Horsin' Around

I love to watch these three boys "horse" around. The squeals, giggles, and loud noises that accompany a play time with daddy is often sweet music to my ears. These three can wrestle, burp and laugh like pure champions; however, I sure am thankful for the opportunity to add a little girl to the mix of my entourage Man-tourage! 

Beach Babe

Looks like someone is ready for the beach!!

Pink, Frilly Things

Around our house you will find Hot Wheels cars, Tonka Trunks, train sets, and more batman gear than you can imagine. I am excited to share that in the next few months we will be able to see some pink, frilly things accompanying the land of boy that has taken over our home. We found out yesterday that this precious little babe growing in my belly is indeed a beautiful little girl. My heart speedily fluttered in my chest as the ultrasound technician spoke the sweet words, "You are have a little girl." It seems that from the moment we found out we were expecting this little joy, I had the inclination/high hope that this miracle was in fact a little girl. When I prayed over this little one I always called it a girl and quietly winked at our Lord as I knew that HE knew my heart and desire to have a little girl (We would have been equally as happy with a third perfect little boy; however, it is such a joy to see that my selfish will is the same as the Lord's this time).

While we are certainly going to be busy and our hands are going to be full, we are overcome with joy as we prepare our hearts and our home for our precious little girl, Harper Grace Kalivoda. It is such a sweet moment when I can pray over this little one by name. 

19 Weeks

How Far Along: 19 weeks

Size of baby: about 5 1/2 inches and 7 ounces

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +5 pounds 

Maternity Clothes: Yes for the most part; however, the baby bump is getting higher and some of my non maternity jeans fit perfectly under the bump and are surprisingly more comfortable than my maternity jeans (I am certain my time is limited with this new found wardrobe)

Gender: We should find out tomorrow!! Praying the babe cooperates

Name: I have a girl name that I love and I think I may have picked a boy name.

Movement: YES!! The movements are still subtle and sweet feeling. I am soaking it up right now where the movements are not painful :)

Sleep: I still struggle to fall asleep and I am getting up a few times a night to go to the bathroom, but when I am asleep, I am sleeping ROCK hard!

What I miss: an occasional adult beverage

Cravings: fruit, carrots, cucumbers

Symptoms: No bleeding this week!! However, contractions have started. Anxious to talk to the doctor about it tomorrow.

Best moment this week: Excited to find out the gender of this growing babe and receive the reassurance that everything is looking beautifully!

Our growing Babe is now the size of a mango! It is interesting to learn that the nerves that connect the muscles to the baby's brain have grown into place, making any movement from our sweet babe is consciously directed!! It is amazing that this tiny little miracle is now moving with a purpose!!  The baby's ears stand out from the sides of his/her head and the buds for the permanent teeth appear this week. So much growing going on!!

Here are the boys holding our little mango!

My Cowboy

With all of the excitement of the tricycle rodeo and cowboy day at Maddox's school last week, Maddox has been fascinated with pretending to be a cowboy! This morning Brad took the Madd-man to school and had an enlightening conversation with our little boy genius/cowboy. The conversation went a little something like this:

Maddox: Dad, I am a cowboy right?

Brad: Sure

Maddox: cowboys are grown ups.

Brad: Well, there are....

Maddox: and if they are grown ups they don't have to take naps. Since I am a cowboy, I don't need naps anymore. I will let mom know!

Oh dear. Looks like I am going to have my work cut out for me today at nap time. Gotta love that little guys reasoning skills!!

Road to Recovery

We took Paxton back to the doctor on Saturday and again today for a follow up on his Staph infection and a wound check. I was pleased to hear that everything looks great and he is healing up perfectly. The wound still bothers him some and he requires a dose or two of pain medicine throughout the day; however, overall he seems to be doing great. The only downfall is all the medicine he is on right now really upsets his little tummy and is making him super cranky. I am trying to keep my patience with a super whiney and much more demanding little guy and I am praying this does not become a phase we have to figure out how to boot out the front door. (I am certain once he is off all these high dose meds he will be back to his normal self....fingers crossed!)

I am reminded once again how blessed we are to have healthy babies. I am very aware that this horrible infection could have gotten REALLY bad and even life threatening in just a matter of days. I am thankful that my current littlest man is doing much better and on the road to recovery.

Tricycle Rodeo

While I took Paxton to that dreaded Doctor's appointment today, Maddox had a tricycle rodeo at his school. They got to dress up in their best cowboy clothes, play with lasso's, have hot dogs and ride their tricycles at school. I was so sad I was not able to attend his super fun school event today, but my precious mom went and Maddox felt like the king of the rodeo with is Gigi there to support him!! (Thanks again mom for being there for him and for me!)