Deacon Update: 3.5

This sweetie of mine is 3 ½ and seriously pure joy.  I mostly write this blog as a scrapbook for me/us to look back and remember on. Here are some things that we love about our Deacon Matthew at this super FUN age.

Sense of Style- this kid loves fashion. Today, he picked out a polo, bow tie, long socks, Baylor slime hat, and basketball shoes to wear to school. He likes pants that are cozy (fleece) and loves to match Noah.  

Art abilities- He will color with me for hours. He paints daily at school and comes home with elaborate explanations as to what each illustration is about. Almost all of the paintings have the color orange because it’s his favorite.  (He’ll include yellow a lot as well, since it’s MY favorite).

Tender spirit- This kid is tough as nails (split lip with a couple tears, four stitches later and really no complaining). BUT if you look at him the wrong way or raise your voice- he gets very sad.  He does not like to get in trouble.

Clean- HE LOVES TO CLEAN! Making his bed all nice is his love language. He will ask to wash windows and wipe down tables. Thank you Montessori because his big brother surely doesn’t have these desires. Deacon is very neat and tidy.

Soccer Stud- homeboy loves to play soccer. He loves practice and games as much as his brother even though he’s on the sidelines with Matt. He is very coordinated and has a quick first step. Can’t wait when he’s four and can join in!

Flexible Eater- Deacon is at the stage where he will pretty much try everything. At a craw fish boil, he did politely decline eating what he just had held and raced outside earlier that afternoon but as far as vegetables, fruits, meats, etc.- he’s all in. At his class tea party today, he ate the herbs (mint, sage) and liked it! He requested cucumber in his lunch for school as well. Both boys also really enjoy eating seaweed much to Matt and my dismay. I buy it at Costco in bulk and they’ll snack on it like chips. YIKES!

Nervous about Darth Vader.....

That’s all for now! I’ll give Noah a six point shout out next week. Happy Weekend! 

26: BabyBump Update

Along: 26 weeks

Size of baby:  Head of lettuce- baby is working on getting immune system ready for life outside of my body- soaking up antibodies. His/her eyes are beginning to open.  

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 16-19 pounds- I don’t have any idea. I read somewhere that I should gain between 16-22 pounds at this point. I’m going to guess that’s about right.  

Maternity Clothes: I am still able to do a mixture. I was gifted some maternity tops from a co-worker who just had a baby girl. I know they will get a lot of use come summer. I have an outfit on today that fit great two weeks ago. Today, it is much tighter. It is fun to see a comparison and the change in just two weeks. 

Gender: We will all know come August. Noah has asked for me to find out on Monday (our second sonogram) because he needs to know. He said his teachers are asking and he’d like to tell them- that was the main reason for the urgency. I guess it’s safe to say that biggest brother doesn’t really dig the surprise.

Movement: Love this part of my pregnancy- feeling the baby a lot and just really reminded the miracle growing inside of me. Deacon felt baby kick on 5-10. Noah hasn’t yet, but I can’t wait until he does.

Sleep: I have a sinus infection/horrible allergies so this has been rough. I am hoping it will all clear before we take the boys on vacation next week.

What I miss: NyQuil, I’d like some strong medicine right now. With pregnancy, I’m much more limited on what I can take. I’m just trying to weather the storm.

Cravings: ice cream, cold water, barbecue with pickles

Symptoms: hip pain, fatigue, light headed, irritability, insomnia

Best Moment This Week:  Noah learned about the Holy Spirit on Sunday and has been talking constantly about the Pentecost (which is June 4^th this year). He explained to me that when we feel that thump on our heart as we are about to make a bad choice, that’s the Holy Spirit working on us. Noah told me he had felt that before and was just very excited to talk about what that meant to him and his life. All of this conversation was unprompted and completely lead by him. As a mom who prays over her kids daily, my heart was so full to see the joy and excitement in Noah’s words. Matt and I do not take shepherding his heart lightly, and as he is discovering the truth about the cross- there is simply nothing more beautiful or joyful.

25 Weeks: Third Time Around

Along: 25 weeks

Size of baby:  Head of cauliflower- measuring 13.6 inches and around 1.5 pounds. We have our next sonogram on the 15^th, which this will give us more accurate idea of size.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 15-17 pounds- really similar to both boys, so I think I’m doing OK in this department.

Maternity Clothes: I am still able to do a mixture. I find myself trying to wear out the different outfits that will be too hot or too small come summer.

Gender: Surprise. Noah thinks girl; Deacon thinks boy.

