Easter Throwbacks....Just because I can

I have been an emotional wreck this morning.

Good Friday.

I love Easter.

I love the colors and the fun.

I love my family and the food.

I love the reason for this holiday MORE than anything else.

I adore the courage of my Savior.

The purpose of THIS holiday means more to me than any others...

How precious to throw it back and look over the celebrations with MY children over the years?

I am so grateful that I have a Savior and that He chose to love me.

I cannot imagine being Mary and watching my son die, so that others may have life.

What a courageous heart she had...

A mother's love is nothing compared to my God and his love for me.

Easter 2010

Easter 2010

Easter 2010

Hayes was about 4 months old.

Easter 2011

Easter 2011

Hayes was about 16 months old.

I was about 5 months pregnant.

That is my FAVORITE maternity shirt.

I still have it....

Easter 2012

Hayes is 2 and Libby was about 8 months old.

So.  Much.  Joy.

Easter 2013

Hayes was 3 and Libby was 18 months old...

Easter 2014

Spencer was DAYS old...

Hayes is 4.

Libby is 2 and a half... going on 20.

Easter 2015.

Spencer is 1.

Hayes is 5.

Libby is 3.5, going on 16...

Easter 2016... to come.  

New Kid on the Block

Something happened with this baby.  She turned my heart into mush.  I have never spent so much time just loving on a baby.  I feel like I need a few extra hours each day just to absorb this bundle of cuteness.  This post partum recovery has been the most challenging for me, but this baby girl is worth every minute!

Also, she's got lots of rolls.  And wrinkles... and creases... and I hate having to wash her hands.  She keeps them all clenched up like that and they trap all sorts of grossness.  Fuzz and hair and they stink.  Why is that?  The wrinkles in her feet also get dirty.  She's almost 2 months old.  How is that even possible?

We are about at the end of the 0-3 month clothing.  She has gotten so much longer in the last 2-3 weeks.  She also continues to pack on the lbs, so her clothes are getting a little bit snug.  She's not a huge fan of tummy time, bath time, or being cold and naked, makes for diaper changing challenges.  She loves to snuggle, nurse, and smile at her siblings.  She likes a blanket close to her face while she sleeps and she loves a paci!  She takes a bottle like a champ and nurses just fine also!  She is also super chatty for a tiny baby.  

Hakuna Matata

A week before I went to have Spencer Brynne at the hospital I took Hayes to see THIS!  Mom was able to get tickets for us to go and enjoy this fantastic show.  We had dinner at Chick fil A on the way into the city and then we met Buddy and Leigh Anne at The Fabulous Fox theatre.  Hayes was thrilled to see those two and just as excited to see the show!  He was totally convinced that the large truck below transported those 'animals' back to the zoo once they were done with the show.

He loved the sign outside the theatre and talked about it several times after we left.

I am so thankful that I was able to have some one on one time with Hayes before we had a baby girl.  The look on his face once those 'animals' came to life inside the theatre was amazing.  I know it brought me to tears!  It was super special that we got to share that time with Leigh Anne and Buddy!  If you've never seen that show, do yourself a favor and GO NOW.  It was one of the best shows I have ever seen and my 4 year old LOVED it!

Almost home.

Caution:  this will be a husband/dad brag.  Read accordingly.  Or skip because you aren't interested...

This man is wonderful.  Last year about this time he looked at me one night after dinner and said, 'If you really want to have another baby, we better get it done soon.  You have until August and then we are done trying.'  My heart almost leaped out of my chest!  I had just left the doctor's offices a few weeks prior with a birth control prescription and I hadn't filled it yet since we were not quite decided on that plan or not...  I know he wasn't too sure about baby #3, but he knew I really wanted one.  Sure enough, we 'tried' for about 3 months and we got pregnant by August.  We actually found out we were expecting SB the last week of July.  I was thrilled!  

I have the best partner.  He knew that this last baby was a true desire of my heart and he let me have it.  Yes, I could have created a surprise baby.  Yes, we could have had an accident.  I don't believe that would be a good way to bring a baby into my family.  Not to mention the whole, 'lying to your spouse' thing.  Yeah, just not okay.  And he listened to me complain and whine and fuss and be grateful and loving and a bit hormonal for 39 weeks and 6 whole days.  He listened to every single bit of it.  He reminded me that I chose this and that I wanted it.  When I got tired he rubbed my feet or rubbed my head.  He didn't complain when his 'daddy work load' got harder because I could do less.  He stepped up the game.

