M Family Pics 2014

You guys.  I don't even know what to say.

As I mentioned before, we had our annual family pictures taken last weekend.  After an afternoon of rushing to get ready, driving to Ridley Creek State Park, awaking 3 out of the 4 kids that fell asleep in the car, trying to make them "picture ready" while dealing with their "I'm tired"(s) and their "I'm hungry"(s), chasing down a rambunctious 2 year old, making sure none of the kids are kidnapped, trying to get them to smile, trying not to have them roll down the leaf hill (Reid) and/or jump off the stone wall (Reid again) and remembering to get all the shots we want to try to take all while not saying "fuck it, let's just leave." That is picture day for us, in a nut shell.  I feel anxious and stressed out the rest of the night. (And immediately head for the wine rack.) I drive away from the session hoping for ONE GOOD SHOT.  Just one.  It's seriously one of the most dreaded days of the year for us.  And it's not because I don't absolutely LOVE to see Stephanie Glover every single chance I get, but because the day is fucking exhausting. 

But the result?  Breathtaking.  And that's why we do it.  I mean, this picture right here???

You have GOT to be kidding me with this one.  It's a picture that I will treasure forever and ever.

Stephanie, thank you so much for putting up with our crazy family year after year.  You've captured some of my greatest moments, and I'll never be able to give you back what you have given to me. I have so much love for you!

And with that, some of my favs from our session on November 9th...

Sorry, not sorry, for the picture overload.  There's even more than this, but I didn't want to over do it ;)

Happy Anniversar(ies)!

13 years ago, today, I started dating a handsome guy that could make me laugh more than anyone has before.

8 years ago, today, I married him.



Even now, after all this time, he makes me laugh every single day. He has seen me though the hardest days of my life and has been there for me to celebrate the best ones. I love him and the family we have created together and I can't imagine my life with anyone else.

Today, I just want to thank him for being an amazing husband and father. I am a VERY lucky girl.

Happy Anniversary Bobby <3

Family Picture Outfits

So, it's almost that time of year again... our annual fall family pictures with Stephanie Glover Photography!!  EEEKKK!  If you can remember from last year, we took a chance and did a purple/grey/white theme and I absolutely LOVED the way it turned out against the fall colors.

Here is my 2013 outfit board...

...and one of our 2013 family pictures {and my 29 week baby belly... Hi Emmie Mae!}

So this year, I've decided to stay on the non-traditional route and go with a navy/grey/white theme with touches of soft pink for the girls.  I really love it and I'm hoping it will look as cute as I think it will!  We'll see after this weekend, I guess, right? ;)  Here's the board I've created...

 

I absolutely adore Brynn's dress, and I got her new grey star boots, since she wore the boots from last year almost every day from November to June {I'm not kidding.  The new ones are hidden until after our session this weekend!!}  And Reid's sweater?  OMG.  Carter wore a tan version of that GAP sweater in our 2010 family pics and it's one of my all time favs {and OMG baby Carter!!}  So when I saw it in navy for Reid, I just HAD to have it.  Emerson is not wearing that exact sweater dress, but a similar grey cable-knit GAP hand-me-down sweater dress from Aubrey.  I adore it and I'm so glad it's the perfect size for her! And Carter's sweater is super comfy, which is basically all he cares about these days, ha!  Should be fun negotiating him into wearing jeans that day though {woo hoo... send wine!}

Here is a link to my Polyvore board this year so that you can see where most of the items are from.  Not everything is exact, as some of the items {like Em's dress, my navy jacket, etc} I already owned and it's no longer online so I found something similar.  But most of the items are new and linked correctly.  Happy shopping :)

And now I can't wait to see how our session turns out! Let's just hope for good weather. And FOUR cooperating kids.  That last one was a joke. {We'll just have lots of wine on standby for after the session. And that was not a joke.  You get me, right?}
 

A Brynn update...

