Different forms of Worship

I thought it would be neat to share with you the different forms of worship I enjoy most and hear what yours are too. I wholeheartedly agree that every aspect of our lives should show worship to the Lord but some ways are easier or more personal to some more then others. I feel the best way we can worship the Lord is by using our giftings and talents that He has personally laid inside us. Wouldn't you agree? These are some ways I personally love to Worship the King of Kings, and in no particular order.

Singing.
Anytime and anywhere. I love the typical singing on a Sunday morning at church or jamming out with the radio. I was in my schools choir for as long as I can remember and have always loved using my voice. A random fact, I used to be a total soprano but during a 7th grade chior concert the director needed more altos so I switched and have been an alto ever since. I physically can't sing super high notes anymore, without sounding like a dying cat or something.ha
Anyway, I love using song as a way to bring praise and it is also a beautiful way to pour your heart out sometimes. My all time favorite band is Switchfoot, I also enjoy Hillsong United and lately I've really been into Lauren Daigle.

Cooking/Baking.
Food, Food & more foooooood. I likey to eat! haha. I am super into cooking shows on TV and I watch a ton of them on Netflix. My newest obsession has probably been Ree Drummond from The Pioneer Woman. I seriously recommend checking her out if you're into good food too, and by good I mean made with tons of butter and probably not always "good" for your health lol. I can serve God when I am cooking because it brings me joy and I have a passion for whatever I'm making. I love seeing the smile on Katies face when she's eating a home cooked meal and when Troy tells me something is delicious. I love knowing their bellies are full and satisfied and I feel like I've somehow taken care of them. I love it and sure as heck can worship through it.

Writing.
No surprise here write (see my little joke there? lol.) My heart is very passionate about the art of writing. I am a huge list person, I probably write 2 or more lists per day if I'm honest. I learn through writing and it is a great tool of memorization for me. I doodle names, places anything really and play with different fonts and formats. I care about my penmanship a ton and have been known to start letters or birthday cards multiple times because it "didn't look good" to me. I have multiple journals laying around my house and just asked for another one for my birthday.
Writing releases tension for me and provides a safe and calm place. I take notes at any and every event, I write Troy love letters all the time, I journal  about life, jot down ideas and random thoughts, write down dreams and passions and I also write poetry. It all flows from the ballpoint of my pin to the pad of paper and I love every moment.

Being a wife & a mother.
You might be wondering how I can use this part of my life to serve and worship God or you may be thinking that this is a no brainer. Either way, allow me to explain. I have a spot in my husband's life and my daughter's lives that no one else can fill. My job is seek Christ first and be a shining light for Him to my family. To honor Him and teach my children about Him. I am privileged to be the one standing in and praying continuously for my home and those who reside in it. This is a position I do not take lightly. If this isn't considered an act of worship I'm not sure what is. God so graciously gave this family to me and I want to honor Him greatly.

So there you have it, four different ways I can and choose to worship in my life. I know God can talk to us in numerous ways for example my husband is very outdoorsy and athletic. God is continually speaking to him through physical education, long mountainous bike rides and more. I love how unique it is to him and his personality.
How do you personally worship in your life? I would love to know and encourage you to open your heart and ears and ask God what exactly He has placed specifically inside of you to bring Him glory.

XoXo

September Goals

It's time to share this months goals and then at the end of the month we will come together and share just how well or not so well we did. First let's take a look back at last months Goals and update with how I've done on achieving them.

1)I wasn't as patient or kind on some occasions as I could have been but so definitely see and feel improvement in this area and that's what counts.

2)I think I failed with giving her a bath weekly but.. maybe every week & a half? does that count.lol

3)I raise my hand admittedly and say I failed this one. It comes around to bite my in the butt when I forget to Brush her hair after she sleeps. Those tangles get so bad and then she cries as I try my best to be gentle whilst removing such nasty tangles. My poor girl. I am aiming to do way better at this.

4) Most unpacking is done, thanks mainly to my husband, but our place still doesn't feel completely Like "home" just yet.