He has always been a hands on dad.  He does bath time every. single. night without fail.  He helps fold tiny clothes and puts them away.  He helps dress a little girl who changes her mind at least 3 times each morning.  God help us when she becomes a teenager....  He brushes teeth and wipes bottoms and kisses all the boo-boos.  He cuts up food and cleans up the kitchen.  He does everything I ask him to do and goes above and beyond any expectation I had for a spouse or a father.  I am so blessed.  

But this 3rd baby journey was harder on me than the other baby journeys.  Caring for 2 littles at home while being pregnant is HARD.  Women who have lots of children are to be admired.  Period.  It was more difficult than I anticipated.  Physically, my body is tired.  3 babies in 5 years is no small feat.  Emotionally, this baby was difficult to carry and the delivery was difficult too.  My body has taken a beating and this recovery has been, and is STILL challenging.  I am taking it one day at a time and trying to let my body heal.  Daryk has stepped up, again and is taking great care of me, my big kids, the baby, and our household.  I never doubted that he would, but it is hard to cry it out and just let him help.

I am fiercely independent and would like to think I can do everything all by myself.  I wonder why my 2 year old says that same sentence all the time... and I find myself having to ask for help this go round.  I needed a lot of it from the start, and he's been here the whole time.  He held me when I cried because I was tired and too hormonal to function.  He helped me out of bed when I couldn't get up alone.  He has been amazing.  I am thankful to God for him every minute of every day.  I couldn't have chosen a better partner to 'do life with' than this man.  

And just because every post should have a picture of THIS cuteness...

There you go.

A baby bunny with socks for hands because she had Wolverine size claws upon delivery.  

And she has the best cheeks ever.

The end.

She's photogenic, what can I say?

I cannot handle the squishy baby face.  I have to laugh at her multiple chins, her chubby cheeks, and her leg rolls.  She is the perfect example of baby perfection.  Third time is the charm, right?

Baby yawns are enough to make you swoon.

Y'all, the hospital they make these hats with bows.  As in, my nurses made it for her one night while I was asleep.  She rocks that bow like a true lady.  The bigger the bow... the closer to Jesus.  

I just can't even.

I just love her.

I never thought I'd say things like, 'I'm done having children'...

But I do believe I'm done.

For a multitude of reasons, which I'll explain in a later post.

For now, I'm going to soak up some baby snuggles and neck sugars 

...before she turns two and says NO all the time.

The day I had a toddler at birth.

Busily trying to distract myself in pre-op.  Notice I'm STILL WEARING MY WEDDING RINGS.  File that under things that never happen the morning of delivery.... I was BEYOND ready for that child to come out of my belly.  I was also shocked to discover that I was contracting pretty good that morning.  Once I was hooked up to the millions of monitors I learned that.  Too bad the contractions just hurt my belly and produce ZERO dilation for delivery.  And all the time I thought Spencer kept moving around, but I was wrong.  Contractions.  I had the best pre-op experience possible.  We got there SUPER early (much to early for my liking) and I was more than ready to go.  I was also more than ready to eat.  That's the worst part of a surgery, not eating after midnight.  I didn't cheat this time.  No food or drink after midnight for real this time.  I've cheated with the other two.  I'm a rebel like that.  

Arrival at Northside:  6:30 a.m..  Actually, we were kinda early.  Huge thanks to Emily and Doug for letting us stay in their guest suite the night before.  It was so easy to drive the 2 miles over at 6 a.m.  We were parked, checked in, and ready to go around 6:45 a.m.  We stayed in pre-op for a bit since it was a busy day.  Funny, 4-14-14 was a really popular induction and c-section day.  It was my 2nd choice, but it worked.  My surgery was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. but we had a bit of a delay since they were so busy!  I got wheeled back and they started surgery.  I had a fabulous anesthesiologist and my doctor is always fabulous.  I love her dearly and I do mean that.  She is a wonderful person who is so *warm* when dealing with my healthcare and babies.  

