Four Years...

It's hard to believe that it's been four years since I've married the love of my life. Lucas and I met through friends back in 2010. We have been through so much in our early years of marriage, good and bad, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world. Here is a look back on the craziest and best fours years of my life!

Our wedding day, August 13, 2011

I would love to do post about our wedding some day. It was very eventful and even included this awesome dance off between the guys and the girls.

We went low key on our honeymoon since Lucas just started a new job right before the wedding. We hope to do something more "tropical" for our 5th year. But we enjoyed going on a fabulous dinner boat cruise.

We've had some great halloweens together. This year was definitely the best one!

He may not have joined me, but he supported me through my first 5K!

We have traveled here and there, always making memories.

Have met some pretty awesome people.

Been on some (but not quite enough) date nights.

And most of all, started a family and became parents to two wonderful, beautiful girls.

We have both changed so much in four years, but I love him just as much if not more now than I did when I knew he was the one for me five years ago. Thank you for these crazy four years! Here's to a lifetime more...

First Month Favorites

I can't believe the first month has come and gone! I will never get over how fast time flies once you become a mom. But here we are with an almost 3 year old, and a 1 month old. And here are a few things that helped us get through the first month with our second little girl....

1. Mamaroo - This has been a GREAT investment. When Elliana was a baby, she didn't like her swing and we didn't have the room for it at the time, so we gave it away. After reading the reviews I just had a feeling this would work better for us this time, and luckily I was right! They are pricey but if you keep an eye out on Amazon you can get a killer deal like we did! 

2. Boppy Pillow - This is great for many reasons...positioning for breastfeeding, use for some down time, Evie has some reflux issues so this helps with propping her up, and for playtime!

3. Humidifier - This helps with baby's dry skin and the newborn congestion. This is really quiet and has an auto shut off once it's out of water. Plus look at all the fun colors you get to choose from!

4. NoseFrida - Okay, I know what you're thinking... "EW!" But seriously, this has been a favorite of mine and my husbands since Elliana was 5 months old and had RSV. It gets everything out so much better than the bulb, plus it's a lot easier to clean, and I promise you...you do not get any snot in your mouth! 

5. Muslin Swaddles - I didn't have not even one of these with Elliana, and I have no idea why. I had just one when Evie was born and it didn't take long for me to pick up more. I love the material and how thin it is, especially for the summer. It's a great size too. You can also use them as car seat cover or nursing cover.

6. Nipple Butter - If you are breastfeeding, and/or pumping this will be your best friend! Earth Mama products are amazing in general but I've tried different creams for comfort and this is by far my favorite, and a little bit will go a long way. Your nipples will thank you!!

7. SwaddleMe - Our Evie looooves to be swaddled. She sleeps great in it, and the tighter the better. These have been perfect for that. I know how to swaddle but I'm no expert at it...if I use a normal swaddle girlfriend will breakout in seconds. Plus, these are daddy friendly too ;)

8. Rock n Play - Any parent that has used one of these babies will tell you it's their best friend! As I mentioned before Evie has some reflux issues so the inclined position really helps with that, and the vibrating is very soothing for her too. Ever since we've been putting Evie in this at night she's been sleeping so much better, only waking up 2-3 times.

9. Honest Company Lotion - Both of my girls have inherited my sensitive skin, poor things. I have searched and searched for lotion that would be easy on their skin and I finally found a winner! Evie had some baby acne coming up on her sweet little face, I used this lotion and the next day it was cleared up. I know all babies and skin types are different, but this works great for us!

10. Keurig or any kind of Coffee Maker - If you want to survive the day after being up all hours of the night, you will need one. 

I hope this is helpful for all you first time mamas & soon-to-be mamas (even second time mamas like me!). And for the already mamas out there, tell me what your first month must haves are??

Being a family of 4...what I have learned.

It's hard to believe that Evie Joy will be a one month old next week! I'm so emotional amazed at how fast the time has gone and how the minute Evie Joy was born I already couldn't imagine life without my TWO little girls!

