May in Instagram

Wow, this has been a busy month. I think I am going to try to do these little candid moments in Instagram, each month. It's a fun way to look back and see some of the things we've been up to, and a way to put those camera photos into an official documented state on the blog (and later, family album). So here are just a few of the things we've been up to - but there are many many more that of course weren't captured. This month has honestly just flown by. I've felt probably the best I've felt since the first six weeks of the pregnancy, minus a few sciatic nerve difficulties, and of course being just super tired at the end of (or the middle of ;) the day. We are getting ready for a lot of changes around here, the first of which will be the arrival of our much anticipated new baby girl! She is due on Father's Day, so just a few weeks away. Exciting times!

Beach Days!

The past few days we have been absolutely spoiled with perfect weather. Maybe it's gray and sprinkles a lot of the time during the winter...but sunny Spring, Summer, and Fall days in Seattle are TO-DIE-FOR!

We are super lucky that we live so close to SO many beaches! This past week, the kids and I restocked our sand-toy supplies and hit up the beach to soak up some sun on Friday, and then, with Daddy, on Saturday, and we even went on Mother's Day for a more leisurely viewing of the sunset.

Today, however, was our official inaugural beach day with some of our best buddies. We've sort of made it a tradition. And we did plan to have the girls wear their matching suits, in fact, Hazel has one, too. It was such a perfect day. These past few days I have felt better than the rest of the entire pregnancy...and I am pretty sure it's simply the sunshine cure :) I know these days are probably too good to be true to last all the way until Summer, but hey, we'll take them while we can!

Bestie Hugs!

Max decided he'd get serious and go for a swim in the frigid waters of the Puget Sound.

As Sawyer watched, it didn't take long to see Max change his mind - brrrr!

The girls found a ladybug. They thought it was pretty cool and pretty funny!

One of the best days of our lives! 

Mother's Day

For Mother's Day...

Jacob and the kids got me an iPhone! For many of you that might be nothing very exciting or novel, but you should understand that Jacob and I have shared a cell phone all of our married life...(and will continue to do so, for the most part - because we are silly-or maybe smart?- and have other financial goals that are more important than each of us having a phone on our hip) so it was fun to turn in what we jokingly refer to as our "dumb phone" in for a "smart" one :) I have to admit (and Jacob laughs at me) the only reason I really wanted one, is because it is the best camera phone out there - like having a semi-decent point-and-shoot with you at all times. And with our third baby due in about a month, I thought it would be awesome to have something small with me to capture the little day-to-day moments rather than always lug around my HUGE camera. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my Annie, and will make it a point to bring her on some of our adventures...but just not all of them. After all, my hands will be pretty full with three little ones! But recording moments is very important to me, so I am very grateful for my Mother's Day gift! I may have to take a class at the Apple store to figure out all of the capabilities, but for now I can make phone calls and take pictures and that's all that really matters to me (oh, and ask Siri questions, which is pretty handy, too!) 

So, today I experimented a bit with Instagram, to capture a bit of Mother's Day. Hopefully, I'll get the hang of it soon and be able to put some random moments from daily life up here on the ole blog from time to time once I figure out a bit of a system to do so. 

Mother's Day

started with sunshine pouring in our bedroom window

birds chirping and singing me awake

the sound of my two favorite little people waking up

me, excited to go to their room and greet them to a new day

downstairs,

daddy was making breakfast.

a dozen peachy-blush-pink roses on the table,

buttermilk pancakes from scratch

fresh strawberries and vanilla soymilk

a card Sawyer made in school

and 

a tiny vase with dried flowers

Sawyer and Daddy made for me at a special Dad's Day they had at school 

we all got showered and dressed 

i shared my shower with Aspen

the little girl who loves the water

she sometimes takes a shower and a bath or two 

all in one day

we put on our sunday best

and even made it to church

on time!

brownies and fresh fruit for all the lovely ladies

mothers

and those who are mothers in their hearts

then home for lunch

and naps for the whole family

texts to my sisters

phone calls to our mothers

and i relaxed with the kids 

while jacob slaved in the kitchen

truth be told, 

he cooks every sunday

(i know i am spoiled!)

but today, the meal was of my choice:

fresh salmon, potatoes, and spring salad

we then went to the beach

right by our house

(we are very lucky)

we threw rocks in the water

goofed off

and watched the sun set into the Olympics

what a gorgeous weekend

i so so love the sunshine

and warmer temps

we've been at the beach the past three days in a row

and more to come this week!

oh, and for dessert, 

ice cream cones with sprinkles and a cherry on top

i told the kids our treat was called a 

"mommy loves you" ice cream cone

because it's so true...

i love those little people 

with all of my heart

and soul

even if every now and then 

they try my patience

(okay maybe more then every now and then :)

they teach me every day

how to be their best momma

i am so thankful

jacob made me a mother

and my children teach me every day

how to be just a little bit better

at developing that Christ-like love we call

Charity.

my wish this Mother's Day

and every day

is that my children feel my love for them

even in the moments 

that aren't the glorious ones...

that they recognize and feel

amidst the learning and growing moments

and even among the cuddles and laughter

the kind of love only a Mother can have

for her little ones.

Happy Mother's Day All!

Paradise

This song and video are the most requested at our house. If ever the kids are in the office downstairs with me, they always ask to see this video. Upstairs we have danced to it in the living room on MANY occasions. It kind of makes us happy thinking about how the elephant finds her friends :) Maybe you and yours will get a smile or a little groove on, too?

Maternity Pics

Photos by Allegra George

Edited by Yours Truly

This week marks the 34th week of this pregnancy. I had never had "official" maternity pics taken before but decided I might as well at some point, since this is the third baby in my belly. It's pretty sweet when one of your best friends happens to be an incredible photographer who shares a similar vision. My friend, Allegra, graciously let our kids make a big mess in her house so she could take a few pics of my belly during a playdate one morning earlier this week. Originally, we had thought about going all out and going to some beautiful field or the beach or what not, but when I reflected on the pregnancy (and how yucky I've felt the entire time) I decided a more true reflection would be something more simple, classic, and cozy. I did wear a dress instead of yoga pants (I seriously thought about wearing yoga pants as that's what I wear 6 out of 7 days of the week) and I did take a little time to freshen up my face and actually do my hair...and I thought they turned out great (thanks so much Legs!) The kiddos of course weren't super cooperative since they wanted to either jump on the bed or run off and play with their friends, but we even managed to steal a couple of shots with the big brother and big sister to be. Even though I felt slightly vain getting photos of myself - I know that one day I will look back and treasure that this moment in time is captured. The moment we wait for Hazel to join our forever family. We are so ready and excited for our new baby girl to be born so we can cuddle and kiss her!