playing house

sssssssssssss

2012-01-28T14:09:00.000-05:00

Whenever I had long pieces of scrap fabric, I typically end up making the girls "snakeies".

Now that I type this, I should make a tutorial or something, they are so easy.

And its always funny seeing your baby girl snuggle up to a snake at night.

Or use them as nun-chucks.

4th

2012-01-28T14:01:00.001-05:00

We celebrated Lily's birthday a day early so Chad's dad, Toyke, could be here.

He ended up buying almost 200 balloons...and inflated them ALL. MAGICAL. And our house smelled like latex.

We had a blast just tossing balloons every where, who needed presents?? (She did. She got plenty.)

She requested:

"pizza from a pizza store" = Little Caesars.
"White ice cream!"= vanilla ice cream
"pink, red, and black cake"=ummm pink frosting, red sprinkles, red velvet cake, and black frosting for letters.

It was a success.

I love my first baby girl so much.

She is turing out to be such a wonderful person.

at 7:25 this morning,

2012-01-28T13:39:00.000-05:00

I woke up.

Magnolia was still sounds asleep...she went to be at 10, and didnt wake up until 8. DREAM BABY. I'd like to think its because I paid my dues with Lily. Up every hour for like, the first three months. Then never ever slept past 5:30 am until she was about 18 months.

Lily somehow took over our bed last night apparently.

I faintly remember Eden whimpering for "daddeeeeee" last night, and I guess Chad found her.

I snuck into the kitchen and popped the sticky buns in the oven that had been raising all night. (oh, they were good.)

Lily was the first to wake up.

She helped me set the table, and drink some orange juice just her and me.

Lovely slow saturday morning.

5x3 morning according to my phone:

2012-01-27T17:28:00.000-05:00

Yes, the last picture is of our popsicles kissing. Obviously.

Have any fun plans this weekend? Hope so.

We are helping some folks move, playing rock band/dinner at a friend's house, church, then probably more food with friends.

I am a major fan of weekends.

typical tuesday: Diana Smith

2012-01-24T04:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome back to Typical Tuesday!!!!!!!!!!!

Our first tuesday-er back is Diana Smith. We became e-friends a while ago, can't remember when really. Then later we found out we are kinda related?! So awesome. Now if only her bombshell blonde hair was genetic to us (...I am always jealous of blondes). Well back on track, Diana is a momma of two littles, (one is just a few weeks younger than Maggie) she is a wife to hard working hubby who is doing the whole work+school thing, she is a graphic designer, and basically just the sweetest girl.

Here she is!:

I am Diana Smith! I am a blogger over at Livy Love. I have 2 kids, Olivia who is 18 months and Harrison who is almost 2 months. Yes, they are 16 months apart! Very busy, very crazy, and very fun!

8:28am I wake up abruptly to loud crying from Olivia. My husband, Daniel left work at 5 am. He usually works at 8am, but maybe once or twice a week he has to go in a little bit early. Both of my babies are amazing sleepers so waking up at this time is not a rare occasion! I realize how lucky I am!!

Olivia LOVES seeing Harrison first thing in the morning. Her favorite thing to do is kiss and hug him. Before breakfast, we play with toys and watch some cartoons. This is where I try and completely wake up after the morning rush! It all happens so quickly and sometimes I am not completely awake for it all.

Harrison gets a little fussy. I feed him, change his diaper and outfit and then he falls asleep about an hour later and rocks in his swing. He is a sweet darling boy. I couldn't have been any luckier.

Olivia watches her favorite show, Yo Gabba Gabba. It seriously entrances her. I sneak off and work on a few orders on my computer. I run a small etsy shop of graphic design prints. On this particular day, I have been itching to get my art wall done. One great perk about being a graphic designer is I can create any art I want. If I see something that I like, I can make something similar to it.

My wall on the left. Then I come back and Olivia is still watching shows while Harrison still naps. I decide to clean up the toys and the living room.

I vacuum while Olivia has some lunch. Harrison is still napping away!!

I take a little break from cleaning and check up on my phone (email, twitter, instagram, weather) I thought about taking a little walk, but its pretty freezing here in Utah. Still no snow and this California girl is quite grateful for that!!

Olivia finishes up her lunch. She takes a nap maybe 3x a week. I don't really enforce it since having Harrison because they both require so much of my attention. She needs to be rocked to sleep and sometimes I can't because Harrison is awake. Luckily though, she wanted one and he was still asleep. Once she fell asleep, he woke up! Isn't that how it always works? Oh the irony!

I feed him and change his diaper. He just hangs out on my lap! Such a good baby.

Daniel and I were asked to speak in church on Sunday so I go over the topic and start to think about how I want to approach the topic. Harrison still snuggles me and just is happy as a clam.