Ya know, I was talking to someone yesterday and realized that I never posted an update about Brynn on here {I actually haven't posted anything in awhile...whoops.}  Anyway, as I mentioned before, I posted looking for advice on what to do since she was acting SO SHY about playing soccer, but still wanting to actually GO to the practice and games. {So confusing, right??}  Well, I wanted to report to you that homegirl is ROCKING IT now.  She LOVES IT.  It only took her about half the season to warm up to it, but she is going in, STARTING and playing with no problem at all!  She's even practicing with her teammates, warming up before the game and everything!  This Friday is her last game of the season and she is SO EXCITED to be getting her very first trophy!  YAY BRYNN!

So, for all the parents out there that commented here, Instagram and on Facebook about having a similar issue, I wanted to let you know how it turned out for us.  Because she wanted to go to practice and games but just didn't want to actually go IN and play, we just stuck with it.  I would have taken her to every game and practice of the season and sat on the sidelines with her, as long as she wanted to go.  Thankfully she finally warmed up to it and started playing more and more each game.  It makes me feel like we made the right decision by continuing to take her and I'm so thankful for that.

Keep on, keepin on, amirite? ;)

Brynn

So, Brynn turned 4 in May and is old enough to play soccer this year.  She excitedly helped pick out her little cleats and shinguards and couldn't wait to get on the field to play after watching Carter from the sidelines these past 2 years. 

When we took her to her first practice, she was OMGSOEXCITED and could barely contain it...

 ...but as soon as we handed over her soccer ball and pointed her in the direction of her team, her smile disappeared. The face that she gave me as she slowly walked towards her team and looked back, kind of broke my heart.  Her big blue eyes were welling up with tears.  She then ran back towards me, saying that she was scared. 

I walked over to her team with her and held her hand as she listened to the coach's directions.  But she refused to play.  She just stood there next to me, frozen.  I tried to encourage her, but she kept repeating that she was scared.  She also didn't want to talk to the coach or any of the kids on her team.  As I held her hand, I started getting her to dribble the ball in the cones and play the shark game with the kids, so that she could take part in the practice.  As she felt more comfortable, I slowly started backing away and returned to the sidelines with Bob to watch the practice.

Now we know that Brynn is a very shy kid, but she usually has no problem playing with other kids once she feels comfortable.

Fast forward 3 days later to her very first soccer game.  She excitedly got ready, putting her way-too-big uniform on and shoving her little feet into the cutest pair of soccer cleats my eyes have ever seen.  And as we drove to the field, she talked with Carter in the back seat about how they were both going to score a goal in their respective games. 

But once we got out of the car, we saw that same face we saw at her first practice.  I held her hand as we walked to the field and took her to the other side to be with her team.  I slowly started walking to the parents side when I heard her crying.  I then spent the next hour trying to calm her down instead of watching her play her first game.  Nope, she didn't play at all.  She actually refused to go in.  But as soon as that final whistle blew, you bet she was the first person in line for the team snack.  #thatsmygirl

The very next morning, team pictures were scheduled. We woke up early to get Carter and Brynn ready.  Carter's team was first, and he did awesome.  We then waited an hour at the field for Brynn's team pictures.  But do you think she got hers taken?  Not a chance.  Again, she refused.  And her second practice a few days later?  Nope, not happening.

I continuously leave the field feeling frustrated and unsure of what to do.  I obviously don't want to force her to play soccer if she doesn't want too, but at the same time, she asks me to play and says she loves it.  She's excited to get ready for the games and practices and still tells me that she's going to score a goal. {Umm, you actually have to PLAY to do that, dear.}  What gives?  I know she's a shy girl, so maybe she's just not as comfortable around all the people yet?  Maybe she doesn't want to be the center of attention on the field?  I'm not sure!

I will say that, at her game last Friday night, she DID go in the game.  For a minute.  But she did go in.  And she scored a goal...

 

...and then, after a few team high fives, she ran over to the concession stand to get in line for cheese fries.  In the middle of the game.

Her third game is tonight. We're going to continue to take her, because she seems to want to go.  I'm just hoping I'm doing what's best for her, ya know?  I'll just keep encouraging her to play, without forcing it.  That's about all I can do, right? Maybe she'll play TWO minutes tonight before running to the concession stand {which, I don't blame her much, those cheese fries are good.}

Anyone else have a super shy kid?  We had the exact opposite problem with Carter, so this is all new to us.  I'll take all the help I can get...

