{{weekend/rewind}}

Friday night we finally got over to see Nykerk's and baby Henry, who was born a month ago. The boys were so excited to see Jackson, they played nice while I got to soak up some newborn snuggles! Makes me that much more antsy to have Princess come!

Saturday we hung at home and tackled some more projects, before a big nap.

Bentley had a great time hauling my new birch logs around.

Saturday night we celebrated with Chels and Tyson as they became a couple! :) It was a gorgeous wedding, for an amazing couple.

It's been a while since we had a bitty pic so we attempted a few. Chels' photographer actually got some good ones, but this was from a cell phone, sent to Brooke who didn't make it to celebrate with us. Never a dull moment with this crew, and for that I am so thankful!

We spent our Sunday sleeping in. We had one crazy week, and daddy had to work for a couple hours yet today so the boys and I hung at home, spending time together.

We also taught Bentley his first game of go fish. :) I just love how he is maturing in his thinking and learning, and we had so much fun playing together even though I did beat him. (oops!)

This was my timehop for sunday...kind of sentimental coming up on the Christmas season, and realizing just four short years ago there were just three of us on Christmas. Bentley was three months old. This year, we will have a 3 week old, and be a family of five. How quickly things change, and how faithful is our Lord. We are truly grateful!

We have a quiet week with no school this week so we are going to buy the last two gifts we have to buy for Christmas presents and enjoy our new carpet that is being installed. We are also looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with family! :)

{{36 weeks}}

33 weeks
still growing and feeling good! your big brother Harrison likes to put his ear to my belly and listen for you, he think he can hear you crying in there. hes such a goof!

34 weeks

this week, I am exhausted, little love. everything hurts. to stand, to sit, to lay, even to eat. I just cannot find any comfort right now. we missed our doc apt this week because your brothers have been sick. but that's okay, because we go back in two weeks anyway. you are super active, and your brother Bentley loves to sit next to me at night and feel you move. We try to guess which part of your little body we can feel. He wondered this week if you had a dress on in my tummy. It made me smile.

It sounds silly but I don't really know what labor feels like. I had such a short labor with Bentley before we realized he turn and went in for a cesarean that I hardly remember. Harrison was scheduled at 39 weeks so I never got that far...but I think I had some contractions this week. I know enough to know that something was not right, so I laid down. They did stop after a bit but I awoke to some more in the night. Daddy is sure (just because you're a girl, he teases) that you probably won't wait until your scheduled date. He's sure you are going to surprise us...I guess we will see!

Weeks like this make me ready to meet you, right now. But we remain patient...the countdown is on. Just four(ish) short weeks!

here is a comparison, Harry on the left, princess on the right. apparently i skipped 34 weeks with Bentley...

35 Weeks

 scrolling back up, just two weeks before, pictured in the same shirt makes me realize how fast we are growing here at the end, princess. yikes!

Nesting has kicked in full force this week. I am organizing, cleaning, arranging and re-arranging pretty much anything I can get my hands on. I have also tackled my "stock up" grocery trip so as not to run out of the necessities while I stay home and soak up your snuggles the first few weeks. Glad to have that done!

35.5 weeks

it deserves to be noted that we are both still squeezing into a non-maternity coat, with just 4ish weeks to go! :) I am hoping we can finish these last weeks out cuz I really dont want to buy a new coat for just a short time! :)

36 weeks

We had a checkup at the doctor this week. I am dilated to a one, and starting to thin. You have flipped to head down.

36 Weeks (take 1)

Well, as daddy projected...you aren't waiting like your brothers. Wednesday (Nov 19) I experience contractions from almost the minute I got out of bed. I powered through the morning of school, a pre admission appointment and lunch at which point I was able to lay down and see if anything changed.

While laying down on the couch, Harry spilled my entire glass of water. Bentley immediately went into concern mode seeing me laying down and in a bit of pain, and was quick to "clean up" my ice water by covering it with a towel. I'm not sure I've smiled so big.