She narrated the whole process and we were done with delivery around 9:03 a.m.  I heard that time and was betting that was Spencer's weight, but I was wrong!  Spencer came out kicking and screaming, a sign of things to come?  She also promptly peed on the warming bed... so that was fun.  She got checked out and sent to recovery after that.  I got put back together and sent to recovery myself.   My big kids both had breathing distress upon delivery, so I didn't get to hang with them during recovery.  They both spent about 4-5 hours each in the transition nursery.  Spencer was perfect and I got to watch her get a bath while we were both in recovery.  I also got ice chips!  Praise Jesus!  

They weighed her in recovery.  9 lbs. and 9 oz.  Child was a small toddler at birth.  I could NOT believe how big she was!  No wonder she hurt so bad!  She is perfect!  

First photo of her after birth.

Yes, I have on makeup.

I'm not a fool.

I know there will be pictures that day and I planned to look good.

Welcome to the world Spencer Brynne Cochran.

You complete my Cochran family and I love you more each day.

I hope we are as good to you as you are good to us.

SBC

4-14-14

9:03 a.m.

9 lbs. 9 oz.

20 inches long

5 Days to SB

5 days.  I have 5 days left to be a parent of just two children.  Though, technically I've been a parent to 3 children since early August 2013.... the government will recognize this life within my belly in 5 days.  Hopefully, not sooner.  I am just NOT prepared for her to come early.  I have literally arranged every detail I can imagine to have her on Monday and if she shows up early it will rock my world.  MUCH more so than she is rocking my belly...

She is a blessing.  Spencer Brynne Cochran is my final 'planned' blessing.  I have to laugh at all the people who tell me to just have another baby and make it an 'accident'...  Y'all, I can't do that.  I cannot lie well and I know that would be a terrible idea.  Seriously, I'd make the worst poker partner ever.  It would be a useless experiment.  So IF you hear that I'm pregnant again, you'll know it was literally an accident, as in... we didn't plan it on purpose.  We would both be shocked and terrified and delirious.

Today I go to the doctor's office for my last pregnancy visit with SB.  I have 5 days left to her arrival date and I'm anxious!  I'm ready to meet our newest Cochran and see her face.  I want to smell baby smell and I'm excited to change diapers.  I cannot wait to see how she impacts our family and our lives.  I am overwhelmed to see my babies all together and for Hayes and Libby to meet Spencer, finally.  I am still debating the kids coming to visit Spencer in the hospital... not sure if that's a wise move or not?

The plan, as of now, is to deliver via c-section on Monday, EARLY.  Caroline is coming to stay with the kids Sunday night and Aunt Patsy will come early Monday morning to help get them to and from school.  MawMaw is coming to stay with kids Monday evening/overnight until Wednesday evening.  Papa and BeBe will be here with the kids until we get home from the hospital Thursday (I hope that's when we get released)... I am fairly certain that BeBe will be the one bringing us home from the hospital.  Daryk has a track meet and he needs to be there Thursday.  Realize that the 'trip home from the hospital' is not important to me.  Save me the comments and lecture about how he shouldn't be coaching because he should be with us... I get to decide what's best for my family and the drive from N'side to Winston isn't important to me.     

I'll be home with the kids, the husband, and the newborn on Friday all day!  Here is hoping that the weather remains beautiful and that the temperatures are friendly to some outside time for me and SB.  I am thrilled for this new chapter in our lives.

Keeeeeeeesssseeeee!

Sometimes I need a reminder that this child brings more joy than sorrow.  I need a reminder that she is precious and wonderful.  Often times she makes me feel like I need medication...  She has more personality in her little finger than most people will have in their lifetime.  She brings more laughter and joy to my days than most people ever will... but she also makes me want to hurl myself out a window.  I love her.

I've loved her for so long that I forget what I did before she came along.  From the first minute I learned I was pregnant with her big brother, I wanted HER.  I wanted my girl.  A girl.  A little mini me to dress up and play with... well... I got her.  My girl.  The little mini me.  Stubborn, caring, sensitive, head-strong, and opinionated.  She is more precious to me than I'll ever be able to explain, even with the bad days.  I wouldn't trade her for the world and I cannot wait to meet her sister.  She makes me more patient, more loving, more frustrated, and more affectionate every single day.  She is my Libby James and she is hysterical.

