24 weeks

Sweet baby Girl-
We keep counting down the time we get to meet you, without wishing winter's arrival! ;) You are very active first thing in the morning, after lunch and at night when mommy wants to go to bed. I am slowly working on your nursery and growing your wardrobe...its so fun!! Your brothers have decided that Cinderella would be a fitting name for you, and your dad like the name Betty. For now, I just smile, nod, and keep adding to my list of potential names I have going...

21 weeks 

Daddy felt you move this week.

My placenta is in the front so it's taken him a bit longer to feel you than it did to feel your brothers.

22 weeks

comparison of all three babies. I feel like my belly looks the same in these pics, but some days I feel like princess is a lot higher than the boys are, and others I feel so much pressure in my hips I can hardly stand it. so fun to see the comparison though. I just love having a baby belly!! :)

23 weeks

You are one active little princess these days, but I love it. Your bedding I had ordered is slowly trickling in along with some of the other things I had ordered for decorating. Once we get back into our school routine I will get to work on your room and I can hardly wait! :)

I am still feeling great...having a tired spell again...but sometimes I think that's just life with sons!

 

24 weeks

My appointment on Monday I measured a week big (according to the measurement they take of your belly), and had a whopping 7 pound weight gain in four weeks. That being said, this is the first weight gain I have had all pregnancy so far, but it evident growth is happening! Which I love.

 

Hard to believe in just 16 short weeks, or less, we will be meeting your sweet face! Doctor and I talked briefly today about getting a surgery date on the calendar, and I cannot lie it makes me a little nervous to think another pregnancy is nearing its end. Like I've said with both of your brothers, if I could see what your sweet face looked like I think I could stay pregnant forever!

 

Until then, we continue to praise God for health, strength and growth and ask that it remain for both Princess and I until we all meet! :)

 

{weekend/rewind}

We started our weekend off Friday at the splash pad...for the second time this week! The boys love it there and its the perfect "burn off energy before naps" activity!

We had a low key night at home Friday, playing together and relaxing. Harrison spent most of the afternoon and evening in undies and even went number two on the potty, so he earned himself a quick ice cream treat before bed! We are so proud!

Saturday we headed over to Aunt Pam's pool to swim. It was the perfect muggy morning for it. Harrison was brave enough to chance the slide, unlike big brother, and once he went he had a ball.

A morning swim meant for huge naps, which we all needed. We woke up and got ready for Robert's birthday party!

We spent the evening celebrating Robert's birthday with friends. It was the perfect night to be outside, and the kids had a blast in the bounce house.

enjoying some cake together! ;)

boys and their toys! {worth noting: fights over driving the gator were minimal. looks like they're all finally getting the sharing with friends concept!}

We spent sunday afternoon at Nykerk's beach...and sat in a pregnant "beached whale" row. (minus Maria, she is not pregnant ;))

The kids always have a ball playing in the water and sand together.

Harrison got super brave and decided to swim. He wanted to be deep enough where he couldn't touch and he swam all over, just like a little pro!

We were literally not even out of the boat launch parking lot before harrison was asleep, no lie. It was the most perfect beach day we've had all summer...it was hot, humid and the water was finally tolerable enough to swim!

We came home, had dinner and did early bedtimes - just what we all needed....and the start we're going to need for the next two weeks to adjust to a school schedule. We have a quiet week but some fun things planned, our main goal is to get back into a non-summer routine...meaning bedtimes before 930 pm! :S

Ground Breaking //

We were able to be a part of the ground breaking for the new hotel going in on 8th street. The guys worked hours on doing their homework and getting a number together to bid the job, which they were awarded. 

We are very very proud and even more humbled to be a part of such a wonderful project for our community, and to be able to partner with a company as stellar as Suburban Inns and the Beukema Family.

The kids were invited too, which no doubt, they loved. It was hard to keep them out of the dirt though.

So much fun to see a project kick off...I am so looking forward to watching the change as they get to work on this!

Suburban Inns and Mayor Dykstra breaking ground!

Mayor Dykstra wanted to drive the bulldozer so bad, so earlier in the morning Brandon gave him a quick "lesson" so that he looked like he knew what he was doing when there was an audience and media around.

He did great!

The boys had a blast watching everything happen, and stood near the dozer almost the entire time just soaking it all up. They are too cute, and so proud of their daddy and uncle jake!

