one if by land...

The movers are coming! The movers are coming!

They come tomorrow actually and I'm so excited. Unpacking is a lot of work, but it's my favorite part. I love organizing things in a new space and finding a home for all of our little treasures. :-)

Asher and I had some time to kill this morning so we decided to break in his playroom a little. He currently has exactly 2 toys in there so our time was brief, but we had fun.

 

Why were we killing time? I'm so glad you asked! We were waiting for this to arrive!

Oh, hello gray couch. I've been wanting a couch with gray fabric for a long time and it's finally here. Fingers crossed that it looks good with the rug I haven't been able to use for 2 years. I was using both my memory bank and imagination to see it altogether - dangerous. ha!

More from "new house" when we have it full!

mini update

This blog is getting pretty dusty so I need to do a quick update! I still haven't taken any belly pics this week, so bugaboo will have to do a combo, week 17/18 on Monday. I have my first appointment with my new OB down here on Friday, so we'll see how that goes. Choosing doctors long distance is such a shot in the dark...

So far moving in is going well. Our stuff just got picked up in Virginia today {and might not be here until next week} so I've been spending my time cleaning up, organizing what I do have on hand, and getting our new appliances delivered. Check out this lil beauty that came today.

 

This fridge makes me happier than it probably should. Love it! Now we just need some food for inside.

Asher has been making himself at home too.

He loves coming to "new house" - as he calls it. We've been spending a lot of time here working and waiting for deliveries with minimal toys. I'm proud of a what a good sport he has been. Of course we do have some toys.

And above average time with the iPad doesn't hurt either. :-)

I had to bring my pantry liquids with me since the movers won't handle those, so I got those put away in the pantry. It will all get moved when the rest of the food arrives, but I feel good about doing what I can right now. I'm also testing some containers and organizers - that will be a work in process.

 

My pantry is kind of huge - I'm a really lucky lady.

More pics will come. I'm just waiting to get my nice camera over here. We'll take another tour once the boxes all get unloaded.

Gotta run, the bug man is here. As someone who's never lived very south of the Mason-Dixon line I have to chuckle at having a bug man. I like what he stands for, though. No bugs in my new place, please! This house was built with pest control tubes right in the walls so they don't have to spray inside. Is that space age or what?

Back with more soon!

movin'

This is it. The week of our move. On Wednesday Asher and I went to our last moms' group meeting and said good-bye to our dear friends. Leaving brings out a lot of emotions in everyone, including the little ones. Asher had his first kiss out of the deal.

 

So sweet! He and Taylor couldn't get enough of each other - ha!

Right after saying our good-byes we hopped in our very full car and started south down 95. Thursday was the walk-through, then on Friday we closed and became homeowners!

Asher is l-o-v-i-n-g the new house. Can you spot him in the backyard?

 

Don't get me wrong, it is a big yard {and huge to us!} but it's not quite as big as the iPhone camera makes it look. Ash does have tons of room to run and play, though, no doubt. :-)

As Drew and I were driving over from my parent's house this morning I caught a glimpse in the rearview mirror of this guy hitching a ride and about jumped out of my shoes. Welcome to the south!

 

Today was spent cleaning, organizing, and making plans for what will go where once the movers finally come next week. I'm thinking about painting the laundry room before my washer and dryer arrive, but can't decide one fun color. Any suggestions??

Asher spent most of today running circles in the finished attic. He loves to run.

Here's my little family, moving into our new house for the first time!

 

Speaking of moving, we had another big piece of excitement this week! When I laid down to take a packing break on Tuesday I felt baby bugaboo move for the first time {16w2d}. It's happened a few times since then and I love it!! We're now entering my favorite part of pregnancy - I just adore feeling little baby move in there. :-)

Needless to say, we're a little busy, so if you don't hear from me in awhile, that's why. Hope to be back with lots of house pics soon!

a walk through the zoo

Well, it took about a week, but I'm finally sharing our fun zoo trip from Mother's Day!

