Week 23 - Take 2

Another week has flown by in this pregnancy! It's a beautiful time here in Miami. The weather has cooled down a smidge and Thanksgiving will be kicking off the holiday season. Is there a better holiday to celebrate when you're pregnant than Thanksgiving?? I think not! We're having a huge feast with LOTS of people...that's just the way we do things in this family. I have so missed our large Thanksgiving gatherings while we were living in North Carolina and Colorado, so I can't wait to celebrate with everyone and eat a TON of food. 

Alex has been sick this week, he's even had to call out of work two days in a row. But so far I haven't caught his sickness! And neither has Liam. Hopefully it stays that way. I remember having a simple cold when I was pregnant with Liam and it was miserable. I can't imagine being sick and pregnant and taking care of a one-year old. Prayers for Alex are appreciated (and the rest of us as well). 

Here is week 23 in this belly series with the perfect pregnancy cardigan that fits over my growing belly (and it's not even maternity it's just a regular sweater from Old Navy, courtesy of my mom, thanks mom!)

I'm thankful for...

• My adorable and hilarious son. He made me into a mother.
• A handsome loving husband. I'm so blessed to spend my life with him. 
• A perfectly healthy pregnancy. Can't wait to meet my little girl.
• The community of friends we have here in Miami. I can really feel their love and care for us. 
• Supportive family. They're seriously always there for us.
• The experiences we had in North Carolina and Colorado. I am forever changed because of them. 
• My Savior Jesus Christ. I am nothing without Him.
• Red velvet chocolate milk from Target. Preggo craving fulfilled!
• That God knows my future even though I don't. Learning to trust Him everyday.
• Liam and Isabel's grandparents. They are truly wonderful. 
• That I get to be a stay-at-home mom. It's not an easy job at all but I get to enjoy my son all day each and every day. I know him better than anyone else. I get to see all his firsts. I watch him grow and learn each day. And soon I will see my daughter grow up just like her big brother. My kids are my world and maybe I have an unhealthy obsession with them, haha, but I don't care. I'm thankful to be there for them during these early years and I'm thankful that my husband fully supports me staying home with them. It's seriously the biggest blessing in my life right now. 

I hope everyone has an amazing Thanksgiving holiday. This is the first time we will actually be home to celebrate Thanksgiving with our family since we got married four and a half years ago! I'm excited to enjoy all the delicious food with those near and dear to our hearts. 

hopes vs. fears

Walking through this pregnancy has been a strange mix of emotions. From surprise to joy to panic, I have been all over the map for the last several months. Most of the time I go from being really hopeful about the future to really fearful. 

As you know I did not have an easy time with Liam. He's been my greatest joy from the moment he was born, but he has been a handful to say the least. It's not his fault, I was just utterly unprepared for motherhood...I mean real, down and dirty, 24/7 motherhood. So now that I'm pregnant again I am fearful of those newborn days. I'm fearful of breastfeeding being difficult again. I'm fearful of becoming depressed again. I'm fearful of not being able to handle two kids under two at the same time. I'm fearful of how Liam will react to hs baby sister. I'm fearful of being even more tired than I already am. And then, of course, I think about finances and housing and am fearful of being able to make it on our own in Miami. 

And then I get these bursts of hope that break through the fear. I'm hopeful that since I've already been through this before (and survived!) that it will be a little easier this time. I'm hopeful that Isabel will be a much better sleeper than Liam. I'm hopeful that our family will be able to help out more with the kids. I'm hopeful that I'll be a more relaxed second-time mom than I was a first-time mom. I'm hopeful that God will provide in every aspect that we need. 

Only time will tell how it all turns out, but if the past is any indication, then I know the future will be just fine. 

Week 22 - Take 2

I took the week off from blogging, but I'm back with my week 22 belly photo! As you may have read in last week's post, I was tired! I still am, but I'm feeling a lot better this week. My back also hasn't been hurting me as much, though believe me, the pain never fully leaves me. And I've been thinking a lot about a blog redesign and some new post ideas. So please stay tuned and don't abadon me now!

I really can't report anything new with the pregnancy except that every time I see a friend the first words out of their mouths are usually, "oh my gosh, look at your belly!" I'm feeling large, but I know I have a ways to go and I'm only getting bigger from here. I'm looking forward to having a huge baby belly because I am not planning on ever being pregnant again and I really want to savor every moment. 

