The Daily Hailey

Brady has some time off this week, which is good and bad. We had a LONG stretch there with little to no work, and I’ll admit that there are some nerves in having him home for a stretch now. I think we both feel that way. Yet, on another hand, he has been going nonstop for a couple of months now and I’ve missed him dreadfully. In a perfect world, I’d love to spend these days at home with Brady, eating brunch together mid-morning, tag teaming with the kids, taking our time, maaaybe going out once or twice as needed and wanted. Definitely not going out in random mid-April blizzards. But as many of you can attest to, him being home means its WAY easier to get things done! So, for the last two days, we have been CRUSHING things off of our list!

We’ve spent the last two days running around like crazy people. Today we drove to the city twice, and made it home just in time to get Dekker from school.

In the last two days, we made our first baby party purchases, rented a guitar, bought some small reno materials, as well as a canopy for the deck from Home Depot, got my rings cleaned, had my blood taken, replaced my phone screen protector, made a few returns, took in our recycling, found some dress shirts for the little boys for an upcoming event, purchased groceries, and bought the LAST thing the kids need for spring to finally spring – some pretty sandals for Laela.

Its the end of the second errand day, and to sum it all up, everything is wet. Everything. My mukluks soaked through at our first stop today. The kids hair is all messy an tangly from the wind and snow. Dekkers outerwear is SOAKED from recesses at school. Everything smells like wet dog in our house. Hopefully its not just us.

After two immensely productive days, my back has perhaps never been angrier. My chiropractic treatment today was one of those special ones that will likely make me feel worse before I feel better. Hopefully tomorrow hurts slightly less than this last week has. Wish me luck for my soak and sleep. I need it all to reset, because tomorrow is another busy day! This relaxing family week sure looks different than it would’ve a few years ago, haha!

What is it about the third trimester that feels like a breath of fresh air? I can’t put my finger on it, but there is something different about it. I know things can still go awry, but I can’t live waiting for the worst to happen, so instead I’ll just keep praying and hoping for the best!

Size Comparison: This weeks baby size comparisons are bizarre. The most “normal” one is a coconut, which, I’m sorry, but I just don’t get. My baby is not a ball. Nor is she a rollerblade. Nor is she some upsetting combination of a porcupine/hedgehog/anteater. Google says she’s an eggplant. Guys, I don’t know what to tell you. I’m pretty sure she resembles a small scale baby…

Appointments: I had an appointment on Friday with my student doctor and family doctor. I had previous weighed myself at my parents and was a bit shocked at how much I’d gained in the last month, but thank goodness it was just a difference of scales! I’m not paying close attention to food or intentionally a certain way. Just going about life as always, eating at normal times, snacking when needed, etc. and I have only gained two pounds in the last month. That brings my weight gain up to 9 lbs thus far, which I’m happy with 🙂 Beyond that, at my appointment I got results from my previous blood work that showed that I do not have gestational diabetes, and that my vitamin D level is actually normal for the first time in the history of as far back as I can remember. However, the finger poke they did there in the office showed me to have low hemoglobin. Since cold hands can cause an incorrect reading, and I had just washed my hands, I was sent back to the blasted blood clinic for more blood work. Merp. Ah well, one must know about their iron levels whilst pregnant. Its important. Did that today. So we shall see if I need an iron boost or not. Whatever Bambina needs!

How am I feeling emotionally: I think I’m levelling off a little bit, in a good way. I’m finding myself in a place that feels reasonable to start really expecting this kid to come. Could I still have the rug pulled out from under me? Absolutely. But again, I can’t live like that. So instead, I’m letting myself get excited and anticipate her birth and bringing her home. My “hopefullys” are turning into “probablys.” It feels good. 

