How I Failed Yesterday, Today, and Probably Tomorrow

It's been 23 days since the birth of our 4th child. Life has been exhausting and beautiful all at once. After your first born you seem to forget the pain, the exhaustion, the soreness, the mood swings, and the tears (oh! and hemorrhoids... yep you just might get those). I'm still trying to get it together. I am living in sweats and pjs all day every day, with my hair tied up in some sort of a messy bun, and maybe brushed teeth.  On top of it, I have 4 other people that need me. The dinners don't stop, the laundry doesn't stop, the sports don't stop, etc etc etc. So, I have to suck it up and put my big girl panties on (well, in my case, granny panties for maybe another darn week) and be super mom!

There have been days of lots of crying.....from me. Hormones are raging out of control and all over the place. One minute you feel great and the next you hate everyone and everything. Every morning I wake up with the best intentions to be this amazing, patient, fun, happy mom. Within minutes I'm already stressed and frustrated. I tend to wonder if I am doing a good job or is what I'm doing enough. I could yearn for more recognition and appreciation from my family, but will that really cure me?

 I can easily paint this picture on how perfect I am and how perfect my family is, but that is not reality. There is no perfect mom. There is no perfect family. I can stare at Instagram and Facebook all day and believe that the pictures I see are "real". You know, the pictures of the well behaved kids with their perfect clothes and pearly white smiles or the pictures of the fashionably dressed mom next to her perfect husband in front of their perfect home. So. Not. Real.

Then it hit me. My dear friend said to me that "motherhood is such an important role. God allows our days to be flooded with stress and trouble so that we will run into the ark of our Savior and allow Him to change us, mature our love, and give us a fresh purpose." So true. I needed to hear those words. I need to run to my God and pour my heart out to Him and ask Him to change me. I need to find joy in Him alone and not in my clean home, my well behaved kids, my perfect image. Finding pure joy in Him and instilling that in my children is all I need. Each day, each stain on the rug, each tear that may shed is God's blessing making me stronger and better mother for not my children, His children.

XO Tierra

Bump Update: K's 38 Weeks!

How far along? 38 weeks! Weeks 37 & 38 have been crazy and so much has happened that  I completely missed my bump update last week. I cannot believe we are in the homestretch now and baby girl can literally come ANY DAY!! I am so anxious to meet her and kiss her all over!

Baby Is the size of: A pumpkin :) My doctor predicts she is about 7.5 lbs. We shall see!

Sleep: I sleep well mostly, but I have been experiencing some pregnancy induced carpal tunnel symptoms which are really uncomfortable at night and disappear during the day. I pee one hundred times a night and I've been waking up randomly around 5:30am and staying up for about an hour just daydreaming about my little one. 

Miss Anything? Nope. Everything I could possibly miss will be back in my life in no time and I am enjoying these final days of pregnancy so much! 

Anything making you nauseous: Only when my acid reflux acts up but my medicine has been helping a ton!

Have a bump yet? Yes, and it is so low now. Getting heavier and heavier every day. 

Gender : Our sweet baby girl.

Belly Button in or out? Half in/ Half out.

Wedding rings on or off? Off and it feels so weird. I didn't want to risk keeping them on in the hospital and being asked to take them off and losing them. I cannot wait to put them back on!

Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY! I'm exhausted though. Mostly I am just so excited to meet our baby!!!

Total weight gain/loss: 35 lbs and I am eating more than ever. Now that my belly has dropped I guess my stomach has more room for all the goodies I've been munching on.

Maternity clothes? Mostly comfy clothes like my hubby's sweats :) I work from home now so I am lounging all day.

Stretch marks? Some from puberty but none from pregnancy yet.

Exercise of the week: Walking this baby out!!

Happiest moment this week: I HAVE A NEW NEICE!!!!! And oh my goodness, she is so dreamy!! Little Noa Lily stole my heart the second I saw her. My sister gave me the honor of being with her while she delivered and it was such a beautiful & surreal experience especially now that I am pregnant and will be going through it myself soon. She was so graceful and strong through the whole 12 hours. It was such a miracle and gift from God. Truly one of the most incredible moments of my life. Noa came out so calm and sweet. She is absolutely gorgeous and takes after her momma and big brother Tatum so much! I adore her and cannot wait to give her a little playmate soon. 

Movement: All day long and it hurts sometimes now but I still love it!

Food cravings: Water, water, water.

Labor Signs: I had some aggressive braxton hicks which landed me back in labor & delivery for monitoring, but baby girl is happy and doing well! Apparently she is really low and things seem to be progressing so we will see when she decides to make her appearance. 

Favorite pregnancy product: Coconut oil. I basically bathe in it now lol.

Looking forward to: Meeting our little girl! Come on Baby Pete!!!

XO Krista

What's in My Hospital Bag?