12 days until Spencer arrives

Today I went to the doctor.  I am officially 38 weeks and 1 day pregnant as of today.  I am tired and hot and cranky and ready to be able to roll over in bed without cramping or hurting or falling out of the bed.  I am beyond ready to have a belly that sorta looks normal-ish.

38 weeks:  baby is measuring about 18 inches long (the size of a leek, in case you operate in weird vegetable language), her organs are fully mature and ready for life outside the womb, and she's huge.  No, seriously.... she is.  My doctor asked me today how big the last 2 were and I reminded him (he's not my regular doctor, so I won't hold it against him) that they were both rather large.  He said her head was about 1-2 inches smaller than my hips actually spread.  He informed me that I should be thankful I wasn't born in the olden days or I would have died in childbirth.  So thankful for modern medicine, it has allowed me to have 3 children and I love them.  The doctor today really wanted to 'check' to see if I was dilated any, and I just laughed at him, but I let him check.  Anddddddddddddd nothing.  Nada.

This belly is heavy and I've gained about 35-40 lbs total, depending on the day.  I'm so pleased with that, considering that I gained about 60 or so with the first two.  I am certain that I could have been more active this pregnancy and that might have helped, but I also have a full time job, 2 small children, and multiple responsibilities outside my home to fulfill.  I'm okay with it.  Not perfect, but better.

I'm tired of wearing maternity clothes.  I'd honestly prefer NOT to wear anything until I deliver, but I'm sure that's illegal and at the very least, scary.  I am just uncomfortable.  It is getting warmer and that is really not fun!  I am thankful that we have had a pretty brutal winter and pretty chilly spring.  I have not been swollen at all, so I'm still able to wear my rings!  Unheard of at 38 weeks for most mommas!  I have been eating pretty much all things that are NOT nailed down for the last 2 weeks but I'm not gaining weight... thank goodness.  I did however, gain 6 lbs in one month and since then I've gained nothing.  Awesome.

I don't sleep great, but I do manage about 6-7 hours most nights.  I obviously spend plenty of time trekking to the potty as well.  Baby girl is also very active 3-4 different times at night.  She loves to wallow between 9-11 pm and 2-4 am.  At this point, she's so large that it literally takes my breath away OR makes me feel like I need to go pee immediately.  My doctor pointed out today that movement is good and that it indicates that she's healthy.  Movement makes me feel like I might be dying or losing other major organs...

Our house is almost ready for her.  Her crib is ready and Libby's big girl bed gets put together this weekend.  She has a new mattress and she's ready for some big girl bed sleep!  I'm in process of washing all the itty bitty baby clothes so that Spencer will have something to wear once she arrives.  Bibs are clean.  Burp cloths are clean.  I think I'll work on packing a bag next week.

A couple of things are still lingering on my to-do list, but they are not all baby necessary...

• clean out Hayes and Libby's drawers and closets
• make a donate pile
• pull up my 'after baby clothes' from the basement
• wash all pack and play sheets/gear
• rearrange car seats so that Spencer is up front and big kids are in the back
• pack our hospital stuff
• clean out bathroom cabinets and discard crap
• wash all bottles (because I'm a compulsive weirdo)
• clean the house well before she arrives
• cook and freeze about 10 meals (again, weirdo)

Thankful that SPRING BREAK is next week.  I have 2 more days at school and then I'm out for a week before SB is born.  12 days and counting people.  12 days.

Totally dinner approved, yes?

This is an appropriate dinner, right?  I mean, it has a couple of food groups... most of them sugar... but it totally counts as dinner.  I had this a few nights last week because I was too lazy/pregnant/tired to cook anything.  My children didn't mind one bit.  

The bag of bricks... that finally hit me.

Forgive the rambles.

I'm 35 weeks pregnant today.  TODAY marks the 35th week I've been pregnant with this little creature called Spencer Brynne Cochran.  Just for the record, we are going to call her Spencer.  If you ask Elizabeth she says 'Benser', but that's another story.  Oh!  And as we were discussing Spencer today, Hayes asked if she was 'out yet'.  No bud, you'll know when she's out.  Trust me.  Yesterday marked the '5 weeks until she's evicted via c section if she doesn't come earlier' date.  And she could come earlier.  She could stay in there until the bitter end.  She is coming eventually.  She will come when she's done baking and God says its time.  Thankfully medicine allows me to HAVE a baby, otherwise I would have died in childbirth with #1.  Praise God for modern medicine and amazing doctors, nurses, midwives, and hospital staff.