While there are definitely some aspects of life that are more difficult now, I'm surprised at relatively seamless the transition is/was. I remember after we found out that we were expecting Evie my sister in-law, who is also my best friend and a mother I admire, she told me that with your second child people think it's easier because you already have one, but really you are learning how to be a mother all over again with two children. That stuck with me and during this transition I have reminded myself of that everyday. But here are some of the things that I've learned the last few weeks:

LOVE. I finally understand what my mom says to my brother and I about loving us the same but different also. There's no way that I could love my two girls for all the same reasons - Elliana is talking and interacting 24/7 while Evie mostly eats, sleeps, and poops. But my heart is split equally for them.

SLEEP. I'm amazed at how our bodies adapt to change. I had felt so tired the last few weeks of pregnancy and that was on 8 hours of sleep at night (+30-60 minutes of napping during the day if I was lucky!). Now I'm getting about MAYBE 6 hours of (interrupted) sleep with no nap and surprisingly feel relatively good for most of the day.

SIMULTANEOUS NAPS. Speaking of sleep... This has been a most welcome surprise. I was really worried about how I was going to put Elliana down for a nap after Evie was born, but we have all done pretty good! Mostly because Evie still sleeps most of the day, but she takes her long nap the same time as Elliana, which has allowed me some free time to clean, play catch up online, and have my quiet time.

ALL BABIES ARE DIFFERENT. I already see a difference between my two girls. I'm really not doing TOO many things differently this time around, and yet Evie is much more laid back and calm than Elliana was at this age. Hopefully it will stay that way!

MY REACTION TO THINGS. This is probably the area that I have seen the biggest change. With Elliana, I was very cautious about everything - noise in the house, not letting him fuss (at all!!), sleep habits, and so on. I've quickly learned that I have to let go a lot of things that I used to stress obsess about. There are times when I have to do something with Elliana and it may require Evie to fuss for just a little bit (like when I'm helping her in the bathroom) in the mamaroo or bouncy. There are times she will be woken up from a nap because we have to go someplace - or because the household is loud. It's made me much more calm and relaxed about things, and has made the first few weeks much less stressful than I expected them to be!

GETTING READY. This is one that I tried not to think about while pregnant. Getting ready is definitely a tagged team match if Lucas is home and we are going somewhere. I try to plan it at least 2 hours before we have to leave but honestly with a baby that's not quite on a nursing schedule, and an almost 3 year old who has an opinion about what she wears now, 2 hours is more of a goal than actual reality. Now while I'm home alone I will take my showers during naptime or at night before bed if I know we have plans in the morning. I try to get the girls dressed after breakfast, and have them in my bedroom watching TV while I throw on some make-up. 

ELLIANA'S REACTION. This was my biggest worry while I was pregnant. I was never concerned about how she would act towards Evie Joy because she loves babies, but more how she would act to not having ALL the attention. She has been a wonderful big sis. She wants to be included with changing diapers, holding her, checking on her when she's crying, grabbing the paci, and will almost never pass her by without leaning in for a kiss! But like any only child as a toddler, she had to adjust to mommy not always being able to do something if I'm busy with baby sister (like nursing). I would be lying if I said she's done completely amazing and acting normal this past month with a new baby, it's been a BIG change for her. But she's learning and we are learning with her.

We are all still adjusting to being a family of 4, and it's been difficult and amazing all at the same time, and we wouldn't change it for anything in the world!

favorite picture.

What changes did you experience with the addition of a second child?

Welcome to the World, Evie Joy!

Our sweet Evie Joy Roberts made her grand entrance on June 28, 2015 at 3:24 am. Here is her birth story...

Late Saturday night on June 27th around 11:15 pm I started having contractions, and they felt stronger than normal. I started timing them for an hour like I had been told but by the 45 minute mark I knew it had to be the real thing. I called the Doctor who told me to head to the hospital, and Lucas called his mom to come over to stay with Elliana. After what felt like hours she arrived only in 20 minutes to the house and by that point my contractions for very strong and very close together (I gave up on timing them because there was no way I could focus on that!!) After another 20 minute drive to the hospital we arrived at 1:22 am and headed straight to the L&D floor. Thank goodness I found out just a week before that I could pre-register and not deal with that hassle when we got there. The poor guy at the desk probably called the nurses at least 3 times to see when one would come and get me, I think he thought I was going to have that baby right there in the waiting room! 