The faces of Dirtech (minus the Elenbaas girls)

It was such a wonderful day, put on but such a wonderful company. Again, we couldn't be more thankful to be a part of this project. We took a huge leap of faith nearly 8 months ago now, and we are so grateful for the path that God is leading us down thus far. We have no doubt He will continue to guide us to prosperity in the future!

 

Dutch Village 2014

We spent Friday morning and afternoon at Dutch Village with Wes and Willa.
The boys love their date days with their favorite girls, and Bentley and Wesleigh love to hold hands and walk together. :)

Its been years since I, myself, have been to the park...and obvi the kids had never ever been so they had fun scoping everything out!

The playhouse and slide were a big hit.

They loved all the water around, and talking to the duckies

They also loved the petting zoo and the random loose goat here and there.

We rode the carousel, to which Harrison had a full blow tantrum when it ended.

and the "new" ride, named after our sweet boy! ;) the boys loved being able to be up so high on the ride and being able to see so much. I am afraid of heights, so I pretty much held my breath but of course they were brave and unphased.

Cutest moo-er ever!

Bentley plays a goat face awfully well!

Glad I snagged the Groupon for BOGO admission, we had a great day!

John Ball Zoo 2014

We visited John Ball Zoo this week. Last year we did Binder Park Zoo, and after this trip, we feel like JBZ is far superior (for many reasons).

The boys were able to get up close and personal to many of the animals, whom were mostly all awake.

Front row for the penguin feeding - SO cool!

The lions were laying right next the glass so the boys got a real close encounter with them. This lion turned toward the glass and yawned, to which both my boys responded by running. We had a good laugh.

They also loved seeing the baby gators which we also caught glimpses of being fed.

Harrison and great gramma (his big buddy for the day) were checking out the mountain lions

deciding where to go next! :)

We had a wonderful time, it was the perfect day for it! The only thing we would've done different was to pack a lunch. They have some great picnic seating areas to enjoy and we felt like the kids might have eaten better if we had some pb&j! ;)

{weekend/rewind}

Sadly, we are on the countdown until our "summer" comes to an end due to school. We are trying to soak up every little bit we can!

Friday we spent the day at a pool with some friends. It was gorgeous, and the boys LOVE to swim!

buddies, laying on the warm cement to dry off and warm up after swimming

Long days in the sun and short naps make for quiet nights. We watched Brother Bear, per Bentley's request, with some fresh "corcorn" (popcorn) per Harrisons. it was just what we all needed!

Saturday night we celebrated the marriage of Chris & Haleigh Hieftje.

always many laughs with these chicas...and a group pic that turned into a photoshoot because no one liked how they looked. The #skinnyarm always does the trick! ;)

The reception was at The McKay Tower in Grand Rapids, and it was one of the most beautiful venues I have ever seen. Not to mention Haleigh's decor and flowers were stunning, as was she as a bride.

The boys had a sleepover with Auntie Jen and Sawyer...and had a blast. When we picked them up they didn't want to leave, and when we asked what they did, all they could say was "had a sleepover!"

 

We spent our sunday relaxing together as a family. Sometimes it feels good to just relax with one another, with no plans, no place to go and nothing to do. We all needed it and really enjoyed our time together.

We have a quiet week this week too, which we are looking forward to, followed by a busy weekend!

\\catching.up//

This week we had a chance to connect with one of my dear friends from college, while she was in town visiting some family. Being that she now lives in Minnesota, we had to jump on the chance!

We had hoped to meet a Millenium Park splash pad but the weather just didn't seem trustworthy that day so we settled on the GR Children's Museum instead.

It took the boys about a half a second to settle into the construction zone.

We explored the entire museum, always so much fun!

being goofy in the mirror

hoosey!

The boys could not get enough of miss charlee, and bentley even asked to feed her when the time came. Harrison kept rubbing her face, and pretending to tickle her. This made me super excited to see them with their little sister!!

we walked downtown and grabbed lunch, so we could finish up all our chatting! so much has changed in the last 8(ish) years since we parted ways...but then again so much hasn't. We left picked up right where we left off, just like old friends. We laughed about our ignorance and stupidity in college together, our sleepless nights and endless partying (which we are both SO happy to have bid adieu), and we smiled as we watched our babies interact, never ever imagining that 8 years ago we would be here, now. 

I am so thankful for the friendship we shared in college, and the one we continue to develop as adults, though miles apart. Our God is soooo good, and so amazing in the ways He works, and for that, both Jillian and I are thankful! :)