Olivia wakes up from her hour nap. Daniel comes home from work. It's about 4pm. He catches up on some reading for his classes. He has class Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-8:45. We were lucky he was able to come home before work. Sometimes he has to rush off to school. Those are rough days being the only one home with the kids all day. Plus I know it's sad when he can't see them.

He leaves for class. Harrison takes another nap in his swing. I feed dinner to Olivia. I didn't take a picture, whoops! I bathe her and we brush our teeth and get ready for bed. She usually goes to bed around 8. Harrison goes to bed around 10. Then I usually stay up and finish any work I have on the computer or watch TV (Teen mom on this particular night)

We are super busy and always on the go! There is always a diaper to change, a mouth to feed, a boo boo to kiss and a hug to give. It really is so much fun being these two sweet babies mom. I am so lucky to raise them and call them mine. I can't imagine a life without my wonderful sweet family and don't know what I did to have them in my life. As mundane as this is, this is our daily routine and I am glad I get to share this all with you!

Thanks Diana!

You're awesome.
Diana's site freaking adorable blog HERE
Her shop site HERE

Wanna share a typical tuesday with us?

Come on, you know you want to.

Just email me, k?

(rachel . meynders @ gmail . com)

squishy

2012-01-23T14:10:00.001-05:00

I made a realization today, while rolling out a pie crust for a sweet potato pie:

My babies like me squishy.

And it's time to be ok with that.

I've tried to fight it the past two times...calorie counting, mile and miles of running, no sugar...and it just ends in frustration.

My babies like me to be warm and squishy, perfect to fall asleep on, or to nurse with.

I mean, who wants to snuggle up to a sternum or clavicle? I don't blame them, really.

My body just likes to hold on to every little bit of squish until I stop nursing.

So for the next year, I am embracing my squishiness.

Yes, I am still going to run (went for the first time on Saturday!), eat healthy, and only have one slice of pie tonight, but at least I know what to expect right? It's taken me three babies to figure this out I guess.

I hope you are happy Magnolia June.

All 15 pounds of you.

(yes, she is two months old, and 15 lbs)

breastis

2012-01-21T12:20:00.001-05:00

"Mommy! Breastis is ready!"-Lily

We love having Bapa here.

We are seriously considering hiring him permanently as our crepe maker.

He makes the bestest breastis.

Sorry, pretty girl in the deli section of Walmart

2012-01-20T12:18:00.001-05:00

Today I went grocery shopping.

I passed by a mom who I thought was so beautiful, not wearing make up, in yoga pants+hoodie and she was so happy looking.

And I kept that thought to myself.

I typically make it point, if I see someone wearing a shirt I like, or cute hair, or they are just pretty to me, I usually tell them....may be awkward a little, but whatever.

Well, I didn't tell this girl she was beautiful. I thought, "...well if we cross paths again, I'll tell her...".

But we never did.

Next time, will not wait for the chance we cross paths again.

Now, here's an awesome picture of Lils:

peek

2012-01-19T17:21:00.000-05:00

Lily's birthday is in a week, and the party is getting started already.

Bapa is coming to town tonight! (Chad's dad)

Here's a little peek into our house...I am supposed to be getting the house clean for his arrival...and instead we have a fort, library books all ova da place, a huge old box being painted "for Bapa!" and my bed is covered in laundry.

But at least we have cute little thingies hanging up right?

if my two year old had facebook:

2012-01-18T22:29:00.001-05:00

If my two year old had facebook, I think her status up-dates this week so far would be:

"My mom needs to stop taking idiot pills. I tell her the same thing literally 1,000 times and she still says: "SHOW ME WHAT YOU WANT"."
"I am ALWAYS right."
"Ugh. Such a dilema, should I be a ballerina, OR a princess?????? Correct answer?: BOTH."
"I am going to marry: Diego The Animal Rescuer, Zacky Jackson, or my daddy."
"My dad is wrapped around my tiny, chubby, adorable finger."
"I am the best twirler in DA WORLDDD!"

What would your kid's up-dates be?

snap shot from our not so busy afternoon

2012-01-18T14:14:00.001-05:00

Chad came home for lunch, youngest two are still off in dream land (Eden: princesses! ballerinas! Maggie: Mom's boobs!).

We had spaghetti, and salad.

And talked about how we really have no clue if we will have another baby or not (nope, not in a rush, so don't get any ideas).

Then we were laughing really hard about how we have a few phrases that we do not allow the other person to say.

Examples: Whenever I say "Sure!" Chad's first response is "Sure Peter!"...but in a voice/accent like Lois off of Family Guy ("Sho-ah Petah!") He thinks it's hilarious, I want to kill him.

Whenever I say hamburger, Chad's first response is: "Hambugah, everything on it please but nooooo beef." in a weird accent and low voice. Apparently he had a Buddha statue that used to say that. What?