Isabel's closet has also been growing! I bought just a few cute outfits that practically jumped into my arms. I had no choice! Plus she has been gifted a few items from family members. I guess that's what happens when you have a girl. Everyone just wants to spoil her. 

Here is week 22!

Week 21 - Take 2

You guys...I'm tired. I apologize if you follow me on twitter or facebook because I'm sure you are so annoyed with my "OMG I'M SO TIRED I THINK I'M GONNA DIE!" posts. I seriously haven't felt this way since Liam's newborn days...you parents know that newborn fog I'm talking about. Between the time change, the pregnancy, emotional stress, and Liam being the most active boy ever I am just...done. Plus I think I'm coming down with something, hopefully it's not too bad.

BUT I have a great husband who is really doing his fair share. I just dream of the day I can sleep an entire day away. It WILL happen...right?!? Sighhhh.

Anyway, other than the same ol' same ol' (hello round ligament pain, not very nice to see you), I can't complain. Baby girl moves quite a bit but Alex hasn't been able to feel her yet. Hopefully soon. It's so special when the daddy gets to feel the baby move for the first time. I have also added arnica to my daily regimen, so I am hoping that it will help with the pain. 

Here's my 21 week photo. I couldn't be bothered to put on make up or remove my robe, so you get what you get...real life, people! :-)

Liam at 15 months

My boy is 15 months old today and since we stopped doing the baby series at 12 months I haven't really updated you all on how he's doing. 

I feel like Liam is growing at lightning speed. Everyday he develops a little more and does something new. He started walking a couple weeks ago (yay!) but still prefers to crawl or be carried (sigh). We're getting there. He just needs to build his confidence. He doesn't talk much. He still really only says mama...but he babbles a whole bunch and can sign some words. He signs 'more' and 'all done.' And when he wants to eat he puts his hand up to his mouth, I should probably count that as a sign too. Even though he doesn't speak much he understands a lot! He understands the words shoes, outside, eat, walk, stand up, throw, etc etc. It's amazing. Bath time is still a favorite around here. He's a fish. And he's thriving in swim class.

He loves playing with legos, balls, reading books, drawing with chalk and crayons, and music. His favorite tv shows are The Wiggles and Yo Gabba Gabba...he will also watch a little bit of Sesame Street, especially if Elmo is on. He also really enjoys playing with other kids and has been really good about not biting. He still tries to grab faces though. He's pretty affectionate and likes to hug other kids and Jaxon. He's a sweetheart. 

We transitioned him to a twin bed and he has been doing pretty well in the sleep department. He sleeps all night and there are no more tears at bedtime and naptime, but for some reason he's been waking up superrr early in the morning...and this time change hasn't helped! I'm thinking I should just switch him to one nap already and move up his bedtime. The problem is he's been waking up so early (hello 5am!) that he ends up knocking out for his nap by 9:30 at the latest...keeping him up past that is impossible. And I feel like if he's only going to take one nap it needs to be later then 9:30, no?? Any sleep experts out there?!? Hah. Overall, I can't complain when it comes to sleep...he is seriously so much better than he was before. 

Temper tantrums, we have them! Holy crap. They can be pretty intense but I'm learning to deal with them. I try to anticipate his needs and stay calm. And he's just learning his boundaries so tantrums are inevitable...he is a toddler afterall. He also has some serious mamitis. He has a fit if I try to leave him alone with anyone. He's okay with Alex, thank God, the boy loves his daddy. And we've had both grandmas babysit for us with no issues...but beyond that, it's not happening. 

And, of course, Liam is just as handsome as ever. He's got the best smile, the funniest laugh, the softest hair, the yummiest cheeks. I'm glad he's mine. 

baby girl style

Holy Cuteness!

I mean, really, this Little Lady is going to make me go broke...

All clothes from Zara, Baby Gap, Old Navy, and Carter's. 

Trick or Treat!

You may recall last year I made a sushi costume for Liam and he was absolutely adorable. But otherwise Halloween wasn't very eventful...this year we were able to go trick or treating! Alex worked a half day and came home early so I could go to my 20 week midwife appointment (everything is great with the baby by the way!). After Liam's nap and dinner we got dressed up and headed out for some Halloween fun.