How am I feeling physically: My lower back has been positively screaming at me for the last week or so. I thought I had maybe just overdone it last weekend but its not letting up. Last time it hurt this way, it turned out that my pelvis was way out of place. In the last day or two, my pain is escalating and radiating into my legs, so I think its the same story. I’ll be trying to get in to see my chiropractor as soon as humanly possible. My reflux is amping, also, but I’m still below my max dose of Zantac, so thats a positive. I can’t tell I’m reaching that point, though, where I’m going to have to go up in that :/ Merp. But in the big picture, thats a pretty small problem.

Wish Lish/Purchases: This category is fun this week! Just today, Brady and I bought a pile of fake flowers for a specific part of Bambina’s party decor. It felt SO good to actually get our hands on the beginnings of the party supplies! We also made a little Home Depot purchase to hopefully complete a small project before she’s born, and I’m SO stoked about it! I’m not going to talk in detail about it, in case it doesn’t happen, but I really think it will, and you guys will definitely know! Lastly, we were in the mall today and I lamented about the diaper bag I’ve been eyeing for literal years as we walked past it in the store. I learned then that Brady had never actually seen it, so we ducked in. He is in full support of getting it, which is SO exciting! We didn’t buy it today, because its cheaper on Amazon, but I think we’ll finally foot that bill and get a brand new diaper bag!!! Eek!

Pictures: Sooooo I dropped the ball and I don’t have a picture of the bumpity bump! I should’ve taken one yesterday when I was actually put together and felt cute. But I’m currently snuggled up in bed, have no pants on, and am not photo ready. But here is a picture of the pretty flowers we bought today!!

That counts, right?? We need some more yellow and white in there…

How are the kids feeling: Dekker has taken to making cards for her. There are many scattered around the kitchen and my bedroom. I’m trying to save them all for her but its getting tricky.

The kids also talk constantly talk about taking her to the lake. I love the general feeling behind that – that they love the lake and want to share one of their favorite places with their little sister. She will truly be the icing on the cake of summer!

Getting to know the baby: The other day I made a joke at her expense, and she head-butted my cervix. 😔 I learned my lesson. At least she’s been hanging out head down for the most part!

The BEST part of being pregnant: I LOVE that as Bambina grows, she is easier for others to feel. Its not like many people have taken the time to put their hand on her and wait for her to move, but the other day, I jokingly walked up to my mom, who was sitting, and just poked my belly into her head. She lovingly leaned into it and rested her head on my belly while chatting with Bambina, and baby girl responded and wiggled for her. I love that. I LOVE when other people can participate, even in these small ways. 

Favourite thing: Stir fry!!! I think we eat stir fry more than we eat anything else these days. And it is SO SO GOOD! I always wanted to be a stir fry person, but we tried out so many different sauces until we settled in on one that we like, and conveniently, it claims to be the BEST! Lol! I’d call it basic, but sure. 

I should say, we don’t make it exactly the same. We don’t have sesame seed oil or rice vinegar, and our ginger is powder, but its all good still. Also, we double it up so we can stretch it out over the ridiculous amount of rice we make. Combined with some stir fry beef and a bag of Green Giant frozen veggies, its stinking delicious! Its possible we eat it out of the bowls that are larger than cereal bowls… Like think medium sized mixing bowls.

Overall, this has been a big week. There have been SO many tragedies recently, widespread and also close to home, and I’m just so grateful to have a healthy little baby girl within my body who is as safe as possible. She is good. I can focus on other things. I finally feel like I have the headspace for it, and that has come at exactly the right time! As always, Gods timing makes so much more sense than our own!

Just a quick one today, but I think most everyone can relate to it in some way.

There is SO much tragedy – in our little province, in the rest of the world, in different people groups, belief systems, etc. SO much sadness and struggle. In our unassuming town, even. It is a heavy time in the world.

So, with that in mind, hug your people. You just never ever know.

For my today, I need to hug my people, even if they threw a full on face down tantrum in church. Even if they need to be told the same thing 30+ times and still won’t listen. Even if they lied to my face, twice, in a matter of seconds. Even if they’re screaming their heads off, refusing to nap. And even if their screaming is exaggerated by the fact that there are a handful of kids directly outside of our house, also screaming. I’m ready to pull my hair out, but what would I ever do to suddenly lose them all? I can’t imagine I’d ever stand again.

