It's a boy!

Baby Jett

That's right! Bryer will have a baby brother by the end of December or beginning of January. We already have his name picked out: Jett Alexander. Time to pack away all of Bryer's old girl things and get all new boy clothes. I'm about 21 weeks and this pregnancy is moving right along! My appointment and ultrasound went well and everything looks normal so far. For that I am grateful.

I'll admit, when I first became pregnant I had mixed feelings. I was still happy but had all these worries running through my head. I worried that it would take something away from Bryer because she is still so little. I worried that I wouldn't be able to take care of them both being so close in age, that it would be too much for me to handle. I wondered how I could possibly do it all on my own since we had just taken the traveling job. I had planned to wait three years before I had another child and this wasn't my plan at all. It was the end of the semester, we were busy with finals and graduation,  and all the while caring for my one year old. There were times I felt so sick and tired but I had to keep going. Following graduation we picked up and moved to another state. After the move there were days I couldn't get off the couch. I was exhausted. The pregnancy combined with all of that sucked the energy right out of me. I seriously thought something was wrong with me.

But it didn't last forever. After we got settled in things started to slow down. I started feeling better as I came into my second trimester. And as soon as I started showing and feeling little baby kicks I instantly grew a bond with this child. It became real to me. I have this precious baby growing inside of me and I'm going to be it's mommy. It is going to complete my world.

I've grown a lot stronger and found out a lot of things about myself through all of this combined with CJ being away. I learned that I could love another baby just as much as I love Bryer, and that Bryer would be okay, even better with a sibling close by her side. I learned that it was okay that things didn't go how I planned because God had something even better planned for me. I learned that sometimes sacrifices are worth making for something better to evolve. This hasn't been easy and I know that it won't be easy after he is born but I also know that it will be worth it. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Simple day with Bryer

I followed Miss Bryer around with the camera today and got some cute pictures of her doing her every day thing. I enjoy our simple days together. Diaper changes, feeding, playing, baths, and reading books never get old. I love what I do.

She watches Prada out the window in the back yard and observes all the beauty in this world.

 

She gathers her blankets and all the pillows to make a nest, and cuddles up with her baby doll.

Tonight on face time she sang her ABC's with Daddy. It was so cute, she even put her little hand up to give him a high five. I cannot wait until the 27th when we go pick him up at the airport! 

xoxo

Popsicles & warm days

We stay inside during the day because of the blazing heat so I have made going outside to play every evening part of our routine. She absolutely loves being outside. One of the things CJ always did when he was home was share a popsicle with her. So tonight after dinner I gave her one and took her outside to play. She sat down on the steps and ate the whole thing all by herself. Daddy would be proud. :)

I think we're adjusting quite well. Every night since he's been gone we talk on face time and it makes things a little easier. Bryer blows him kisses and speaks to him in her own baby language.  Sometimes during the day I'll start thinking about him being gone and quickly find something to do before I freak myself out. I'm actually surprised with how well I'm handling everything, and keeping my mind occupied. I couldn't do it without my heavenly father, he has definitely given me strength. I'm relying fully on him now and I haven't felt this close to him in a long time. I can feel his love and comfort. I know that everything will be okay.

Thanks for reading <3
xoxo

A new day

Life's just starting for us now as we enter a new chapter in our lives. Our Iowa adventure came to an end and  our goals have been reached. I miss Estherville dearly and I enjoyed studying at Iowa Lakes, but I'm excited to move on and create new memories and relationships. I now have my AA degree out of the way and CJ graduated the wind program. He is now working as a traveling wind technician. We moved back to the Springfield Missouri area at the beginning of summer so that I could be close to my family while he is away. We just dropped him off at the airport Monday and today was his first day. It was a hard day for me and I realized how much more difficult it will be than I thought. Today has been better; I've kept myself busy all day and didn't have time to be too sad. I don't regret our decision and I'm grateful he found a job so soon after graduation. I just miss him. The plan is for him to travel for a year or so, then transfer with the company to a stationary position.  I can do this! ..I hope.

At the end of the semester we found out I'm expecting again. So baby number two is on the way! I think I'm about 3 months. He or she will be born about a month before Bryer turns two. I'm very nervous to have two babies but I'm excited to have a newborn in my arms again. And I'm glad Bryer will have a sibling to play with. They will be so close.

Bryer has been having a good summer so far. I can't believe how much she has grown. Every day she does something that amazes me. It is simply wonderful getting to know her as I watch her grow and evolve into her own individual person.  I'm so blessed to be her mommy. <3

"I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be." <3

Did you laugh today?

I've been having an off week. Trying to keep up with all my classes, housework, and a baby definitely is not an easy mix. I've been extremely frustrated with math, this cold and snowy weather, and the fact that there are not enough hours in the day. I could really cut eating and sleeping out of my schedule, that would make things a whole lot easier. There are so many things on my to do list that are waiting to be checked off, plus doing something that I really love to do. This has all resulted in a very grouchy wife and mommy lately.  :(

But then something happened today that made the rain go away and shined sunlight upon my heart. Bryer's laughter. :) 

She will always and forever be the one thing in this world that will lift me up above the stars when I get weighed down. I am so grateful Heavenly Father placed this little angel in my arms to keep and make her mine. She is my treasure, my strength, and I don't know how I ever survived without her.

When I am on the verge of crying I just look at her and see her smiling at me and can't help but smile back. I soon forget about what was bothering me and begin playing peek a boo or crawling around on the floor with her acting silly.

I realized something very important today. This evening I was giving her a bath and she was splashing around having the BEST time. I don't think I ever heard her laugh so hard, and it's been a while since I laughed so hard with her. Laughing was good for me, it took away all my stress and I was able to think clearly and positively.

I used to think that having a good cry made everything better. Well I just learned that a good cry followed by a good dose of laughter is the best medicine. Probably comes with great health benefits too.

Just thought I'd share. Hope everyone remembers to laugh today! :)

<3