And whenever he wears his light blue sweater I say: "Look'n good!" in a funny accent after one of his co-workers said that to him awkwardly.

Those responses are not allowed, or we drive each other crazy.

Now I Chad is back at work, Maggie is still dreaming of me (I know this cause she makes sucking noises in her sleep) and Eden is trying to be sneaky and sneak up on me. FACT: two year olds can not be sneaky, but are adorable trying to be.

I made a batch of no-bake cookies, (THIS recipe) they are cooling next to me...wonder if any will last for when Chad gets home, cause I'm pretty sure they will be Eden's lunch, Lily's snack, and my second lunch.

snap shot from our busy morning:

2012-01-18T10:59:00.000-05:00

All three girls slept in until 7:30 (yes, even Maggie...DREAM BABY)

Lily starts school at 8...so it was kinda mad rush getting everything all set.

But Chad still made time to have Eden come ride in the chariot to take Lily to school.

And yes, she is wearing a Sleeping Beauty gown.

Now I'm off to more Diego watching and feeding a little leech.

typical tuesday

2012-01-17T09:53:00.001-05:00

Hi friends.

Remember when I used to do that thing called TYPICAL TUESDAY?

I thought it was rather fun.

We got to meet people from India, Norway, Australia, Switzerland, NYC and even Utah!

I love seeing into the lives of people, as mundane as they may think it may be, I love it. And so do others.

I personally think when you take time to document the mundane, it makes you realize how awesome you have it.

Well, Typical Tuesday is officially starting back up, next week!

Be prepared, I've got a good line up of some awesome people.

But I need more people, come on, don't be shy.

You know you want to!

Email me k?

(rachel . meynders @ gmail . com)

monday morning 7:30-11, pictures+titles

2012-01-16T14:21:00.000-05:00

some things I've been thinking about,

2012-01-15T22:39:00.000-05:00

So some things that I have been thinking about, rather random, and in no order of consequence:

We are always told to cherish these times we have as parents when our babies are so small and sweet. I TOTALLY GET IT. But is them growing up so bad? I mean, does it really suck so bad to have a 10, 12, and 14 year old (thats us in 10 years)? I really hope not. I am enjoying my kids today, they are so sweet, and there is something so special about having a newborn in the house. Totally understand that. I just hope when my kids get older, I can cherish my times with them just the same, but differently. And when that day comes, when they are all out of the house, I hope I can cherish that sweet time with just Chad and I...make sense?
I never stop wanting. And I don't think I ever will. I want new paint sets, I want a new table, I want 70's bell bottoms, I want I want I want. I catch myself thinking that stupid thought: "once I have ______ I will be set" NOPE. I tend to find things I want often. Don't get me wrong, I don't obsess over this kinda thing, cause thats a recipe for disaster. I just am really aware of this now, being on a very organized budget and what not (but when has my budget ever been big, right?).
I love having friends. I love friends that just stop by (shout out to Jill!) and friends I can hang out with in my yoga pants and let our kids run around like crazies together. I love friends who like to 'do lunch'. I love friends who plan girls nights and trips, I love friends who I can ask: "how do you handle your two year old that hits/pushes/yells" and know they wont judge me. I love friends I can talk about deep stuff and very shallow stuff all in the same convo. I just love having friends. I need them. And I am so grateful I have them. And I hope I can be a good one.
When I get a new table, I am painting it yellow. And I will paint at least one chair gold.
So my best college friend Joy, she lives like a few miles from me. And now my other best friend from college (we were a trio) is now moving here too. My mind can not wrap around this awesomeness.
Celeste, if you read this, I day dream about our surfing trip.

naked no more

2012-01-13T15:00:00.000-05:00

I basically had a nudest colony of barbies running around the house.

I was rather sick of seeing boobies. I mean I breastfeed my baby, I see them enough as it is.

My friend inspired me.

I came out with a new swim wear line for our barbies:

AKA I painted on swimsuits with nail polish.

I went for a vintage inspired look, available in tankini and one-piece.

So you just paint it on, and once it's, dry take a q-tip with nail polish remover on it to smooth any edges that need some help and wallah! Ready for the beach! Or sink!

Now, if we can just get my real girls to wear clothes, we'll be in real business!

Friday the 13th

2012-01-13T11:08:00.000-05:00

It must be friday the 13th today.

Cause I have a little sickie on my hands.

Lots of sprite and Go Diego Go!

Crossing my fingers no one else gets it.

yeeee-haw!

2012-01-11T12:08:00.001-05:00

I am loving my mornings, MWF.

Lily is at school learning away, Maggie is sleeping, and Eden and I are playing/cuddling watching Jungle Book, hand feeding eachother whatever snack, and dancing (to THIS song. A big favorite).

