just relax a bit ourselves, but the research poured into that time, too, and we were constantly pausing our show and sharing the info we were finding with each other.

It is hours later, Dekker is home, and I can hear him doing homework downstairs with Brady. I’m upstairs, writing this, because I almost forgot!! And even now, I’m SO distracted by all the things we’ve been looking up!!

I wrote that I was distracted, and then went and researched for a few minutes. No lie.

So it feels like its been a super weird day, but it hasn’t actually been. Its been pretty nice actually! No deadlines, low pressure, hubs being home. Its chilly and rainy outside but it smells great and sounds even nicer. I’m SO grateful for today!

So a while back, I was talking about going through a super difficult time with the kids, where they were just constantly breaking rules, getting in trouble, being super rude to one another, etc. In all honesty, it hasn’t improved a whole lot yet, but I’m SO bored of talking about it! And if I’m bored, very likely you are also bored. So I’m tried pretty hard to lay off that kind of talk and focus on other things.

Yesterday was another tricky one and I was really struggling to figure out what to write about that wasn’t focused around my kids misbehaving. Luckily, I hadn’t really had a chance to put up a photo post from that Edmonton weekend, and a photo post is always a fun post! At least yesterday’s sure was! I always love an opportunity to brag Brady up a bit 😉 And thank you for all the love on the bright new front door!! Honestly, I expected a bit more judgement on that! Hahaha! We all LOVE it!

I’m happy to say that today has felt a bit better. Its not been perfect, but I’m not going for “perfect,” so thats ok. Usually, the kids set the table for breakfast in the morning, and they’re all so eager to help that they end up fighting like cats and dogs over who gets to do what. So instead, I got up five minutes early and just did it all myself before they were up. I still want them to learn to help, and I know they still want to, but it was SO refreshing today to just avoid the fight. Breakfast was peaceful.

The kids and I took Dekker to school, and checked the mail. I’m anticipating a couple of parcels, but they keep not coming! I’m pretty sure the one at least is coming tomorrow! Woot! After the mail, we headed home and began our relaxed morning of playing and reading stories.

One thing we do as punishment over here is take away a toy that they’re being disobedient with. This isn’t an unheard of concept, haha! We used to put the toy on the island and they’d get it back the next day. But with the current state of their behavior, our island was COVERED by the end of the day, and the island was just a mess. So, now, the toys are put on top of the fridge, and they’re gone longer. Until we decide, basically. The stakes are higher.

About a week ago, Laela lost her stuffed Elsa when she was super angry and hucked it at one of her brothers. Boom. Gone. But she understood why, and accepted that it was gone. Over the last day or two, she’s been asking about it. Last night, she really wanted it to sleep with, and we told her we could have a talk about it the next day and see if she was ready to have it back. That was this morning.

Laela asked very politely if she could have her Elsa back now. I asked her if she remembered why she lost her toy in the first place, and she definitely did. She apologized, and I agreed to give her back her toy. The moment Elsa was in her arms, Laela closed her eyes and gave her a big, mushy hug. And the second that hug was over, she ran Elsa over to Solly. If you remember, Elsa is probably Solly’s favorite toy in our whole house. He squealed with delight and grabbed Elsa from Laela, and kissed her and kissed her and kissed her! It was a VERY happy reunion.

I need these moments. They are such wonderful reminders of how hard my children really do try, and that they have GOOD, BIG hearts, and that they really love each other. Even when they don’t really like each other every moment of every day 😉 I know this is normal sibling stuff, but I don’t like writing it off like that. I don’t think it makes it ok to be twerps to each other just because the mood strikes. Self control, folks! We ALL have it. We just have to use it! And today, I saw my little spitfire daughter graciously give her brother her sought after cuddly Elsa because she knew he loves her, maybe even more than Laela does.

Just another “its working” moment that relaxes my heart a little. YIKES I love these kids.

I have so many beautiful pictures, courtesy of my husband, from the weekend I was away in Edmonton, and I don’t think I ever really shared any! So, be prepared for a bit of a pic dump. It’ll be worth it. Brady is an EPIC dad, and I came home to a super happy family! I’m beyond grateful for them.

Jerilee and I left the Friday morning, so Brady took Dekker to school and the other kids to the city to get our tires fixed up. The other day, if you remember, I got stranded by the elementary school with a flat. Well that tire was completely shot, plus the tires all needed to be re-balanced and whatnot after that whole debacle, so he brought the three kids along and they hung out at the tire shop for a bit. Apparently Rowan even made a friend in the waiting room, and tried to tell her about Jesus before she took a phone call. I love them.