I'm 35 weeks pregnant and the ton of bricks that fell in my lap Sunday at church was this, I'm terrified.

There.  I said it.

I'm terrified of having another little person.  What on EARTH was I thinking?  How do I know if I'm ready?  Will I ever be ready?  Is that possible?  Do I deserve this?  I can't give it back now.  I'm thinking of all the negative things, which is so unlike me as I'm usually the most annoying positive person.... but I'm terrified.  How will I get anything done?  Can we afford this?  Should I really have done this?  How will I get laundry done?  How will dinner get cooked?  My house will never be clean, ever.  I'll never ever be able to have alone time again.  Ever.  Again, remind me... WHAT WAS I THINKING?!

And then a wave of calm washed over me as the band continued to play...
I got this Carrie.  You don't have to worry.  I wouldn't have given you this child, or any of those children if I didn't think you were capable.  And you are more than capable.  As a matter of fact, I'm proud of you.  I will take care of this if you will just let me.  

I'm sorry, God.  Do you want me to stop worrying?  Do I even know how to do that?  Is that possible?  How do I even start?  I worry about everything.  Food, paying for childcare, money, clothing, laundry, how my body looks and feels, whether or not my kids are getting appropriate nutrition... you get it God?  I don't know how to not worry.

The song continues and I think backwards to my week and the email I shared with someone about being a mom.  I told her that she was doing a good job and I told her not to let Satan steal her joy.  Vomit.  Did I really share that with her less than 24 hours ago?  I did, indeed.  And here I am... letting Satan steal my joy.  It is my joy.

It is my joy to be pregnant and to be able to have another baby... when there are so many women who desperately want to be a mother.  They want to carry a baby, or two and be miserable.

It is my joy to be overwhelmed at the task of being a mom and the caretaker in my home... there are women who are missing their children because they are all grown up now.

It is my joy to remove stains from clothing, and sort loads of laundry, and fold the tiniest of underwear.... because some people don't have those things.

It is my joy to help to raise these little people and teach them about God and all His wonders.  Good or bad, his wonders are new each day.... and I get to share that through the eyes of my children.  His children.

Shame on me for letting Satan steal my joy.  I won't let him do that again.  I won't allow tears to fall unless I'm happy.  I won't allow myself to feel regret for this family I have.  I will not be afraid of the tasks that God has given me in this life.

I will be joyful in all circumstances, even if I am terrified.  I am a child of a God who's got this.  My worries aren't even worth a thought because of His promises and the joy He provides to me.

I do it by myself!

Uncle Jeff made this gorgeous stained glass decor for us for Christmas.  It has been living in our kitchen since then.  We couldn't decide/agree on where it should have a permanent home.  We debated on our bathroom, the kitchen, the dining room, etc.  All of these rooms are on the backside of our home and see the best sunshine of the day, so they were all a no brainer for that reason.  However, most of them are not rooms that people visit often and we wanted to show it off!  So, the kitchen won.  

After some cabinet climbing (with my giant belly) and some adjusting, I finally got it where I wanted it!  I was so thrilled with how it looks.  I keep telling Jeff I need another one for my other window.  And we also have this GIANT window at the front of the house he needs to help me decorate.  Yes?  

I bought a minivan.

I don't know when my mind was changed, but at some point along in this parenting journey I changed my mind and decided to dive headfirst into the world of the minivan.  I had zero desire to do this until I experienced loading two small people into my small SUV and wrestling them into their car seats while freezing or getting rained on or sweating.  I made up my mind to start shopping for a new mode of transport once I realized that wrestling 3 of them wasn't going to get easier AND the car seats wouldn't fit in my Escape.  I loved my little road turtle and I was sad to see her go, but she will get to live a fun life with a college kid from here on out.  

I bought this beauty and I'm in love.