Today we did all the above.

Eden stuck to the role of ballerina-princess, and I was Rapunzle-cowgirl.

It's hard, a lot of times, but I love being a mom.

late bloomer

2012-01-10T15:53:00.000-05:00

So today I joined the crazy pinterest.

I waited this long, well because I KNEW I would love it and be addicted.

And I was right. I do love it. Not addicted to it, but do love it.

I am finally getting out of that fog of hormones that morph me into a un-social, un-creative, un-motivated person while pregnant.

I am actually getting thoughts of pulling out my sewing machine, start going steady with my thrift stores and get creating.

And pinterest is definitely fueling my creative fire.

Its nice to be back to me.

I actually am having people over now, like, taking initiative and planning stuff. Oh its good to be back!

last night:

2012-01-10T10:25:00.000-05:00

We were waiting for Chad to come home from work.

Which means it was that awful bewitching hour where all children go rotten.

I was able to dodge it by make a nest:

And I fed my baby birdies "wormies" (aka noodles) until their daddy birdie came home.

Some times they would have to preform birdie tricks in order to be fed a wormie, or would have to try and fly. Great distraction for us all.

Friday night:

2012-01-10T10:16:00.000-05:00

We put the girls down.

And still more than a half hour later they were W I D E awake.

Just chatting away and giggling and when they would hear us coming towards their room we would hear a shuffle of feet and "*GASP* hurry! Someones coming!" and mysteriously they would be in their own beds with the covers on.

So finally after a while of saying "It's bed time girls, go to sleep" I summoned them to the table.

We had eggs, toast and some banana.

And then they laid down and were out in less than five minutes.

what are you doing right now?

2012-01-09T10:18:00.003-05:00

We're watching Sleeping Beauty.

In our jammies.

So magical.

happy

2012-01-08T23:17:00.001-05:00

I don't want this weekend to end.

Nothing special has happened, but for some reason it's been so happy.

We've cooked a lot together, we've painted egg cartons, had friends over for dinner, discussed future home/garden dreams, taken naps, gone for walks, made and eaten a whole batch of sugar cookies, watched some favorite movies, read many many many library books, and just hung out. I loved it. I found myself smiling a lot, which is always a good thing. Now Chad and I are watching Inception (favvvvvorite) and ignoring lots of dishes. I really like my life. (pic of me, pregs with Maggie, being happy)

e-friends

2012-01-05T15:59:00.000-05:00

Today I met up with one of my newest "e-friends".

The funny thing is, mutual "e-friends" matched us up too! Translation= two girls I have never met in real life, set me up to be friends with someone I have never met. What?

We are all friends on instagram, and figured out we lived near by, and today we got together and had lunch and our girls played with play-dough, and dress ups, and barbies and basically it was awesome.

Isn't technology a funny/awesome thing?

I mean, who knows if Haley and I would have ever met had it not been for a silly phone app? Who knows, but now we have cool new friends that have girls almost the exact same age as ours. Also she makes quesadillas with goat cheese and they were killer.

I've been able to meet up with other e-friends in the past like Susan, and Caroline (you too Celeste!). Its a pretty cool thing, now I get how people call it a "blog community".

Do you have e-friends? Have you ever met up?

squishy baby in a front pack:

2012-01-04T16:06:00.000-05:00

Please expect most of my posts to be pictures of Maggie.

Cause I really can not get enough of her.

She is just the sweetest thing, the easiest baby in the world, and just makes me so happy and peaceful when I can have her close to me.

:)

2012-01-03T15:27:00.000-05:00

Look who smiles at mommy now.

The sweetest thing in da worrrrrrld.

trusty side kick

2012-01-03T12:25:00.000-05:00

Today I am fighting off the baby blues with the help of my trusty side kick: chocolate cake.

I am also moving all three bedrooms around. Not exaggerating. By tonight, we will all be in different rooms.

And, we'll probably go for a walk soon too, I mean, sunshine really is my therapy....along with chocolate.

I got the RECIPE from THEIR cookbook I got for Christmas...so freaking good. Random, but apparently my grandma knows both these ladies, I'm basically famous now.

2012

2012-01-01T23:56:00.000-05:00

I used to think new years was basically lame, just an excuse for people to get wasted. But I've changed my mind the past few years.

It's a beautiful thing, the idea of starting new and bettering yourself.

We had a fun new years eve, went to a party with great food, friends, and of course rock band and catch phrase. We headed home by 10:00, and were all asleep before midnight...I know right? Party animals I tell you!

This year, 2012, is going to be all about more routine, more structure.

Weekly menus, specific days for laundry, cleaning the bathroom and fun stuff like that.

A better night time routine for all of us.

An exercise plan, with a half marathon schedule in there.

Scripture study with study guides and my journal.