I think I know what my problem is...

I have at least 10-12 drafts that I've tried to post in the past several months, and each time I save it thinking "I'll just finish it later."  Do you think that ever happens?  No. Not even close.  I get busy with work or home responsibilities. Oh, and also: 4 kids.

Now, it's not that I have OMGNOFREETIME. I do have some free time.  But that time usually occurs between 9-10pm and I'm too tired to do anything but watch Bachelor in Paradise at that point. {Oh, don't judge.}

But now? I think I know what my problem is... Or was. I think I know what my problem was.  I was trying to catch you up on my life since my last post and it just. wasn't. possible.  So, let's just start small.

This post right here?  This is my first post back.

I'd love to tell you everything that has happened lately.  Like, Carter... he's in 1st grade now.  Brynn?  She just started soccer {and loves/hates it... more on this later.}  Reid just turned two last week. TWO.  And Emerson?  Oh, my sweet girl.  We lucked out in the baby department, you guise.  That girl is so sweet and loving and PATIENT.  She's the best.

As for me, I'm working on myself right now.  I'm trying to lose this baby weight for good {I started Medifast today!  I've had success in the past and I hope I can do it again.  More to come on this.}  I also recently got promoted at work, which has been keeping me quite busy, but also makes me so excited.  I just celebrated 10 years at the university that I work at and it's crazy to think back to when I first started. How much my life has changed in the past 10 years. 

Back then I was a just-turned-25-year-old in a 2-bedroom apartment with a city view. I had an amazing boyfriend, could go out whenever I wanted and was about to start grad school. Shortly after I started working, I got engaged, planned a wedding, finished grad school, got married, bought a house, renovated ALL THE THINGS, had a baby, turned 30, had another baby, celebrated 5 years of marriage in Disney, lost a baby, had another baby, lost my dad, sent my first baby off to kindergarten, had ANOTHER baby {OMG, now I know why I explain my past life in kids... "oh, that was totally 2 kids ago."} turned 35, and just sent my first baby off to 1st grade.  That's a lot of stuff in 10 years. A. LOT.  And I'm so excited to see what the future holds for me and my sweet, "little" family.

So, yeah. I'm back. And I guess I should redesign the blog. My header is totally 1 kid ago, you guise.

Happenings Lately

So much going on, people.  So much.  Obviously I haven't blogged in awhile.  The truth is... I can barely go to the bathroom, shower and/or eat with 2 hands {oh, the luxuries!}, so clearly blogging is going to take a back seat. But I'm now trying my best to get back into the swing of things. So here's what's been happening lately...
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I go back to work next week!  Ahhhh.  How did this happen!?!  Baby girl is 9 weeks old {today!} so I do feel lucky that I will have had 10 weeks at home with her before I go back.  I also have a nice transition back into the office over the next month, which I'm very grateful for as well!

But, I have to admit... I'm having serious mixed feelings about it. 

On one hand, I am super excited to get back to work. {Call me crazy!}  I just miss being in my work environment, having daily adult interaction and actually getting a designated lunch break where I'll be able to eat.  With 2 hands!  {It's the little things.}

On the other hand, I know I will miss my baby girl like whoa.  And my 3 other babies too, obviously.  But especially Emerson.  We've been attached at the hip {or she's been attached to my boob, rather} for 10 weeks straight... it will be a difficult adjustment to leave her for 8 hours a day while I'm at work.  But we'll get through it... I have 3 times before this, right?
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Speaking of going back to work... I've been having serious anxiety, to the point of having nightmares about it.  And not for any of the reasons mentioned above.  Here's the thing...

My very first day back in the office after my maternity leave with Reid?  My dad died.

The. very. first. day.

Imagine being overwhelmed with the thought of leaving your new baby for the first time as you head back to work. Running a little late, as you transition to your new morning routine.  Sitting down at the computer to hundreds of new emails.  Your desk flooded with all the changes made in the short time that you've been gone. You haven't yet said hello to all of your fellow coworkers, because you've been inundated with work. And just as you get a moment to breathe after a few overwhelming hours trying to get re-accustomed to your work environment, you get that fateful call that will change your life forever.

