First off, let me begin by saying that I have fallen in love with our little house. I like that I don't have a huge space to clean, I love the coziness of it, and I am so excited about the plans we have for it in the future.

That being said, being that it's approximately one thousand square feet has posed quite a challenge for me. When we first moved in, it felt like tons of space. Even though we had moved from a bigger apartment, I knew that a bunch of our stuff wasn't truly needed.  Before we even moved I began the process of weeding through our things and consolidating a bit. Once we moved and I could see how things were going to fit, I was able to get rid of even more. Over the past two years, as we have slowly settled in and organized the house efficiently, it has seemed like there is just enough space for our little family.

Yet, as this pregnancy has progressed, and my urge to nest becomes increasingly stronger, I have become a bit overwhelmed by the space constraints of our house. Let me clarify a bit: I have become completely overwhelmed by the amount of stuff that we have! Holy moly...who needs this much stuff?!?! So, I'm in the mood to clear out EVERYTHING. I have started the process of ripping apart our house and getting rid of as much as I can. Oh boy is our house a disaster area.

Another reason for this massive undertaking is the need to create more space for our new little one. I'm so glad I have until the end of January to accomplish this task.  This has actually been the most common question I have been asked since we have let everyone know that we are expecting baby two. Most people know that we only have two bedrooms in our house and want to know where this baby is going to fit into the mix.

Well, the plan is to do the same thing we did with Daniel: he started off in our room in a pack-n-play until he was almost sleeping through the night--for Daniel this was about six months. Then, once he/she is sleeping through the night I think we will be moving the new baby in with Daniel. But, in order to make our house not feel too cramped, to make room for the growing space needs of our thirteen month old, and to create room for a new baby, things need to be organized in an efficient and effective way.

Thus a complete overhaul.

Thankfully it isn't quite this bad...but it may get there! 

So I will attempt to post progress pictures if I'm able to and show you the process as it happens. Right now just picture our dining room table covered with stuff and our guest bed covered with things also. This is going to be an entirely new experience with Daniel running around, but he seems to like it so far. Who wouldn't love all sorts of new things to explore?! :) Wish me luck!

Baby #2: How Things Are Going

Occasionally, I'm asked how this pregnancy is different compared to my pregnancy with Daniel. So, I thought I would write this post for my future self. I'm sure some day I will want to look back (probably when I get pregnant with our third) and remind myself how I felt this time around. The short? Certain things are worse and certain things are better. 

Exhaustion

For one, I'm definitely no where near as tired as I was with Daniel. I remember feeling completely and utterly exhausted with Daniel. My body was SO NOT used to being pregnant and for the first trimester and part of the second, I had to take a nap on a regular basis, or I just couldn't seem to function. This time around I do take naps occasionally...but I don't NEED them like I did with Daniel. 

Morning Sickness

With Daniel I remember feeling nauseous and being able to eat to make it go away. I felt that for most of my first trimester, but unfortunately it wasn't limited to just the morning. It would happen all day. Luckily it was easily fixed. This time around, I had the hunger nausea again, but with an active little boy to take care of, I wasn't able to just sit and eat whenever I wanted. As a result I definitely felt sicker this time around. Thankfully, I am into my second trimester, and the nauseousness has passed. 

General Health

Instead of putting all of this info into separate categories, I figured it could all be lumped together. With Daniel I just felt good. Besides the exhaustion and morning sickness, I loved being pregnant and my body seemed to handle it really well. This time around, I feel good as well, but have noticed a few more aches and pains. I have been having what I think is round ligament pain. It only happens occasionally, but usually makes me stop what I'm doing for a second. 

I also have been having a bit of soreness due to my c-section with Daniel. I truly felt fine after having my c-section and haven't really had any pain at the incision site until now. The further along in my pregnancy, the bigger I grow, the more frequently I feel little pricks of pain. Nothing to be alarmed about, but I think my scar is just figuring out how to stretch out. Coconut oil seems to be working wonders at keeping my skin pliable. 

Finally, I had a lot of migraines this time around. My midwife explained this as being caused by my body trying to make enough blood for me and the baby. She said that because my head is the highest part of my body, it might not be getting as much blood as it needs. Thankfully they have gone away as I have moved into my second trimester. 