Our first stop was the farm and Asher was thrilled. 

He loves all farm animals, but especially the cows

and llamas {Llama, llama red pajama is our current favorite story}

He was also super excited to see "Lion King."  It's so thrilling when your favorite stories come to life - ha!

All throughout the zoo there are these bronze statues of animals that Asher was convinced were real.  It was kind of like the whole place was a petting zoo of exotic animals. 

Asher does this really funny thing where he gives everyone and everything {people, stuffed animals, animal sculptures} a trio of greetings.  After saying hello, he offers a Hug - Kiss - High Five, in that order.  This kid cracks me up.

After loving up on all the animals we made our way over the the panda exhibit.  Sad for us, the pandas were already in bed for the night!  Lucky for us, there was this fantastic panda sculpture that Asher thought was even better than the real thing.

Mostly because he made a new friend there.  This little girl wasn't sure what to think about him.  I've never seen Asher so persistent in saying hello - he's usually pretty shy - but he wasn't taking no for an answer from her!  ha!

Before long they were chasing each other around 'nandy.

Such a fun day at the zoo - I'm sorry to leave it behind!

bugaboo {16 weeks} - gettin' hitched

This weekend was Drew's brother's wedding and we had SO much fun!  I mentioned that Asher stayed behind with my parents - that was 100% the right decision.  We are so grateful they were able and willing to do that.  Asher would have been exhausted by all of the festivities and all of you mamas out there know an exhausted toddler = unhappy parents.  This way a fun time was had by all.  :-)

I did my best to take photos, but with being in the wedding it was kind of impossible.  Thank goodness for the iPhone and Instagram - love, love that app!

Drew and I heading over to the rehearsal on Friday after a lovely afternoon nap.  *sigh of pleasure*

On Saturday I spent the whole day with the bride and bridesmaids getting ready for our her big day.  :-)

I let the hairdresser and make-up artist do whatever they wanted with me.  At the end I peeked in the mirror and almost passed out.  I felt WAY overdone - ha!  For someone who almost never wears eye make-up the whole look was a little overwhelming. 

Once I got out of my sweats and into the bridesmaid dress everything looked a little more in balance.  Baby belly and I are ready to help Matt and Ali get married!

I had to take a few pics of Ali after she got in her dress.  She was so radiant and beautiful.  Is there anything lovelier than a bride on her wedding day?  Gorgeous!

While we were celebrating M & A's big day, the bugaboo turned 16 weeks.  He/she is the size of an avocado this week at about 3.5 oz and 4.6" long.  I remember with Asher I was craving guacamole big time and loved this week because it seemed like the guac was meant to be.  ha!

How far along: 16 weeks

Net weight gain/loss: down 1.5 pounds

Maternity clothes: not yet - I'm SO grateful my bridesmaid dress zipped up!

Stretch marks: nope

Belly button: still an innie

Sleep: pretty good over the weekend.  I always sleep great in hotels!

Baby movement: none yet, but it should start soon - can't wait!

Gender: time will tell

Food cravings: gummy candy

Food aversions: big pieces of meat.  I can handle meat in food, but just eating a straight steak or chicken breast sounds kind of gross. {still}

What I miss: not being able to have any of the {many} celebratory drinks that were enjoyed by everyone around me over the weekend - ha!

Looking forward to: moving at the end of the week and being out of this box filled house

Best moment this week: having a weekend away with Drew

Milestones: baby is starting to be able to hear!

expecting...

I'm a little late to the party since we were gone for a 3 day weekend, but I wanted to write a quick post and link up with Kelly's Korner SUYL for expecting moms!

So many of my "best" blogging friends are ones I met while expecting Asher, my 2 year old little guy. I'd love to meet some other moms who are expecting this year! It's so fun {and helpful} to have friends who are in the same life stage as me - especially where kids are involved!

