Beach Weekend :: Warm and Cloudy :: Sunny and Windy :: Lots of Fun

 A weekend in Lincoln City, Oregon with friends. 

Bumpdate :: 29 Weeks

My bump dates with baby #2 have been few and far between compared to last time when I took a bump photo every single week. It goes to show how busy things get when you have a little one to keep you busy. In some ways I regret not having a weekly pregnancy update, considering I go back to look at how I was feeling on a weekly basis to compare. Things have been really similar actually. I feel less kicking than I did with Anton, but I was just informed that my placenta is in front this time so its like there is a big pillow blocking the blows. I feel like I've gained a bit more weight than I had at this point last time, but in actuality its about the same. The one major symptom I'm having a hard time with is my sense of smell. It is completely off the charts. I feel like a bloodhound. The other bummer symptom is sore leg and gluteus muscles. It's not terrible, but enough to slow me down a bit. I get winded easily while teaching, walking or talking...which are my three most common activities.

I've been hit with the nesting bug the last couple of weeks and it just keeps getting more intense. I have an urge to sort and organize every nook and cranny of the house. I've cleaned out the linen closet, bathroom cabinets, and tool storage so far. I've been sewing and crafting up a storm and feel extra creative at the moment. This time around I'm less concerned about a perfect nursery and more focused on practical stations, like a nursing corner and diapering areas on each floor of the house. We want to ease into the new sleeping arrangement and not expect anyone to make any major changes in addition to the big changes that already lie ahead.

I was distracted by all of the other loves of my life at the beginning of this pregnancy, but in the last month or so, I'm finding myself over the moon excited about meeting this little boy. He is going to change us in so many ways, I just know it. We are close to having a name picked out, but I thought the same thing a couple of months ago with an entirely different name. So who knows, the middle name has been squared away since the beginning-so thats a start. I'm still craving strawberries and cream and sleeping like a champ. I really do love being pregnant and I'm lucky enough to feel well rested and get great sleep most nights. I have crazy awesome dreams and have some mood swings here and there, but nothing too terrible. Can't wait to meet this little guy!

It's Baby Time!

Baby Boy #2 is on his way. We are due in July. So far I feel great and have been in extreme nesting and planning mode. The timing couldn't be better. Anton is at such a fun age right now and we are looking forward to having a last little summer month as a family of three before we become a family of four. 

 My mama intuition told me it was another boy right away. I had a pretty rough first trimester though so for a while there I was on the fence with gender predictions. We are thrilled to have another little guy to add to our team. Anton is really into sports and it just seems fitting to have a potentially like minded ball player. I grew up next to neighbors with two boys and they constantly played together. I try not to read to much into gender roles but I must say, having another of the same gender makes me feel excited in a way I never imagined. Instead of always assuming kids are different because of gender, you can let them be different for other reasons and that makes the surprise even sweeter.

 So far I feel just like last time while pregnant. Amazing! I'm one of those people who loves the feeling of being pregnant and feels that my body just gets it. I feel complete, energetic, emotional, and happy most of the time. There are a few weird symptoms this time around such as being extremely sensitive to smells and really tight muscles in my legs and glutes. Aside from the first trimester queasiness and exhaustion its been a breeze.

Of course I've got some of the typical nervous feelings about adding to our family. What will Anton think of a new baby? How will we handle juggling an infant and toddler at the same time? Will it be a strain on our relationship? Will I have the energy to be a mom and a teacher at the same time?  I've decided to go with the flow and just let it all happen. I feel comfort in watching all of my friends gracefully raise families with multiple children and I'm hoping we can get some help along the way.

Bloglovin Test

Started a Bloglovin account finally!

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Art with Anton

Nothing makes me happier than some drawing time. Lately I've been trying to include Anton into the mix. He will mostly scribble and sometimes he acts out little scenarios with the drawing tools. The other day they were a hockey player and soccer player kicking each other around the paper. Whatever works. I'm just glad he's having fun with the experience. As an art teacher, I'm hoping he will continue to enjoy the various art projects we plan together. He's only 2.5 so I need to be patient, but hopefully he will develop a love for art and all things design. Who knows?

From the archives :: My baby is growing up!

I found these sweet photos on our camera the other day. I'm constantly telling myself to get that camera out and take some photos. I'm pretty sure my dear husband took these and I'm forever grateful. Anton seemed like such a big boy at the time these were taken. It was late last summer and the leaves were getting dry and crackly. What I notice most are his little bunny teeth. It's funny how they make the same facial expressions from infancy into every other phase. Now that summer is upon us, I'm looking forward to more simple moments involving a bucket, some rocks, and some sunshine. I'm sure our activities will be a bit more advanced this time around. But one thing is certain. I love this kid more and more with every passing phase. Something I never expected and wish I could have told my new mamma self during the tricky moments.

Anton's Updates :: Cooking with Daddy

I came home to a little cooking session this evening.  Anton and Ivalle were busy making some orzo salad with roasted vegetables and some tomato, basil, mozzarella stacks.  They were having such fun together that I had to bust out the camera and take some snaps. I've been meaning to take more pictures of these sweet little moments and document life with a two year old. I've been so surprised at how much I LOVE age two. It has its ups and downs, but for the most part, having a tiny human around is a bundle of entertainment. 

We've been working hard to get him focused on healthy options for meals, but it is no picnic.  Anton has developed some "favorites" lately and it can be a bit of a struggle to get him to try new things. We've been trying some new tips we've both found from various articles about eating healthy with toddlers.

Some of our favorites are:

1. Include the child in the cooking process. This really helps eliminate the whiny pre-dinner grouchies. We put him up on a chair at eye level and give him some tools to participate with.

2. Don't give in when he asks for something he doesn't see on his plate. If he gets used to getting something different it turns into a slippery slope. He's a big boy and not at any risk of starving obviously so if he refuses what we serve then he will learn the hard way. Tough love.

3. Don't make it a battle. We've learned that arguing to eat one more bite or even holding things up to his mouth has backfired. We've even noticed if we ignore or just continue having a conversation while we eat dinner, he will eventually try things he has in front of him.

4. Make the meal time a fun family ritual. Life can be busy at times, but toddlers thrive on routine so if we make it a point to have a dinnertime routine, everyone seems a bit more settled. Lately Anton has been in charge of putting a napkin at each chair and setting out the cups for water. They take so much pride in helping out at this age.