Don’t forget, however you show love, show love to your people!! They need to know you’ve got their back, and that you appreciate them and need them in your life! There is just far too much brokenness, and we need to come together. Fast.

Time has been standing still since we found out we were expecting Bambina. Its not been a secret, and I think most everyone can understand why. I don’t anticipate that all anxiety will be gone the moment she’s born and in my arms, but I think a good chunk will subside, at least. I cannot wait until its that time, and because I’m SO excited for it, it feels like it will never come.

I had an appointment yesterday, and as it was ending, I mentioned that I didn’t think I had my next one scheduled. My student doctor seemed surprised, and said they were all booked, and said Dr. Guselle must’ve booked them herself. I remember her saying she was going to the last time I was around, so it was unsurprising to me. I asked him to please print the list off for me so I could record them in all the right places. I left that appointment with my list of dates and times, another blood requisition, and my prenatal record, because I’m pregnant enough to carry that sucker around 😁 Yay!

This morning, Brady and I were cleaning the island off and tidying up some of the papers that accumulated through the week, and I found my list of appointments. I took a few minutes, then, to put them into my planner, and THAT, my friends, is where it got REAL!

All through the majority of a persons pregnancy (assuming its “standard” and uncomplicated by Sask Health standards) they see their doctor on a monthly basis. It picks up towards the end, but most of the time, you just see your health care provider every fourish weeks or so.

My pregnancy has been decently “standard,” but because of my history of losses last year, I’ve obviously had more appointments than average. For a long time, I’d see my doctor one week, and have a scan the next. Back and forth, back and forth, for weeks and weeks. It saved my butt and my sanity. Once I started to feel movement, the schedule changed, for obvious reasons that I understand. But I admit, it was a tricky transition. Going from weekly check-ins to monthly felt pretty cold turkey ish, even though Bambina was moving lots and I had reassurance every single day. It was just hard. But I survived a couple of those months between appointments. Victory! Lol!

Looking at my list of appointments, I have one in a month. Fair enough. After that one, I am suddenly into the two week stretches between appointments. Thats a big shift that I’m very much looking forward to. And then, looking slightly further ahead, there are only TWO stretches of two weeks between appointments before I’m in WEEKLY!!! And that only goes for a few weeks before baby comes 💗

I know, basic math tells us that makes total sense. I still have three months to go. Thats not news.

four weeks = one month
two weeks (x2) = one month
one week (x4) = one month

But, guys, thats SOON! I love seeing the time fill, with appointments, fun activities, school functions, day trips to the lake, etc. Today, I’m feeling hopeful that time will move forward at a decent pace, and that I’ll genuinely enjoy the days, and live out a happy spring before it turns to summer and we can welcome our beautiful Bambina home.

THREE MONTHS!! NOT EVEN!!!!!

I was going to have blogged by mid-morning, buuut plans change so often, and today was one of those days! So instead, here is a quick breakdown of the day.

I spent the morning, legit, a bundle of tears. I discovered that all of a sudden, neither of the possible baby party dates were going to work 🙁 I was going to have to choose between INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT people in my life being there, and I couldn’t imagine my party without them all there. I know there is always need for give and take, but I couldn’t “give” up these people. I cried a lot, had some short lived but serious anxiety, and then someone heroically changed their schedule and the party can move forward once again! But WHEW! That took the wind out of my sales for a minute there! Yikes!

Brady pulled a half day (planned in advance) so I could go to my prenatal appointment that was poorly scheduled too close to school pickup, and he stayed home to get Dekker.

I had my prenatal, which I’ll talk more about in Monday’s series post, but all is pretty much well. I may have low hemoglobin, but apparently cold hands screw test results up all the time, and its still cold out, sooooo I have to schedule yet more bloodwork in the near future. Good thing Brady has some breathing room next week! Boy do we need it!