Ok mommas! I figured now is a good time to share what I've packed up for my munchkin and I during our stay in the hospital. If you have any tips or suggestions PLEASE let me know. 

Me:
small duffle bag filled with:
buttoned down pajamas (for easy breast feeding access)
nursing bra
soft slipper socks
a few pairs of granny panties :-)
go home outfit
toiletries
nipple pads
nipple cream
curling iron and brush
makeup
flip flops for shower
towel, soap, washcloth
phone (with my bible app of course)
chargers
water bottle
cash
snacks

Hubby
clothes
toiletries
go pro
camera
phone
snacks
chargers
cash

Baby
A couple take home outfits
diapers
wipes
swaddles
boppy
burp cloths
mittens

I'd like to get gifts for the nurses and doctor....any suggestions?

Bump Update : T's 39 Weeks!

How Far Along? 39 weeks! I can't believe how close we are to meeting the newest member of our family! This experience has been so incredible and surreal. It's so amazing what our bodies can do. I'm speechless by how much God has blessed us.

Baby is the size of a: mini watermelon


Sleep: It's funny. I find myself waking up at 1:30 and 4 am every night. Not necessarily to use the bathroom or anything. I'm just up and awake! If that any indication of how our baby will be sleeping I'll take it. Lol.

Miss Anything? Well, after going without the many things I have been missing for 9 months, I am a- okay! What's another week? ;-). A friend of mine reminded me to embrace this last week and enjoy the movement in my belly. Pretty soon it'll all be gone and I just may miss it. (I wouldn't mind some sushi though ha!)

Anything make you nauseous? Not sure if spaghetti still would, but I'm not willing to find out.

Have a bump yet? Oh yea!

Gender: a beautiful baby girl!

Belly button in or out? Out

Wedding rings on or off: On! I feel naked without it.

Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY! I'm always counting my blessings.

Total Weight gain/loss: 40 lbs gained

Maternity Clothes: yes, and I swear I live in my maternity tees I bought from Target. They are so comfy!! I'm also loving long sweaters and leggings.

Stretch Marks: yup! From my previous pregnancies.

Exercise: lots and lots of walking. I love my morning walks with such a dear friend of mine. We have these great talks about God, life, and just anything. Such a great way start the day!

Happiest Moment of the week: pretty much every day

Movement: tons and sometimes it hurts. Little mama is one tiny dancer. 

Food Cravings: I don't really crave anything. I just make sure I eat enough fruit and veggies and drink a lot of water.

Labor Signs:Lots of Braxton Hicks contractions which have been painful here and there. Mama had define dropped too. I feel a ton of pressure in my lower abdomen and pelvic area. Walking has been uncomfortable, but I suck it up and do what I have to do. I swear I'm gonna have her every night. Lol

Favorite Pregnancy Product: vitamin e oil and coconut oil

Looking forward to: Meeting my daughter!! If you are at this stage in the game, have you found that it seems to go slower than the beginning of the pregnancy? These past couple weeks have been such a waiting game. The closer I get to my due date the more excited I and anxious I am. Every day I'm like "Is today the day?" 
I can't wait to share the news!
XO Tierra

Bump Update: K's 36 Weeks! Hello 9th Month!

How far along? 36 Weeks! I'm officially 9 months pregnant! Only a few weeks left til we get to meet our little girl :)

Baby Is the size of: A honeydew

Sleep: Although I wake up almost every hour to pee, I am sleeping like a rock in between and I'm no longer sick so it has been wonderful!

Miss Anything? Not anymore... I am really embracing this last 4 weeks (that's of course if she is on time). All those things I have been missing  like sushi, wine, being physically active, etc will all be back in my life before I know it. But my daughter will only be in my belly for a little while longer and I know I will miss her dancing around and seeing my baby bump.

Anything making you nauseous: Only when my acid reflux acts up but my medicine has been helping a ton!

Have a bump yet? Yes! She's getting so big!!!

Gender : Our sweet baby girl.

Belly Button in or out? Half in/ Half out.

Wedding rings on or off? Still on... I should really take them off since I know I am not supposed to wear them to the hospital.

Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY!!! I've gotten over my funk and I am enjoying life right now, especially now that I am working from home and able to stay comfy all day and avoid my 3 hour daily commute.

Total weight gain/loss: 28 lbs. I'll find out if I gained anymore at my appt tomorrow.

Maternity clothes? Yes, although this week I have been living in sweat pants and tanks. It has been glorious!

Stretch marks? Some from puberty but none from pregnancy yet.

Exercise of the week: Walking & stretching 

Happiest moment this week: Hubby & I made SO much progress this week!! Baby girl's nursery is just about done. Just have to hang some prints & her name on the walls. It is amazing to walk into that room knowing that we will soon see our little one in there. It's by far my favorite room in our house.

Movement: All day long!