Movement: Matt felt baby kick on Sunday- April 30^th. Deacon keeps asking to feel for baby, so I’m hoping that happens here within next couple days. It just has to be at the right time because this baby definitely MOVES. W

Sleep: This week I’ve had a couple good nights and a couple bad nights. Last night I slept like a rock, but I was also very tired from taking Brusier on run. 90 pound German shepherd ain’t a joke- that buddy can PULL. I kind of wonder if I do better with exercise, I need to watch it more carefully. I have still been running 2-4 times a week and trying to do a little bit of weights/cardio videos. I was able to exercise with Noah until about week 26ish and Deacon week 33ish. With the summer, I’m not sure what I’ll be able to maintain this go around.  

What I miss: high energy levels- I feel like some days I just can’t keep up. There really is never a down/dull moment at our house between work, keeping up with house, cleaning, and playing with boys. I think I took for granted the ease of handling it all not pregnant vs. pregnant. My mental capacity to multi-task and accomplish a lot during each day has definitely lessened this trimester.

Cravings: Yogurt, Bananas, Rice. I kept having Charlie Horses during day and at night; I’ve upped my banana intake and can tell a huge difference. Potassium for the win!

Symptoms: Fatigue, dizziness, irritability, pregnancy brain, insomnia

Best Moment This Week:  We had two of our favorite Little Village teachers over for dinner on Monday, and I really enjoyed getting to spend time with them. There is so much joy in fellowship. They love our kids so well, and we have loved what God has done. The boys were on cloud nine with all the attention. Noah has even tried to ask one of them to a) move to Virginia with us b) marry him c) come over more often/ longer. Deacon is also pretty calm, cool, and collected for the most part. With these two people, he is all hugs, smiles, and stories. Great to see the good other people can pull out of ours kids. 

24 Weeks: Age of Viability

Along: 24 weeks

Size of baby: Baby is size of garden eggplant. Our baby is starting to develop taste buds. His/her lungs are developing significantly from all the breathing practice. The ears and fingernails are completely grown now. All just crazy miraculous things- so amazing!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 14 pounds

Maternity Clothes:  Texas has had a wave of cooler weather this week, so I’ve tried to wear certain items I know will be weeded out come summer. I’ve done a mixture of maternity/non-maternity. Most tops have to be large and flowy to still fit if not maternity.

I also bought two new pairs of maternity shorts that will get lots of use come summer. I didn’t really need with Noah/Deacon, so this was a fun new first for me.  

Gender: Your guess is as good as mine! I think most days I would say boy, but I still have some symptoms that I didn’t experience with our older boys that makes me think there is a SLIGHT chance for girl.

Movement: This baby is definitely a mover and shaker that gets hiccups often. None of the boys have felt the kicks/jabs yet. It’s always really early in the morning or while I’m at the office that I feel the most action going on in the belly.  I love it- one of those things I always miss after I have my babies. There is nothing sweeter than feeling the baby move and grow.

Sleep: I fall asleep easy which I’m thankful for – the fatigue is a real struggle. I still have the insomnia around 3-5 am, but that’s old news. I try to switch sides during the night, so that I don’t wake up with one hip super sore. It’s a challenge.

What I miss: I’m in the "always hungry stage", so I miss feeling full. The appetite has kicked up a notch this week and I feel like I’m constantly thinking about my next snack or meal!

Cravings: chocolate, chicken salad sandwiches, salad in general, breakfast tacos and yogurt parfaits

Symptoms: tailbone pain, exhaustion, itchy skin, crazy emotions

Best Moment This Week:  On Wednesday, I was over everything. I didn’t feel well and just had no energy to take care of anyone (myself included). Matt came home and stepped in. He made dinner, did all the dishes, and helped with our night time routine. I’m very thankful for him and all the support during this pregnancy. I would say my thought process is not always logical or rational. He’s quick to offer grace and loves our family well. I can’t wait to see what little personality our new baby brings to our family and all the joy that will be shared between us all!

23 weeks: Night of Knights

Along: 23 weeks

Size of baby: Baby is size of mango. This sweet buddy is 11 inches long and weighs about 1 pound.  

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 14/15 pounds

Maternity Clothes:  I can still fit in my sport shorts, but normal pants/shorts have to have belly band. I love my maternity jeans and do a mixture of non-maternity/maternity with the dresses. This week I’ve had two people stop me and comment on the belly.

Gender: It will be a surprise until August. When we had the heartbeat done on Wednesday, it was at 147. Noah asked one of the doctors “Can you please tell me if it’s a boy or a girl?” I think he’d hoped that wand could do more than just provide the heartbeat. Both of the boys are very excited for our new addition this fall. They love to tell people I’m PREGAAAA NANT (it’s very emphasized when they say this word).    