Liam was the cutest little prisoner with tattoo sleeves! Alex was Sgt. Angel Batista from Dexter. And I just put on some bunny ears and called it a day...I never have been very good at the costume thing. 

 

We decided to go to our old church to check out their harvest festival. They had some cool stuff going on, but most of it Liam was too young for. He was able to go on a train ride and get lots of candy. He was so cute, walking from car to car holding up his pumpkin bucket to receive his treats. When we came home there were so many people walking around our neighborhood so we decided to hit up a few houses for more candy. Again, Liam was absolutely adorable! And, of course, I already had visions of next Halloween with Liam and Isabel rocking matching costumes. 

For bath time Alex made it extra special and did a glow-in-the-dark bath. I think Liam had too much fun because he had a hard time falling asleep at night. All in all, it was a succesful and fun-filled Halloween. :-)

Hope everyone had a fantastic Halloween!

Week 20 - Take 2

Halfway point! I love reaching the halfway point in pregnancy. Just think of how quickly these 20 weeks have gone by, the next 20 weeks are going to fly! Soon we'll have a precious Little Lady to snuggle and fall deeply in love with. 

This week we found out Baby Ace 2.0 is a GIRL. All the hoping and wishing and praying paid off. ;-) I can't wait to buy a few lovely items for my lovely gal. I'm not too into pink, but I can appreciate girly stuff like flowers and headbands and ruffly dresses. 

The ultrasound tech said baby girl is already weighing in at 13 oz. I know they're not always right about these things, but if she is then that means Izzy is a big girl! As for me, I really can't complain with this pregnancy. I'm feeling pretty good. I'm tired, but mostly because I don't get to sleep as much as I'd like to (thanks Liam). I also have pretty bad back pain but I'm managing it with regular chiropractor visits, nightly heating pad, and the occasional Tylenol if it gets really bad. Overall though, this is the best part of pregnancy...not too big and uncomfortable, no nausea, just cruising through the weeks. 

Here is Week 20! Fun Fact: This week instead of pee, I had yogurt and oatmeal on the front of my shirt, courtesy of my Little Man. Gotta love him. 

It's A...

Can you believe it?!? We will soon add a Little Lady to our family. I was so nervous while in the waiting room of the ultrasound place. Ask Alex. My heart was beating so fast and I felt like throwing up. I so badly wanted everything to be healthy with the baby and, who am I kidding, I really wanted a girl. As the ultrasound tech was doing her thing she kept saying, "Everything looks perfect! Perfect heart...perfect toes...perfect hands..." Thank the Lord that Little Lady is developing normally and perfectly. I was smiling ear to ear. When it came time to check for the gender I closed my eyes and asked the tech not to say anything. She wrote it down, along with the picture of the baby's lady parts, and sealed it in an envelope. I debated when Alex and I should open it but as soon as we got to the car we knew we couldn't wait anymore! I opened the envelope and had second thoughts, "You look at it first...no I will...no, we should look at it together!" Finally we looked inside and...IT'S A GIRL! Of course I instantly teared up in disbelief. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! 

When we got home we told our mothers and Liam is so excited to have a sister that he had to put on his pink shirt. ;-) Get excited, people! Isabel Carmen Acevedo is making her grand entrance March 2013!

Stuff.

To be honest, I don't think we (my little family) has a lot of stuff. And I don't feel as if we are ruled by the stuff we have. There are very few items in my possession that I feel any kind of attachment to. When we moved from Denver to Miami we got rid of a LOT of stuff. I didn't mind. Since we are living with family in a house full of stuff already there was really no sense in packing our stuff into an already stuffed house. In a way it's nice to be free. Granted, it's no big sacrifice. We still have warm beds, TVs, a kitchen full of gadgets, washer and dryer, and plenty of comfy sitting space to enjoy. We even gained a backyard and pool. Score! Still, nothing is truly ours and even though I don't feel ruled by anything we own, I sometimes feel ruled by the desire for more stuff.

At small group this week we watched a video of David Platt preaching about 'stuff' and how we, as Christians, only need Christ. It was hard to follow along because I had Liam to keep track of, but I got the gist of the message and I've thumbed through his book, Radical. I get what he's saying. He's completely right. I don't think it necessarily means we all need to live in shacks and wear sack cloths, sacrifice looks different for everyone, but it does mean that we need to truly live like Christ is all we need and not just say it. Again, you can examine your heart and see how that plays out for you personally. 

