Then and Now

I was just reading back on the blog to when I was pregnant with Emma at 35 weeks. Big difference. I'm reading that the nursery was 75% done, I was putting together her stroller and other items, and had already washed her clothes.

Back then, I wrote that I couldn't wait to have her out of my body. This time- I'm not quite as anxious, since getting him out of my body means having contractions, stretching, ripping, and painful recovery.

This time around is definitely not the same. I planned on getting started today organizing some of his stuff. So far I mulched the garden and played in the pool with Emma & Felix. Not the most productive thing I could have done. I'm about to get up off the couch and clean out our bedroom to make room for the little guy and some of his clothes, diapers, etc.

I also read that it was about this point in the pregnancy that we attended our labor & delivery class, and I had written that I was "calmer" now that I knew what to expect. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

(this pix was taken prior to the epidural with Emma).

That's all I have to say this time around! Now that I TRULY KNOW what to expect, I'm dreading the day my water breaks or contractions start, because I know what is to come. PAIN. That about sums it up.

Sense any sarcasm? Well, perhaps. But that is what Felix has to deal with from me lately, so be glad you're not him! I'm up every few hours throughout the night with severe pain caused by my bladder waiting until it is filled to the max before it wakes me up, and then once woken, my mind starts racing with my big to-do list or worries so that I can't fall back asleep.

(changing her cow's diaper- complete with her 'changing table', endless supply of wipes, powder, and diapers).

Luckily, we already have the most perfect, sweetest little angel in our lives, and she helps to remind me to relax and focus on all the happiness this new little bundle of joy will bring to us so I can try and look past my fear of labor and focus on the good parts.

Our Little Garden

The other day I decided to pull up all the weeds and debris that we had lining our deck on either side of the stairs and try to make something pretty out of it. I have never done any type of gardening in my life. Well- recently I tried to grow some basil & dill in containers on the deck, but I sprayed them with Raid by accident when trying to kill some bees.

So we decided to give it a go again, and so far so good!
I prepped the site by doing demo first, then dug some holes, and then, Emma & I went out to Lowe's to pick out some new flowers for our garden.

At first, we got in a little argument over who got to use the shovel.

she finally agreed to let me borrow it for a few minutes, and here are the results from day 1:
a few hydrangeas and rhododendrons, and the other side of the steps has the same mix....


And in the rock garden, I picked up a few containers and we are going for round 2 with the fresh basil, along with some red peppers & tomatoes. I am hoping the bunny that has been frequenting our yard skips these goodies, but only time will tell!


And Emma. Oh little Emma.... she was so excited to see that Mommy has her very own sandbox! All she wanted to do when she got up from her nap was "play in mommy's sandbox".

Tomorrow we fill in the gaps with a few more plants, and top with mulch. I'm very much looking forward to seeing the results when (and if) these little beauties ever decide to bloom!

Birthday Party Weekend!

Felix, Emma and I were able to enjoy not 1, but 2 birthday parties this weekend with some of Emma's friends.
The first was with sweet little Caroline who is turning 2, and all the kids got to play outside, play with toys, got their face painted and even attempted playing pin the tail on the donkey!

The following day, we went to celebrate Declan's 2nd birthday at his house with our friends. Emma made Felix push her around the house in one of Declan's cars. She kept jumping in the car and buckling herself up. I am proud to have taught her well... buckle, buckle, buckle!!!!

And FINALLY!!!! Daddy got her to go into the bouncy house! Emma has been so afraid of these and she misses out on all the fun. Somehow when I wasn't looking, Felix (with help from Emma's friend Caroline) was able to convince Emma to go inside and have fun.

Look at my happy little girl's face....and a happy Daddy too!!!!

At the end of the party we got to make door hangers, Emma did a fabulous job decorating hers with her name, butterflies, and lots of sports balls.

And by the time we got home....this is how I found her! She completely took apart her amazing work of art. Once again- she couldn't resist the stickers!

We really had a great time, it was nice to go spend time with friends as a whole family and get to meet our friends' families as well!