Disneyland 2013

 

We love taking our kids, especially Crew right now, to Disneyland. 

It was our final family vacation before this baby boy comes and we have been looking forward to going all summer. Crew is at the perfect age where everything at Disneyland seems real and it truly was a "magical" two days for our family. 

 Pixar Parade, California Adventure

Main Street, Disneyland

The roller coaster in Toon Town was one of Crew's favorite rides. He rode it three times in a row (there was no line). 

Tarzan's jungle house

Collins was a great baby and she did her part to take her naps in the stroller

Cozy Cone Ice Cream while waiting for the parade

 Crew's Buzz lightyear Blaster.

 

Crews is obsessed with binoculars and spy glasses. So when we found this pirate spy glass in Downtown Disney it was a easy $5 to spend

It is safe to say that Crew thought he was actually in Radiator Springs and while there he got to meet Lightening McQueen and Mater. He was a little shy to meet them--but I think it was the shock of actually seeing them in real life.

 The highlight of the rides was taking Crew on the Radiator Races ride--which we rode FOUR times. He loved it and it was worth every penny to ride it with him.

Collins' 9 Month Pictures

I decided to get some 9 month pictures taken of Collins. She is growing up so quickly and I wanted to get this stage photographed before she turns around on me and turns into a toddler. I also figured with our baby boy coming in December and the holiday season business coming up I might not get around to having her one year photos taken--which would be a cryin' shame. My darling friend does mini photo sessions and she took the cutest pictures of Collins. This girl has so much personality. She is so smily and her eye lashes are so long. I love every picture, but here are a few favorites.

BOY!

BOY!  

Adam and I went to our ultra sound on Thursday morning to find out the gender of our baby that is due January 5th. We both didn't have a strong feeling towards knowing what the gender was. But I think I was leaning more towards it being a girl. However, I also had this very strong feeling that Crew was not going to be my only boy. When the technician showed us that we were having a boy, Adam and I were both smiling and had a full sense of joy knowing that a BOY will be joining our family.

Although the 20 week ultra sound is a highly anticipated time for parents in finding out the gender of the upcoming addition, Adam and I both felt similar in our desires to find out if the baby would be healthy.

This baby boy was a total surprise to Adam and I. In fact, when I found out we were expecting again I actually had an IUD in. I only had the IUD for about 2 months. It is very clear to me that this baby is supposed to be in our family now because I usually have to track and really try to get pregnant. I can't just do my laundry with Adam laundry and whaala. So getting pregnant on birth control and without trying was a surprise and a blessing. That said, the IUD was removed which has it's risks, and Adam and I  were more concerned than ever before that everything would be healthy with this baby. We also have two sweet special needs family memebers (niece and nephew) which also brought to the surface of our thoughts and feelings just how miraculous health babies really are. Finding out that all is healthy was more comforting and joyful than finding out the gender this time round.

We feel so blessed that this boy is looking to be healthy and growing and moving as he should. It was very clear that he is a boy. After the ultra sound when Adam and I were leaving I looked over at him in the car and said, "I am so completely happy right now". There is something very special about being pregnant and seeing your baby for the first time in the ultra sound.

Crew's 3rd Birthday

We started the party celebrations for Crew's 3rd birthday on Sunday night at my family's house. 

On Monday, his actually birthday, we had a friend party with a sweet bounce house that Adam rented for Crew and his friends, and then Monday night Adam's family (not pictured) came over to celebrate. 

Crew was in heaven and kept saying, "My birthday in August." He did a good job of saying thank you to those who gave him gifts and immediately wanted to play with all his toys. In fact, he was so obsessed with his new toys that the bounce house we rented wasn't as inciting to him as we thought it would be. This boy just loves his cars. 

Crew is a momma's boy and I love him so much. He is sweet, smart, funny, athletic, and kind. He makes me such a proud mother and I tell him everyday that he is my favorite boy. Love you Crew!

Growing

17 weeks

Nelson Baby #3 is on its way. I am due January 5th (making Collins and this baby 13 months apart!).  Yes, it was a complete and total surprise but we are excited. Three kids three years old and under is going to be busy. Crazy that I can even put myself in that category of having such young kids--but I'll take it. I love being a mom, even with the whining, diaper changing, and worrying over my kids because on the flip side I get giggles, kisses and hugs, and cozy kids in pajamas to cuddle with. 

The first trimester was rough. I was sick and so tired. I was also trying to emotionally and mentally prepare myself for being pregnant again. I didn't want to miss my time growing close to Collins in these precious infant months and learning who she is. And Honestly, I don't feel like anything has interfered with Collins' and my relationship--which I am grateful for. 

I have been spending a lot of time at the pool with my kids this summer. Sometimes I wonder what people think when they see me. Is she pregnant? Is she pregnant and if so, how old is her baby? Maybe she is still just trying to lose her baby weight? Then again, I doubt I would think those things if I saw me at the pool. Who's really looking and thinking in that mind set--just me. 

I have also met a lot of people, (moms, friends, friends of friends) who have kids 11, 12, 13, 14 ect... months apart. They give me hope. I am nervous to have another winter newborn. It was hard with the colder weather, being housebound, and nasty sicknesses that come with the season. But I just keep telling myself that I don't have another option so I will roll with it and try my best. 

We are feeling blessed and are looking forward to finding out the gender soon.