About 3 pm I finally called dr and he said to come in right away. With a c section delivery he wanted to make sure that I was not too far into labor. I was admitted, administered three shots to stop labor and given some IV fluids, along with spending the night. The contractions did not subside, ever, but were slowed down.

I was finally sent home in the morning, with some contractions still but not in active labor. For the duration we are on the "stay home and lay low" program. Thank goodness for snow days! :)

Shout out to Grampa and Gramma who so kindly jumped in to help with the boys spur of the moment. They were unphased that anything was even going on, they slept great and they hardly wanted to come home. :) We couldn't be more blessed. 

So now we wait...and Hope you don't try to sneak out again early, little love. :) Every week you stay, the better your lungs will be to enter this germy world, which is our goal!

two {and.a.half}

Harrison Lee -

Today you are two and a half years old. I re-read your one and half year old post before writing this one, and so much has changed in your little life and world, yet so much has not. 

Daddy and I feel like 18 months was a turning point for you. You went from our quiet, content, little laid back buddy to a boss. Full blown boss. Talking, bossing, yelling...all accompanied by a super strong will and a short temper. These last six months with you have been quite a challenge, to be honest.

If it's not your idea, you dont want anything to do with it.

If its not what you want to hear, you dont listen.

If its not where you you want to be, you do what you can to leave.

Your strong will and opinion comes straight from your daddy (in a good way) and you are definately learning how to exhibit it. 

You are all about "mine do it." Including but not limited to, helping yourself to something to drink, eat, using a knife, running through parking lots because you think youre too big to hold hands....the list goes on. Someday's i have to just laugh, or I would cry.

Despite all our "struggles" with one another, I continue to pray that you use these wonderful traits to honor God and really accel in life. Persistence, confidence, and strong will, coupled with God's direction could lead to anywhere, my love. And we pray that you will follow his lead and put these traits to good work where God may see fit for you. :)

On a much lighter note, you are hilarious. You say funny things and do funny things, always keeping us all laughing. You love to copy your big brother, and Daddy. This often leads to many new adventures for you, which you also love.

 

You are also very sensitive. Sensitive to noise and very sensitive to your feelings. You don't like being disciplined, especially by other people than Dad and Me. Gramma, Auntie Jen, Aunt Britt...anyone else disciplines or gets after you, and its instant tears. For being so bold and brassy most of the time, your feeling do get hurt easily.

 

You remain my snuggle bug. You love to snuggle and you totally allow me to smooch all over your perfectly chubby cheeks, which i'm pretty sure your brother was fighting at this age. You are also my on-demand-kisser. I can ask anytime and you will stop and smooch me. I hope this lasts forever! ;)

We just finished a fall story time at the library and you loved being read to, and reading books yourself. This one quickly became your favorite, and you can read almost the whole book yourself. For being so boy sometimes your reading and creativity takes me by surprise. You are a well rounded child, my love.

You still sleep like an angel for me, most days napping for 3 hours. When you aren't napping you are litterally wide open, though. Its no wonder you sleep well. You are wearing 2T and 3T clothes...you and brother are sharing some clothes even. 

You love to talk, and tell stories, made up and real. You love to work, pretend you are working, and do anything you see Dad and Jake do on the site. I have no doubt you will be a hard worker. :)

We are so blessed by you and the dynamic you add to our family. You truly are one of a kind and we are glad you are ours!

We love you sweet boy and can't wait to see God's plan for you and for our family in the upcoming years. We love you to the moon and back! :)

{{weekend/rewind}}

Another weekend in the books before baby sis arrives!

Friday night we stayed home and snuggled while daddy was gone "hunting." The boys slept with me in bed, somehow making a king size bed feel cozy. Our night was pretty short and I woke up with Harrison's toes in my mouth, but being together is all that mattered. The boys didnt want Dad to come home because that meant back to their own beds!

Our Friday night was pretty sleepless, 4 deep (including big buddy on the end in the pic above) so our Saturday morning started early, but slowly. We lazed around the house till almost 11 when we headed out to run some errands.