She has more gadgets than a spaceship.  The doors open at the push of a button.  Several buttons actually.  I don't have to wrestle them into their seats or the car anymore.  I'm thrilled that they can also climb into the car by themselves.  No more wrestling for me... for now.  She has a DVD player (praise God) and leather seats.  The bonus was a sunroof and a heat/ac control board that I'm still trying to learn how to use...

Ignore my extremely tidy garage shot...

The weekend we were car shopping happened to be right after the second nasty snow/ice storm and my parents were kind enough to take the kids!  We had already planned for them to go to the lake for that weekend.  Instead of watching a state wrestling tournament I managed to buy a minivan and get a stomach virus all in one day!  Pretty sure my children had a much more enjoyable Saturday than I did!

They got ice cream and played on a playground!

Leave me some love.

I'd love to hear from you!

Goals 2014: March Update

My 2014 To Do List

1. I am going to grow plants this summer.  I'd like to grow a lot, but I'll settle for a few.  Tomatoes, beets, cucumbers, carrots, squash, and zucchini, to start with.  I'm researching methods via Pinterest right now and will start seedlings as directed once the time is right.  I suppose I'll need to do this on the back porch or in the garage for the meantime.  I plan to use the small area by the garage to grow my veggies in large planters or raised beds.  Who wants to build me those?
   
   Bought some seeds.  Starting seedlings in a few weeks!
   
2. Run races.  As in, plural.  I have run my pregnancy races and I have one more to go.  I'd really like to be able to run a few more races after the baby comes.  I know I'll need time to heal since I will be having a child via surgery in April... I'm hoping I can schedule some races in June/July.
   
   I'm just not sure I might get to an organized race before baby gets here.  I'll let you know.
   
3. Buy the dang minivan.  This is a lingering 2013 goal... I wonder if I knew that my husband was going to let me have another baby AND we were going to and that's why I made that goal in 2013?  Either way, I cannot wait to be the proud owner of a minivan.  I see this happening in March.
   
   DONE AND DONE!  I will post about that adventure this week!
   
4. Build my business.  I suppose this means I need to work on the business.  I have several of them I could work on, but none that I really focus on.  I love Advocare products.  I use them regularly.  I also love Mary Kay products, they are lovely.  I have a great love for my sewing machine and should use it more often.  I would like to be able to grow one or all of those into something successful that generates income so that I could stay home with my babies one day. Yep, another goal for another year, but I'll work on it in 2014.
   
   Started working more often with Mary Kay and I'm planning to attend a career conference with them end of March!  I cannot WAIT!
   
5. Paint and decorate the kid's rooms.  We have to move Libby to the bigger room and put Hayes in the smaller room since we will be housing two girls.  This project was on my agenda for Christmas break, but it is not likely to happen this week.  I have to buy Libby bunk beds and then we can make the move.  Hoping for February?
   
   Bunk beds for Libby have been purchased.  The prep for moving and changing rooms has been a popular conversation as well.  Hayes has informed me that he wishes to sleep in the bunk beds with Libby and Spencer.
    
6. Plant flowers in the yard this spring and summer.  I love seeing my neighbors lovely yards and I'd like to have my own this year.
   
   Flowers will come soon.  I keep thinking I'll wait until mid March in hopes to avoid any more freezing weather...
7. Develop a budget/plan to save for future Disney trips and eventually yearly passes.  I love going to see The Mouse.  I love that my kids want to go there often as well.  I want nothing more than to take them there all the time.  As a matter of fact, we could just move there and I'd be thrilled.  I'm working on this part.
   
   Made 2 payments for Disney this year.  We will go in September and I am pumped.  Created a savings plan for 2015.  I want to take Daryk to Star Wars weekends!
   
8. I would love to be able to use my blog as a venue to make some extra income for my family as well.  I am going to investigate that and look for income via my blog while on maternity leave.
   
   I haven't looked into this, but I have been diligently increasing my traffic to the blog and plan to continue that through Facebook and Pinterest.  Hopefully I can be blog famous one day (or at least make mom-ney, so I can stay home)...
   
9. Purge.  Clean out the closets, rooms, drawers, cabinets, and garage and rid this house of unnecessary objects, clutter, junk, and excess.  We need to learn to live with less and be happy with that.
   
   Cleaning out all areas of the house as part of my random 'nesting' occurs.  So far I've found a ton of things to donate and decorate with.
   
