Rock Pile | 2016

After playing in the rock pile last fall, every time we drive by the rock hills, the kids ask when we can go play in them again.  Last week we had a couple free hours after naps, while we were waiting for Adam to go back to the lake after work, so I took the kids to play...

A Photo :: Kayden 3 Months

These are super late, but here is Kayden at 3 months.  Stay tuned for his 6 month photos!  Newborn can be seen here and maternity here. 

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Photos on Friday::M Family Photoshoot

Meet the M family.  They live in Des Moines but traveled all the way to the lake because that's the only opening I had.  He was such a serious boy and her curls made me so jealous.  Beautiful children!! :)

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree {a trip to the tree farm}

A few weeks ago {okay, Thanksgiving weekend}, I had a photoshoot scheduled in my hometown, so after Thanksgivng at my sisters house, we went back to Denver.  Since we were there, we went with my parents to cut down a tree for Christmas, just like old times! {except now I'm bringing my children along--that doesn't seem possible}

We went to a cut your own farm called Kris Kringle and it was picturesque!  They had beautiful buildings, complete with popcorn, cookies, &cider, Christmas decor, and Santa Clause {you can imagine how excited Jordyn was--haha!}.  They also had an open fire pit to make s'more at {one of our favorite things!   And a sweet puppy that roams around.  The week leading up to Thanksgiving was pretty cold, but this morning the sun was shining and it was pretty warm {for an Iowa winter day}. It was a perfect way to start our holiday season!!

{also noteworthy::Jordyn experience her first port-a-potty.  If you haven't taken a 2 year old, in the middle of potty training, to a port-a-potty, you're missing out!} 

Are You Done? {having kids that is}

From the day I delivered Jordyn, I was asked 'so, when will you guys try for your second?'
And then the second we shared that H2 was a boy, people I started asking 'so is this your last?'

So…here is my attempt to answer the infamous question, 'Will you guys be having more children?' 

I'm always nervous to answer this question.  It's like if our plans change I will be called a lier or something!

The short answer, we don't know.  Maybe?  Hopefully not!

There are just so many factors that play into the answer of this question.  Would we love more? Yes!  Are we so very blessed to have two healthy, happy children when so many others struggle to have any at all? Yes.  Are we deathly afraid of losing the 'man to man defense' as we like to call it? Yes!  Sometimes there just isn't enough of us to go around as it is, so adding another one, two?  Three?! to the mix is a little scary.  And of course we have the practical factor which is the cost of children {daycare, college funds, monthly experiences}.  And lets not forget that we live in a little condo and drive a small SUV {which would require the purchase of a larger home and a minivan/large SUV}

If we're being 100% honest right now, Adam is perfectly content with the two wonderful children we have now.  He feels like they complete our family.  And we both feel like we will be able to provide them with everything we want.  Mainly time, but assets {car, college, etc.} & experiences {yearly vacations, sports camps, etc.} as well.  But me?  I would like to wait a couple {maybe three} more years and have two {or three?!} more {close together like Jordyn & Cullyn}.

So for everything I just mentioned {& more} we have decided to love and enjoy the two little blessings we have right now and discuss our options again in a few years.  I'm certain God will lead us in the right directions when the time comes.  Who knows?  Adoption my even be in our future.

{Another} Mom Fail!

Let's take a moment to talk about feeding my daughter.  I try, I really do.  I try to only give her 'natural' sugars, milk or water--no juice, to salt added veggies, fresh fruit, limited crackers/Cheerios, Greek yogurt, etc.  I even tried breastfeeding and although I don't think I ever had a change to write about it, that was a bit, fat, flop! :(

She loves eggs.  We give her eggs about 3 mornings a week.  I know they have cholesterol, but I didn't think it was a huge deal.  Well I finally took the time to research Google how many eggs are too many, since she would eat 2-3 each morning if we let her.  Did you know, they recommend an ADULT have 3-4 eggs a WEEK?!  Knowing my daughter eats about 5 a week, I'm sure you can imagine how I feel right about now!  MOM FAIL! :(

PS...I'm off to by egg whites...

How We Hang When Dad's Away...

Adam worked last Saturday night, so it was Jordyn and I [& Murdock] left to fend for ourselves.  After going into the office to get caught up on some stuff, we stopped by Redbox for a 3 movies [chick flicks!].  We [ok, I!] ordered pizza in and spent the night playing with my kids.  We had so much fun!  As awesome as the lake is, it's been fun having the last couple of weekends in the condo.  Reminds me of old times! :)

Sleepless Nights

Adam will be getting up in about 2 hours to go hunting for the weekend, so I'm going to wait and post this next week.  I'm sure none of you want to track me down and grab me, but I would rather be safe than sorry.  So you'll read this post then..]

It's 2:17am

I'm wide awake

I've been awake since...well since I went to bed

I actually dozed off for a bit when Adam was awake, but since he came to bed I'm awake.  

It's like it's my 'shift'...even though there are no shifts.

Four [of our 6] nieces and nephews are here to hang out for the weekend

That's why I'm awake

As far back as I can remember I haven't been able to sleep when I'm responsible for someone else's children

Wether it be a night, weekend, or even a week

I doze in and out if the kids are sleeping with me, but other than that I just pace from room to room and then the doors

Checking to make sure the kids are breathing, comfortable, and they doors and windows are locked

Our nieces and nephews are sleeping in bundles, two in the living room, two in the spare room

At 9, 10, 13, & 14...they're too old to sleep with their Aunt now

So I'm constantly pacing and making sure they aren't sleepwalking or trying to reach a water glass that is way to high in our non-kid-friendly house

It's those things that keep me up

Does this happen to anyone else when they have other children over?  Am I crazy?

I remember when I was a kid

my mom heard everything

seriously a sneeze from the basement and she was down there

now that we're all grown up [or at least graduated] she sleeps through everything

is this something that will last until my [future] babies are raised? 

oh wow...now I'm just scaring myself

goodnight!