I never realized, until recently as I prepare to head back to work again, just how much it has impacted me.  The timing of it all.  Being with Reid for 12 weeks straight and then, leaving for work that day, and not seeing him for more than an hour in the week that followed.  Makes me cry just thinking about how difficult that time was for everyone.  It's hard enough losing a parent, but to have it happen just 2 hours into your very first day back from maternity leave when you're already an emotional mess, made it all that more difficult. {And let's not add to it, the fact that I came home late that night to a dog that could no longer walk and that we were told to put to sleep THAT SAME DAY.}

It was obviously the hardest day of my life.

So, as I prepare to go back to work next week, I can't help but have severe anxiety about it. Almost like... "what terrible thing is going to happen when I return to work this time?"
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Let's shift gears, shall we?

Carter is playing baseball!  Well, tee-ball, but still.  He's so excited about it {and so am I!}  Opening Day is this Saturday and I'm praying for nice weather.  The poor kid has only had 1 practice so far because the other 4 have been cancelled due to rain and SNOW. {Ugh!}  Would it be too much to ask to have spring-like weather in spring??  Anyway, here's my little cutie just before his first {and only, grrr} practice:

Love him!  I must also add that he is doing amazing in school.  I was so worried about how he was going to do with being so young {he has a July birthday!} and I was even more worried about how he would act in school, but I'm happy to report that he is doing SO WELL!!  We are so proud of him!  Go Carter Man!
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With April approaching, I am in the midst of planning Brynn's 4th {WTH!?!?!} birthday party.  Her birthday is on a Saturday this year {May 24th}, so that makes things easier.  Of course, that's Memorial Day weekend too, but whatever.  It is what it is.  Anyway, baby girl wants to have it at Build-A-Bear again, so that's what we'll do.  And, like every other child on the planet, it MUST be Frozen themed.  Because, what else is there right now!?!  Exactly. {And a Frozen/snowflake theme on Memorial Day weekend makes so much sense.  Obviously.}

I did design her Frozen birthday invitation a few days ago, and I'm still tweaking it to perfection, so I'll be sure to post it as soon as it's ready!  I will say that it's one of my favorite invitations that I've designed so far though... EEEKKK!

Here's a recent pic of Brynn and I on our little girls day out...

We only went to Target and Chicl-Fil-A, but hey! It was fun! It was so nice to just have some time with my first baby girl. :)
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Reid Joesph turned 18 months on March 10th. He is doing amazing... he's smart as a whip but equally as evil.  He is into everything, let me tell ya.  There's a reason he's so cute, ha! We have his 18 month well visit on the same day as Emerson's 2 month visit, so I'll include his stats in that post as well. Here's a pic of my sweet boy along with his cousin, BFF and birthday twin, Aubrey, last weekend at their cousin Ben's 7th {ahh!!} birthday party...

OMG, they're the best, aren't they!?!
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Emerson just turned 2 months old on March 27th.  Can you believe it!?!  I have a whole post planned for later this week, but here's my little sweet pea on her second monthaversary...

Still with the hair.  I LOVE IT.  She's the sweetest!

She has her 2 month well visit on Thursday with Reid, so I'll have stats and everything for you then!  But let me just say that she is a great baby.  She's been sleeping through the night for several weeks now, has been an awesome nurser {with no signs of reflux, woo hoo!} and is very go-with-the-flow {poor thing doesn't have a choice, but still.} She just adores her brothers and sister too.  She's all smiles when they're around! :)  I'll have more on Emmie Mae later this week...
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In other news, Bob and I are still alive after two months with 4 kids, so that's saying something, right??

More later.  Promise.

Survival Mode

Oh, hey.  I'm still here.  You have no idea how many times I've tried to post in the last FOUR WEEKS since I had Emmie.  {Yep, she's 4 weeks old today, ahhhh!}  The problem is, when you're nursing almost constantly, it's quite difficult to get on your computer.  And when you hate doing anything but scrolling Instagram and Facebook from your phone, it'll take you 4 weeks to write any kind of post.