But back to me (hey, it's my blog). I'm growing restless. I dream of owning our own little home filled with cute midcentury modern furniture. I dream of a modest backyard for the kids to run around in. I dream of providing my family with a clean and cozy home that smells like freshly baked brownies (mmm, brownies). I wonder if and when we will get there. I wonder if it's even possible in this expensive city. I don't think it's a bad thing that I desire these things, but I wonder if I am so ruled by these desires that it is interfering with my emotional and spiritual health. For now my family has everything we need (and more!) and I need to remember that God knows the desires of my heart and He will provide for us in every way in His perfect timing. And Christ is enough, He is always enough. 

Week 19 - Take 2

You guys, I'm practically hafway done with this pregnancy! And next week we find out if this baby is a boy or a girl. I'm so nervous, I almost don't want to know. I think I will tell the tech to just write it down and put it in an envelope. I'd really like to read it in private with just Alex so we can process it all on our own. :-) 

Baby is the size of a mango and I'm finally feeling movement on a regular basis. The movements are still very small but they're definitely there. It's reassuring to me because I was beginning to worry. I was afraid something might be wrong because I wasn't feeling the baby move, but I guess all is well! In any case we will make sure of that when we get our ultrasound next week. 

So here is Week 19! Fun Fact: Liam peed all over the front of this shirt right before we had to take this photo. No time to clean the shirt so we had to soldier on. Being a mom is SO glamorous. 

 

Missing Fall

I'm grateful to be back in Miami. Truth be told, I love Miami weather. I'm a tropical girl and could sit out in the sun for hours. I love being able to go swimming in January. I love not having to pull on snow boots and scarves and hats and gloves. I love wearing sandals year-round. It was fun to experience snowy winters but having to live in that mess year after year just isn't for me. 

But I do miss Fall, specifically North Carolina in the Fall. It's so beautiful. The trees are all sorts of amazing in their red/yellow/orange foliage. The air is so crisp. The weather cools down but it's still warm enough in the afternoons to sit outside and just enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. It's an amazing time of year and I'm glad I was able to experience it. Living now in the land of eternal summer I yearn to experience just one crisp Fall day cuddled up with my boys in our cozy sweaters... We will definitely have to make some special family trips up north, to the South, just to enjoy Fall. 

The lake and trees by our apartment in North Carolina - Fall 2008.

Currently.

Inspired by Danielle of Sometimes Sweet.

I'm back with another 'Currently' post. I love writing these because it's a great way to give a little update on what's going on around here without getting too long and boring...at least I hope it's not long and boring!

Loving: Watching Liam turn into a big boy. In one week's time he weaned completely from the breast, transitioned from a crib to a twin bed, and took his first steps. We also went to a birthday party where he crawled away from me to play with the other kids and didn't look back at me once! I was able to chat with friends and even go to the bathroom while he played happily and didn't even notice me. My baby is growing up! Oh, and I think we have left the biting phase! He hasn't tried to bite anyone in a long time. Instead he goes up to random kids and gives them hugs...to the point of suffocating them, but it's sweet! He still tries to grab people's faces though. We're working on it. 

Hating: All this presidential election stuff. It really makes people act ugly and say unkind things (yes, even me). I don't feel good about any of my options and I'm left feeling a little dejected and annoyed with everyone (hah). I can't wait for this season to be over and I will pray for God's will to be done concerning the election. He is in control.

Reading: Creating With God. Oh this book is such a blessing. I've teared up several times reading it. Being pregnant this time around hasn't been easy for me...I'm struggling with a lot of crazy emotions and this book has been so refreshing. All my mama and mama-to-be friends should read it.

Watching: The new seasons of Dexter, How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family, Real Housewives of Miami (I know, terrible), and Married to Jonas (they're cute haha). Yeah, I like TV, sue me.

