Baby Boy #4 Update

Who is this little guy inside of me?  Just two months away from meeting him!  This pregnancy has flown by, as I've had so much on my mind and life's struggles have taken over much of my thoughts.  But now that I'm on the homestretch, it's slowing down a bit, mainly because sleeping is becoming choppy and hip, back, and tooth pain are at it again.  Other than the physical pain and discomfort, I am loving being pregnant.  I'm really soaking this pregnancy up, savoring every little kick, knowing this is my last.    I think we have a name, but for some reason, I can't settle for sure on it.  Boy names are so much harder than girl names!  I have endless girl names that I love, but I'm really out of boy names that I absolutely love.  We'll figure it out in the next two months...hopefully!  I've been gutting the garage and house for weeks, trying to get organized and make room for baby.  What would normally take me a few days has taken me a few weeks because I can not move quickly or lift much.  It is coming along though!!  We have his crib and dresser set up and his closet is close to being done.  I sold a lot of our office stuff and old baby stuff and I'm working on a total baby boy nursery makeover.  Since we aren't getting a girl, I needed to put some creative energy into something, so the nursery will be different than what my other 3 boys had.  It's been a little sad to see some old things go, but excited to spruce up the nursery with new stuff.  I really hope my vision will come together.  Rich thinks the bedding is on the girly side and I kind of agree, but with the budget I'm working with it's the best I could find to go with my vision.  I'll post pictures when I'm done.  Getting excited to smell and kiss the cheeks off of this little mystery guy!  He feels huge already.  I really don't know how I'm going to grow anymore.  His kicks are powerful and sometimes make me jump or even hurt a bit.  He gets the hiccups a lot too.  We all love him so much already!

New School Year

We moved again (surprise!), and the boys had to start this school year at a new school.  Didn't seem to make them nervous though!  They were sad to leave their old school that they had made a lot of friends at, but I was so impressed with how well they embraced a totally new school.  Julien is in 4th grade!!  I still can't believe that!  Wasn't he just starting Kindergarten?  And Jonah, he started 2nd grade this year!  Seems like yesterday, he was my super shy child who was terrified to go to school.  Now, he runs out the door for the bus and doesn't look back.  Jonah got the best teacher this year.  She was my Relief Society president in an old ward, back when I was expecting Jonah.  I love her!  They are now over a month into the school year (slacker blogger mom), and making friends and learning a lot.  They need to slow this growing up stuff down!!!  It's too much for my mommy heart, but I sure am proud of the boys they are becoming!  Life is getting interesting in this phase.  I'm so glad I have a little one at home still ( and one coming in just 2 months!), but I am also enjoying this phase with having older children.  I love that our conversations are becoming deeper and I love watching them become more independent.  Feelings for girls are coming into play, although, "Like hello, Mom, no way! Don't even say that!"  Yep, it's happening and the lessons of friends and being a leader are in full play too.  They are learning so much right now, and parenting is an ongoing learning experience for me. I love being their mom!!

A few little facts about what these boys are into these day:

Julien:  Sports, sports, sports!  His favorites are baseball, football, and basketball.  He loves to golf and practice his pitching with Dad.  Julien isn't afraid to try new things.  He is the first to get out there and make new friends and put himself out there, whether he is new at something or not.  This kid can eat!  I feel like I'm raising a teenager.  He is a great brother, especially to Cooper, and still a sweetheart who loves people and is super in tune with his feelings.  Julien and I have very deep talks often and he always thanks me and showers me with love when we are done discussing something in depth.  I trust him and couldn't be more proud.  He is and always has been way above his age.  Going to the store is probably the thing Julien hates the most.  It's total drudgery to him and it drives me crazy, but love him anyway.

Jonah: Minecraft!  He is kind of a computer genius.  It's quite impressive.  He is more of a video game type of kid, although we really limit what kind of games he can play.  Jonah is coming out of his shell a ton.  He is becoming less shy and speaks out way more than he used to.  I love hearing him talk to his brothers and friends.  He's so animated!  He is super smart and does well in school.  Socially, he is coming along and it's been so fun to see.  He recently memorized and said his line for the primary program at church, and said it with confidence on the microphone in front of everyone!  Unheard of a couple of years ago, even last year!  He's still a crazy picky eater, but hoping this phase will end soon. ;/  Jonah loves to feel the baby move in my tummy and is so enthusiastic in his excitement when the baby kicks!  (Julien too).  Jonah loves to golf with Daddy and apparently, he is a bit of a natural.  I think Jonah wants to play sports but struggles with confidence to to try at times.  He's been shooting hoops in the neighborhood lately, and getting excited about it as he gains confidence.  So proud of how far Jonah has come!  Jonah's least favorite thing to do is definitely cleaning and helping around the house.  Not fun for him, but especially for the rest of us.  Making a check list for his chores seems to help;) though.

Love my boys!  Hoping they have a great school year with lots of growth!

CA Part 4

The last time we were in CA was six years ago, for my grandpa's funeral.  Visiting his grave was one thing on my must do list, while in CA.  After spending the morning having brunch at my sister's house that day, my dad and I took the kids to the grave site.  It's a gorgeous cemetery.  I miss my grandpa.  He was so cute.  He called all of his granddaughters "sister" whenever he would see us.  In 8th and 9th grade, we lived with my grandparents and I became really close to them.  This was the first death I've experienced with someone I was really close to.  It was great to visit the site with my dad and kids.

My family likes to stick golf balls next to his tomb when they visit, since he loved golf.  Rest in Peace Papa!  Love you forever.

CA part 3- The Wedding

My cousin Brittany married her love, Jared, while we were there.  It was a gorgeous setting in Somis, CA.  I used to babysit Brittany and her siblings a ton growing up; and every Christmas Eve, my sister and I would help her parents wrap their Santa gifts.  She's all grown up now and married to a sweet guy!  We had a great time at the wedding and were able to see a lot of family that we hadn't seen in years.

My cousin Dani (my childhood best friend, and practically my sister) with my boys...

Cooper has really come out of his shell lately.  He owned that dance floor, along with my nieces.  Cutest thing ever to watch!

Cooper and Kinley, looking into each other's eyes....to die for!

Congrats Jared and Brittany!  So happy for you!

CA Part 2- The Beach

Ahh, I am finally getting around to posting these.  It's been over a month since we've been back from CA, and we are all settled into our school routine.  We are still dreaming of the beach and perfect weather that we soaked up while there.  Missing family a lot, too.

I don't need to say much about these pics, but it was such a thrill for me to be able to take my boys to the beach.  Cooper had never been to the beach, so it was so fun to see his reaction to it.  Julien had just gone with my sister the prior week, since he had been in CA 2 weeks longer than the rest of us; but before that, he hadn't been since he was four-he is nine now.  Jonah hadn't been to the beach since we were in Florida when he was just two years old.  Their excitement was priceless!  I loved watching them run around, scoop up water in their buckets, build sand castles, run from the waves and chase the seagulls!  I completely took this luxury for granted, growing up there.  Having kids and seeing their joy in the simple things can change your perspective and help you appreciate things more.  And living in the desert might do the same:).

We met my sister and nieces there, and had a blast.  I love taking their pictures!

My dad flew in from Texas that day and took the PCH home and met us at the beach.  The kids huddled around him and were so excited to see him.

I was super happy to see him too!  Love my dad!

Can't wait to get back to the beach!  So glad we were able to create those memories!