We are SO lucky to have such a great place to go, where everyone is honest and great at their job. Everything was shined up (literally) and they were good to go in no time! Thanks again, Faithfull Tire and Auto, for getting out bus in perfect order, and for tolerating our kids running circles around your waiting room.

On the same day, Brady began a project that I believe I hinted about but never fully told you guys about. Whoops! I’m so scatterbrained! When it started, anyway, it looked like this!

And then he set up our new stroller!

The ONLY bummer about this stroller is that our car seat isn’t compatible :/ I knew it very likely wasn’t and was expecting to buy an adapter thing for it, but I kind of hate how that even works. Anyone have a bucket seat that is compatible with the City Select that they aren’t using for the remainder of 2018 that they’d be willing to lend out/sell?

On Saturday, Brady, along with our lovely across the street neighbour, got our kids ready and took them out to the fire fighters pancake breakfast! I have to be pretty careful with posting pictures of that because there were SO many other kids in most of them, and I don’t want to mess with other people’s privacy :/ Which is unfortunate because there are SO many good ones!!! But here’s what I’ve got for now, anyway. Forgive me for having more of some kids than others! Its tricky when there are a handful of them!

Seriously, they’re SO cute! And they had SUCH a good time! I heard about it for days on end! The hats are still floating around the house.

The rest of the day was low key. Solly woke up from his nap first and hung out with Brady outside for a bit before everyone else woke up.

Then they ate hot dogs for supper…

…had baths, and watched some music videos to wind down before bed. I love them.

Sunday was the day I came home. But before I did, there were things to do! Jerilee and I shopped, obviously, but Brady did other things! First, selfies, because he knows I’d be SO disappointed if he didn’t take any!! I LOVE them!!! This one is the best 🙂

Then he took what I like to call “sugar shots” of the kids before taking everyone outside for the morning.

They biked and played and helped Brady install the final project that he had been working on!!

Eeeeeeek!!! I LOVE it!

Then I’m told they went in for lunch, naps, quiet time, etc. and headed to my parents for the remainder of the afternoon and supper, where I met them at the end of the day.

I’m SO thankful for my husband, and his willingness to hang with the kids for a weekend while I am off galavanting with my bestie, spending some money and living selfishly for a few days. On one hand, I know Brady is one in a million, and SO full of love for his family, and I am incredibly fortunate to have him. And on another hand, a man watching his kids isn’t what make him one in a million. He does it with joy and excitement, and doesn’t just limp through his days when he’s outnumbered and tired. He makes the most of it, and works HARD to give everyone 100% of himself. He is NOT a selfish man. Not one bit.

What a fabulous weekend for all of us involved. I’m so grateful.

I’m just completely astonished every single week that we have actually made it through another week!! From the other side of that, I’m also shocked that the number of remaining weeks keeps going down. Seven weeks, folks. Seven. My gosh. Dekker asked me this morning how much longer it would be until Bambina was born. He said seven weeks still seemed like a long long time. When I told him many women are pregnant for forty weeks, he was completely blown away! Suddenly seven didn’t seem like many at all. I’m with him. It feels kind of long, but in the grand scheme of things, its not long at all!

Size Comparison: I aaalmost want to throw this category out the window, lol! Its been SO all over the place recently, but I’ve made it this far. Why stop here? Plus I really like one of the comparisons on my usual app 🙂 Remember those square plastic scooter boards from gym in the early grades at school? Apparently she’s the size of that. Go figure! Lol! Also, a naked armadillo. The biggest thing, I think, is that we’re at the stage of the game where I’m theoretically gaining a pound per week, and about half of that weight is going straight onto the baby! So I hear, anyway! 