I'm currently 16 weeks pregnant {as of today!} with my 2nd little one. He/she is due to arrive on 11/4, but was measuring a week big at our last appointment, so I'm predicting a Halloween baby. :-)

Leave me a comment and I'd love to stop by your blog and 'introduce' myself too!

 

 

{phone dump thursday}

I don't know if you've noticed, but I have absolutely no respect for Phone Dump Friday. This is getting bad - I need to get back on the wagon.

Drew and I are heading to lovely Staten Island, NY tomorrow to be a part of his brother's wedding so PDF just isn't going to happen. My phone pics are my favorite part of this blog recently so I couldn't skip it. :-)

Lucky duck Asher is getting his grandparents to himself for the whole weekend! I'm sure they'll have tons of fun! I'm a little sad that A will miss seeing his aunt and uncle tie the knot, but honestly, at this age he isn't going to appreciate a wedding anyway. He'll be a lot happier at home.

Speaking of ducks, we had another couple rainy days this week so Asher got to become Asher splasher {his alter-ego} once again.

 

On Saturday we had the most beautiful weather. Asher splasher wanted to come out in the worst way so we made him a few puddles with the hose. I just can't help myself when it's this easy to make him happy! :-)

 

I posted this photo a few days ago, but I just have to mention it again. On Friday night I went out for dessert at the Melting Pot with the girls from my moms small group. A big part of moving for me is trusting that God will provide a new community and set of friends for us. He certainly did that here - praying the same will prove true in NC. I'll miss you, friends!

 

Asher discovered his sunglasses this week, but only wants to wear them when it isnt really necessary - like in a shady car while working on his computer. ha!

 

After running some errands A and I stopped for a special mommy/son bagel date. He tried cream cheese for the first time and loved it! Although, he seems to think the way to eat it is by scraping all the cream cheese off with your finger and enjoying that first, then eating the plain bagel.

 

We have a new tradition here lately. Every morning I make my bed, then Asher comes over to dismantle and jump on it. Hmm...not our best tradition.

 

It would help my tough stance if he wasn't so darn cute while doing it. Little monster. :-)

 

wordless wednesday - mommy love

Drew tried to get a bunch of photos of Asher and I on Mother's Day, but it wasn't until we abandoned the poses that he got a winner.

Love this one of my boy and I.  He makes my heart so happy.  :-)

spoiling alert

On Saturday Drew and I were packing {surprise, surprise}.  We were working in the kitchen, cleaning out the cabinets and Drew found a big bag of Tootsie Roll pops!  Oh, the treasures you find while moving.

Naturally, I needed one right away.  Just about the time I had enjoyed exactly 1 lick Asher cruised over - I swear he has a sixth sense where candy is involved. 

Can you believe that little monster tried to take my lollipop??  

Not only was I feeling crazy possessive, selfish, like the bug needed a delicious chocolate chew surrounded by hard candy, I also didn't want Asher eating an entire tootsie roll pop.  To date his candy consumption has been limited to one M&M at a time - this was a fairly huge upgrade and I didn't want a sugar shocked boy on my hands.  So I put all of my parenting experience to work and came up with the most obvious solution...

I gave him a popsicle instead.  :-)

Which he happily enjoyed for about 2 seconds before offering to trade with me.

Then something happened that still has me baffled. 

With subtly and cunning that would impress even the most seasoned criminals, Ash ended up with both his popsicle AND my lollipop.

This crazy kid.  I think he knew he pulled a fast one on me.  

The worst part?  I didn't really mind.  He doesn't often double fist sweets and if we can't have fun sometimes, then what's the point?

{plus, I know where the rest of the tootsie pop bag is living now ;-) }

bugaboo {15 weeks} - mother's day edition

Yesterday the bugaboo and I turned 15 weeks.  One more fabulous thing to add to my list of special treats on Mother's Day!

I didn't get any belly shots this week {we were too busy having fun at the zoo} but I'm pretty sure it popped just a little.  Before last week my bump would be totally nonexistent in the morning, but significant by bedtime, now it's here {at least a little bit} full time.  :-)

Mother's Day was great this year!  Check out the sweet goodies my boys gave me...

