D. Family Coffee Break

When people find out you're pregnant with your second child, they start to tell you one of the following: Multiple kids- how hard it is to juggle one versus two kids.  Anything after two requires very minimal adjustments. The age gap dilemma- to have your kids close in age, or to spread them apart.   I'm here to address both points above. When I was pregnant people would tell me how my life would be rocked, turned upside down when my second child came into the picture.  They said that going from one to two kids was the most challenging and having anymore than two really doesn't phase you.  Those people who said all of this to me were right.  Having baby L has truly rocked our world.  Our used to be family of three was set in a routine- a very good routine and now we're back to trying to figure it all out.  We're challenged with getting two kids on somewhat of the same schedule, which is almost impossible considering their age gap (to be addre...

Welcome the newest addition to our family, baby L! 8lbs, 1oz. 19 3/4 inches long Here's here and he's a sweetie.  He was born after a 12 hour induction and 5 minutes of pushing. We were so blessed that Grandma was able to arrive early for the induction and to witness baby L being born.  (Sorry, Grandma. You can't un-see some things.) Clearly having a second child rocks your world even more than having a first.  With the first, the ratio was pretty good:  2 parents, 1 kid.  You have 2 sets of hands and you tag-tam the diaper changes, the feedings, and the clothes changing.  With the second, it's one-to-one.  And after almost 5 years, Dad and I couldn't remember how to even hold a newborn baby.  Thankfully, God was on our side and gave us this (so far) easy going babe.  It's a definite 180 degrees from newborn big sister, who spent most of her newborn days screaming at the top of her lungs, with the occasi...

I am less than two months away from baby D 2.0's official due date.  TWO MONTHS!  I've skipped the blogging (mainly because when Buggy goes to bed, I've been watching way too much The Walking Dead-- not a show for pregnant people, but if Daddy's addicted, then I am too!).   Just to recap, as with big sister, I developed gestational diabetes with baby D 2.0.  This time, however, my levels were harder to control because I was never hungry enough to eat.  So when I did eat, my sugar would skyrocket.  Unlike with my pregnancy with big sister, finding something that wouldn't make me feel nauseous was really tough and I'm suffering from some very low iron levels.  I had my appointment with my perinatal specialist and things look on point and according to the doctor, "spectacular!"  I've gained a total of 3.5lbs and the baby is weighing in at just slightly under 3.5lbs.  The baby is growing at a very average rate (not too big, thankfully). ...

It's been awhile. I'm 24 weeks into Baby D 2.0 and our entire household is preparing to welcome a fourth family member.  Clothes are being organized, donating toys to make room for a crib in Buggy's room, and taking in as much time with Buggy before she turns into a big sister.   Speaking of Buggy... 4.5 years old should really be "wannabe 14 years old."  There are so many changes (good and challenging) and we flip flop from one emotion to the next that sometimes I feel like I'm with a teenager.  This phase of Bug's life has given us a real glimpse into her teenage years.  One second she's profound, loving, thoughtful, and balanced.  The next second, she's in tears because the hallway lights turned off.  Truly, it's that simple.  So each day is a hit or miss.  Most days are good- really good.  However, the days that aren't... really aren't.  The picture below is from our most recent park day.  She was unhappy wi...

After patiently (and sometimes not-so-patiently) waiting and lots of praying, we are beyond thrilled to announce that we are having baby #2!  Many of you have probably been walking in this journey with us for baby#2 since day one and we are so appreciative of your thoughts, prayers, and support in the process.  We owe a very special thanks to our little prayer warrior, soon-to-be big sister Ella, who has spent months praying for a baby brother/sister.  God is so good and his timing is unbelievably perfect.  I don’t know why we ever doubted it.  It’s so hard to live out your faith, but thanks to the community of people that surround us, we’re are motivated each day to believe, to have faith, and to always keep in mind that God knows best.  And he sure does!  Baby #2 will be arriving in July 2016, on cousin Harlowe’s 3 rd birthday.  (Maybe baby will show up earlier so he/she can make it to her birthday party.)  As we continue this journey...

What a full month we had in August!  Let’s get right to the updates! Someone turned 4 years old.  4!  I say it every year- I cannot believe how quickly time is going by.  Buggy is turning out to be one heck of a kid- so thoughtful, empathetic, and witty.  For her birthday this year we decided that instead of doing a big bash, we were going to go to Disneyland.  Grandma was able to fly down to join in on the fun, along with Uncle Scott, Dave, Grandma 2, Ninang, Ninong, and Lo!  And thanks to Nana and Tata who visited a week earlier, Buggy was able to go to Disneyland in style, as her new favorite princess.  These days it seems like our baby is truly non-existent.  She is now such a big girl- full of brilliant ideas and thought-provoking questions.  If only I could be so insightful.  She carries a conversation and responds to different s...