5)We did great at only eating out if Troy wanted to and I tried my hand at some New meals for the first time. Cooking is a huge hobby for me so I loved it.

6) We did a decent job staying on budget so that's good news too. We definitely deserve a high five for that one. lol

Now September is here and I am excited for all that the new season is to bring. A feeling of refreshment and new opportunities. My birthday also falls in the month of September so that may be aiding in my excitement.

SEPTEMBER GOALS

Family-
°Have one date night a week with my wonderful husband. (This could include a movie at home or the theatre, having dinner together, going shopping,taking a walk together.)

°Continue helping Katie get ready for the day & learn those responsibilities as well.

Friends-
°Write a letter to a dear friend I've had on my heart for awhile.

Spiritually-
°Read my bible & journal more. (writing is a beautiful art of worship to me. I love writing on here, journaling and poetry.)

°Continue reading and finish Simply Tuesday by Emily P. Freeman.

So those are my personal goals for this month. I really am striving to meet these goals but it has proven to be difficult at times. I am looking forward to this months fresh start and I hope you are too. 

How did you do with your goals from last month? What are your old or new ones for this month? Share with me in the comments below and let's encourage one another on this journey.

XoXo

Funny Friday

Lets start the day off with a good laugh and a smile on our face
enjoy!

(Mean girls anyone?)

Hahahaha!
I hope you guys enjoyed these just as much as I did.
Seriously, looking up funny things on Pinterest late at night when your beyond the

point of exhaustion is too fun.
Happy Friday
Hurray for the weekend!

(Follow me on Pinterest to see & repin these if you'd like)

Motherhood is hard

As a matter of fact, parenthood is plain hard. Whether you're a mother or a father, being a parent is rough. Don't get me wrong, being a parent is one of the greatest gifts and joys that life has to offer but this is not that blog post. No, this is the blog post about how crazy life gets when your name is mom, mother, mama or mommy. 

Raise your hand fellow mother if you have ever felt completely defeated. Raise your hand if you have ever felt at a loss in the midst of this journey. Raise your hand if you've ever cried in your bathroom while your children are crying and hanging onto your every limb while you pray your weary heart out. Is that last one just me? surly it can't be.

Plain & Simple.
I am currently adjusting to being a parent of two kids and while it has been amazing it has also been extremely rough. I know many of you have more than two children and probably think I'm joking when I say two kids is hard work but to me, in this current stage of my life, it is hard work. Most of our days seem to be pretty smooth sailing until daddy leaves the house. That's when all H-E double hockey sticks seem to break loose. Katie is extremely attached to Troy right now ever since Ella has been born. Honestly once summer break started and Troy has been home more, their bond has strengthened beyond anything I imagined it would, in such a short time. I love watching them develop their father daughter relationship. The only downfall to this is the scenario when Katie is unable to survive without daddy being near her every 5 minutes. She really loses her cool when he is away and with work starting back up, I'm not sure how she is going to do.
 I'm not sure how any of us will survive really. 

Thank you Lord that Ella is a very easy going baby so far. Though lately she gets really bad spouts of gas pain that cause her to cry and scream which makes it really hard for me to do anything other then hold her. I feel so bad for both my girls as they cry. One is crying because of emotional pain as her daddy is at work and I know she misses him terribly (trust me sister, so do I) and the other because she physically isn't feeling up to snuff.
Sometimes, in all the chaos and confusion, I feel lost.
I feel like I have no idea why God has entrusted me with these two tiny people.

 I feel so unworthy and not up to par.

 I feel more than ever before, my need to call upon the Lord and give him every part of my life.
I feel the burden of my self restricting thoughts being taken off.
I feel Him whisper gently that I am more than enough and I have my two daughters for reason and He will continue to carry me though this season.