Planning fun get-togethers with old and new friends.

It's going to be a good year.

laugh

2011-12-30T10:31:00.001-05:00

things that make me laugh:

Goldie Hawn in a fat suit.
When Chad tries to put "totes" in a sentence.

What doesn't make me laugh?:

Waking up at 3 am to puke.

Fun fact: most food born illnesses have a three day incubation period...so what did I eat three days ago? Chad's co worker gave us a gift card to Chili's....and I'm pretty positive that's who to blame. Ever get sick from some place? Well, I officially never want to eat there again.

Isn't there a law about moms not being allowed to get sick?

salt water

2011-12-29T15:06:00.000-05:00

I saw this quote today:

"The cure for anything is salt water- sweat, tears, or the sea."

-Isak Dinesen

And now I'm missing living by the ocean so bad it hurts.

These pictures are from when I was pregnant with Eden, at Pacific City with some of our awesome friends. Why is Arkansas not on the coast?

six

2011-12-28T09:43:00.000-05:00

Six years ago Chad and I were married.

In six years we have:

earned 4 different degrees
had 3 baby girls
lived in 5 different states
been unemployed
been employed
cried
laughed
explored
dreamed

Really, I could make this list a mile long. Marrying Chad is the best decision I have ever made, and will ever make. He's just what I've always needed. We love each other, and we like each other, which I think is pretty important. He's an awesome dad, and a wonderful husband. I am lucky to have him.

3

2011-12-27T17:12:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to figure out how to be a mom of three.

Lately I have been able to get ready in the morning, keep the house somewhat clean, get laundry kinda done, and keep everyone fed and alive.

Now I'm trying to figure out how to be fun too.

How to play barbies, and go for walks.

How to have an imagination again, and initiate play.

Its kinda tricky, and I imagine I will being trying to figure this balancing act my whole life.

girls.

2011-12-27T10:49:00.000-05:00

Common phrases/words heard in our house:

"Magical!"

"Beautiful!" "

PRINCESSSSSS!!!!!"

"Ballerina!"

"*gasp*What ever shall we do???"

"Come on, lets dance!"

"Mommy can you make me Uhpunzle hair?( blankie tied to their heads)"

"Mother, can you help find my dress up, mother."

There is also a lot of fake, damsle in distress type crying going on until someone "saves" them.

It's pretty funny, they haven't even seen many princess movies, Lily and Eden have only seen Rapunzle, Sleeping Beauty and Little Mermaid. Yet, somehow they know ALL the princess's names. I swear its just born into them or something.

We definitely have ALL girls.

I love it.

And I love Eden's dipe poking out of her leotard, and Lily's boy short undies+leotard.

random pictures from the last few days:

2011-12-26T22:50:00.000-05:00

How was your Christmas?

Ours was splendid.

Santa brought me a sweeeet vintage record player, magical princess barbies for the girls and a food processor for Chad.

We ate a lot of food, watched a lot of movies, went for several walks, talked to family (my sister in Thailand!) snuggled with a slimy baby (she's got a cold, boo!) and all in all, wonderful.

Christmas blankie

2011-12-23T17:11:00.000-05:00

One of the best parts of Christmas is getting packages in the mail.

Today we got one from my aunt, and inside was this perfect blankie for Magnolia.

I'm in love.

Christmas card '11

2011-12-22T14:50:00.001-05:00

I am proud to say, I am so not stressed about Christmas.

I plan on being this way about every Christmas.

Like this year; I found myself actually worrying about sending out Christmas cards...ummm why? Are the Christmas card cops going to come knock at my door? Probably not. So I dropped it. I went to the park with my girls instead of collecting addresses and they watch Dora. This year I emailed our card out to family, and now it's here on my blog, just for you! Print off even! Be that awesome.

Pretend you just opened it, and its front center of your card collection k? Better yet, you framed it.

Merry Christmas eve-eve-eve!

{picture by Joy Jackson..duh.}

little cub

2011-12-21T09:26:00.000-05:00

Over four years ago my sister gave me a super soft, little bear snow suit thingy at my baby shower for Lily.

All the girls have worn it, and currently, Maggie still (barely!) fits inside.

We noticed that whenever we put her inside when we went on walks, she would sleep like a rock, and for a long time.

Chad suggested we put it on at night, see how she does...

Guess who sleeps from 10-6 every night now?

Then at 6, I feed her, and she goes back to bed until almost 9.

Thats my dream baby!

post partum tips.

2011-12-20T13:42:00.001-05:00

*Precursor- I am NOT a style blogger...obviously. Nor a photographer, obviously. So don't judge.*

So after Lily was born, I was pretty much miserable. My recovery was long, and painful. I didn't know what I was doing, nursing was hard and to top it all off I felt so ugly. Nothing fit right, I basically wore sweats, every day. I never did my hair or make up and it was hard. Really, hard.