My mom and Lucas went with me to the delivery room and by the time they got me hooked up I was 6cm dilated and contractions were one minute apart, and then they told me I had to wait for the epidural.... This mama did not think she was going to make it. Thank goodness for Lucas, my mom, and sweet nurses who were all my personal cheerleaders and helped me through!

With Elliana I was induced, so everything was planned out and as soon as the contractions started getting strong with her they gave me my epidural and I was only at 5 cm. I say that because even though I already had a baby I never felt the intense labor with her like I did with Evie Joy, and honestly I'm glad I did! I prayed that I would go on my own and now I know what "true labor" is haha. 

By the time the anesthesiologist arrived I was 9 cm and once he finished I laid back down they said I was ready to push! Woah! The nurse said it takes 20 minutes for epidural to kick in and it's barely been 20 seconds!! But I was ready! 4 good pushes and then I heard the faintest little cry. Our baby girl was born at 3:24 am weighing in at 6 lbs and 13 oz with a head full black hair! I was overwhelmed with her beauty and burst into tears as they laid on my chest. 

It is an amazing feeling to bring another baby girl into this world, you always wonder how you will be able to love another child like the one you already have, but then it just happens. And it is incredible! My heart is bursting with love & happiness. Elliana absolutely loves her baby sister! She tells her "it's okay" when she hears her cries and grabs her paci, and she always wants to hold her. It's so sweet watching their sister bond they have already. 

Thank you all so much for all of the well wishes! I can't tell you all how much we appreciate it, we have really felt so overwhelmed with love from everyone!! I am excited to continue sharing our journey with you & adjust to life as a family of four. 

Father's Day

This picture means so much to me. This picture was taken the day Elliana was born, and the man in the picture is one very proud new dad. As soon as she was born he would not take his eyes off her. I actually asked him if I could hold her while we were still in the delivery room. This man has went above and beyond for our family and the relationship he has with Elliana is beautiful. She loves her daddy so much, and can't wait for him to get home every night. He definitely has his hands full with all girls, but if there was one guy in this world who can handle having all girls it's Lucas. He was made me to be a daddy to girls! 

So happy Father's Day to this dad who plays princesses, does bath duty every night, teaches her how to kick and throw a ball, ride a bike, who does daddy/daughter date nights, steps in to discipline when needed, but loves and has fun always. Thank you for everything, for being involved, and mostly helping me with this whole crazy parenting thing. Your girls love you so much!! 

I'm doing this post on my phone so I apologize for the layout. 

Pregnancy Favorites

With me entering my last month of pregnancy, I thought I would list some of my favorites and must haves for this pregnancy. If I have said it once I have said it a thousand times..this pregnancy is completely different than my first. With Elliana I didn't need much to keep me happy comfortable. It was an easy pregnancy (which I am grateful for, but totally think it's deceiving for it to be my FIRST pregnancy...), so there wasn't much to that list, but this time there have been a few things that I found that have made my days of pregnancy a little easier. 

Here we go....

1. Water Bottle or Tumbler - This was literally the first thing I bought after I saw the 2 little lines on my pregnancy test. This is going to sound crazy but to me water always tastes better in a cute tumbler rather than a clear plastic bottle. Plus, I love drinking out of a straw so a cute tumbler with a lid is even more perfect...especially with a rowdy toddler around. Also, if the taste of water just doesn't work for you these cute and affordable fruit infuser water bottles are perfect to give it some flavor! 

2. Makeup Wipes - I've been a big fan of makeup wipes since I had my first baby. I had to keep my bedtime routine under 60 seconds or I would fall asleep in the bathroom. I have super sensitive skin, and I have tried almost every kind of makeup wipe and even facial wash out there. My favorite would have to be Simple Brand. So far it's the only kind that does not break my face out or make it dry. 