Movement: Like his/her brothers, this baby is active and wild. I love it! I’ve felt the hiccups on and off with this one too. I feel like early in the morning we are in the routine of some kind of jazzercise routine around 3 am that lasts until about 5 am. It’s a sweet reminder of the miracle growing inside of me.  I have two hearts right now J

Sleep: Ha! I fall asleep easily but the 3 am insomnia strikes most nights. I do sometimes fall back asleep around 5 am, but it’s a very restless sleep.

What I miss: I miss getting in and out of bed easily. As the belly has grown, this has become harder. I also find I’m winded faster in walking, workouts, or just everyday activities.  I also miss sleeping on my back.

Cravings: Milkshakes, bell peppers, and pizza (random- YES)

Symptoms: Fatigue, insomnia, light headed- dizzy, pregnancy  brain, irritability, and wild emotions (I cry really easy and about nothing sometimes)  

Best Moment This Week:  We had a really fun Friday night at a local restaurant that has air hockey and ping pong. The boys LOVED air hockey. It has been so fun to do big kid things with them lately. They are both really competitive and enjoy trying out anything that involves a ball/winning or losing.  

Saturday my parents came in town for the kids’ school festival. It was an International Festival full of songs and dances. The boys were so cute on stage. They both knew all the words and took it quite seriously. I’ll have to say I’m a little happy it’s over- I could only handle the CD for so long. It’s all they want to listen to.

Afterwards, we headed to Medieval times for a night at the castle. We sat front row with my parents and brother. The boys were open mouthed the entire show- watching all of the sword fights, horse riding, and eating with their hands. It was a really fun Saturday. We were all wiped come Sunday- when I turned 24 weeks! 

22 weeks: We are chugging along here!

(taken by Noah)

Along: 22 weeks

Size of baby: Baby is size of spaghetti squash. Baby is fine tuning sense of touch. Love bug can hear my heartbeat, voice, and stomach growls.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 13 pounds

Maternity Clothes:  Mixture as far as tops/dresses. Maternity pants are a must. I am going to have to get a pair of shorts with the summer heat coming this way.

Gender: Boy is our guess, but I had two girl dreams this week! They were very distinct and with one of them, I called the baby by a specific name. It’s not a name Matt and I are really considering, but fun to think about.   

Movement: Baby is really starting to move. I have felt outside my stomach but we have radio silence anytime the boys put their hand to feel.

Sleep: I have a cold, so I’ve had to use some Benadryl at nights. This has definitely helped in this area, but I still wake up multiple times. I find with Benadryl I am in a much deeper sleep when I do sleep.

What I miss: Ease of movement would probably be the only thing. I did a crossfit workout with Matt and that was NOT easy. I’m much slower, but I think that’s expected. HA!

Cravings: I have had a hamburger craving lately. I could have one for breakfast, lunch or dinner (maybe a combo of all three). I haven’t but it’s a newer desire.

Symptoms: tailbone pain- WOW. I feel like I feel like by the end of the night I should just sit on some ice packs for a while. I have dry skin, pimples, and nose bleeds as well. Nausea is mostly better- if I’m going to feel it, it happens from like 7am- noon.

Best Moment This Week:  We did a clean out of closets around the house. This has been on going, but we really have made some waves in getting it closer to our move. I’m thankful for a husband who will work all week and then tackle jobs around the house. I also went through the baby clothes and sorted through what we will keep with the move. There were a lot of sweet memories- it was a joy to look back and think how far these two boys we have now have come. They are miracles that I do not take for granted. 

21 weeks- Here comes April!

Along: 21 weeks

Size of baby: Baby is length of a banana. Little buddy sleeps 12-24 hours every day. The arms and legs are now proportionate and eyebrows are forming. There is rapid brain growth this week while the skeleton continues to harder.   

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 12 pounds I would guess

Maternity Clothes:  Pants are mostly all maternity at this point. The tops/dresses are a mixture.

Gender: This week we still think boy.  

Movement: Baby’s favorite time to jiggle and wiggle is around 5am-8am and then again at night around 9pm-midnight. I LOVE IT!  

Sleep: This is real hit or miss. It’s mostly a miss, but it happens every pregnancy so I’m not too surprised.  

What I miss: I miss having a lot of energy and moving around quicker. I’m usually the energizer bunny but lately I’ll go hard and then need to rest a little bit to recover from my power stint of maxing out work, cleaning, or play time with boys.

Cravings: any dessert, ice water, any type of salad (pasta, chicken, egg, lettuce)

Symptoms: exhaustion, dry dry dry skin, pimples, and the need to pee all the time

Best Moment This Week:  We had the auction for Noah/Deacon’s school on Saturday night. The boys spent the night with the Baker’s and we were able to have a fun night on the town. The atmosphere, good, and company were all on point. They had bundt cakes and cake pops galore so this girl was HAPPY. Matt and I also loved just getting to socialize and see all the neat donated artwork. We are so thankful for the boys' school and will miss it with our big move.