So if anyone else is out there, in a similar situation, I feel ya girl. It sucks.

I cant really help with recovery, but after my third baby, I have learned a few things that help the "feeling pretty" part.

First off, be patient with your body. Some girls bounce right back after a baby, and look like they never had a kid...some dont. I dont. It takes a while for me to be back to "normal" and I am finally, ok with that. So here are two outfits that are good examples of what I typically wear, that help me not feel uber lame:

1) long stretchy undershirts/tank. Long enough to cover your bum, at least thats how I like them. That way when nursing, your back/tummy isn't just chilling/is chilly, in plain sight.
2)Go-to boots. I literally wear this boots daily. They make #3 not so homeless looking.
3) Thick stretch pants. WAY better thank baggie sweats. I have a grey pair and black pair...they basically are alternated every other day.
4)Loose top. I love this one its soft, and loose and just the right length for me. So when nursing, this gets pulled up, the tank underneath goes down, and basically everything's covered! And I like that its loose so my postpartum tummy isn't showcased. Also something awesome- flowy tank, cute jacket, stretch pants, boots. Easy, and cute.
5) My best tip ever: SHOWER AT NIGHT. Holy moly, it cuts down on so much time in the morning. I go to bed with wet hair, in a braid and this is what it looks like in the morning- wavey. Then make up I just put on my foundation, mascara, blush. Donezo in like 3 minutes...maybe 4 if I brush my teeth, if you're lucky enough.

1) Hair tie. This way when poop/pee/barf are at large I can quickly put the hair out of danger. (Or bobby pins so you can do milk maid braids!)
2) Best invention everrrrrrrrrrr= maxi dress. Basically you are wearing a muumuu with a belt and it works. (this dress I'm wearing, the tutorial HERE) This one is stretchy enough to just pull down and I can nurse super easy.
3) Nails painted...makes me feel pretty.
4)Belt. This seals the deal. Makes the muumuu into a cute outfit. I also wear looser tops with a cardigan, and belt it up too. shows off the waist, with out being to tight on areas you don't want tight.

just before dinner:

2011-12-19T22:24:00.000-05:00

Maggie helps Chad finish up some work, he stayed home today, notice the TP roll? Nose like Niagara.

The girls watch a little Disney, in their undies/dipe, in my bed.

I fold a zillion loads of laundry while the brussel sprouts cook.

lost: motivation

2011-12-19T14:33:00.000-05:00

I cant stop kissing her soft little head.

I also can't find my motivation.

Its probably hiding under the five loads of laundry chill'n in my room.

Or under some magical presents that need wrapping (princess barbies???!!?!!).

Or its inside the kitchen sink along with the cookie sheets that have been in there since Saturday night.

I reeeeally dont feel like looking for it though.

happy place

2011-12-17T15:31:00.000-05:00

Today for the first time since I was with child, we went on a family walk to my happy place.

My happy place is the beautiful trail that starts a few blocks from my house.

It was so nice to be out with my love and my girls in the sunshine.

Life is good.

I really like this guy:

2011-12-16T13:07:00.000-05:00

And were going on a hot date tonight, lucky me!

It may involve a funky restaurant, an art museum, pottery class, and Christmas shopping.

I really cant wait, now I just need to figure out something sassy to wear.

pool

2011-12-15T21:44:00.000-05:00

Our gym has three different pools, and we try to hit up open swim as much as possible.

If we are lucky, pool #3 is open, its the kid pool and super warm.

Chad hopped in with Lils and Eden, and Maggie and I sat in the sauna like heat and watched them play.

Maggers couldn't fight it, the heat knocked her right out:)

I love how swimming wipes the girls out too, bed time is soooo easy if we swim after dinner.

ps- had a little check up with the doc yesterday and shes 12.5 lbs now, and 22 inches. This girl knows how to grow!

blocks+ponies with my oldest

2011-12-13T16:51:00.000-05:00

Maggie was asleep, Eden was in the tub, and Lily and I played with some blocks. I taught her how to make them into dominos, and she taught me about ponies.

Now Edens still in the tub with the Barbie Lily wants and is yelling "No!" and so Lily is crying like the world is ending. Maggie is waking up and wants to eat.

I treasure the calm times. Like the one that existed about five minutes ago that is long, long gone.

phalanges and metatarsals

2011-12-12T16:26:00.002-05:00

pic 1: this is one of my "things". I often paint my wedding ring finger a different color, or put sparkles on it. Just incase I go to Walmart with out a ring in my moccasins and stretch pants and messy hair and Squints Palledorous glasses and three screaming kids pulling stuff off shelves and allll da hawt guys just cant resist me and can't stop hitting on me. Sorry fellas. I'm taken. And so is that lingering scent of baby barf.

pic 2: We went to TCBY after we picked up Lils from preschool and got some gummy bears with a little bit of yogurt. Eden of course was a princess, and today, demanded no shoes.

sandwich lingo

2011-12-11T13:09:00.000-05:00

A common phrase I hear from my first born:

"Mommy, I wanna cheese samlich. With no mustache. In a circle. Please!"