 I feel a peace that is beyond my understanding just like He promises us in His word.
So, motherhood is capital H.A.R.D
 It's messy, tiring, trying, confusing, frustrating and heartbreaking at times. It's ok to admit that, you're normal and you're not alone.
So now fellow mothers instead of raising your hands I ask you to raise your voices in prayer. Pray for me and my strength to raise my two girls in a God fearing manner and for restoration to my soul. I vow to do the same for every one of you.
And because I know you need it just like I do, here's a hug.
;)

New Goals

As of late my life has been pretty crazy, crazy beautiful that is. Ella was born mid June and is now almost two months old, we moved into our new place a few short days ago and my husband is going back to work all too soon. Why must summer end? Next I begin planning Katie's 3rd birthday party for November! Yes, I am serious about already planning because that jazz takes forever to actually come to be. 

I currently did a guest post over at 

ourprettylittlegirls.com about being a girl mom and it was awesome. I love reading her blog and seeing all the cool things she's about. She recently talked about monthly goals she sets for herself and it has inspired me to
do the same. So let's get to it, here are my August 2015 goals...

1) Have a good attitude. Be more patient & show more Grace toward my husband, myself and our children (mainly my very energetic toddler).

2) Give Katie a bath at least once a week if not more, and use this as our special Katie & mommy time.

3) Brush & style Katie's hair every-single-stinking-day. Those tangles come fast and fierce for a toddler with curly hair.

4) Make our new place feel homeish & finish unpacking.

5) Make all home cooked meals. No more eating out unless desired by the hubby.(Side note, I read something that said a home cooked meal is anything you had a hand in preparing.

 I will take that statement to the bank.lol)

6) Stay on budget!
This is of major importance right now.

So there you have it, my current goals that I really hope I can stay loyal to. At first, I felt a little sketchy about setting goals for myself. I was unsure if it was the right time to do it or if I would be putting to much pressure on myself, after all I have a newborn right?
 But after some prayer I thought ya know, every stage of life will be different and present challenges so if not now, when? and then I made my list. Nothing to huge and yet completely realistic. Just what this mama needs.

Do you set goals for yourself?

How often and what are they?

Wish me luck in sticking to mine. :)

And because no post is complete without a cute little photo, 

this is one of my faves of Ella and I.

Ella Alana's Birth Story

I am so overjoyed to announce the arrival of Pamella Alana Boyer.
She is such a sweet heart and smells like heavenly bliss. Needless to say, we are head over heels and feeling awesome as a new family of four.