Appointments: I had a prenatal appointment on Friday. Brady was going to join me, like he used to for every single appointment, but the kids were sick and snotty and unfriendly and it just wasn’t a good day for it :/ Too bad. I love having him in the appts if at all possible, and he hasn’t met my student doctor yet. But thats fine. I went in myself and had a decent appointment. If I remember right, I’ve never talked weight too specifically with you guys, but I believe at my last appointment a month ago, I had gained 9 lbs all together. Welp, as of Friday, I’ve gained 15 lbs! Oy! Lol! I’m not in any way suggesting that 15 lbs is too many, AT ALL, but 6 lbs in four weeks is a good amount 😉 This is how my pregnancies tend to finish off, though. I get so much bigger at the end! As do my kids, lol! There are always a couple of big months. I’m not worried 😉 The rest of the appointment was fine. I had changed my reflux medication dosage, and asked for a prescription for it. That felt like a bit of a failure but barfing up acid literally all day long just isn’t my idea of a good time. Nope nope nope. I asked a couple of questions about the iron I’ve started taking, and if there were any rules about how close to baby day I can go to physio. I admitted to him that my anxiety is weirdly going up these days, which I wouldn’t have expected, but turns out to be the case. We didn’t talk in too much detail about it, but we did when Dr. Guselle joined us at the end of the appointment. When she came into the room, he mentioned to her that I was having anxiety, and she right away tilted her head, sat herself up on the exam table, and said “Oh dear. Why are we anxious?” I sputtered my way through my somewhat pathetic, irrational fears about the baby dying, and how I KNOW I have no reason to believe she will, but that the closer it gets to her being born, the worse its going to hurt if she were to pass away. My wonderful doctor is SO understanding. She completely dismissed my dismissal of my own feelings (if you can follow that, lol) and reassured me that she knew exactly why I was feeling that way. She and my student doctor went over ALL the things they’ve observed through my pregnancy that should normally bring a person confidence. The growth of my uterus has been consistent and on track. I’m not swelling. My blood pressure is great. I have no signs of premature labor. Baby reacts to my exams, as is seen in her heart rate (which was between 135-150 bpm, by the way.) She’s even consistently head down! Everything looks right. They were totally understanding and sensitive about where I stand, but without asking directly, it seems like they are going to try to limp me through the end of my pregnancy, ultrasound-free. Which I understand and respect, completely. And I know I could just ask if I were really, truly suffering. But, for now, its ok, and I can make it. Its just a little longer. It was a good appointment.

How am I feeling emotionally: Huh. Kind of jumped the gun on this one. Read above, lol! 

How am I feeling physically: I’m doing pretty ok. My pelvis hurts a bit more than usual these days, with that wretched right leg pain back again, but I’ve also been so much busier and more active than usual over the last week and weekends that I think it makes sense. I need a chiro adjustment, and since Brady’s work is full but not unbearably full this week, that may even come in the next few days. I’ve been congested and had semi-plugged ears through most of this pregnancy, and that continues on, though I hoped it would at least lessen when spring rolled around. Not the case. I do tire out pretty quickly, and fall asleep earlier in the evenings than I used to. If I become a flaky friend over the next couple of months, please forgive me. I’m so so tired, haha! Its hard to find that middle ground of how hard to push myself and when to just let myself be comfortable and at rest. Another physical symptom thats hanging around is my reflux, and its craaazy. My prescription doesn’t even cut it some days. That being said, however, its an old bottle of capsules, so perhaps they’ve lost some potency. I’ll know soon enough when I inevitably cash in for a refill. And on the baby side of things, she is feeling pretty cramped in there! I can feel her try to stretch out ALL the way, and her feel will go aaaaall the way up between my ribs and poke my sternum, and she’ll so lovingly kick at my sternum while head-butting my cervix. Its not the most comfortable 😉 but I wouldn’t trade it. I love that she’s big enough for me to sometimes be able to identify which parts are what and how she’s laying. I love her. 

Wish Lish/Purchases: This is a big one this week!! For Mothers Day, I received the beautiful diaper bag I’ve been pining over!! YES! I’m SO excited to load it up with her little stuff! I’ve owned a similar bag in the past, and its been improved since then, in lots of ways! It has a few more pockets that look actually very convenient for holding bottles, and it also has a crossbody strap on it for my husband who often carries the bag and doesn’t love the shoulder strap. So everybody wins! I’m SO thankful for it!! Yesterday, my mom and I put in a few solid hours of shopping for the baby party, so all kinds of things have been acquired for that, which feels SO real and SO exciting!! Lastly, the one little thing we get every kid that isn’t really a necessity but more of a tradition is a single little toy for in their car seat. Now, let me remember… I THINK Dekker had an owl that jingled. Laela had a flat little bunny that made a crunchy sound. Rowan had an elephant with a wooden ring on the end. Sadly, I cannot remember for the life of me what Solly’s car seat toy was! And being that he’s the most recent kid, I should remember!! I’ve scoured the blog from his birth to him being in a convertible seat, and it appears I wore him in a carrier so much more than the other kids, and have WAY less pictures of him in a car seat than I do of the other kids. Shoot. Sorry, Solly! Hopefully a lack of car seat toy never did any psychological damage! That ALL being said, we bought Bambina a little coral colored teething toy in the shape of a pineapple. I ordered it yesterday, thanks to a free shipping promo for Mother’s Day. LOTS of fun purchases in preparation for her homecoming! We even got the cradle out of the garage finally! 

