20/21 Months

Our sweet, cherubic little Emma Kate has given us a run for our money over the last month or so!  On her Christmas gift from her mother's day out teachers, they described EK as cherubic and really I thought it was perfect.  So sweet all the time, round chubby, rosy cheeks, pretty blue eyes and blond hair.  Well, on Christmas, Andy and I joked that our families got to see another side of EK because she was yelling no at Harper and Claire whenever they tried to touch her toys, did not want to share, and finally cared when things got taken from her.  We thought this was probably just all the excitement of the holidays but the yelling 'NO' persisted for a couple weeks.  It was her first response to everything... like 'Hey Emma Kate, do you want some ice cream? NO NO NO yes yes yes yes yes.'

In addition, all of the sudden we had the worst sleep regression ever.  The kid normally would ask to be put down for naps, like walk to the stairs, point up there and say 'wanna go nap.'  Does not get easier than that.  But one day, a flip switched and she started screaming bloody murder anytime we went to lay her down, would stand up and stomp, hit the rails on her crib.  Bedtime became like a 1-2 hr process.  And then, she was up starting around 3AM screaming Mommy I wanna get out! hahaha.... it was crazy.  Andy and I were like zombies, primarily because this was so unexpected and we've just never had any trouble out of her, especially with sleep!!

Fortunately, this has improved but I'm writing it down in case subsequent kids have this phase.  We don't remember this happening with Harper but I did some research and apparently there is often a sleep regression around 18-20 months.  Combine that with the fact that we got rid of the paci AND she has been getting molars literally 1 at a time for the last month or so and that probably contributed to the exhaustion around our house.  On the bright side, the kid was so worn out that we definitely got lots of snuggles that ended up with her sleeping on one of us.  Definitely not a good habit to start but I'm always thankful for those sweet moments :)

Well, back to Christmas - it was so wonderful.  Emma Kate was SO into it, probably because she had big sis to model after and with the two of them it really was so much fun.  The few weeks before Christmas were jam packed with activities - going to look at lights, the train ride, Christmas parties, seeing Santa, etc.  Andy and I were lucky enough to have a few days off around Christmas so loved getting to spend so much time with each other and the girls.

It was really funny to see what gifts they loved and which they (unexpectedly) hated.  Emma Kate of course loved the kitchen and they both loved their Frozen microphones!!  Their new watches are basically always on their wrists.  Emma Kate got a Nanny barbie complete with a tiny baby, changing table, etc. and she loves to carry the tiny baby around.  EK is terrified of the remote control Olaf that is supposed to talk to you, can walk around, etc.  Certain uncles enjoyed tormenting her with that unfortunately.  She also did not care a thing about the Beat-Bo which is some little dancing/singing thing we thought she'd love.

EK is the accessory queen right now.  Always with her watch, usually another bracelet and then about 2-3 necklaces.  Harper got a bead kit for Christmas so they've had fun making jewelry.

I had a slow morning recently so went into work late and got a little 1:1 time with EK.  We spent it in the playroom where I realized she can do puzzles completely on her own.  I felt horrible because it made me realize how much less attention she gets on her own than Harper did at that age, plus Harper has a way of demanding our attention now so we've definitely been working to provide more 1 on 1 time with EK.  But, it is cool to see her do them and she loves it!!

We recently started Mommy and Me gymnastics and it has been a blast.  It's at the same time as Harper's class and actually in the same room though the different ages are separate for most of the class.  Still, the big kids think Emma Kate is 'soooooo cuuuuute' and are always yelling for her across the room when she's trying to do things.  Harper is so proud to have her sister there and basically tackles her with hugs at any opportunity.  EK can now do a somersault AND get her feet off the ground when jumping lol.... we think her athleticism has quadrupled :)  EK got Harper's old leotard and you can tell she just thinks she is hot stuff when she's all dressed up like the big girls.

She and Harper love playing with each other and it is hilarious to see the games they come up with.  They run around pretending to be 'superheros', they hide together from 'googly monsters', play hide and seek, make each other 'envelopes', take turns cooking for each other in the kitchen, pretend to go to school with each other.  EK loves saying she is 'going to work' and will find herself a bag and walk out of the room saying, 'bye I'm going to work love you!'  Then of course comes running back in waiting for someone to ask how her day was.

EK had her first big snow experience recently which was less than a positive one for her.  It all started the first time Andy pulled her, Harper and Claire down the hill in the sled. He realized he was kicking up snow in EK's face which is why she was crying and then when he tried to stop them, he sort of turned them sideways and dumped them all out... with EK on the bottom of the pile.  She did not appreciate the snow in her face and is basically terrified of the sled.  They went back out the morning our blizzard started and as snow as hitting her face she yells 'No! Yuck! and tries to spit it all out.  LOL.  Fortunately we talked her into coming outside after the driveway had been shoveled though she still preferred to not come in contact with any snow at all :)

EKs and Harper's personalities continue to crack me up.  Harper is such a people pleaser, always trying to do the right thing.  She's also super rambunctious, crazy high energy, wild and daring!!  Emma Kate is so mischievous sometimes and it is hilarious.  Andy was asking her to stand up on the kneeler at church yesterday so she just stares at him and starts slooooowly sinking down to sit again.  This morning she did not want her diaper changed so I asked her if she wanted Mom or Dad to change it... she says 'I want Harper Harper Harper Harper' while cracking up.  Now the problem is that I of course laugh at this behavior too which totally eggs her on but it really is hilarious.  While she does have a bit of an ornery side, she also is the most cautious, calm child for the most part.  We will try to get her to jump off the stairs to us or off the bed and she will just squat down with her arms out saying 'help please'.  She does not jump off things at gymnastics but still try to sit down and just slide off very gently.

