the weekly | forty two

grey got his bobcat badge at cub scouts and we were all there to see him. 

it was a backyard campout kind of weekend. the boys all slept outside and i slept comfortably in my warm cozy bed. we had the best time sitting around the campfire together. just talking and laughing. we are loving every stage of these boys but this one, this one is a winner. 

grey had a big cub scout function on saturday where he played lots of games and got dirty :) 

marmie came for a few days. she made curtains for the baby's nursery and showed me some embroidery techniques that grey apparently picked up on and wants to do all the time! he's already making plans for christmas presents. we had a great time and are so thankful we got to spend a few days together!

picking up the camera

it always happens about this time of year. i get busy with taking pictures of other people's families that i neglect our everyday with my real camera in hand. phone pictures suffice but there's nothing like capturing these boys i love so and controlling most aspects of what is captured. 

though i didn't start until lunchtime today, i was able to catch tucker sneaking up on a bug. i had an adventure in the woods with tuck and will as they sneaked (is that the right word there?) up on me and showed me all their secret places to play including the 'bug club' and the 'hunt club'. i grabbed a shot of grey picking and writing a verse for us, grey and tuck crafting and homeworking, and just a portion of the time they spend on their swings each day. grey and tuck competing to see who can get the highest and will howling as he swings. he seriously howls the whole time he swings.

the conclusion is i have GOT to do this much more often.

the weekly | forty one

i pulled out my sewing machine and threaded it this week. and i even set up a sewing nook in the school room. this is very good news. 

this weekend : a tent in the back yard, all day jammie day on friday, hot apple cider all around, bedtime stories with headlamps, and football with daddy. we had family in on saturday and i failed to get a picture!

grey was out of school on monday so we had a fall craft day with annabelle and lila. we nature collaged and grey pulled a tooth! love that little toothless boy. it was only loose for about 4 months! 

will has created a halloween costume and of course it includes guns. so i've convinced him to just be a cowboy. he wears his holster so proudly. along with that hat. 

oh the leaves! i could sit outside all day just watching them fall.

{24 weeks}

{i currently have zero pictures of me this time around but hopefully going to get one up soon.}

since i have yet to document much about this little girl growing big and strong, i figure i better start somewhere. matthew sent me this link last week and it made me laugh.

i'm not sure really where to start as i have her story typed up separately for her to keep. for the years of knowing of her but not knowing it would be her. this baby seems so long awaited for though i know in the grand scheme of things "a long time" is relative.

i have seen lots of people do these questionnaire type things and i love the documentation. so i guess it's better late than never! 

How far along?: 24 weeks today! 

Total weight gain/loss: 16 pounds give or take. 

Maternity clothes? absolutely. i hate maternity jeans. like really hate them. i can't find a pair that stays up. and since it's only getting cooler, i better find something that works! 

Stretch marks? whew...no

Sleep: thankfully still sleeping like a baby. and i need more this time than ever before. maybe it's taking care of the three boys i already have but i am exhausted most days!! 

Best moment this week: finally got two days worth of lots of energy!!! i got so much done and felt like myself.

Movement: thankfully there is lots of movement! 

Cravings: apple cider. the real stuff. with all the good spices. and really hot. mmm.
 

Gender: GIRL!!! still in shock

Labor Signs: i sure hope not.

Belly Button in or out? still in, mostly.

What I am looking forward to: a normal amount of energy. the ability to run again and not feel so awkward. 

What I miss: sleeping on my stomach.

Random facts:  i thought i would like EVERYTHING "girly" but much to my surprise i am apparently very picky. so needless to say, coming up with creating a space for her has been tricky. my mom and i have been tossing ideas around for weeks and we may have finally decided on something to go with. no doubt her space will be filled with meaningful things that were mine, my mom's, and my grandmother's. i am loving doing it with my mom and dreaming of the little girl that she will be. 

Milestones: i think we are getting close on a name! we've tried out a few but this girl thing is so different. i think we have found a fit though and it helps me to picture her a little more clearly.

the weekly | forty

the swings are the greatest addition to the backyard yet. they don't stop. 

still cutting zinnias from the backyard.

loving weather cool enough for long sleeves and blankets. homemade pumpkin donuts coffee. and living outdoors. 

sleepy snuggles and nap hair with a big yawn.