Back with an Update

I know it's been awhile since I've been on here... But most of you know that with a toddler running around all day you hardly find time to yourself. And by the time they do go down for a nap, that's all you want to do too, sleep, especially during pregnancy! Then when they're down for bedtime, all you have energy to do is snuggle up to your hubby & watch some Netflix. Well, that's been my reality & reasoning for neglecting this little blog lately... But I'm feeling the urge to post again before Ivy makes her arrival, so I can keep friends & family updated during that special time of life! Here's an update on life & pregnancy... 

I'm currently 35 weeks along. And these past 35 weeks have been the longest weeks ever for me & my family. A whirlwind of ups & downs and a slew of emotions. It has been the complete opposite pregnancy from with Zeek, which was the original sign that this sweet baby was going to be a girl! We are beyond thrilled and excited for Ivy Savannah to enter this world and be a part of our family come June. But, we are also very excited for all the pregnancy sickness, aches, pains, emotions, sinus trouble, fears, anxiety, etc. to subside and we're ready to make the transition into being a family of 4!  

Zeek, most of all, is ready to have a play-mate in the house & to meet his sweet sister! He loves talking to her & about her, calling her by name & giving daily kisses. His favorite is to tell people that he listened to her heartbeat with the doctor...  He's almost 2 & 1/2 & this age has been quite a challenge, but just as much joy. He's learning to talk in sentences, but now that he knows how, he's constantly talking up a storm. Let's just say my patience is still growing for this constant chatter... The transition to a big boy room & bed was surprisingly easier than expected. The real challenge is coming with potty training. We were totally on track & 99% there for a good 3-4 weeks, but then the church nursery & his anxiety took over! Starting us back at square one. I'm still trying to get the urge & energy to start another attempt... I'll keep you posted on that one!

It's been so fun & sweet to watch my husbands anticipation for Ivy... Considering that he grew up with 4 boys in his family and no girls, he's very anxious & extremely nervous about the idea of a girl! I have seen God show so much grace already with how Jonny continues to process this and the idea of fathering a girl. I have grown to respect & love him so much more during this pregnancy, watching him grow, love & be there for his family, and prepare for sweet Ivy! I can only imagine how much more my heart will continue growing for him as I watch him father our children. And to see his tender heart love & cherish our sweet girl. We all know she will have him wrapped around her little finger instantly! 

As for me, the sickness & aches/pains of this pregnancy have really taken a toll, more than expected! I never knew my body could be feeling so many different things at once. And that it could take all my energy & strength away in such a short second. On top of the "pregnancy" symptoms, I suffer from allergies, major allergies. I've come to accept that due to pregnancy enhancing them, they are just my pregnancy plague. When I delivered Zeek I remember having a sinus infection & double ear infection. Now with Ivy, I've suffered many infections (ear & sinus), bronchitis, etc for the past 2-3 months. We thank God that there has been some relief, but also praying the relief continues to lift the closer Ivy's arrival comes... We're currently in the stage of back labor pain, braxton hicks, major swelling, & cramping (all things I never experienced with Zeek, hence the reason we're ready for Ivy). And let me just say, cravings are real this time around. I can't live without crushed ice to chomp on and endless amounts of strawberries... Also, pregnancy is throwing so many curve balls of emotion. I'm usually not a very emotional person, but this pregnancy has had me all over the place; Crying at little comments my husband makes (that's never happened in all 6yrs of marriage), becoming a wreck over little decisions like giving our dog away (which didn't happen bc I was so distraught), having so much fear & anxiety about labor/delivery/parenting that it has crippled me from seeing reality at times, having so much love for my son & daughter that all I can do is hold Zeek tight while bawling my eyes out bc I know they grow so stinkin' fast & I won't always get this chance... Pregnancy. What can I say, it's a crazy adventure!

These 35 weeks haven't been all bad, we've seen God's hand guide us in unexpected ways & continually bless us over & over again! God has shown so much mercy with preparing us for this child after our miscarriage, giving us trust in Him above all else! He's blessed our family in  so many unexpected ways, like a family van, a (much needed) beautiful babymoon retreat for me & my hubby,  & wise friends & family to gather around us enhancing the joy of this process! And now, we wait for sweet Ivy's arrival, thanking God for his grace & mercy through all of it!