About the Big Brothers

I am enjoying my boys so much as we await baby #3. I want to bottle up these days and always remember my life at this moment! Hunter is 3.5 and Trent is 21 months...both at adorable ages. Baby #3, you are blessed to have the best big brothers.

Hunter is such a big boy. He is very creative, smart, independent, reliable, observant, funny, witty, thoughtful and he really is my helper! He helps me so much around the house and with Trent. Hunter keeps a protective eye on Trent, he cleans up while they play to avoid too many toys from being out at once, he takes their plates/cups to the sink, wipes the table, gets a towel and cleans up spills on the floor without me even knowing about the spill, he takes off Trent's shoes/jackets for him, he reads books to Trent. He is the perfect mix of spunky and responsible. His sweet voice is chatting away ALL day- he talks all the time! I know he will be my 'right-hand man' when baby is born...ready to help and be involved with everything!! Hunter is one that you want on your side, and I just know that he will have baby #3 under his wing...such a genuine, loving, and fun spirit!

My sweet Baby Trent. Trent was born with the most calming spirit, and he still graces the room with his contentedness and "go with the flow" persona. He does voice his opinion from time to time, which I am glad to see that he has no problem standing up for himself. He may be soft spoken, gentle, easy and calm...but, this boy is big! Trent is almost the same size as Hunter and growing at rapid speed! He is off the charts in size- over the 100th percentile. We may call him Baby Trent, but he is no baby! I love that this big boy is just a gentle soul that loves hugs. Trent will give Baby #3 tons of hugs, kisses, and loads of affection!

Hunter and Trent have amazing chemistry. They continue to be my "ying and yang"...so different, yet fit so perfectly together! I am so excited to add another personality, another soul, another spirit to our family. I am such a believer in "aura," and I look forward to the aura that this baby will add to our family. I continue to feel complete with the presence of this baby.  I have this 'full circle' feeling, and I can't wait to see how the puzzle pieces fall together when baby is born. We are looking forward to the journey, and your big brothers are ready to take you along for the adventure!!

8 Months and Name

Here I am...32 weeks! I am so happy to say that all of our weekend trips, parties, etc are behind us. It was fun, but it was whirlwind couple of months! Now, we can focus and prepare for this sweet baby. Scott and I went to Dripping Springs for a wedding this past weekend. It was wonderful to get away and have some alone time. We enjoyed the quietness of the car, a conversation during meals and just being with each other. I missed the boys!! We are ready to be home and "nest." We are looking forward to our final weeks as a family of 4...simple weekends and to- do list success!

My doctor appointment was uneventful, thankfully! She pretty much did a quick growth check on the baby and sent me on my way. Baby is head down and should stay that way, let's hope so. Baby is also continuing to grow as my bump creeps along. I am growing, and I find comfort in knowing that slowly but surely my belly is expanding for this baby! I am now going to the doctor every 2 weeks and soon I will go every week!! Ahhhhh, getting so excited to meet this baby!

Names...we have known what names we are going to use from day one. Both names feel right for our family. In regards to gender, my instincts think girl and my mind thinks boy. Does this make sense? I look the same as I did with the boys, and it has been pretty much the same type of pregnancy- so logically, I would say boy. But, my instincts are leaning girl. Something in my heart feels that this is a girl. Scott has said girl from the beginning. I haven't decided if I am listening to my instincts or my mind?

Boy: Griffin Paul, but call him Griff. Paul is Scott's great grandfathers name (Mimi's dad.) Mimi is Scott's grandmother that he loves so much. She LOVED her daddy very very much. She tells us that Scott reminds her so much of her dad, Paul. She says they look the same, have the same gentleness and spirit. Scott wears his wedding ring- it is an antique looking ring. Scott loves it because it tells a story! And Griffin...well, no reason other than I LOVE the name Griff. I think Griff is such a cool and Southern name that totally goes with Hunter and Trent! I can hear it now...Hunter, Trent and Griff- get in the car!

Girl: Faith Ann. My mom was the most special person. She is totally my role-model! Her words have left a mark on my daily life, she gave me such wonderful advice. When she was sick and battling the awful pancreatic cancer treatments...she told me, "chemo will take my hair, cancer may take my life, but no one can ever take my Faith." So, she used to always say "Keeping the Faith." That was her inspiration through her journey. She held onto a coin that said 'Faith' on it during every doctor appointment, every cat-scan, and every moment she felt weak. She said that coin reminded her that no matter where her journey ends, she will always Keep the Faith and know that God's plans are greater than ours!! I still have that coin. I will frame it so that Faith Ann will grow up knowing the strength and courage behind her name. Ann...that was mom's middle name and flows so smooth with Faith. I don't know if we would call her Faith or Faith Ann- we will see what feels right if this is a girl. This has been our girl name for 8 years, and it couldn't be more perfect! 

We are in the homestretch of meeting Griff or Faith Ann!! Counting down the days and praying that you are happy and healthy! We love you!! 

A Night to Remember

March 9, 2014...Hunter and Trent's first night to share a room! Their big boy room is ready for many memories! We are getting ready for baby #3, so this means that the boys bunk up! We went with a "sports/outdoors" theme with lots of color and character. I wanted an age appropriate room that is able to grow with them over the years.

I made pillows from Scott's old football jersey's and framed Scott's old childhood artwork. The biggest challenge was that I made the headboards and window valences...wow, that was hard work!! Being a pregnant carpenter and seamstress was an undertaking, but I am very happy with the results. It took a lot of physical labor and mental calculating, which neither are my strong points as I enter the 8th month of pregnancy!!

We went over the rules of sharing a room. We established the rules, system and consequences. We got a light up clock that turns green at the time selected by the parent. The rule is that your mouth is shut and your body is still until the light is green. Scott and I read them each a book- said prayers then left the room. So far, so good! We heard a little giggling because they must be excited, so we let them enjoy that moment! The giggling stopped after just a couple minutes, and it has been silent since! Hunter was so excited to "teach" Trent how to sleep in a big bed, and Trent felt so cool.

Scott and I stood in the empty nursery...both sad that baby Trent is growing so fast, but also excited about baby #3!! The transition is in full swing, and we are in the final countdown. But, tonight is special and it will always hold a place in my heart...the first night that my boys share a room!