Thinking About: Change. We've gone through so many changes in a relatively short amount of time. Really, our whole marriage has been one change after another without ever getting the chance to fully settle in to one way of life. We're exhausted and yearning for stability. At the same time I feel like I need to make a change within myself. Honestly, I've been depressed for a long time. Maybe it started off as post-partum depression (undiagnosed) that has spiraled out of control. But for over a year now I've had a dark cloud hanging over my head. There are good days... I know I am blessed...and I love my little boy more than you could ever imagine. It's hard to describe this feeling I have and can't shake. I know most people don't/can't understand...and believe me, I wish I could snap out of it. I've confided in very few people about my depression...I think even Alex wasn't fully aware of the extent of it until recently...and I've been trying to deal with it, but I'm just at a loss now. I even considered medication, but being that I'm pregnant now, I don't really feel comfortable with that. I have been to counseling a few times and plan to go back. Like I said, I need to make a change within myself.

Wow, that's a lot of stuff I wasn't planning on sharing...but for the sake of honesty and transparency, there it is. Thanks for keeping up with me, folks. Be blessed. 

Week 18 - Take 2

Oh we've been such busy bees lately. It's hard to slow down and process this pregnancy...it feels like it's just flying by. It scares me because WE'RE NOT READY YET. On the one hand, I know we don't need much for a newborn...some diapers, a place to sleep...and lots of snuggles...that's it really...but I can't help but feel stressed. With Liam I had everything set and ready to go long before he was due...this baby has nothing yet. I'm partly waiting until we find out the gender. If we are having a boy then I need to see what I have left from Liam's old clothes (I gave a lot away to a friend in Denver who just had a little boy of her own)...and if we're having a girl then I have some shopping to do! ;-) 

By the way, we find out in just TWO weeks if it's another Little Man or a Little Lady. What are your predictions, folks? 

I have yet to feel the baby move. :-( I think I felt Liam around 18 or 19 weeks so I was hoping I would have felt this one by now. Sometimes I think I feel something but when I stop to try and concentrate nothing happens. So who knows. I'll be more certain when the movements are more consistent. Maybe this baby is just more chill than Liam is. One can only hope! Also, I can still squeeze into many of my jeans but it's getting quite uncomfy...I need to invest in a pair or two of maternity jeans pronto. And my back pain is still killer. I have an appointment with the chiropractor today which will include a 30 minute massage. I hope it helps!

Here is this week's photo...pardon my wet hair, like I said we've been busy and trying to just squeeze in these photos when we can.

14.5 months of breastfeeding

When Liam was around 11 months I started transitioning him from breast milk to almond milk. Dropping that first feeding (he was nursing four times a day at this time) wasn't too bad. Dropping the second feeding was a little harder. We were down to just a morning feeding and a bedtime feeding by his first birthday. I decided I would let him drop those feedings on his own. I wanted this to be as smooth a transition as possible. He actually surprised me by dropping his morning feeding pretty quickly and without any drama, but I thought he would be nursing at bedtime forever. Haha. At least that's what it felt like sometimes.

We've been having some sleep issues lately (no surprise there, this boy is constantly having sleep issues) so one night this week I decided I didn't feel like fighting the bedtime battle. Alex was working late so I brought Liam to bed with me. We nursed and he fell asleep in my arms. It was sweet and he looked so precious and innocent. He slept in our bed until 7am the next morning. The next evening he kind of half nursed but I could tell he wasn't really feeling it. The next two nights he refused to nurse at all. So I guess we're done.

The down side is he won't fall asleep nursing anymore, it made bedtime so easy! But we've been successful at rocking him to sleep. We've also transitioned him to a twin bed (the boy just hates his crib) so I think we have an official big boy on our hands. Now if only he would learn to walk already! I'm so proud of how far we made t with breastfeeding. We had a really tough beginning but we forged ahead and figured it out. We ended up having a really beautiful breastfeeding relationship. I'm also glad we had such a peaceful transition. No tears. No fuss. It was just the right time for both of us.

Now I have a good 4/5 month break until the next baby arrives and we start all over again. I'm praying for an easier time than I had with Liam and I'm hopeful for a great breastfeeding relationship with Baby #2 as well. Now that I've had this experience with Liam I know how amazing it is to be able to nurse your baby and I'm really looking forward to doing it all again.

Week 17 - Take 2

The belly is growing! I got my first comment from a stranger last week asking me how far along I am. It's always nice when other people can start noticing that you're actually pregnant. 