Food cravings: Water, water, water.

Labor Signs: No real labor signs, just Braxton hicks.

Favorite pregnancy product: Coconut oil

Looking forward to: My sister having her baby!!! I am dying to meet little Noa and cannot wait til she makes her arrival! She is one lucky lady to have such an amazing family to welcome her home. I am betting on November 6th or the 8th for her birthday!! We shall see!

XO Krista

Bump Update: T's 38 & 5 days ! Ooops again! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

                                               HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
I am so grateful that I made it this far. I was so hoping that I wouldn't be confined to a hospital room on Halloween and miss out on having such a fun day with my kiddies. Yay! This pregnancy has been so amazing and such a huge blessing. I CANNOT wait to meet my daughter. I'm so ready! Thank you, Jesus.

How far along? 38 and 5 days! Oops again!!

Baby Is the size of: according to babycenter.com probably about 6lbs 8 oz. lbs and measures over 19 1/2in.
 

 Sleep: still not sleeping great and for some reason, my body wants to be up for the day at 4am.

Miss Anything? sleep! eating anything! wearing most of the clothes that are in my closet!

Have a bump yet? oh yea
 

Gender : a beautiful girl

Belly Button in or out? in/out

Wedding rings on or off? on!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! Though I have been getting really annoyed by people constantly asking "No baby yet?!" I think it's just my hormones. 

Total weight gain/loss: 37.5 lbs

Maternity clothes? Yup! 

Stretch marks? From my previous pregnancies

Exercise of the week: This last month I am taking it easy with walks and stretching

Happiest moment this week: I absolutely love any alone time I can get with my husband. My amazing sister took my kiddies apple picking for the day and my hubby and I grabbed a yummy lunch and did some shopping. It was so nice to just be with him and chat since he usually works such long hours during the week and I'm pretty much dead by 9pm each night. lol

Movement: All day and night, especially at night.

Food cravings: Not too many cravings. I've been snacking on sliced apples with peanut butter a lot. I've been loving sweets lately too. 

Labor Signs: Just tons of Braxton Hicks, some mild cramping. 

Favorite pregnancy product: Coconut oil and Vitamin E oil.

Looking forward to: Parties and parades at my kiddie's school AND trick or treating! I love spending time with my kids and doing fun stuff!

XO Tierra

Bump Update: K's 34 & 35 Weeks! OOPS!

How far along? 34 & 35 Weeks! I have been sick for the past two weeks so it’s been tough keeping up with blogging while spending countless hours sleeping, visiting doctors, and trying to get baby ready. Although I am still under the weather, I need to get back on track! I only have a few more weeks with my little bean inside of me and I want to document and enjoy every moment.

PS. I am pretty cranky too so please excuse any sass in the below responses.

Baby Is the size of: A coconut!

Sleep: Awful… between having a virus/allergic reaction to meds last week (doctors still aren’t sure) and having a terrible cold this week, it’s been rough. Plus my acid reflux is kicking my butt. So waking up to pee 100x while simultaneously puking through my burning esophagus has been lovely… NOT. (I am very aware that I sound like a baby right now. Give me a few days to get over myself lol)  

Miss Anything? Feeling healthy. I am hoping this week is the end of it so I can enjoy the rest of this pregnancy.

Anything making you nauseous: Everything due to my reflux but Zantac has been my best friend the last few days.

Have a bump yet? Oh yea! And people have really been open about telling me how huge I am getting. Thank you everyone! :)

Gender : Our sweet baby girl.

Belly Button in or out? Half in/ Half out.

Wedding rings on or off? Still on but I have to take them off this weekend.

Happy or Moody most of the time: So sassy! Being sick and constantly hot has been killing my mood. I need to snap out of it.

Total weight gain/loss: 28 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes! Although my go to is leggings and a long tank top if I am home. When I go out, I am usually in leggings and a sweater with a tank underneath so I can easily remove a layer when I get overheated.

Stretch marks? Some from puberty but none from pregnancy yet.

Exercise of the week: Walking on the days that I don’t feel too sick.

Happiest moment this week: Last weekend I took my niece and nephews apple picking which was a lot of fun, especially for my niece who skipped through the orchard collecting every single apple she could find. When we got home, we decorated caramel and chocolate covered apples with tons of toppings and my dad made an apple pie. It was a really nice family day.

Movement: All day long!

Food cravings: Water, water, water.

Labor Signs: No real labor signs, just Braxton hicks.

Favorite pregnancy product: Coconut oil

Looking forward to: Feeling better! Hubby and I have a weekend full of baby to-do’s and I want to feel like a million bucks! I am waiting on a few shipments for the nursery that I can’t wait to get my hands on. Hubby and I also plan on going to see a few movies in the next couple of weeks since we know that going to a movie theater will become a luxury once our little one arrives. First up: Gone Girl!

XO Krista