Thoughts on Pregnancy

Well we are dwindling down to the end of this pregnancy! I can't believe how fast it's gone really. It feels like the other day we decided to expand our family and now I have 1.5 weeks left. It honestly makes my mama heart ache. So so bad. I love being pregnant so much! This pregnancy has been so much easier than with Crew. I remember when I delivered Crew, the nurses and doctor said that my next pregnancies were going to be much easier because of his size. They said he paved the way for the rest of the kiddos! They were right! (well we will really see when I deliver her) I have been blessed with great pregnancies and we cannot wait to meet her. The second time around is so great, and such a different experience...I think.

When we had Crew we were SO young, and we still are...but I feel like we were way more prepared this time around for our second. We knew the love that we would have for her and we knew how exciting is was to watch Crew grow up, so that only made us more excited to have more kids! Right now I feel like I could have 8 kids...but I'm sure if you ask me tomorrow, I'll give ya a different number...Im so sad to be almost done. I am going to miss her kicks, rolls and hiccups so so much. She is also so much easier to take care of inside rather than outside..ha ha

So the plan for the next week or so is to take care of Crew and get him better because he has a fever, cough, runny nose, and he is wheezing. Then if baby isn't here by the 12th..I'm getting induced. So if she could come like the 10th...then that would be great! Positive thoughts!

Big Brother

Dear Crew, 

Do you know it's killing me that your going to be a big brother soon?! I cannot believe how much you have grown up in these short 9 months. When your dad and I were talking about having another little baby, we were hesitant because you were still such a baby to us. We didn't realize how much you were going to grow up while your little sister was still cooking. I love this picture of you (above) because your emotion in the picture describes how you feel about this whole situation. I know you know what "babies" are, and you are so curious about them, yet your suspicious of what's to come. It's like you know babies are sweet and fun to have around but your not quite ready for one to be around you 24/7. 

Your becoming more independent everyday (you no longer accept my hand on the stairs..or anywhere) so we are trying to work on that before sister comes. 

I think you two will be best friends and you will grow to love her soon! 

Thanks for letting us cut your hair too. You definitely needed that before she is born...you look a lot older and more handsome!

Now lets get you better before she comes! 

xoxo 

Love, 

Mama 

Sunday Shoot

We had a little time before church started and I wanted to snap a few pictures of Crew! I want to learn how to use my camera better but it is so hard to learn when my little model won't sit still. I was able to snap a few but of course he wouldn't look at the camera..little stink.

See this would have been a cuter picture IF he would just look at the darn camera. One day. 

See the side of his head above his ear? Yeah...he moved right when Alex cut it. Nice.

He was crying when Alex picked up for this picture...we had to tell him that we were going to nursery soon to get him to stop. It sorta worked! 

Mickey Mouse Boy

Do you want to know how long we have had those pajamas? A long time. I think I bought them when he was 11 months old from Walmart. They have done us some good. I think it's about time to retire them though. 

I love the little boy that he is. He is growing up so fast! At 22 months (almost) he:

-Repeat's what we say. He is starting to copy us. (scary) 

-He still loves his shows

-He sleeps through the night

-He loves "Sessa" (Pizza)

-He loves to read books...especially ones with babies in them or animals. 

-He knows a few animal sounds

-Reminds us to say prayer before we go to bed.

-He is really good at throwing these awesome, and fierce fits. Then he will turn right around and give the best kisses and hugs. I guess that's just what comes with the age he is at! 

He recently got his "first" real haircut I'd say. We cut it in the spring, but I barely had them cut any off. This time we took the clippers to it...well Alex did, and I do have a picture of the hack job that he did on one side. It's pretty funny. 

I can't believe that he is almost 2 years old. I remember crying the night before he turned one because I was sad he was so old! Now this year, I am just so excited for him to turn 2! We love the stage he is in, and he will only continue to become more fun and entertaining. 

-

Happy 4th of July

This 4th of July was super fun with Crew! Last year he was too little to understand or even care about what was going on...so naturally we missed out on the parade and fireworks. 

In Illinois we lived so close to the cutest town you ever saw. Glen Ellyn! The houses are the typical American dream. Just picture the cover of Better Homes and Garden's. Beautiful streets lined with huge green trees, and patios with adorable patio furniture.( I will post pictures once I can download them. My friend Lindsey snapped the best ones!) One day we will have a home like that...one day! 