10.  Wake up earlier during the week and make time for myself.  Enjoy coffee, or a book, or the quiet.  I could make breakfast for myself or the littles, or just put on my makeup like a normal person.
    
    Yeah, just no.  Just not happening.  I think I might be a failure at this goal.  Oops.
    Echoes of last month... I just can't make this happen.  I might attempt to work on this one later in the year, but I might just be crazy.

30 weeks #3

After the SnowJam2014 I decided to be slightly crazy and take the kids by myself at 30 weeks pregnant to see Frozen in theaters.  I packed tissue, snacks, and beverages for all.  It was a pleasant day and there weren't any major hiccups.  I decided to go ahead and take my '30 weeks SB' pictures that day since I had an available adult to help.  I had a slight delay/distraction with a stubborn, camera hoggin' 2 year old little girl.  But after viewing these photos... I couldn't help but laugh at her.

I mean, how do you say no to that?

Here I am.

30 weeks with Spencer Brynne Cochran.

27 weeks with Hayes

32 weeks with Hayes

34 weeks with Elizabeth

28 weeks with Elizabeth

Just some comparison pictures for your viewing pleasure.  Oddly enough, I haven't gained as much as I did with either of my first two.  I'm not sure my belly pictures reflect the weight gain, since I have a giant belly!  I know this girl is growing and active.  We will get to 'plan' her birth date this week at the doctor's appointment on Thursday morning!  I am secretly hoping that my doctor is working on April 10, 2014.  I would really like that to be Spencer Brynne's birth date.  Unless she decides to come earlier than that...

After the photo session, the Frozen viewing, and a meltdown from Elizabeth in the car... I got to spend time with Hayes as he watched every single song from Frozen on my laptop while he ate dinner.  His personal favorite, Let It Go, was played at least 15 times.  

As we are nearing the end of this pregnancy, and the last pregnancy we planned on purpose, I am becoming more tired and more sad about it.  I think knowing this is my 'last time to do such & such' or my last kick/roll/punch from inside my belly makes this whole thing bittersweet.  I am thrilled to be having another baby.  I would have 10 if I thought I could manage it.  But I cannot imagine chasing 3 little people around while pregnant again!  It has been so challenging for the last month and grows more difficult with every passing week.  Large belly+active preschoolers=hard time for momma.

I'm trying to soak up every last minute of the next 10 weeks and just enjoy being pregnant.

Remind me of that when I'm complain of exhaustion....

Santa procrastination 2013

We typically go see Santa at Lenox Mall and ride The Pink Pig between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  For some reason this year we just let time slip away and got busy, oh yeah... and we got sick!  We love going to the mall to see Santa and the Santa we see is awesome.  I'll post those pics another day.  We try to make a point to go on a Sunday afternoon as well.  Early church service, lunch, straight to the mall for Santa and The Pig.  We didn't make it on Sunday this year.  Oops.

The only days we had to choose from this year was December 23 and 24.  The day before Christmas Eve and Christmas Eve.  Which day would you choose?!  I figured it was going to be chaos no matter the day, so we just showed up the Monday before Christmas and hoped for the best.  The Santa line was about 1 hour and 20 mins ish long.  Not too shabby considering we weren't the only last minute folks in line....

Usually we reserve their 'phones' for extreme measures, today was that day.  The phones were our lifesavers!  Did I mention that all this time Libby has been potty training (at this point it was for 3 days) and she didn't have ANY accidents at all while we were out in public?  Granted, I'm pretty neurotic for that part of parenting and set a timer to make sure that she goes every 45 minutes or so.... Not to mention that I had to take a pregnancy potty break every 45 mins or so as well.  Baby bladder dancing...

Clearly she was stressed about it too...

They were troopers and stood in line, had snacks, and ultimately saw Santa.  Libby was not impressed and Hayes had a GREAT time!  Again, I'll post those pics soon!  We made friends with those in line around us and took turns taking potty breaks, pushing strollers, and the like.  I was in awe of those years that my mother took us, all 3 of us, by herself to see Santa.  Kudos mom.  You are my hero, once again.  I would never, ever, in a million years attempt this by myself...

Ever.

And then all was right in the world because they put Santa right beside the Great American Cookie Co.