We came home after errands for some naps, which were long, and much needed and then per Bentley's request we had oreos, built a fire, and put up the Christmas tree! :)

The boys were super pumped to put up their train from Great Gramma - this same train ran around my gramma's tree when I was a kid. I also let them decorate the tree this year, by themselves, so don't look to close, because only about the bottom front half is decorated.

Daddy came home just as we were finishing up, so we quick hung the stockings and called it a night. I have more work to do on the mantle and the rest of the house but that can wait for now!

We spent our night snuggling and catching up on "Gold Diggers", the gold mining show that the boys love to watch with Dad. We ALL went to be about 9 pm. Much needed after one long night apart!

 

We spent our sunday at home, taking huge naps, watching the polar express and hung with Grampa and Gramma in the evening. It was the perfect weekend and we are all refreshed for a new week. Bentley has school three days this week and then is off next for the holiday. We are looking forward to one last week together before baby sis comes, and hoping to finish the last of our Christmas shopping too! :)

{first snow} 2014***

November 12, 2014. Our first snow of the season.

I had been telling the boys that snow was coming, so for a couple days they woke up and checked outside. When they finally saw snow they wanted to immediately build a snowman, at 7 am.

At that point, we didn't even have as much snow as pictured in these pics, so Brandon and I had a good laugh and had to explain that we needed a little more snow first.

Instead we got ready for school early, and "played" outside before we left. They could hardly contain their excitement!

trying to catch snowflakes

While Bentley was in school, Harrison and I ran some errands, including stopping at Menards for some shovels just their size. They always want to help shovel, but its just not fun when you have to wrestle with a shovel three times your size. Not to mention, I only have one...

They begged all through lunch and all afternoon to get out and shovel. Once they finally got out there they got right to work making a big pile...right in front of the garage door! ;)

posing with their new shovels. so proud.

they finally got a little chilly (i was long indoors by then!) so they came in to warm up and asked to start a fire. Our first one of the season! There is just something so cozy about a fire in the fireplace, and I'm so glad they love it too!

Next on their agenda for this snow filled day is to get behind the wheel of dad's truck, so they can "help" plow the driveway. Stay tuned...

Jesus feeds the 5000 {bentleys version}

One of my favorite times of day are when Bentley gets home from school and we sit down for lunch all together. His teacher is amazing at sending his schedule for the week very promptly on Mondays so I have some insight into his day and can ask some pointed questions.

Every day his answers get longer and more in depth.

 

I try to keep this space a place to keep memories for the boys. So bear with me, while I share this adorable story about Jesus feeding the 5000...more for my record keeping sake than anything. ;)

 

Me: Bentley, did you learn about how Jesus fed the people today?

Bentley: yes!

Me: How many people did he feed?

Bentley: {holds up ten fingers}

Me: like 5000?

Bentley: Yeah, and it was just four breads and three little fishes, mom!

Me: Isn't that amazing? God is awesome!

Bentley: No, mom, God is impossible!

 

Clearly I think he meant to say that NOTHING is impossible with God. Cue biggest, proudest Mom Grin ever. No matter what he meant to say and what actually came out, my heart was so full and so proud. I continue to fall in love with Zeeland Christian more and more each day. Sometimes I have to wonder though, due to his attention span with most other things, how much he really does listen in class. This day, I was given my answer.

 

Another thing we work on together, at home and at school is his memory verses. Again, he proudly showed me what he is learning.

God is so wonderful. And I am so thankful and so blessed to be able to be such a fulfilling and enriching part of my boys' lives as they grow up in this demented world. I hope both of their faiths continue to grow by leaps and bounds, and I pray God will continue to use me as one of his tools to help this happen.



{{weekend/rewind}}

We have just a few short weeks until Baby Sis arrives so we are working on finishing up some to-do's and relaxing together before we become a family of five.

Friday morning we lounged at home and had coffee with Kelli and Hadley. The boys love playing with a "baby" as they called her, but they weren't the most gentle. She was a trooper though!

After coffee we did some birthday shopping and met Aunt Heidi for lunch downtown. She surprised us with baby sis' first Christmas outfit...so presh!