I made it back home about five minutes after school let out, picked up the family, and we drove back in for some errands.

Walmart happened. Dekker and Laela got summer sandals. Dekker got a lifejacket. We got groceries.

We had McDonalds supper in Walmart, which Brady and I HATE doing but the kids DREAM about. They were happy. I’m still hungry.

We nixed our idea of Superstore and decided to continue around to a few places in search of a canopy/gazebo for our deck. Canadian Tire happened. Rona happened.

It was already the kids bedtime, so we headed home, even though there was so much more we could’ve done. We’ll have other chances soon. But today was a fun start. We are all SO ready for summer. SOOOOO ready!

Quick stop for gas at Costco, and I ran in for a few staples we were out of. Cheese strings and spaghetti sauce were on sale! I stumbled upon bath bombs, also. I’ll let you know how those go.

Made it home. Dekker slept the whole way home, so who knows when he’ll fall asleep next. Good thing tomorrow is Saturday! The other kids were a mix of hyperactivity and exhaustion. Funny how those often look the same 😉

Saturdaaaaay! I’m so ready!

My mom was over for the day, and we spent ALL afternoon planning the very real details of Bambina’s baby party. It was SO FUN!!! I cannot wait to celebrate this long-anticipated baby girl, and I truly, genuinely hope you all at least consider coming! Whether I know you follow along with our life or not, please reach out! It is going to be SO exciting to celebrate with so many of you!

I’ve been having trouble nailing down whether to ask people to help me assemble the baby party, or to make it easily attainable for me to just purchase and put on myself. We were able to write out very simple plans and details that she and I could make happen together, with minimal favor-asking. With that, we wrote down everything I’d need to purchase in advance, like paper dishes, some decor, etc. so I can keep an eye out for deals and make those purchases gradually over the next couple of months. I have one or two projects to get on, but its all SO well organized now, and I feel SO excited to actually have things to start on!

Food is chosen and planned out in detail.

Invitation proofs are created.

Decor ideas are nailed down.

Date and time are picked.

There is a list of people to contact.

All is well!! I’m so amped, and SO ready! We had the goal to make some other summer plans as well, but we used up ALL of our time on the baby party. Oops! Sorry, not sorry! Planning for the rest of summer can wait. I just want to partaaaaay!!! And by “partaaay” I mean that we might have mimosas, and thats the “craziest” its going to get 😉

Are you enticed now? Are you coming?!?! COME! BRUNCH! BABY!!!!!

Today was the day! I navigated the weird new blood clinic system, booked my appointment, and got my glucose test done!

True story. I don’t hate the orange drink. I also don’t super like it. My biggest issue with this thing is the shot of PURE sugar SO early in the morning. Gag me. But, I did it. Chugged that sucker back and went back to the waiting room for an hour, finished it up, and headed home. But here was my experience at the new clinic.

I got there around 9:10. My appointment was booked for 9:30. Early, and got good parking no less! Woot! I waited at the little sign until it was my turn and I passed the receptionist my form and health card. I was trying to be on the ball, because that place was already PACKED full. I mentioned that I had booked an appointment. The receptionist responded very loudly to me, asking when it was, confirming who I was, asking my birthday, phone number, etc. She was so loud! She looked at me over her glasses and said “You know this is an hour test, right?” Yes, I reassured her that I knew, and had the time. I was more than polite, and she was more than gruff, but I rolled with it.

Over the next 20 minutes or so, I watched that poor woman field calls and questions from people who weren’t aware of the switch in ownership. To be fair to her, there were TONS of people who hadn’t seen the big sign as they walked in, and she was obviously tired of giving them the spiel, but she was not the gentlest, either. She would loudly, abruptly ask people “Have you been fasting? You have to fast for this!” “Where is your health card? You have to show it to me before I can go further!” and my personal favorite “When did you make this sample? You need to make a new one here!” Juuust no respect whatsoever. She was clearly overwhelmed, but come on. I felt bad for these people.