Her hair is getting a little bit longer and also a little bit darker.  She has 6 teeth on top and bottom.  She's wearing mostly 18-24 or 2T clothes, size 6 or 7 shoes!  She is excited for baby 'ee-yine' though sometimes likes to call her Ellie still just for our amusement I think.  She does believe the baby is in her belly so may be disappointed when Caroline finally arrives ;)

Well, unfortunately my blog is not working from my laptop currently so no pics to update with today but I'm sure if you're on instagram and following me you're overloaded with bebeemmakate as it is! :)

30 Weeks

It's hard to believe we're now well into the 3rd trimester.  I cannot describe how fast this has gone which is a bittersweet feeling for sure.  I definitely am one of those weirdos that likes being pregnant and will miss the little baby kicks all the time but am so excited to be adding another sweet girl to the crew.

I've still been feeling well for the most part.  The heartburn is way better this pregnancy as compared to Emma Kate's.  The heart burn is more like it was when I was pregnant with Harper so let us all pray for another 7 pounder and not a 9 lb'er! haha I did have one day where I literally felt like my belly was going to rip open or I was going to be blessed with a splattering of stretch marks overnight.  Not really sure what that was about though it was a night that I had been to Mommy and Me gymnastics with Emma Kate so maybe I just got a little too stretched out?  Regardless, I took it easy the rest of the night and was fine.  More likely, it was the anxiety of knowing we were going away for a little trip that had me reading into ever physical symptom and thinking this baby was going to come super early.

Speaking of which, Caroline got to take her 2nd flight... to Miami!  Andy and I have never both spent the night away from the girls (except when we were in the hospital with EK) and we figured if we don't do it now it will be a while before we get another chance.  We had an awesome, relaxing long weekend where we did nothing but walk around Miami, eat, lay at the beach and the pool.  Was great to get away to some warm weather for a couple days and relax with Andy though we sure missed our little girls! 

Prior to Christmas, we were so busy with all the holiday stuff that we kept putting off all baby stuff but we've finally got things moving to prepare for baby Caroline!  And that is officially her name... Caroline Elizabeth!  In order to solidify it, I ordered her monogrammed easter basket and wall hanging, haha... no going back now!  Harper has completely moved into her new big bedroom (former playroom) and Caroline's drawers are now full of her clothes.  She has gotten 1 new outfit (3rd child probs) and is totally set! haha.  We've not yet put the crib up or really made her room a little home for her as we figured we'd give Harper a couple days to settle into her new room before totally taking over her old room with baby stuff.  Honestly though, Harper has been a champ about it.  The transition from crib to big girl room for her was way harder than this has been.  I think she thinks it's special that the baby gets her old room.

It's exciting to imagine what she will look like, who she will take after.  With how different Harper and Emma Kate look I can't really imagine what this one will turn out like so we will just wait and see! Olivia asked me a few days ago if I have any more ultrasounds, if the baby has hair, etc.  No more scheduled ultrasounds so we will all be surprised on her birthday!  

We had about just a few things on our 'to get' list for baby Caroline - a monogram for her room, cord blood banking stuff, coordinating outfits for big sisters/little sis, another camera for the monitor, new bumper and curtains.... and as of this weekend, nearly everything has been ordered!  

I'm starting to predict due dates... Harper was born on our anniversary, Emma Kate on my birthday... so I'm sure Caroline wants to share her birthday with something special.  Now of course she's due April 1 but I just can't imagine her staying in there until 40 weeks so April Fool's baby is unlikely.  I'm thinking maybe March 24th?  Share a bday with Aunt Christie and Great Grandmom Hamilton??  Or maybe she will come on Easter! :)  Getting kinda terrified thinking about delivery again, primarily how fast it could go.  Andy says maybe she won't come on any special day but her thing will be being born in the car... or the kitchen, delivered by her Dad, witnessed by her sisters.  haha no thanks!!!!

How far along: 30

Total Weight Gain: 22
Stretchmarks: None, lathering up in my lotion on the daily 

Sleep: good, except for those other 2 kids that like to cry out occasionally

Best Moment This Week: Being snowed in all weekend with very happy toddlers! :)
Movement: yes, busy lady! :)

Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: had a ton of Braxton Hicks in Miami with all the walking but has settled back down
Belly Button: getting pretty tight
What I Miss: ab muscles working when I try to sit up
What I am Looking Forward to: getting Caroline's personalized stuff in! 
Milestones: <10 weeks! baby is approx 15 inches, 3 lbs, and the size of a head of cabbage!

Pic this week is a selfie in the bathroom at work prior to the blizzard on Friday! ha