Fathers day was Sunday June 21st and it started off like any other Sunday in our house. Troy woke up early to head off for worship practice at our church and Katie and I slept until 9 that morning. I chose to wear the same dress I wore to my baby shower for Katie and noticed that it has tons of purple in it. Looking back this makes me smile because I always like the color purple for Ella. Right before Katie and I left for church I decided to snap a picture of my baby bump knowing full well it could be my last one considering I was 40 weeks and 5 days prego. After church was over we headed up to my grandfathers house at 1:30pm for a special family BBQ. I was incredibly excited to partake in the grilled hot dogs and freshly made potato salad, my grandmothers perfect recipe,  pure goodness I tell ya. Anyways, as we made our way there I told Troy that my stomach was feeling tight but that I truly didn't think much of it at the time. Around 2pm that "tightening" feeling began to intensify so using an app on my phone I started timing them. These contractions were coming every 3-5 minutes consistently and lasting anywhere between 20seconds to a minute long. I ate my lunch and made jokes about actually being in labor, praying that my body was truly beginning that journey. Soon it was 5:30pm and Troy and I decided it would be best to leave and go home for some last minute things and rest if baby Ella was soon to be on her way. Once we were home I dialed the midwife and told her my symptoms at the time. She thought it would be best if I came down and walked the hospital grounds and see if the contractions intensified. If they did I could just walk on up to labor & delivery and be checked in. On that note, Troy, Myself and Katie packed back into the hot car and drove over to my in laws to pick up Troys mom. She was who we had planned to help us take care of Katie while Ella was born. Once we all headed down to the hospital some major stress struck our car almost like a lightning bolt.
Katie was screaming her head off and I couldn't show an ounce of emotion otherwise
she would cry even more and tell me to just be happy. I felt miserable. I was so stressed out thinking that all of the craziness would cause my contractions to cease. A seriously aggravating thought when you're nearly a week past your due date. I admit to having a pretty sour attitude once we arrived at the hospital and wanting to walk alone and leave the rest of my gang to fend for themselves, silly hormones. ;)
After walking around and a few minutes spend praying and crying (or balling my eyes out.lol) in the car, I felt ready to go to labor & delivery and have my cervix checked, just for the fun of it.
Yeah right
We kissed Katie goodbye and Troy and I headed upstairs. Troy thinks its pretty humorous how I so calmly walked up to door, rang the bell and said "Yeah I think I'm in labor" and wam-bam-thank-ya-mam I had my baby a few hours later. It was now around 8:45 and I found out I was 3 and a half centimeters dilated and 80% effaced. They decided to have me walk the hallways or use the tub for a couple of hours until they would recheck me to see if any progress was made. Sure enough when they checked me again at 11pm I was 4cm and still 80% effaced, not a huge difference but enough that they decided to admit me as a patient.
Before I continue the L&D story let me just include how blessed I was to have the staff that was on that night help deliver my baby. They were seriously angles and Troy and I couldn't have asked for a better team.
So after we walked the halls and got admitted I decided the most comfortable position for me to face these contractions was lying down. I could not handle the more intense pain that came while I was trying to stand through them. While the contractions continued to intensify and become far to frequent for almost any relief, I was so glad my Midwife stayed by my side the entire time. She was so great at soothing me, talking to me, helping me breath through the pain and still remained such a solid coach through it all. Jesse, my nurse also stayed with me most of the time and was like a close friend, we truly appreciated her.  Soon enough the lovely anesthesiologist came around to my room and gave me a much wanted and appreciated epidural and hallelujah it was fantastic lol. After that we just relaxed and waited for the big moment of finding out it was time to push.  I could still feel the pressure from the contractions but the endless pain was at ease and for that I was grateful.  Around 5am they checked me again and I was at a 10 and it was time for this baby to make her way out. Call me off the wall or crazy (because I always told myself I wouldn't do this) but I chose to watch myself deliver her with a mirror & even touch her head as she was crowning. Yeah, kinda weird but one of the coolest experiences I hold in my heart. I also feel like watching helped me push through the contractions and focus and understand the process better. Surprisingly compared to my labor with Katie I only pushed for a solid 15 minutes and Ella was here. With all surprises to me I didn't even tear, and if you've ever had a baby and had to have an episiotomy (I did with Katie) or have torn you know how glorious it would be to avoid that drama. Troy and I had the privilege of being able to grab Ella once her head and arms were out and pull her up onto my chest. It was a beautiful moment to say the least. Finally my little and long awaited Pamella Alana was in my arms in all her beauty. Tears flowed and I was overcome with joy and fascination. She was born on June 22nd 2015 at 5:57am weighing in at 8(holy cow) pounds and 8oz and 20 and a half inches long. My biggest baby yet y'all. My aunt Sherri and father were in the room for my labor and delivery and it just made the moment even more special and unique. Ella is named after their mother, my grandmother and the girls Gigi, Pamela Lesley who passed away in July 2014. We miss you greatly grandma and I hope you know I could feel you with me every step of the way.

Some major stuff went down with me and my health almost immediately after I delivered Ella and I will explain all of that in an upcoming post. Until then I will count my blessings and hold on tightly to three of them. My loving and ever supporting husband and our two beautiful daughters.
Katie Annabelle & Ella Alana


Welcome to world Pamella.
Here is now another piece of my heart running around
the outside of my body & I trust in the Lord
to take care of you in every way better than I can.

I love you honey.