4. Snoogle Body Pillow - For Christmas I received this body pillow and it has been a great cuddle buddy! It can help with the hip and tailbone pain, and when my acid reflux was awful at night it really helped me sleep better and keep my head above my feet. They make all kinds of body pillows now in different shapes. If you just need something to put between your legs or under your growing belly a simple $10 body pillow at Target would work just as well for that!

5. Humidifier - This really helps with the dry and stuffy nose that you get right around the 2nd trimester. With Elliana I used one every night and never had issues, but for some crazy reason I didn't think about using it this time around and I would literally wake up in the middle of night with a bloody nose because I was so stuffy. So I highly recommend using a humidifier, plus most of them have a soft light so you can find your way to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

6. Fruit Bars - Okay, I've said in almost every pregnancy update how I've been craving fruit. It's definitely a great and healthy craving to have, but with being on the go with a toddler I don't always have time to eat it when I really want it. Fruit bars have been great for a morning or midday snack, or when we are on the road and I can just dig one out of my purse (yes, I am the pregnant woman that keeps snacks in my purse...don't judge me). Also fruit popsicle bars are great with this summer weather!! 

7. Cocoa Butter Stretch Mark Cream - I love this stuff so much. Like most creams, it may not work for everyone but it has definitely saved my skin. I know they say it's very much hereditary if you get stretch marks or not, and this is the first thing my mom bought me after I found out I was due with Elliana. So maybe it's just coincidence...who knows? But I do love the smell and it's really affordable. It also has helped with the itchy skin.

8. Belly Laughs: The naked truth about pregnancy and childbirth - Okay let's get real for a minute. Pregnancy is obviously something beautiful and the most wonderful thing a woman's body can do BUT it's not always rainbows and butterflies. There are the "not so attractive" moments and times where you just want to sit down, cry, and ask "WHY ME?!" This book is definitely something that can lift your spirits and let's you know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. This book covers everything..even the things you secretly google just to make sure you are not going completely insane. 

9. Maxi ANYTHING - I seem to get my most pregnant in the summer time. I was pregnant all summer long with Elliana, and luckily this one is due in the middle of summer. But here in the heart of the south the weather gets hotttttt and crazy humid in the summer. My absolute favorite thing to wear during this time are maxi dresses or skirts. That is definitely my most comfortable piece of clothing and my go to outfit. 

10. Rice Heat Pad - Last but not least my #1 pregnancy must have is a rice heat pad. Oh my goodness gracious this has been my most used and favorite thing ever. Mine was given to me as a gift for Christmas. Someone had made it for me, and I was so thankful because I had been wanting one since I used my old roommate's like 5 years ago for cramps. Little did I know how useful it would be for pregnancy. Anytime I have pain in my hips and back, cramping, or even when my stomach would feel upset, I just throw my rice pad in the microwave for 2 1/2 minutes and then lay down. It eases everything within minutes. I understand some people are weary about using heat pads while pregnant, but my doctor has always recommended me using one for aches and pain. I believe a rice pad doesn't get as hot as an electric heating pad but still gives you the same comfort. If you can sew or even crotchet you can easily make one...if you can't (like me) I suggest having one made. You won't be sorry trust me!! 

I know that was a ton of information, but I remember being a first time mommy-to-be and searching for all the recommendations I could find. So I hope that you find this helpful and that somewhere along the line, something here can make your nine months of baby growing just a little bit easier! (:

8 Months + Lazy baby

How far along: 32 weeks

Gender: Girl

Weight gain: 16 lbs. I think she got my message last time (:

Maternity clothes: Yes. Besides a few items I have like the dress in the picture above. As long as it's flowy and comfy I don't care if it's maternity or not.

Stretch marks: None yet. 

Belly button in or out: Does flat count??

Emotions: Those have been out of sorts lately.. Will explain below.

Sleep: Besides our precious daughter coming in to climb in bed with us anywhere between 1 and 4 AM...it's good. By the way I hear this is normal for kids her age..anyone have experience with this? I don't mind the extra snuggles, but she's always been a good independent sleeper and my only concern is when the baby gets here.. 