After my drinky drink, I headed back out to the waiting room for my hour. The overwhelmed receptionist had been swapped out for one who, if I can be so delicate here, didn’t speak the clearest english. No burn on her, but there was definitely a barrier. People would come in and ask why the Dynacare app wasn’t working, and she would just kind of shout “Life Labs!” at them. People were surprisingly nice about her response, and would try to get a bit more information from her.

So I can’t check in anymore?
Life Labs!!

I heard something about appointments. Can I book in advance?
Life Labs!*points to sign* Biiig letters!

How long is the current wait time?
Long time. *points* Life Labs!!

I kid you not. This was just how the rest of my wait went, and it was pretty entertaining. Just one of those funny things where no one spoke but there were a few amused glances being thrown around. Was a big step up from the woman who just yelled.

To their credit, though, the nurses were all lovely! They took their time, and chatted casually. My nurse and I joked the entire time, and I was very comfortable. I am NOT great with blood to begin with (not my own, anyway) and she left me totally at ease. I briefly came in contact with a couple of other ladies back in the cubicles and they all seemed so content and relaxed. It was nice!

So, blood was taken, Starbucks was drank, and milk was purchased before I headed home. The big dump of snow from earlier was already melting and I had some good music going. It was a decent morning, save for the “being stuck with needles” bit. I’m so glad its over and done with, though. We hope for good, unremarkable results, and smooth sailing for here on out! Whatever needs doing to keep the littlest miss healthy and safe!

This time of day is our zero hour. Its our “get everyone out of the house and into the van to go get Dekker” hour. Sometimes its more dramatic than others. Sometimes I’m slightly more on the ball and start a little earlier, just so no one has to rush. Today, the house was silent at this point. Silent. So I waited as long as I could, but finally, I went into the kids rooms to get them up from their naps.

They were ALL fast asleep!

Yes, Solly had opened his eyes in this picture, but when I knelt down to get in his field of vision, he was still faaar off in la la land, deep breathing as though he was fast asleep. Moments after I took this picture, his eyes rolled back and he fell entirely back to sleep.

Sigh.

This almost NEVER happens that I have to wake ALL THREE from a dead sleep, especially after a solid 2-2.5 hour nap! I had even had some company over during nap time, and I assumed that our visiting would’ve at least lulled them awake a little. But nope! Three sleepy little kids were cashed right out.

I started at the top, age wise, and tried to gently lull them awake. It took WORK today. They were all still SO out to lunch. Laela finally woke, and I told her she could take a minute before getting up. Ro was just as asleep, but was up out of bed before Laela was. Solly, on the other hand, lulled quicker, but did not want to stand up. My back is still in rough shape from the weekend, and it hurts quite a bit to pull him in and out of the crib. I tried to urge him to stand up, to which he’d respond with grunts and shrieks when he started getting annoyed with me. I finally got down to his eye level and whispered “We need to go get Dekker.” He giggled like a crazy person and got up instantly.

Sweaty little beast <3

The good attitudes have rolled on, and I’m SO thankful! While it sucks waking them up like that, napping any later than they did would result in a much tougher bedtime. So it was necessary, just kind of a bummer to wake sleeping babes.

But we lived! Can they always nap that well?

WE DID IT!!! We officially made it to my third trimester!! Is it weird that I feel as though it was a joint effort? I could not be where I am, in the mental and physical shape I am in, without SO many of you pouring your love and care into our family. I’m not feeling quite in the home stretch yet, but I know its coming. We are at least in the final third of the pregnancy, and I am thrilled to be here.