Bump date: Week 40 + A letter to Ella

My dearest little Ella, June 16th was officially your due date. Over the last few days I have thought your arrival was coming so much sooner than later but, here we are, still pregnant and you seem to be fine with that. I have enjoyed being pregnant with you so much, and I will never forget feeling you inside my womb, but my arms are ready to hold you now. I can't wait to hold you and smell your sweet new baby smell. To hold you and give every ounce of the glory to our heavenly daddy. To see your face and know your beauty. Oh what a beautiful moment it will be. I have always liked the color purple for you and have been seeing much more of it in the last few days. Purple flowers, purple clothes, purple cars, nearly purple everything and I keep wondering if maybe this means  you are coming soon. In these last few days and hours I have soaked up the last moments of our family of 3 and prepared my heart to become a family of four. I have imagined your daddy holding you bundled in his strong and protective arms, or your sister rubbing your cheeks and telling you just how soft you are. I lay in bed and secretly wait for contractions to begin, I wait for that feeling of "she is coming" and heading off to the hospital to meet you. Know my dear child that you are loved, and so greatly wanted and cherished. I am so thankful that Jesus chose me to be your mommy. A job I promise to never take lightly.
So, as for today I will continue to wait for you with my purple nails, special for you, and enjoy you in my tummy. But hey...come see me ok. :)
Love, Mommy at 40 weeks & 2 days




Bump date: Week 40

How far along: 40 weeks baby! A whopping 10 months.

How big is baby: The size of a watermelon.

Belly button: Out.

Total weight gain: 37+ pounds.

Sleep: I.cant.get.comfortable.to.save.my.life! 

Movement: staying consistent.

Maternity clothes: Still trying my best to stretch all my regular clothes into fitting this gigantic bump, or wearing Troy's clothes. 

Gender: Girl

Best moment this week: Reaching my estimated due date...and then passing it slowly waving goodbye. I am just sitting on pins and needles waiting for her. Trying some natural "Inducing labor" tricks and so far nothing seems to be working. I guess she is pretty comfortable. I had my "possibly" last doctors appointment on Wednesday and am scheduled to return Friday at 1pm for an ultrasound if labor hasn't started on its own. They will check all her fluids and what not to ensure it's safe for her to continue on the inside throughout the weekend. Otherwise we will discuss possible induction. 

Looking forward to: Meeting this baby one way or another, sooner than later. 

Ella at 40 weeks gestation.
I love you baby girl.

Bump date: Week 38

I know, I know, I know, I have been MIA for the last few bump dates but hey.. I have good excuses, but none that I care to share. lol Not a whole lot has changed in the last few weeks but I definitely wanted to get out one last post or two before Ella arrives which, holy cow, could seriously be any day now! I am pretty anxious to meet her and snuggle the poo out of her, although I'm sure she can take care of that department on her own. ;) We have her car seat in the car, her clothes are washed, hospital bags for both mother, father & child are packed and in the trunk, we are registered at the hospital and all we need to do now is wait for contractions to begin.

Lets do this baby girl!

How far along: 38 Weeks (9 and half months)

How big is baby: The size of a pumpkin or a spaghetti squash is what I've read. She is anywhere from 6-9 pounds (Please don't be 9 pounds Ella) and 18-21 inches in length.

Belly button: Out. It feels like it is more out then usual too. Like my body is saying "Stick a fork in me, cause I'm done."

Total weight gain: 31+ pounds.

Sleep: I have been sleeping somewhat better the last few nights. I still am dealing with the pregnancy insomnia and waking up at 3am until I go to sleep the  following night. It's not super fun, but I keep myself busy by sitting on the couch eating otter pops and watching the Titanic or other Netflix movies.. ya know how it goes. 

Movement: Doing well, she is always keeping me aware of her not so itty bitty feet. :)

Maternity clothes: Nothing new here.. as always. 

Gender: A sweet little lady. 

Best moment this week: A lot of awesome things have happened lately, including the baby shower that took place on May 2nd, I still need to recap that goodness. One of my older brothers got married on the 23rd of May. It was such a beautiful moment and I was honored to be included in the wedding as a bridesmaid. Katie also rocked the position of flower girl, and Troy was a groomsmen. Of course tons of dancing and food was taken advantage of whilst celebrating their love. The best moment this week however has to been finishing up some last minute details before little girl makes her grand appearance. 