Nesting

Oh this is a big difference for me. During my first pregnancy, the urge to nest never became really strong until a few days before Daniel was born. Sure I organized things and did my usual cleaning routine, but it was more out of habit and wanting to be prepared rather than having a feeling. This time around I have had an urge to nest since the beginning. Maybe it's because I know what is coming, having been through the newborn phase once now. Or maybe it's because I feel like our house is WAY more disheveled now than it was before, but either way, my urge is quite strong. 

BUT!!!

Apathy 

Then there is the apathy side of things. Oh darn the feeling of apathy. I never was really able to identify or put words to how I was feeling until Kate from The Small Things Blog wrote this post. While I was reading it, I just kept thinking 'Yes! That's me too!' This is something I didn't really notice with Daniel. But this time around, holy cow. I really have absolutely no motivation. Nesting sounds great and I have tons of mental lists about the things that I want to get accomplished, but man nothing is getting done. I just have no interest in tackling anything. I'm really hoping this passes soon. I do NOT like having my house like this, but at the same time don't feel any need to clean it. Any suggestions for pushing through this and tackling even the daily tasks that need to get done would be greatly appreciated!! 

Overall, I think I feel pretty good with this pregnancy. With Daniel I was beyond ecstatic to finally be pregnant and nothing could get me down. This time, I am beyond ecstatic too, but I think the apathetic feeling has sort of taken over. I know I should be planning, organizing, and getting ready, but something keeps holding me back. 

So, each day I just try to push myself. I motivate myself by making simple lists of things to accomplish each day. I try to make each task easily achievable so as not to feel overwhelmed. If I have a burst of 'hey! let's do this' I try to milk it for all it's worth. Whenever a bad day hits and I just can't seem to make myself do much, I try to rest in God's promises and remember that each day is a new day. Also, who really needs to have a perfectly clean house anyways? :) 

Ahhhh....A Sigh of Relief

Well, I think almost everyone knows. Yesterday we made it Facebook Official *rolls eyes* and announced that we are expecting our second little bundle of joy.

Yes. A second little one! I'm ecstatic, nauseous (thank you first trimester), and ready to get moving on all the things that I want to get done before this little one arrives. It's quite the list, let me tell you.

I still am in awe of the God that I serve. This little one will be born approximately 18 months after Daniel entered the world. Eighteen months. Guys this is crazy to me. I honestly didn't think that God's plans for us would be so overwhelmingly satisfying and abundant (stupid me).

I dreamed of having my own children. I had given over that dream to God letting Him tell me what He wanted for us. I was open to adoption. I was open to fostering. Heck, I was open to any kind of anything that He wanted to give us. I knew that no matter what His plan for us was, that it would be utterly fulfilling and my cup would always be full--if I was willing to embrace it that is.

When we first found out that we were pregnant with Daniel, I remember feeling in shock. Weeks before we got that positive pregnancy test, I had struggled on hand and knee crying out to God asking Him to please just show me a part of His plan. I was broken before Him. I was open, shattered, and willing--but I just needed something to give me direction. And He comforted me. The weeks up to finding out we were pregnant were so satisfying. I remember enjoying every moment with Jonathan. I wasn't worried about getting pregnant, I was instead satiated by the life I was currently living.

And just like that, completely unexpectedly, we were pregnant.

Just for the record, I don't believe that this is because I finally relaxed and my body was able to do it's thing. No. It was because of God. It was His timing. It was His plan. I had truly given over my most vulnerable desires at the time and He knew. 

This time around we weren't really planning anything either. We have been enjoying our little family of three. Things have been a bit chaotic as we go through some big business changes for Jonathan. Having another little one, while not exactly unexpected, was definitely not on our radar.

And then God.

As we start this journey again, I'm entering it much the same way I did last time. I'm completely at peace and excited to experience this pregnancy. I'm excited that Daniel will have a little brother or sister so close in age. I'm excited to make room in our cozy little house for another precious babe. I look forward to seeing my stomach expand and feeling the punches and kicks of new life. I'm looking forward to welcome a winter baby!--something completely different and exciting!

All this to say, I'm so thankful and humbled by this unexpected blessing!

A June Update

Hi everyone! 

Here's the post that you all have been jonesing for: an update on our life and current pictures of Daniel. 

Hmm...where to begin. 

