28 weeks

So here's the ginormous belly at 28 weeks. Yah, I'm big. I keep reminding myself that it's because this is baby #5 or maybe because it's a boy. Everyone keeps telling me that baby #5 does this to you. I hope that is the reason and it's not due to the constant chocolate cravings I've had (I believe in eating excessive amounts of chocolate while pregnant to get the baby use to it so I don't have to avoid it when I'm nursing - works like a charm!)haha. Otherwise I'm producing a 12 pounder. But then again, I think that with every pregnancy and I've never had a baby over 8 pounds. 
I had my first "how much longer" question the other day. The guy at home depot asked me how much longer I have left (I'm sure he expected that I would say 1-2 weeks), but when I said 12 weeks, he looked super surprised. I quickly told him that it was my 5th baby and then I think he understood. I've gotten to the point where, for my sanity, I don't look at the scale when I get weighed anymore. So I have no clue how much I've gained. It's probably better that way. Anyways, all that matters I guess is that this little guy inside me is healthy and growing. 

So the pregnancy is going good, although I'm definately starting to feel it. Bending over is no longer pleasant, and either is sleeping. I have discovered the body pillow though which is heaven sent! I have surprised myself this pregnancy, that I haven't had to stop running on the treadmill. I didn't think I could last this long, so it's more of an experiment at this point to see how long I can run for. So needless to say, the running isn't pretty, nor will I be winning any awards any time soon. Sadie asked me the other day after I ran how I can still run with my huge belly. Thanks sades. I told her it's because I'm amazing. 


I'm getting really excited to meet this little babe. Because of the awesome weather that we have had this spring so far (totally being sarcastic of course), my projects have gotten pushed back so the next 2 months will be very full of projects to get ready for the baby. The kids also start soccer, baseball, and softball next week so life will be crazy. You'd think that by baby #5, that it wouldn't be as exciting, but I think it seriously gets more exciting with each kid. Maybe it's because I kind of know what to expect, and maybe also because I'm so excited to see the older kids with the new baby, after all it's been 4 years since we've had one in our house. Maysa is gonna be in heaven!! 

birthdays!!

I thought I'd better do the token birthday posts before it's too late. Sadie and Ryder's birthdays are 4 days apart so it's always a pretty crazy week of birthday celebrations. 


First I'll start with my 10 year old. Little miss Sadie Layne.

Sadie has been planning her birthday party for about 6 months, so how could I say she couldn't have one (especially since she didn't have a friend party last year). She kind of drove me nutty with her constant questions about her party so I have to say it was kind of nice when it was finally over.

the crew of giggly party girls

so what can I say about my Sades?


- she is insanely crafty. She puts me to shame. Seriously, she can make pretty much anything out of nothing. I see a little Martha in the making. She got a sewing machine for christmas and is getting so good at making things. 
- she is miss independant and has to choose her clothes and do her own hair. And the funny thing is is that she is pretty stinkin' good at it too. She is getting so good at doing her hair and comes up with all sorts of creations that I would never think of. She can do a pretty mean french braid. And her clothes combinations are actually pretty decent. One less girl I to have to get ready in the morning sounds good to me!

- she can be so shy and still has a hard time talking to adults. I was hoping that gene (obviously from me) would pass over my kids but no, she was the lucky recipient of that blessed shy gene. Darn it.
- she is my little fashion consultant and I go to Sadie to ask if an outfit looks ok. I must say, the kid has good taste.
- she does not like to read and it's like pulling teeth to get her to do it. I was also hoping that lovely gene (obviously from her dad) would pass over my kids as well, but poor sades got it. She's a pretty good reader though, just doesn't like to do it.

- she is super neat and organized.
- she loves to tease.
- she loves to cook and is my little sidekick when I'm making dinner. Her specialty is ceasar salad.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY sweet SADIE! We sure love ya!!

Now onto my little dude, RYDER. He is now officially an 8 year old. No friend party this year, just a partay at grandma's. He is super excited for his baptism that will be at the end of May. 

So here's a few Ryder facts:


- the kid will NOT keep his shirt on. The minute he walks into the house from school, his shirt is off. Even on the -30 degree winter days. I have no idea why he does it. I find his shirts all over the house. Now he just has to get some meat on those scrawny little arms of his.
- He is such a boy and is obsessed with anything hockey, football, or basketball. He has seriously had a hard time with hockey being over. Me on the other hand, not so much!

- he is a great helper at home and usually will do what I ask the first time I ask.
- he is VERY excited to finally get some boy company in our family of girls. He thinks we need to name the baby Crosby, after his favorite hockey player. Don't think that will happen though.

- he loves playing with his buddies and that usually involves hockey games in the bonus room or arcade hoops in the basement.
- he is a hard worker

- he is a GREAT singer and can always be heard above everyone else that is singing. And he usually knows every single word. Where he got that from, I do not know. 

Ryder is such a sweetheart and our family would not be the same without him! 
               happy birthday buddy!