Size Comparison: While this weeks comparisons on my Ovia app don’t make a ton of sense, I thought they were adorable! Bambina is apparently the size of a bunch of bananas. 🍌 Also, a camping lantern. You guys know I’m in full lake mode, so I super duper like that one! Though I wouldn’t say a camping lantern is a standard size, nor the size of a bunch of bananas. Google just told me she’s the size of a head of cauliflower. *whispers* Basically, I don’t think anyone knows! I’m going with the more specific estimation of roughly 15″ and slightly over 2 lbs. 

Appointments: To touch back on her size, I really have no ballpark estimation because I haven’t seen her in a long time! Like a month! I have no ultrasounds booked for the foreseeable future, though I admit I’m having a bit of anxiety on that home front (I’ll talk more about that later.) I have a doctors appointment on Friday so we’ll see what Dr. Guselle has to say about it. You guys will know as soon as I know! Beyond that appointment, I’ll do my glucose test this week, assuming I do, in fact, have the new system at the blood clinic worked out! Wish me luck!

How am I feeling emotionally: I’m feeling a bit anxious :/ I have no big reason to think there are problems, because Bambina moves lots and appears to be growing and changing. But for the first time in a long time, I’ve been cramping a lot. I’m familiar with all the weird aches and pains that come along with pregnancy, and these are just straight up cramps. I haven’t had them for a long long time, and I just find them unsettling. Normally, I can hack “unsettling,” but thats been harder for me and my heart this time around. I’d sure love to lay my eyes on her again soon. I know we’re at a point where, if she were to be born, she’d have a great, fighting chance at life! But if I have ANY say in the matter, I’d far rather just run out the pregnancy like normal and have her in three months. If I’ve learned anything over the last year or two, my plans don’t count for much. So I pray, and cry, and pray some more. 

How am I feeling physically: Physically, as mentioned, I’m not feeling ideal. Like, I feel ok in lots of ways. I’m not nauseous. My boobs don’t hurt. My body is fairly well maintained. But I’m cramping lots, I’m very dizzy, and for whatever reason, my lower back has been screaming at me over the last couple of days. I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with all of these things at once, but I’m trying not to let it run my life. Usually I do ok with it. Some days it wins. I just so badly want everything to be ok. 

Wish Lish/Purchases: Well if I don’t get an ultrasound from my next doctors appointment, I’ll be having to make a quick decision about whether or not to fork over the money for a 3D ultrasound at the UC-Baby clinic in the city. Both Brady and I are itching to see our little Bambina again, especially since all of this cramping started up, and he even has a couple of days off next week and the week after, so that would be the time!! Thats the biggest “wish” on my wish list currently. Besides that, on a much smaller financial scale, I bought a great pair of maternity shorty shorts at Value Village for $4! I bought two nice new pairs of shorts last summer when I was pregnant and starting to show with Jamin, so now I have three, and that is PERFECT because I’ll be rocking jelly belly this summer 😉 So I’m thankful for all the cute bottoms I can find to suck some of that specialness in!

Pictures: The FIRST picture of me being in my THIRD TRIMESTER!!

I feel HUGE for 27 weeks, but I think its just because it kind of just happened! Like, yes, I’ve been growing for a while, and maybe I was in denial?? I’m not sure. But now, when I lay down on my back, my belly is UP and OUT there, and shiny, hahaha! Its there now, no denying! That being said, this weather HAS to let up, because my winter jacket stopped being able to zip a while ago, and my fall jacket is pretty much at its limit now! It NEEDS to be spring! Aaaaany day now!

How are the kids feeling: On Saturday evening, we had some friends fall into a bit of a bind, and ask if we could entertain their baby girl for a little bit while they figured a few things out. Whats one more, right? We obviously said yes, and for the next 45 minutes or so, our family grew to seven!! And I’ve got to say, it was smooth and awesome and a window into what is to come!

The kid LOVED her!! Everyone was around her, hugging her, showering her with stuffed animals and talking to her in their highest, baby voices. It was SO cute! To her credit, she was pretty chill with all the little people being in her face, and accepted every toy offered to her. She flapped madly and scooted around on her bum, following the crowd of kids when they’d suddenly all bolt to a bedroom or wherever else. She fit in beautifully, and the kids were thrilled to have her! I can’t wait to see the dynamic when we bring their very own little sister home, but Saturday’s stand-in was pretty darn cute!