We took long afternoon naps, what better to do on a rainy day...and then headed off to celebrate Auntie Jen's birthday at G&G Slagh's house. The kids had a great time blowing out candles and helping open presents. Happy Birthday Jen, we love you!

Saturday and Sunday consisted of this. And this only.

With daddy being so busy at work, he loves to come home and do nothing. And the boys love to smother him with snuggles, and wrestle, and do nothing. We are in such a busy busy season of life right now with this new business (well, mostly brandon) that we take every single chance we can get to just be. And be together. We skipped church on Sunday and snuggled some more. We take a family nap, watched Nascar which all my guys love...and wrapped up our weekend with the boys and the shop and me home, alone, doing some serious cleaning and laundry.

So strange to walk down the back hall and see my normally cluttered coat rack, empty. The boys sure were not going to be left behind, and I sure was not going to complain about some alone time and quiet. I cranked the Christmas tunes and got cleaning.

Now, I am ready for a new week, with a pretty light agenda...AND I'm ready to decorate for Christmas. Soon.

Grandparents Day 2014

This past week Bentley had Grandparent's day at school. He was SO excited that his Gapa was going to come to see him at school, and that he got to ride home in Grampa's truck with him! ;)

not sure who is more proud. ;)

Gramma's boy too

Great Grandma joined them as well, but apparently didn't make the cut for any pics. Maybe next year! :) We have come to realize over the past year that Grandparent's are truly truly one of God's greatest earthly gifts. Especially grandparents that are a part of their kids and grandkids lives, and that take the time to share their love, as these grandparents do. Thank you Gramma, Grampa and Great Gram for spending a special day with our big guy. He sure had fun!

Halloween 2014

If I'm honest here, {which I always try to be} I really really despise Halloween. My mom did too, when I was growing up, and it clearly has rubbed off on me. Pumpkin carving, cider, hay rides...things like that seem like "fall" to me, not Halloween. But as far as costumes and trick or treating go, I could totally skip it all and have no problem.

Except that I have two (almost three) kids who think its super fun. So we meet in the middle. We buy super cheap costumes, or make them...and we trick or treat, but I go through their candy, giving them only a small portion that they can actually eat. That being said...here is what our week looked like "celebrating" this dumb holiday.

Wednesday marked the last day of story time with Harry at the library while brother is in school, and Miss Jess asked the kids to dress up. So my little froggy and I attended, and had fun. There was no candy involved, so that was a bonus too!

Pumpkins have been a pretty exciting thing for us this year. The boys love to carry their little ones around the house, and they love to "visit" and talk to their big ones outside.

In keeping with tradition, we stopped at Graphix to trick or treat on Halloween, before lunch.

Aunt Marcia sure knows how to spoil...the boys got tons of candy, and even some new treat bags!

We headed out for a playdate with the bitties and some lunch, which proved too chaotic for pictures. We awoke from naps to find treat bags hanging on the door from Papa and Nana. The boys wasted no time digging in!

After naps, before dinner we bundled up to head out in the our subdivision to a few houses with Wesleigh and Willa. It was freezing cold, but the kids were troopers!

We went to about ten houses and they all announced they were done, so home we went. It really was the perfect amount of time, and candy for them all.

Harrison is pretty hilarious this year...he won't let anyone put the candy in his bag, they have to put it in his hand, so he can put it in his bag. He sure learned fast not to let anyone else dip into his treat bag! ;)

We got home just in time to hand out candy to the other kids coming around the neighborhood. Bentley politely offered each kid "three, or four, if you want" pieces of candy and Harrison grabbed a piece to add to his own bag each time someone came to the door. :)

it has been years, literally, since Brandon has dressed up for Halloween. He is quite the Grinch in that aspect ;) but this year we decided to pull off a quick costume for an adult Halloween party we were invited to.

Meet the milkman...and the pregnant housewife. ;)

It was fun, simple and cheap and we got a lot of laughs. Not sure it beat being home on the couch, for this prego, but it was fun nonetheless!