Looking forward to: I am looking forward to (Labor starting...???) Finally getting the swing we purchased for Ella. I am super excited to try it and set it all up so I can place her sweetness in it once we bring her home. We bought a 4moms mamaroo, and I am so stoked! 

Here are some bump date pictures all to include weeks 36-38
Talk to y'all soon. Either another bump date or maybe introducing Ella Alana!

38weeks

37weeks

36weeks


:)

Bump date: Week 33

This pregnancy is flying by so fast its kind of crazy. Here is what's happening as of late...

How far along: 33 weeks! I can't believe she will be here so soon.

How big is baby: About the same as last week, I have read that the baby gains around half a pound or so every week until birth from this point on.

Belly button: Out.

Total weight gain: 23+ pounds.

Sleep: Remember last week when I mentioned that I was unsure if sleep loved me back or not? Yeah well, I know now that it totally doesn't. This last week sleep has been terrible. I had my worst spout of heartburn so far with this pregnancy last Thursday and it was bad! I woke up multiple times because of it, and nothing seems to ease it. I just have to let it pass. My inner thighs are hurting so it's basically impossible to get comfortable even with a body pillow. To top everything off, pregnancy insomnia is a legit thing. I wouldnknow first hand. I woke up at 5:30 Saturday morning and couldn't fall back asleep until 6:30 or so. It's not like I don't want to sleep or anything, physically I am very tired but I just can't relax enough to sleep. So, long story long....Sleep stinks.

Movement: If what feels like bruised ribs and a sore back counts as "Movement" because she is bouncing off the walls of my tummy almost 24/7, then yeah! She is a total mover. ;)

Maternity clothes: Stay tuned for a change in this category next week. The baby shower is this weekend so I plan to snag a new outfit or two sometime before then. Nothing fancy but at least it will be something new and refreshing. On a completely different note, this past weekend we bought both girls and Troy their new outfits for our family of 4!! photos after Ella is born. :) I plan on waiting to buy mine after delivery cause ya know, who knows what my body will be like after that jazz. 

Gender: A beautiful baby girl.

Best moment this week: I would have to say the best moment this week has been going through Katie's old baby clothes and seeing what I could reuse with Ella. I actually walked away with a trash bag full so I would consider that a success. We also bought some new craft supplies for our house and Katie is beyond excited. We started the morning of painting & using our imagination. It was awesome! 

Looking forward to: The baby shower!!! It's this Saturday and I am just so blessed and excited. I will post plenty of pictures on next weeks update or possibly just do a post on the shower itself. I am also looking forward to my doctors appointment next week on the 5th. :) I will probably post my 34 week update after the appointment so all the info is as updated as I can give. lol

Ella Alana at 33 weeks gestation!

Newborn goodies

What is better than newborn girl clothes? Seriously nothing is more cute or able to be girly squeaked over. lol

I have a serious problem when it comes to shopping for Katie and now Ella too. All the girly clothes and styles just melt me. A down note to having two daughters is that I love shopping for clothes for them at Target and Babies R Us and guess what guys, clothes like those don't fit too well into this moms budget. It's pretty cruddy. So needless to say, I don't visit those stores very often. I can openly admit that I probably wouldn't have the will power to say no to those outfits. However, over the course of the last 8 months I have bought a few items for our newest addition and I wanted to share them with you guys, along with the outfit I'm pretty sure little Miss Ella will be coming home in!
Look at how cute these goodies are,

This special little outfit is from our trip to San Diego when I was 24
weeks pregnant with her. She fo sho is the best little sis ever.

These binkies are too cute

I bought her the Carters baby blanket yesterday and couldn't be more in love with it. It is so soft and cute, I had been thinking of getting Ella one of these for the past few days and when I came across this I just knew it was the one. I love rubbing it on my tummy while I talk to her, and she pushes back at me. I told Troy I wanted to have it in the labor and delivery room with me while she is born, & after she's all clean she can snuggle it with me. A moment I am anxiously waiting for. :)

Now check out this beauty!