Translation:

"Mommy, I want a grilled cheese sandwich. With out any crust. Cut into a circle. Please!"

a name

2011-12-10T16:56:00.000-05:00

As you probably know, we are family of nick-names.

Chad-Jim, Jimmle, Jiminy (for no apparent reason, I just started calling him that one day)
Me-Jan, Janis (same as me, no reason, he just started calling me that)
Lily-Fuzz, Fuzzer, Fuzzalumpagus (because she only had fuzz for hair for a looong time)
Eden-Schmiegle, Schmeig (because she crawled just like the Lord Of The Rings character)

(picture by Joy Jackson)

and now we have our nick-name for our sweet Maggie:

Neville.

Why? Because when she cries, she sounds like a Mandrake plant.

(You will only understand the name if you are familiar with Harry Potter.)

Magnolia June's birth story

2011-12-08T00:32:00.001-05:00

At 38 weeks pregnant, we made the decision to switch from my OB to a midwife, and to have a home birth. I had been planning on going natural with this labor. And knew that if I were to go natural at my hospital with the OB I had, I would have to be on the offense the whole time: declining drugs, IV's, extra monitoring, and just not having the positive birth experience that I wanted. Labor with Lily...well it was awful and I like to not really remember it, but with Eden everything went smooth, my epidural actually worked, but I felt a strong disconnection with the whole experience. I wanted something different this time.

So two weeks before my due date, we talked to our wonderful doula, Wendy, and we were lucky enough to get the midwife that delivered her sweet babies, Lucy, who we love.

I will say this before I go into labor details: having Maggie at home was honestly, one of the best decisions I have ever made. I loved every single thing about it. My awesome friend Joy came and took pictures of labor, these pictures are very personal to me (no, no privates are shown) but just a heads up, it's real, labor shots.

On Thursday the 17th, I woke up with relatively strong contractions, 5 minutes apart. "This is it!" I thought. One of our awesome friends came and picked up our girls and then it was just Chad and I at home. I had been texting my doula Wendy, and midwife Lucy periodically and they came over at different times to check me, (I was at a 5) to get a feel of how things were going.

Contractions slowed down, and weakened. So discouraging.

Chad and I bundled up and went for a walk in the cold sunny day that it was. We got some hot chocolate at my favorite coffee shop, then later that evening we walked and got take out (very spicy) Thai at my favorite thai place.

By 6 pm I was in tears. I was having contractions, they were irregular, I missed my girls and I was ten days over due. I told Chad I wanted to go get the girls and bring them home, I really did miss them. We called our friends, they refused, said to take the night and not to worry about them, we went over there an just visited, put the girls down and ate ice cream.

We went home, watched some modern family and were asleep by 9:30.

At 2:30 AM I was woken up by strong contractions. I laid there and yup, two minutes apart and they were long, very strong contractions. It really was go time, my thousand prayers I said that day had been answered, I woke up Chad and he started calling and getting things ready. In a matter of minutes Wendy, Lucy her apprentice Kim, and one of my best friends Joy (you know, the photographer) were here and it was really happening.

Chad, Wendy and I worked through each contraction.

Wendy would rub my back, Chad would hold me, and help my focus.

I moved from my couch, the birthing ball, to standing, to leaning on Chad.

In between contractions I was drinking a lot of water, eating fresh fruit and almonds.

We were talking and joking around between contractions, like being in labor was no big deal.

I loved the fact that I was in full on labor, but our home felt so normal. The girls toys were still on the couch, their sweet art work on the walls, we were listening Feist, Louie Armstrong, Etta James, Regina Spektor and more. There was just a wonderful, calm, and exciting spirit in the house. I loved it.

Pretty soon the contractions were getting more and more powerful. Soon I couldn't stand while contracting. I was transitioning, but I was oblivious, I was too busy not thinking.

Lucy said the birthing tub was ready for me, and it was perfecting timing. That water felt so good.

From here on out, the contractions were so powerful. They took all of me. Lucy checked me, I was at an eight.

I had Chad quietly encouraging me, and Wendy helping my breathing, and rubbing my back.

In between contractions, I would just float, not think. I just was letting things happen. I had no concept of time, I have no idea how long I was in the pool, or anything. Funny how that is.

Pretty soon Chad got in the tub, I wanted him closer to me.