Pictures: Todays bumpity bump!! Look at her go!

Isn’t it funny how round bellies look, but from different angles, they’re actually suuuper lumpy? Lol! My babies almost always hang out on the right side of my body, so its much more stretched out and bulbous. Meanwhile the left side of my body, mainly my ribcage, take a serious beating! Lol! But I’m SO big this week! And SO PINK! Lol!

How are the kids feeling: The kids are just the cutest. This morning, as I was getting the kids up, I was on my knees, giving them good morning hugs, Rowan approached me with his belly sticking right out. He walked right up to be and bumped bellies with me. He just stood there and we looked at our bellies. He smiled up at me and said he wanted to hug the baby. He and Dekker both got nice and low down, and hugged my belly warmly, and wished their little sister a good day. It was adorable and exciting. I can just picture how our reality will change with another little one, and how our current four kids will be amazing siblings to the new addition. Dekker actually made a sign the other day, ALL on his own, inviting people to the baby party! I’d post a picture on here, but I think I’m actually going to save it and hang it on the door on the day of the party 🙂 As per his request, of course 😉 The anticipation is thick around here. We’re all more than ready. 

Getting to know the baby: My little miss seems easily calmed. When she is really giving ‘er and kicking like a crazy person, I often just put my hand on her and rub her a little, and she slows right down. She still moves and shifts, but she is much more gentle and calm. I love that. I look forward SO MUCH to our first snuggles in person. The first time I can calm her from crying. The first time we doze together. The first time I feed her milk and wipe the little drips off her sleeping face. The first swaddle in her special homemade blankets. All of it. Don’t get me wrong. There is NOTHING like carrying a baby in your body. But I’m ready to have her in my arms.

The BEST part of being pregnant: I think the best part of being pregnant right now is nesting. I’ve been able to find a bit of extra energy here and there, and have begun gutting and purging different places in our house in preparation for Bambina. I struggled hard with nesting when I was pregnant with Jamin because it hit so early, and I didn’t know if I was jus super eager to have him, or if I was naturally nesting off of my pregnancy with Theo, since the two overlapped so quickly. I admit, after two consecutive losses, nesting feels scary in some ways. I’ve been hesitant to really get ready for her to arrive, because how awful would it be if she didn’t?? BUT! I just cannot and WILL NOT live that way. So these days, actually physically preparing for her arrival feels awesome. I sorted out some weird old stuff from my cupboard of bottles. We DID get a second fridge (Thank you, Cher, for hear my desperate cries in my last series post!) which is ready and waiting to be filled with baby party food! I have a little section in a closet with some of Bambina’s things hung up, though I will definitely wash them all up before the time comes. I cleaned out cabinets and part of the pantry. My room is tidied and the cradle just needs a wipe down before it can move up to its precious spot beside my bed. There is still lots to do, but the occasional burst of energy to make the things happen has been wonderful!

Favourite thing: My favorite thing of the week is probably the song “Classic” by the band MKTO. Its cute and catchy and I love it 🙂 I’m linking the video ONLY BECAUSE I want you to hear the song, but I really don’t care for the video or watching the guy sing it. So, sorry not sorry. 

Its so cute and catchy and I love the song! So does the rest of my family. It was a quick, natural favorite.

Its been such a crazy busy time over the last few weeks! While its made time move super quick, and we’ve made some good progress, Brady’s work is relaxing just a little this coming week, and I’m hoping that means some extra energy for all of us! Hopefully we’ll be even more productive and get some real work done around here! Because, guys. Seven weeks left. SEVEN. I hope they whip by and Bambina is in our arms before we know it! I’m sure we’ll have no trouble filling that time.

** If I haven’t added you to the baby party event yet, speak up! I’m sorry! I wanted to add SO many more people to the list but I didn’t want to add like hundreds of people who have no interest, lol! There is still time but if you have any interest, let me know!! Open to ALL! Men, women, and children! Come on, come all! If you’re anticipating this girl a fraction as much as we are, we want to see you there! **