BABYMOON

There is kind of a lot to catch up on! Ryan and I just returned from our first ever babymoon. We missed it with Branson because of my not so friendly kidney stones. Being in and out of the hospital wasn't conducive to flying to Maui for a week. Anyhow. The trip was much needed and amazing. We arrived, we rested in our beautiful cabana at THE ADULT POOL. Say what? Yes thats right, we got to hang out at the adult pool. Of course if you've ever been to the Grand Wailea you're probably asking why in the hell we would forgo the kids pool, you know the one that is pretty much a beach side water park? Well, I'll tell you; because for the first time ever I COULD. We still enjoyed the water slides and virgin pina coladas in cute little pineapple cups, but its so much more relaxing at the adult pool. It was quiet, we got our food in a timely manor, we napped, we walked around, we played in the grass. We just did whatever WE wanted to. It was so nice not having to entertain kids, go up for nap time, find something everyone could eat, change diapers, reapply sunscreen, chase sun hats, and be up in the room and ready for bed at 8. Oh wait, we were still doing that last part. But we got to eat at nice restaurants uninterrupted, we got up early to watch the sunrise and then went back to bed, we watched movies every night, we both got to swim in the ocean at the same time. I guess this is what adult life without kids is like. I never realized! All fun aside, there are no words to describe just how much I missed B. I was almost sick over it every day. We got home at midnight on Monday and I had to get him up and hold him. And he has been a mommy leech all week. And I'm loving every single minute. No more babymoons for me. All the kids are coming with next time.

Moving on! Keenan is here! And Keenan is going to be here and living with us for his freshman year of high school. I'm shocked every time I think of him turning 14 in just a few weeks. Then I'm even more shocked that he is going into high school. But we are all so excited to have him here. He is such a strong point of our family, he makes everyone smile. Especially Branson! My god the child loves his big bro. He hasn't stopped saying "hi bubba!" since he got up this morning and discovered Keenan was here. Keenan is a trooper with him too. He has no issue entertaining Branson with childish games, goo goo talk or just chasing him around the house. They are both keepers and I'm happy to call them mine!

I don't think we've told the web world, but we are having a girl this time around! I'm STOKED. I can't wait to shop for adorable clothes. She is very active, just like Branson was. I feel her hundreds of times a day, and she really enjoys dancing when mommy is ready for bed. I've gotten mostly past the nausea and headaches. At lease enough so that I'm able to eat some real food and keep it down. I still get morning sickness, and still have to take my anti-nausea medicine, but I'm so much better. I've found that I can control my headaches through diet - heavy sugars and salts are a big no no. Of course if I get stressed one pops right up. I'm also starting to nest. My husbands to do list is never empty, and I'm constantly thinking of things that need to be done before the baby comes (like clean out my junk drawer. that makes sense, right?). Ryan has been so supportive. He rubs my back, neck, feet and tummy whenever I ask. He sits silently (or maybe he is just a heavy sleeper) while I toss and turn and all night. He goes and gets me donuts or Taco Bell, whether it's right after dinner or at 11 pm (did I mention no sugar and salt already?). He listens to me cry and complain about what ends up being nothing, and he consoles me. I've got a good one on my hands here.

Really, all in all, my life is very blessed. All the cliches are true. You learn that money isn't everything, if anything. Smaller is sometimes better. I'm even enjoying the cooking channel and the news! I'm turing into my mom, which we all swear we won't do when we are 16. (mom for the record, I'm happy to be like you <3 I'm trying to remember to be mindful, especially when a little negativity or manipulation tries to creep in. There will always be outside factors trying to penetrate their way in, but if you keep to your mindful core, there is no effort in keeping them out.