Unfortunately, this is not the post I wanted to write and I so wish I had more time.  I want to tell you all about the last 4 weeks.  {What a whirlwind!} How life with 4 is going. {It's easier than I thought it would be!}  How Carter, Brynn & Reid just ADORE their new little sister. {It's amazing.}  How the other kids, especially Reid, are adjusting to this big change. {Reid is a little monster now and in to everything. But so damn cute.} How breastfeeding is going this time. {Better now!}  How I'm really not getting any sleep. {Typical.}

But for now? This little check-in will have to do.

In the meantime, please follow me on Facebook and Instagram {especially IG} as I have been trying to post daily updates there!

Oh, and one last thing... I had Emerson's newborn pictures taken {by the wonderful Stephanie Glover Photography} when she was 6 days old and I plan to post them all soon.  But for now...

LOVE. I'm one lucky mama.

Be back soon.  Promise.

In just a few short hours...

In just a few short hours, I will have this baby girl.  We will be a family of 6.  I will deliver my 4th baby and we will finally be complete.

In just a few short hours, we will begin this next phase of our lives, and as ready as I am, I also know that I will miss being pregnant.  {Not enough to ever want to do it again, mind you.  Ahem.}  But I'm certainly having mixed feelings about these final hours of pregnancy.  I just can't believe that I'm almost done.  I've spent over 36 months of my life being pregnant, yet the end is almost near.  I will never again feel my baby move inside me.  Never again feel the excitement of hearing "it's a boy!" or "it's a girl!" Never again have my baby all to myself for an entire 9 months. Never again meet my baby for the very first time or hear that first cry.

But, being done with pregnancy, also means that I will enter a new chapter in my life.  One that I am able to enjoy with my family.

My whole family.

Watching my babies as they grow.  Being there with them as they learn new things, play new sports and make new friends.  Celebrating birthdays, going to school plays and soccer games and dance recitals. Helping them with their homework and talking to them about their day.  As much as I love the baby stage that Reid is in now, I can't help but get excited about having the types of conversations with him {and Emerson!} as I do now with Carter and Brynn.  Each year gets better and better as I watch my kids grow in to people.  Real people that have ideas and thoughts and imaginations and conversations. And it happens right before our eyes.

So, while I know I will certainly miss being pregnant, I'm ready to be done.  To move on and enjoy our life as a family of 6.

To feel whole.

In just a few short hours, I will have met my very last baby.  And I can't wait for that moment.

WW: M Family Pics '13

On Sunday, we made our way to Prophecy Creek Park, just north of Philly, for our annual family session with the wonderful Steph, of Stephanie Glover Photography.  

Now, I'm going to be honest... when we left the park an hour after we arrived, I didn't think we'd get very many decent pictures out of the session.  And not because of Steph, obviously... we all know how talented she is.  But because of the fact that it was cold, WINDY LIKE WHOA {my hair was everywhere, let me tell ya} and the kids were just not having it.  Especially Brynn, who flat out refused to get in any pictures, especially those that included her two brothers. And we actually had the opposite problem with Carter who wanted to be in ALL THE PICTURES.  All of them.  Poor kid had to be physically removed from some of them. 

As we drove home on Sunday, I looked over at Bob and said that I'd basically call the entire session a success if we got one good family picture out of it.  Bonus if we got one of each of the kids.  Obviously not together... Brynn made sure of that.  Ahem.

So, you can imagine my surprise when I get an email on Monday night from Steph with a total of 60 pictures from our session.  Sixty.  What?  I expected four.

Steph, I can't thank you enough, once again, for your amazing work.  You're the best ever.

Here are just some of my favorites from our session this year...

I still wish it wasn't so damn windy {Bob may or may not have been injured by my hair during this shoot} but I just love the way these turned out.  If you're in the Philly area and looking for a miracle worker a great photographer, don't forget to check out Stephanie Glover Photography!

And for those interested, here's a link to the outfits we wore for this session... so glad I changed it to the grey and purple, I just love this color scheme with the fall foliage!

Happy Wednesday!