Best moment: Lots of them! Baby showers, school year ending, family in town, seeing Evie (and her hair!) on the ultrasound, and my little sister graduating!! 

Worst moment: Our baby girl already making her mama worry. Again I will explain below

Miss anything: Being comfortable! Any way I sit, stand, or lay is only comfortable for so long.

Movement: Well we have found out that Evie is a bit on the lazy side...

Cravings: Mmm....watermelon, strawberries, really anything fruity or just fruit in general. Popsicles, still can't have enough steak, aaaaand fried bologna sandwiches.

Queasy or sick: Nope. HALLELUJAH!!!

Looking forward to: Just getting ready for Evie and soaking up lots of outside time with Elliana before sister's arrival!!

The past month has been a bit on the crazy side for our family, and little Evie Joy decided to give us a scare in the middle of all of it. Back at my 24 week appointment my Doctor mentioned that in my ultrasound one of Evie's kidneys was larger than the other. He assured me that this is NOT a big issue but something we would have to double check after she developed more. This is something that is common in babies, mostly boys, but it has something to do with the urine not flowing through correctly and backing up the kidney. Fast forward to last week... I have mentioned on here before that Evie moves all the time. I was sure we had a soccer player growing inside me because she was always kicking and jabbing. Well one night I realized that she had not moved for going on 4 hours...pretty unusual for her. I drank caffeine, ate dinner, laid on my side and even poked my belly. Nothing. I called my doctor's office and they sent me to the hospital to be monitored. Once we got there and hooked up of course she started going nuts and even seemed like she was trying to kick the monitor off my belly. A few days later I went back to my Doctor and he scheduled my ultrasound to double check her kidneys, and gave me a chart to keep track of her movements so he could see exactly how much she was moving. His concern was that it could have something to do with her kidneys or something that was not seen in the last ultrasound. If her movement was not enough he would have me admitted in the hospital to be monitored. That was Friday and I had to wait until this morning to get results from the ultrasound and go over the chart. Y'all..this mama was praying so hard and told close family and few friends so they could be praying too. 

I kept track with every movement I could feel and let me tell you...seeing it on paper had me even more worried. She wasn't moving as much as I or my Doctor was hoping... I was scared. I mean, I was obviously thankful that there was some movement, but to be honest there is nothing like having that fear of something being wrong with your child and you not being able to do anything to help her... As moms we can be our own worst critic. We can put a lot of pressure and responsibility on ourselves and get really down if we feel that we have done something wrong or just not being able to fulfill certain tasks. That is exactly how I felt Friday morning...that I couldn't help her, that I wasn't enough for her. But God took care of that...like He always does. Sunday morning our pastor preached about when Jesus multiplied the fish and bread. I  had to miss the first part of the sermon to lead worship for our preschoolers. But when I came back upstairs he said something that hit my heart..."The point is Jesus is enough. He is more than enough. He can take what is poor and make it rich, take what is hungry and make it full, take what is small and multiply it. He is all you need." Wow. No I may not be enough, but Jesus is, and He has plans for this child..whatever they might be, and I need to trust her and everything she is and has with Him. At that moment, my fears went away. I won't lie and say I was completely anxious free but I knew deep down that it would all be okay...that she would be okay.

 On Monday I got to see her all curled up inside me...not moving, but I saw and heard her heartbeat, her hands, feet, legs, arms, and her hair! Wow. I don't know if I could ever get enough ultrasounds just to see her little body. We continued to pray for our sweet girl and good results. This morning Lucas and I went to my Doctor with a hospital bag in our car and found out that EVERYTHING looked good on her ultrasound, and even though her movement was not where he wanted it to be this past weekend, she had a much better day yesterday and he did not send me to the hospital!! PTL! Looks like we just have a lazy baby on our hands. I have to continue to keep track of it and will see him again later this week, but as of right now our baby is fine and healthy. Exactly what we were praying for. 

I know this can be too much for a blog, but I wanted to share this because someone could be reading this and dealing with not feeling like enough, and like I said we may not be but God is and He just wants us to trust Him and know that He's got this. Why should that be so hard for us to do? To give everything to Him...

Have a blessed week, y'all!!