Well, since the last time I wrote, things have changed a bit. I guess I should just jump right in. Sorry if things become a jumbled, update-full mess. 

Since summer is in full swing around here, Daniel and I have been spending a large part of our week walking around the neighborhood, hanging out with friends at the playground, and enjoying the warmer weather in general. I have learned that Daniel, like myself, doesn't care too much for the hot and muggy weather that Western NY can bring...so he, lucky duck, enjoys a mostly clothes free day whenever possible. 

Jonathan has been working hard and is in the midst of making a big transition with his business. He will be going solo this summer and be the sole proprietor of his business as of July 1st. This is a big transition not only for him, but for our family. Our house has expanded (not physically really, but more in functionality) to include his business office and a place to house all of the equipment he uses on a daily basis. Our garage has never looked better (because Jonathan built in a beautiful organization system for all of his supplies) and our house has never been more cramped (because now we have a full "corporate" office in our living space. After I get things fully moved in and organized, there will be pictures in a separate post on those adjustments. 

Daniel is growing sooo quickly (he just celebrated his 11 month birthday yesterday) and ohmygoodness, he is into everything. Now I officially understand that my house was NOT baby proof. We still need a bit more work on that front, but it is getting there. It has basically involved moving around a bunch of things and making sure that the stuff at Daniel's level is appropriate for him to be playing with. What a challenge! I guess for those of you who may not know, it would be a good time to tell you that Daniel has learned to crawl, walk along furniture, and recently, he has learned to climb stairs. My goodness, they learn fast!! 

His favorite "word" is "oooo!" which has led to him receiving the affectionate nickname of  Little Oo Oo, from his great grandparents. We also took away his binkie this past month. We decided it was time, as he was constantly throwing it out of his crib at nap/night time and crying until he was given it back. The transition went smoother than I thought it would and the first time he went to sleep without it, he only cried for 20 minutes if I remember correctly. The only side effect I have noticed is that his naps aren't as long anymore. But who knows if that is directly a result of taking the binkie away or just a normal thing as he gets older. 

Hmm, what else? 

Maybe a bunch of pictures will help to finish up this post? I plan on doing a few more posts full of updates on the house, Jonathan's work space, our garden, and maybe a smattering of other things. We'll just have to see what I feel like writing about. 

Happy Tuesday! 

Change of Heart

{picture taken from here}

Guys, I seriously just got back from trading in a clean house for an afternoon run with the jogging stroller. Those of you who know me, know that this is a HUGE deal.

Liz exercising instead of cleaning....woah.

I think pigs just flew.

Anyway, why this sudden change in priority? Well it's pretty complex, but so wonderfully simple at the same time:

God is doing a big, huge work within my soul.

Over the past few months He has been chipping away at my priorities for myself and replacing them with His priorities. I have been praying for and listening to His guidance for my life and let me tell you, it is so freeing. I don't have to worry about each day and what needs to be accomplished in it?

Sign me up!!

As God shows me how to be a healthier version of myself (both mentally and physically) I am learning that His ways are just so much better for me.

His yoke is easy and His burden is light.--Matthew 11:30

You would think that after everything we went through trying to get pregnant with Daniel, I would trust in His plan...but I'm stupid. Plain and simple. And I don't trust that He has a better plan for me.

But guys, this time around, I'm so excited to listen. As I have started to pour out my heart to Him explaining all the desires of my heart, He listens. He listens and gently shows me that His way is just so much better.

I'm all ears Lord. Please continue to guide me! 

On Being Present

This morning, I spent some time thinking about what I wanted to blog about today. Having a schedule of posting only Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays should make it easy for me to come up with things to write about. Unfortunately, sometimes I just don't know what to say.

The house was quiet as I sat down to figure out what to blog about. The carpenter was off at church for the men's breakfast. Daniel and the dogs were both curled up and asleep. All that could be heard was the sound of the dryer turning semi-wet clothes.

*Pause...I need to go start the washer again!*

Ok, back at it.

As I'm perusing Facebook, trying to come up with post ideas, I stumble upon this video. Go ahead, watch it. I will wait. :)

Ok. Before you say, "Wait! There are plenty of good things that technology has to offer!" (i.e. being able to connect with people far away, being able to find old friends, etc.), let me just talk this out and share with you what I have been personally dealing with.