The baby is the size of a turnip now! And if we wanted we could get an ultrasound to tell if it's a boy or a girl...but we're waiting until week 20 (that's when we found out with Liam and my mom will be in town). So we have our appointment set up for October 29th! It seems so far away, but I know it'll be here before we know it. 

I have to admit that I haven't been enjoying this pregnancy as much as my first. There's just nothing like a first pregnancy. I remember taking lots of naps and having breakfast in bed every morning. Now I'm chasing and carrying a one-year old around and it just adds so much more stress to the pregnancy. My back/hips ache a lot. I'm exhausted (especially because Liam has regressed in his sleeping again). I often feel guilty that I'm just not that excited about Baby #2. Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to expanding our family. I know we are blessed, so incredibly blessed, but I'm just too tired to look at baby stuff online or stop to talk to the baby in my belly. I'm working hard to change my attitude, so just pray for me, folks. 

Here is week 17 in the belly series.

Week 16 - Take 2

Week 16 and moving along just fine in this pregnancy! I'm still tired, but not as tired as I was in the first trimester. I think I'm mostly tired because I have a very active one-year old who keeps me on my toes all day long. Let's face it, I'm going to be tired for the rest of my life, especially with two kiddos! I've also been having headaches a lot lately. I'm trying to drink more water, hopefully that will decrease the pain. 

Baby Ace 2.0 is about the size of an avocado now (mmm...avocado...). I have yet to feel any kind of movement from the baby. I believe I didn't feel Liam moving around until 18 or 19 weeks, but I was hoping since it's my second pregnancy I would feel the baby by now! I can't wait. There really is nothing like feeling your tiny baby swimming around your belly. It's a magical feeling. I'm also anxious to find out the gender of this little babe! I'm hoping to get my anatomy ultrasound around 20 weeks, which is only four weeks away! I just know it's going to fly by, but still. I'm nervous. Obviously I'll love this baby whether it's a boy or girl, but I am keeping my fingers crossed for a Little Lady. We'll see. 

disciplining problems

A while back ago someone said (not to my face by the way) that Liam is "too aggressive" and it's because I don't discipline him. 

 I'm very upfront about Liam's biting/hitting issues with everyone we come in contact with, especially if our children will be playing together. I never let an incident pass without addressing it and I let the other parent know they shouldn't be shy about telling Liam "no," etc. I've read several articles about the topic. I have asked other moms for advice on what to do. When we are out in public with several children present I watch Liam like a hawk, making sure he doesn't do anything he shouldn't. Believe me, I am thoroughly embarrassed when an incident occurs. I feel like a horrible failing mother. I am also extremely grateful when other parents are kind, understanding, and patient with my boy. I really don't think Liam's intention is to harm. Most of the time he just gets overly excited and doesn't know how to express it. 

So yes, it's a problem. And I'm doing my best to correct it. I can understand if you don't want your kid playing with my kid. I can understand if you're upset because my kid made your kid cry. I will say that being a parent is not easy and that not all kids are the same, and that we could all do without the mom and kid bashing. I try really hard not to judge other moms and kids because I know we're all trying our best. No one wants their kid to be a biter or hitter. 

So if anyone out there has any helpful advice or tips with how to deal with this, then I am all ears! I'm at my wit's end over here. Sometimes when Liam hurts another child I just want to cry because I'm so upset and embarrassed. And if you think I am making some kind of a mistake then please address me kindly. Thanks everyone. 

Week 15 - Take 2

I feel like we just did week 14 and we're already on to week 15. Time seriously flies with a second pregnancy. Also, I can't believe we'll be finding out if Baby Ace 2.0 is a boy or a girl in about five weeks. AND the baby is the size of an apple now! An apple. It just blows my mind. I see my midwife again in exactly one week. I'm excited to check up on the little baby and give everyone an update on the medical side of things. As for me, I've been doing okay. I'll be calling a chiropractor today to set up an appointment because my back has really been killing me. I took Liam to Barnes & Noble yesterday which may not have been the best idea because he was crawling everywhere pulling books off the shelf. I had to speed behind him, cleaning up his messes. By the time I got home my back was done. Oh well, at least he had fun. 

My belly continues to grow, as you will see in the photo. It definitely gets bigger throughout the day, as I stuff my face. I start off the day with a pretty small belly and end up the day with quite the "timbita." I feel like I wasn't this big last time around until about week 19 or so. Check out this week's photo!