Getting to know the baby: Bambina already kicks strong enough that she gives me braxton hicks contractions. All. The. Time. She has big feelings for someone so small. Which she comes by honestly. She’ll fit in well with the ladies in her family.

The BEST part of being pregnant: The best part of being pregnant recently has been confidently knowing that she is growing! I can almost always find her little body in my abdomen, proving that she’s running out of room in there. Not running out yet, I suppose, but its getting a bit tight! With that, I can also feel more and more of her movements. Its no longer about kicks and more about her rolling and shifting and just moving around in general. Last night she was laying across my belly (transverse) and while it was definitely uncomfortable for me, and was lumpy and weird and hard, I could feel every movement! I felt obvious bumps – what I assume were knees or maybe a shoulder – and I could tap them and rub them and she’d move them. It was so bizarre and awesome and while I HOPE and pray that she gets into the right position for delivery when the time comes, I’m genuinely enjoying the stage (and discomforts) that come with her summersaulting around my uterus. 

Favourite thing: I think I can safely say that my favorite thing this week is my moms spaghetti and meat sauce. Most of the time when she makes it, she makes enough for an army and sends the leftovers home with us. What makes her spaghetti SO good is that, instead of spaghetti noodles, she pours the meat sauce overtop of those shorty white soup noodles. Guys, its a game changer!! Not only do you not have to cut them up for your kids to eat, but they are just a bit lighter so you can eat MORE of them!! I feel like the sauce stays on them better too, as opposed to traditional spaghetti where you basically eat the noodles and then eat the meat out of the bottom of the bowl. This is just SO much better. If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend it! She also throws a tin of tomato soup in with the sauce, to make it just that much sweeter! Delicious!

Another successful week has come and gone, and brought me into the final three months. I’m so thankful to see how many things are popping up in my schedule, actively filling my weeks and hopefully helping time more forward. My prenatal appointments will come up more frequently, two of my kids are behind in their vaccines, two need eye appointments soon, and really we could ALL use a visit to the dentist. I have commitments at church, on a town committee, and to my friends and family. Solly will have a birthday. I will go on a road trip with Jerilee, and hopefully we’ll be able to take the kids to the lake for a few Saturdays in spring. I have a makeup job or two booked, and a couple of fun music things coming up, as well. I need to prepare my house for a new baby, and plan her a party! (For the record, I just googled other ways to say “kick ass” because I want the party to be that level of awesome. Most notable synonyms were tubeular, forceful, and chief. Not exactly what I had in mind.) But seriously, those things, in three months. Sprinkle some beautiful weather in there, hanging out with friends in the sun, walking to and from school rather than driving, etc. I anticipate time will whip on by! I’m so ready!

We did this new thing last night, and I’m pleased to say that they all slept!! TOGETHER!

It may not seem that strange for some people. I know people share rooms with their kids regularly, but this is new territory for us. I’m so glad we tried it, and so were the kids! Dekker has been aching to share a room with Solly, so he was pumped. Laela liked having the biggest (tallest) bed. Rowan loved the freedom of sleeping on the floor. It was tricky to keep him from just jumping all over the beds. And Solly was AMPED to have all the company! They were STOKED.

As expected, their sleep took longer to find, and they woke earlier than usual, but hey, it was our first attempt. They were all happy to get up together, but most of them were noticeably worn out before lunch. Nap time was looming, and they knew it!

Laela didn’t sleep, though she sure seemed like she needed to! Rowan did, and Solly is still cashed out 2.5 hours later. He hasn’t moved from where Brady lay him down in his crib. But thats awesome! I love when they nap hard like that!

I’m so glad we tried this with our little circus of sweeties, and I think they are too! I see many more sleepovers in their future.