This gem is pretty special to me, I bought it at Target (go figure) probably the very week or the week after Troy and I found out we were expecting another baby. We were a long ways away from finding out the gender of our baby but when I saw this dress I had to buy it just in case we were having another girl. It was like I could automatically envision her wearing it. A bonus was that this dress was also on clearance for $4 y'all, that's a good deal.
Somehow this dress just sticks with me and it's what I see her entering our house in on that sunny summer day that she gets to come home.
My sweet Ella Alana.

Well guys, Thanks for taking a look at the adorable wardrobe that she has accumulated so far. I still need to go through bags of big sisters clothes and see what Ella can make use of but so far these are her new & non hand-me-down goodies.
Hope you enjoyed it
:)

Bump date: 8 months

I had my 32 week appointment this morning and it went really well. This time the eldest child had to join me and surprisingly did a really good job. I usually try to get a babysitter for Katie during my visits only because she used to freak out seeing me at the doctors office. She must have thought they were torturing me or something. Well this time she had to tag along and she did fabulous. I think learning about how to give a urine sample was her favorite part haha! Everything seems to be measuring right on track with my little babe and I couldn't be more thankful. It's becoming more and more real that a new bundle of love will be in my arms instead of my tummy very, very soon. I find myself awakened in the middle of the night thinking like "Holy cow..uhhh..I'm having another kid!" I am so excited...but it also makes me feel nauseous in complete honesty. Ha
Here is the newest set of information on the pregnancy. 

How far along: 32 weeks today. 

How big is baby: 17 inches & around 4 pounds.

Belly button: Out. I also seem to be noticing just a few new stretch marks but nothing terrible. It's also something that isn't unexpected. I got them with my last pregnancy and knew they would show up this time too.

Total weight gain: Dude, umm...23 pounds. I was kind of shocked to hear that number but everyone else seems to be super happy with it so it's good with me. Plus that means it was totally ok for me to eat everything I did over the last two weeks. ;)

Sleep: I love sleep. Seriously L.O.V.E it. But, I'm not sure it loves me back all that much. I have been having a really hard time catching my breath when I'm laying down so that tends to keep me awake. I also can't seem to shut off my brain so I spend like 40 minutes thinking of everything I need to do or should do until I can actually doze off.

Maternity clothes: All I can say is that some new maternity clothes are desperately being needed. I don't know how much more my husband will graciously tolerate me wearing his clothes instead of my own. lol. With the baby shower approaching soon I hope to go shopping for a new outfit or two. Maybe some maternity shorts?

Movement: Ella is one strong baby, she moves and rolls around a whole lot with a bunch of power.

Symptoms/Labor signs: No actual labor signs but a few braxton hicks contractions. I have no idea how to really notice these but my midwife says from the info I have given her that I have probably experienced a few. I also am dealing with a little bit of round ligament pain so that stinks. It can definitely make it hard to walk at times. Other than that everything else is the same. My heartburn has seemed to calm down a little bit so that is definitely appreciated.

Gender: Princess Ella.

Best moment this week: Katie stopped her antibiotics on Saturday so that was a relief. It's been really nice having everyone in our home feeling well and being active. Fingers crossed that none of us get sick again anytime soon.

Looking forward to: The baby shower! My dear friend Kaysha is planning it and I might just pee my pants with excitement (or from Ella pushing on my bladder). It will be so fun to be gathered with close family and friends to celebrate Ella and her soon arrival to our family. On another note I actually really enjoy my doctor visits so I am looking forward to going back on May 5th for my 34 week check up. 

Ella Alana at 32 weeks 

I also wanted to let you guys know that a post about Ella's name and the special meaning it holds in our family will be up very soon, so keep an eye out for it. 

:)

Bump date: Week 31

There's not a whole lot of news this week with the pregnancy but here is this weeks update. 

Let's dive right in.
:)

How far along: 31 weeks 

How big is baby: Anywhere between 16-17 inches and 2.5-3.5 pounds.

Belly button: Its back in!... J to the K guys, it's out and will remain out until she's out! lol

Total weight gain: 17+ pounds.