Anyway...back to our day!

We went to the parade in Glen Ellyn and Crew was in heaven the whole time. He loved every minute of it, especially when the fire trucks went by! I am bummed that the people in the parade didn't give more candy out..I thought that was the point...just kidding.

Later that day we went to the park (pictures to come) and went to fireworks that night! Fireworks were probably the best part of the day for Crew! He was enamored by them and wasn't scared at all! 

 This summer has been so much more fun with cousin Hazel! Last summer we were anxiously waiting  her arrival. She is my favorite little niece! We are working with Crew and his relationship with her. It's a love/hate type of thing. 

 Just showing off his cute festive outfit! 

 These babies will melt you! They are about a month or so apart and are so much fun. They look like they could be twins! I can't wait to have a baby at this age again. It's truly the best! 

 The shoes were a must for this day! Couldn't pass them up! 

 I think this picture was taken AFTER the fire trucks left, and he was wondering where they went! 

 Im pretty sure Crew likes his aunt "riah" way more than me sometimes! Lately whenever he gets hurt or in trouble he says in a whiny voice "riahhhh, riahhhh" as if she can come rescue him or something. Typical aunt/nephew relationship I guess! The aunts will always be more fun than the mom :)

 SO funny. After the parade was over and the people started to clear out, he spotted a Bubble Guppy chair across the street! Of course he made a B-line straight for the thing. It was pretty cute. 

Holiday's with babies/kids are SO much fun! I love the stage that Crew is in...even though it can be a real challenge. Thankful for this country and the freedom's we have! This holiday also makes me think of our Savior and the agency that he has allowed us to have. What a gift! 

The BIG Move!

We made it to Missouri! Our team moved out here to finish the rest of the summer. I was hesitant with the move at first because I would have to find a new doctor at 35 weeks to see...but I found one! I haven't gone yet, but Im sure everything will be fine. We packed up on Saturday and drove Sunday through Monday. On Sunday we broke up the trip with a stop in Nauvoo, Illinois. That place is HOT and HUMID! Those two things and being 8 months pregnant do not mix. It was still fun to see the temple and a few other little places. Poor Crew is cursed with my skin so his little face was tomato red the whole time!

 We sure packed this car full!

 We asked him to be reverent and fold his arms....this is what we got. What a good little boy!

 Not the best picture...but this was his reaction when we told him that Moroni was on the temple. He LOVES Moroni! I think because my parents have a huge painting of him in their house. Crew thinks it's pretty neat.

 Searching and spotting Moroni!

 Gorgeous Temple grounds

 Father and Son at the Temple. I get all emotional when I think about taking Crew to the temple before his mission! He is already growing so fast. That time will be here before we know it.

 I could dedicate an entire post to this guy...but I won't. I'll just narrow it down to a paragraph. He is the best you guys. Seriously. He works so hard for our family and provides so well for us. He has always put our needs before his. It helps that he is pretty good lookin too! This summer has been a blast with him. I can't believe how much we have grown since we got married almost 3 years ago. I felt SO spoiled on this drive because A-he bought me as much junk food as I wanted for the drive and didn't judge me..haha and B-because we could actually talk to each other for hours! I haven't laughed so hard with him in a long time! His work schedule is pretty demanding so I love when I can just sit and talk with him. He is a pretty neat guy if I say so myself.

 My little red cheeky boy. I could kiss him all day!

 Incredible View!

 The Smith Family home

 Crew loved the root beer dad bought him at the Joseph Smith Red Brick Store!

 I have so much respect for the prophet Joseph, especially after visiting Nauvoo. I have even more respect for his parents though. They raised a good young man and always kept God in their home. They supported Joseph in his many endeavors and kept the faith along with him.

 He was such a good boy in the car. He loved seeing the trucks and cars whiz past us.

We had to pull over late and stop in a hotel. (don't ever stay in Mexico, MO btw) I found him sleeping on my stomach like this the next morning. His little sister was kicking his face, but he didn't budge!

Im so grateful for this little trip with my family! I really wish that we could have done all of the tours and even snap a family picture of us there. (SO sad I didn't do that) We will bring the kids back when they are older so that everyone can participate more and remember the trip...and maybe we won't go in July:)