Asher picked out my card and insisted on carrying it around all day.  He loves him some Mickey and Minnie these days.  ha!

Baby bug even gave me a gift!  Drew said s/he asked him to get me a gift card for a maternity store so my bump would look good this summer.  Love it!

Asher gave me a gift card to buy some "mommy contact cards" from Tiny Prints.  He thought they would be a good way for us to make some new friends when we move.  Such a sweet idea!

After church and naps for all, we headed to the National Zoo.  Drew and I really wanted to take Asher one last time before we moved.  He is all about animals these days and we knew he'd love it.  Yesterday the weather was SO beautiful - it was a perfect zoo afternoon.  I have lots of photos to share later this week, but here's a little sneak peak.  :-)

Asher couldn't believe he got to sit on an actual 'nandy' {panda} - ha ha - love him!

The bug wasn't as thrilled by the zoo.  After all of that hilly zoo walking I was really feeling some aches.  It seems ridiculous that something the size of an orange could cause any discomfort at all, but, well...apparently it does.

How far along: 15 weeks

Net weight gain/loss: down 2 pounds

Maternity clothes: not yet, but I did employ the handy hair-elastic-through-the-button-hole trick on my jeans to get a little extra breathing room

Stretch marks: nope

Belly button: still an innie

Sleep: pretty good until last night - I woke up at 4 to go to the bathroom and couldn't get back to sleep.  Boo.

Baby movement: none yet

Gender: time will tell

Food cravings: gummy candy

Food aversions: big pieces of meat.  I can handle meat in food, but just eating a straight steak or chicken breast sounds kind of gross.

What I miss: lots of walking without getting all achy

Looking forward to: just being in maternity pants full time. This in between size/shape is annoying. {still}

Best moment this week: celebrating my first Mother's Day as an almost mommy of 2!

Milestones: baby can now move all of his/her joints and limbs

Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day as well!

on being a mommy

The first time I knew I was a mommy wasn't when I saw 2 lines. It was at my first ultrasound with Asher.

For quite a few weeks I'd known I was pregnant. I had heard his heartbeat and gotten all the blood tests that confirmed the fact. If you'd asked me then I would have said I was his mother at any of these points, but the time I knew - really knew - that I was a mommy was when the ultrasound technician was trying to get a look at something specific and Asher was not cooperating.

She prodded him with her ultrasound wand to try and get him to turn over and I got {a little bit} angry. She was poking my helpless baby and I didn't like it one bit.

In my mind I recognized that this reaction was ridiculous, so I didn't say a word and let her prod away. But in my heart the mama bear instinct had been kindled and I knew, in that instance, that I would do anything for this little one.

A dear friend of mine sent me an encouraging Christmas card last year that I'll never forget. She included a verse in it that I think about daily as I'm raising Asher - and soon to be baby bug.

Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

1 Peter 5:2-4

These verses are my prayer for all of us. We all have such different circumstances - some of us are going this journey alone; some are mothers without a baby; some are overwhelmed and under supported; some are expecting, but unable to parent and not sure where to turn - but one thing we have in common is that we're all mothers who have been entrusted with a sheep from His flock. Regardless of the specifics, God knows where we are and is with us on this path.

There are days I feel short-tempered and ill equipped to raise a man after God's own heart. So I remember this verse {and others like it} and I feel uplifted. This journey is hard, but look at the end - we get a crown of glory that will never fade! Yay!

I'm lucky that I belong to a wonderful group of moms who support and pray for each other. Those days when I'm pretty sure everything that can go wrong has gone wrong - I can call them and they encourage me back to the path of sanity.

Do you have anyone like that in your life? If not, I would really love to be there for you. Let's connect to one another in more than a blogging way! If you ever have a need just leave me a comment - I'd love to pray for you.

I hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day! This crazy, little guy and I have a date at the zoo to get to. :-)