First off, I agree, there are so many good things about technology. Would I be writing a blog, on Facebook, part of Instagram, and pinning to Pinterest if I didn't agree? No. I love being able to keep up with people and see what is going on with those who don't live close to me. What I think this video is trying to tell us is to not neglect those who are physically near you. Don't trade in time with someone who is sitting in front of you, for time spent on an electronic device.

God has really been convicting me of this lately. Much of my day involves reading blogs, checking Facebook and Instagram, and watching a show or two with my husband after the baby is asleep. I have realized that I am loosing so much of my time with my son and my husband, to use some form of technology. Because of this I'm able to keep up on those who aren't near me, but instead am slowly becoming more and more out of touch with those who I can actually reach out and touch.

Does that make sense?

I'm not here to convict you. I'm just hear to share with you what the Lord is doing in me. Two of the books that I have been reading lately (read more on that here) have really been showing me that my focus is being shared lately. Elliot and Savage have both written about being present in people's lives. That if we are able to embrace the reality around us, our lives will be better for it. That we shouldn't share time between two things, because the reality is that neither is getting the full version of ourselves. I don't want my children, husband, family, or friends, knowing only the distracted Elizabeth. I would love them to know that they are the most important person in that moment and nothing can distract me from our time spent together.

With that being said, I'm off to spend the day with my boys. I'm challenging you to do the same! :)

Mother's Day

I'm extra excited for Mother's Day this year. We sort of celebrated a bit last year--as Daniel was currently in-utero at the time. But this year, my celebrating takes on a whole new meaning. Having met our son and taken care of him for the past nine months, I have a whole different perspective on celebrating. I appreciate being a mom on a deeper level. I'm so thankful for all of the moms around me, because I have now experienced a bit of what they went through to raise their children. 

Holy cow. 

To those of you who are reading this that are moms: Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you have sacrificed as a mother. May 11th is for you! 

I know Mother's Day can be a bit daunting for some of you. I mean, come Father's Day, I have NO idea what to buy Jonathan (other than ammo or a new gun ;) ). So, I thought I would compile a few ideas for anyone who is looking to buy a gift for a mother. 

1. A Magazine Subscription: 

Go on Amazon and purchase a one year subscription to the mother's favorite magazine--or at least one that you think she would like. I love to do this (making sure that the subscription is sent to their house) and then I usually head to the grocery store and buy a card and the current issue of the magazine. That way I feel like they are getting a little something to enjoy until the subscription kicks in. 

2. Personalized Stationary:

One thing I love, love, love is stationary. I blame my grandmother. For Christmas or my birthday, she used to buy me personalized stationary. While I didn't quite appreciate it then, I now realize how fun it is having something with your name on it. These cards from Etsy are a good price and a fun color! Don't have time to order stationary? Head to TJ Maxx. Their stationary area always has a lot of fun styles to choose from. 

3.  Birchbox

Ok. I have to admit, I have always wanted to buy something like Birchbox for myself. Birchbox is a subscription service that sends you a host of pre-picked products every month. You can choose from categories like body, hair, makeup, etc. Not interested in sending your mom beauty products, check out other monthly subscriptions here. 

4. Custom Journal

I chose this customizable journal because I thought it would be fun to put the mom's initials on here. This suggestion isn't just for the mother who likes to journal, this can also take the place of a card. I recently saw this idea and thought it was brilliant!  To summarize, each year the journal can be updated by the givee with pictures, sketches, etc. It's sort of a Mother's-Day-only journal.  Do you want something that's personalized that doesn't cost an arm and a leg...this is the gift for you! 

5. & 6. Trellis Earrings & Tiny Squares Necklace

Last but not least, let's throw a little jewelry into the mix. I love the simple elegance of the Trellis Earrings. And the Tiny Squares Necklace (which you can personalize) comes from the same artist who makes the necklace I requested for Mother's Day! (I would have suggested it here, but it's sold out.) I don't think you can ever go wrong with some simple jewelry. 

I hope that the above suggestions help if your stumped on what to buy the mom in your life! And if none of these seem to work, for the mother that you are buying for, I always think a safe bet is a personalized card and some beautiful flowers or a giftcard. The card allows you to write a thankful little blurb and the flowers or giftcard take the whole thing to the next level.

Happy shopping!