Sleep: Pretty good so far this week. Katie is getting better at sleeping in her toddler bed so that is a huge blessing. I definitely seem to sleep better when there is more room in my bed, but I totally miss her snuggles too.

Maternity clothes: Nothing has changed.. haha. I need to go buy something so I can actually share an update for this question. :)

Movement: Little miss Ella is so active. I love to hold and rub my tummy and feel her push back at me. Counting down the weeks until I get to snuggle this babe.

Symptoms/Labor signs: Everything is the same as last week. Whether that's good or bad, I'm not sure but I'm good with it. I'd rather take things off my list of symptoms than continuing to add them. 

Gender: Girl

Best moment this week: Can we talk about the worst moment? Katie got Strep throat. Legit. She will be done with her antibiotics this Saturday thankfully. The best part of the week has been getting out of the house the last couple days. Parks and lunch dates have been greatly appreciated times of relaxation.

Looking forward to: My 32 week appointment and starting the process of getting ready for Ella to arrive. In the next few weeks I will be washing her first load of laundry and I'm so excited! Almost in tears people. lol :)

31 weeks pregnant with baby Ella
(Isn't she pretty)

Bump date: Week 30

I am so excited to be 30 weeks pregnant! It is so awesome but sort of freaky to begin the 10 week countdown. Knowing Ella is right around the corner is both amazing but surreal. I was able to have my appointment early this week instead of waiting until the 9th. It was honestly the best appointment I think I've had this entire pregnancy. I love my OB office and the staff there, but I especially like the midwife I saw this week.  I think I might do a post at some point about my labor and delivery experience with Katie, but it will take some time to write. I was able to talk with this midwife about some concerns I had and she gently put them to rest. I was greatly surprised and beaming with joy at the end of this appointment. I am looking forward to continuing this journey until Ella arrives, and after with this midwife group. I was also stoked to find out that I passed the glucose test with flying colors and seem as healthy as can be, even with all the Easter candy that was consumed over the last week, and weeks to come. ;)
Now let's jump into this update. I will be adding a picture of my baby bump for the last 10 weeks or however long she chooses to stick around. I have pictures of my ever growing bump since I found out we were expecting our 2nd child at 4 weeks gestation! But, I only plan to share the last few.
Enjoy.

How far along: 30 weeks! Now we start the 10 week countdown!!! I am beyond excited... and slightly nervous in all honesty.

Due date: June 16th 

How big is baby: 16 inches & 3 pounds. 

Belly button: Out :)

Total weight gain: 17 pounds so far. That number is awesome & the doctors are proud.

Sleep: Sleep has been borderline ok this last week. Heartburn is either keeping me awake or waking me up in the middle hours of the night. I'm hoping for a better sleep record this week but only time will tell.

Maternity clothes: Nothing has changed this week as far as clothing goes. Although I was
 day dreaming about some cute maternity tank-tops not too long ago.

Movement: Constant & strong. This past weekend quite a few of my family members got to join in on the fun and feel her move around and play. It was a special time.

Cravings: Gatorade has tasted amazing ever since it became all that I could drink for nearly a week, so I keep that in the fridge. I need to restock my freezer with cherry Popsicles and then all things cold should be accounted for. I have also been loving Nutella toast and a cold glass of milk. ;)

Symptoms/Labor signs: Besides the usual killer back pain, heartburn, leg cramps, and shortness of breath, I don't believe anything is new this week. Still no labor signs which is currently a good thing.

Gender: Girl

Best moment this week: Starting the 10 week countdown! That is unless I go over the magical 40 weeks. I really hope Ella decides to come on time or just a tad bit early. I know she will stay put as long as she needs, and I am thankful for having her cozy in my tum-tum. Katie was almost a week late so who knows what Ella will do. My guess though is for her to arrive on her due date, or very close to it.

Looking forward to: Starting appointments every 2 weeks until I'm 36 weeks and then I start going every week until Ella arrives. :)

Ella Alana at 30 weeks gestation.