And baby makes 5!

Yes, it's true baby Bris number 3 is due in May of 2014.  If the way I have been feeling is any indication on this child's personality, then I am petrified! I have been anything but a joy to be around with the mood swings (I made a waitress cry when our food took too long).  I am constantly nauseous, yet I am starving all the time (weird combination).  I could fall asleep with the snap of my fingers, which makes it interesting when you have a 6 and 3 year old that need your constant attention.  I can't seem to manage anything, including keeping the house clean or getting through our heaps of laundry.  As I hit my 13 week mark, things are starting to improve a bit.  I am hoping its uphill from here on out. Which means that I should probably say sorry and thank you now to Tommy, Mason, and Ellie for being patient and loving towards me, even though I have not always been the same with you all!!

I do not know if I am the only one to feel this way but its different your third time around.  The first time I was nervous, and excited, just sort of oblivious to what is really about to happen and how my world was about to be changed forever.  The second time I was just so excited and I could not wait to see how Mason and his new sibling would interact together.  I have been so set with out little family that I am having a hard time picturing what life will be like with this next baby in the mix.  It will be harder, that's for sure, but just how much harder?  I only have two hands, the perfect amount to hold when crossing the street, how will I manage with three little hands that need their mommys protection?  I'm scared.  I'm scared for the challenges, I'm scared for the sickness, I'm scared for the heartache that our children tend to give us.

I have just been focusing on all that I have been scared of and living in somewhat of a dark cloud.  I was finally able to see a little light coming through the clouds after I heard the baby's heartbeat.  All of a sudden, an image of the baby being placed on my chest came into my head and it made me feel calmer.  It doesn't matter how hard it will be.  It is all worth it.  I cannot imagine my life without Mitch and Claire.  They are my favorite people in the planet.  They are apart of me and have made me who I am today.   I want this for Mason and Elizabeth.  There is nothing in the world like a sibling and I thank God that I am able bless them with another one.I cannot wait to meet you baby Bris. I love you already!
xoxo

life in the fast lane

As I sit here on this beautiful October day and stare out to the ocean,  I can't help but think about where all the time has gone.  We have had a lot happen since our move to California.  Its hard to believe that it was only 2 years ago!  The kids are involved in all different activities- school, gymnastics, soccer, theatre class, music class, plus working in naptime, eating, park dates, the beach, the pool and finding time to hang out with our friends...our days are filled! and I know the older the kids get, the busier we will become! I find myself falling asleep every night before my head hits the pillow.

I feel so blessed to have so much going on in our lives and to have so many friends and family here and on the east who care about me.  As a result, I find that I spend quite a bit of time on my phone planning our filled days and checking in with everyone.  

There was an article published recently by a couple who works for Apple technology.  They have children and they limit their time with an iPad and iPhone to a maximum of 30 minutes a day.  Their reasoning?  They say that this technology is so new that we do not know what this will do to us in the long run.  Plus, it takes away from a major important part of brain development- playtime.  Children need hands on playtime.  They need to manipulate objects in our 3-d world and use their sight and smell to explore. Upon hearing this, I immediately let out a sigh of relief and thought, this is good.  My kids rarely use my phone or the iPod.  I mean maybe an hour a week is spent on it.  We are in the clear.  It wasn't until the next day that I started to think about the amount of time I spend on my phone.  Let me tell you- its way more than a mere 30 minutes.  So shouldn't I be concerned with myself?  And why am I actually spending so much time on my phone?  I find the rare time that I actually have time to myself (be it a doctors waiting room or in the line at the grocery store) I spend it checking my Instagram, Facebook, or sending texts.  I used to read a book or a magazine when I was looking to relax, but now I read about and look at others lives on Facebook.  I am not so sure that it is the best way to find calmness.  Not only do we not know what this technology will bring us in the long run, but I also don't want to spend my days looking at other peoples lives when my amazing life is passing by me super quickly.  My Mason is in first grade..  He was just born 2 days ago.  And my Ellie Belly is in preschool- how is that possible?!! Life is only going to get busier.  Its time I put the phone down.. 

As Ferris says "Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." 

xo

k