Brilliant planning Lenox Mall.  Brilliant planning.

Thanksgiving Races and Pregnancy

My goal with this pregnancy was to NOT gain 700 lbs.

I haven't done well with weight gain prior to this pregnancy, but I'm proud of myself this go round.

I wish I had more time and energy to be active, but I just don't.

Kudos to you people who do just that!

I am trying to be more mindful of my eating habits and my body.

I eat when I'm hungry and try to be healthy...

don't we all!?

I decided that I wanted to complete some 5k races during this pregnancy.

My goal was one rave per trimester.

So far, so good.

I've got one more trimester to go and I'll have it done!

The pregnancy and the races...

First race was in August.

Run or Dye with the jogging stroller and the husband.

It was awesome.

I was barely pregnant and ran the majority of it.

Daryk and I decided a loooooooong time ago in 2013 we wanted to do the Turkey Day 5k.

So Thanksgiving morning long before the actual sun came up, we got up.

It. was. freezing.

I had on my favorite Old Navy running tights and multiple layers on top!

The race started & ended at Turner Field.

The porta potties closest to our car had ZERO toilet paper.

Um, gross and cold.

We arrived on time, parked the car, and sat inside until we absolutely HAD to go start.

Of course, you have to take pictures of it or it doesn't count, right!?

Selfie number 1.

After this Daryk says, 'hurry up and take another facie already.'

I burst out laughing because he said facie and not selfie...

I was dying laughing at his attempt at the cool vocab.

So I got this picture....

The race began.

We froze while running.

I wish that I could have felt my fingers.

The pictures available that day would have been hilarious.

There were people dressed as pilgrims, turkeys, and other food items.

Some people had hats that looked like turkeys as well.

I wanted to run as much of the race that I could.

Mind you, I didn't train and I'm out of shape.

As well as 5 months pregnant...

So I ran as much as I could.

The hardest part of running while pregnant wasn't being out of shape or being pregnant.

It was the bladder!

Thankfully somewhere between mile 1.5-2.5 there was a BP station open!

A very kind man let me use the facilities and I was able to run again.

As we were finishing our 5k there were people running across the finish like for the 

HALF marathon as well.

Insanity.

I was just proud to FINISH and not pee my pants or die.

Thankfully some sweet girl took our photos afterwards.

We got yummy snacks and some great race day goodies from the Verizon booth!

So proud to finish that race WITH my baby belly and hubby.

Planning a 5k in January and hoping for another in March!

After that, I'll be on light duty until August because of the baby girl!

20 weeks and waiting

For the life of me, I will never understand why we bother to make doctor's appointments.

I feel like it would be more effective for us to say,

'Show up and it is a first come, first serve basis.'

We made a doctor's appointment and ultrasound appointment for last Monday.

We waited for 1700 hours to see them both.

Thankfully Apple has created a small technical device that keeps my children busy.

They even shared.

It was madness.

Madness for 2 hours of waiting on the doctor.

And they were perfectly behaved....

Seriously.

Our ultrasound was perfect!

Baby girl in my belly is still a baby girl.

Thank goodness....

I'd had a few dreams or two that she wasn't a girl anymore...

I was a little bit scared!

She is measuring about a week ahead on every measurement!

I will update about her in a few days.

She deserves her OWN update.

18 weeks baby #3

There she is.

My sweet baby girl, Spencer Brynne Cochran.

We are 18 weeks along and we aren't having a rough time.

I love being pregnant.

I get that most people hate it, but it suits me and I love it.

I've only gained 10 lbs at this point, and I'm thrilled with that.

I am wearing maternity clothes and have been since about 12 weeks along.

Thankfully, I have a pretty extensive collection that spans a few seasons...

I have been feeling movement since week 15-16.

Just a few flutters initially, but now she's bigger and moving a lot.

I have distinct cravings for hot wings and celery, which isn't a normal food choice for me.

I don't dislike them, I just don't eat them often.

I eat normal amounts of food and try to avoid sweets and junk.

I wish I had more energy to be more active, but keeping up with double trouble at home is enough!

Between laundry, cooking, and cleaning AFTER that pesky full time job...

Energy for myself and exercise isn't there.

The kiddos and I are about to start gymnastics again since I'm done with cheerleading, finally!