I wasn't thinking about anything, I looked up and see Lucy start gathering things, "is this real? Is this baby really coming now?" I was thinking ...umm... duh Rachel. Yes, she is coming and coming soon.

All a sudden the pain was empowering. I threw up a few times. I tried so hard to accept it, to not fight it. I trusted my body, I knew I was meant for this.

I was pushing, with out telling my body to do so. I could feel Maggie moving lower. We were working together. For a split second I thought about the things that could go wrong but immediately pushed those thoughts out. I felt very strongly from the begging that my thoughts could dictate outcomes, I then starting focusing on seeing my sweet baby.

Lucy asked if I wanted to feel my baby's head, I said no, I was trying too hard to push.

The pressure built and built. Then I felt her head come out, soon the shoulders. and she was out. The pain that consumed every fiber of me, was gone. I pushed for a total of two minutes.

The music was still quietly playing, the house was still calm, people that I loved were all around and quietly congratulating me: "You did it!"

Lucy brought our sweet girl out of the water, and I held her. We did it, we worked so hard to make this happen and she and I were finally together.

Chad was so sweet and right there all along. "You did it hon, we have our little girl, you are amazing, she is here!"

My sweet baby was born at 5:47 AM

She was so perfect.

It all felt rather surreal, I was never scared, I never thought I couldn't do it, I never wanted to go the hospital.

Chad and I got out of the tub, showered and I got into my own bed.

I nursed my sweet brand new baby, next to my husband and just laid there so happy.

Lucy and Kim were packing up their things, and Chad and I discussed names.

Magnolia June we decided. Maggie, she was a Maggie.

Lucy came in and did the new born exam, weighed her. She and Chad cracked up when they saw the scale: "ten pounds fifteen ounces!".

Then Lucy did one last exam on me before she headed out, I didn't tare, she was nursing perfectly and I felt amazing.

So peaceful, and empowered.

And then everyone left, and it was just Chad, Maggie, and I. The sun had just risen and everything was quiet.

We all slept in our bed, I woke up a few hours later while they were still asleep, Maggie on my chest. I looked out my window and watched the wind blow the red leaves off the tree and the bright blue sky, and thanked God for being a woman. For my beautiful daughter, for my amazing body that worked so hard that early morning, and for my wonderful husband that I created this perfect baby with, and who was with me every single contraction encouraging me the whole way. The whole experience was amazing, and I will never be the same,

And that, is how Magnolia June Meynders came into the world.

adjustment

2011-12-07T10:03:00.000-05:00

I often am being asked: "how are you doing, going crazy yet?"

Meaning, adjusting to three can be insane.

And my answer?: It's going great!

I used to think it's because I have learned from my first two babies to have very low expectations, in everything, for the first couple months of post partumdum.

But after talking to my friend yesterday (ps-thank you friend for letting me invite myself over and wear my slippers and stretch pants a 3 PM) I have changed my wording. I don't have low expectations, I have realistic expectations. Meaning:

I do shower daily, but it just might not be until mid evening that it's done.
The house, does not need to be constantly picked up.
Laundry will pile up.
The girls will wear their dress-ups in public daily. And when we are home, they probably will be undie/diaper only type of girls.
We will watch a LOT of Dora, Swan Princess and Angelina Ballerina (WARNING: too much Angelina will cause you to contemplate suicide, that theme song is lethal).
Dinner won't be made for Chad when he gets home.
My clothes wont fit for a while.

I've also have learned to accept help, and to ask for it. I ask to get out of the house and go to friend's places. I ask Chad to do a lot (thanks, love!). People ask to help around the house, or to take my girls, the answer: YES!

So, if you are wondering, how I am doing? I am doing great. I am extremely happy with my current state of life, actually. My house is a mess (as pictured above), Eden is almost naked (as pictured above), and laundry is piling up. BUT I am not stressed, I am getting rest, my girls are happy, Maggie is my dream baby and Chad is doing great...probably because he doesn't have to deal with a stressed out wife.

rock. on.

2011-12-05T13:32:00.000-05:00

Yes, rock on for stretchy pants.

Cause these birthing hips aren't quite back to normal.

I am so in that awkward stage of post pardumdum where your maternity stuff, you are sick of and its too big, and your normal clothes are just not quite right. My hips are still wide...wide enough to carry and push out 11 lbs, and my boobs...well they feed the 11+ pounder...nothing fits.

So its stretchy pant+boots+pea coat when I am in public...cause really thats all that works at the current state.

a very homemade Christmas, again.

2011-12-02T12:20:00.001-05:00

Any Christmas decor that we have in our home is most likely homemade, and probably from a recycling bin.

Yesterday I made Christmas trees with Lily:

Sew simple! PUN! I just stacked about 7 real estate magazine pages together, sewed down the middle, separated the "boughs" and now we have a Christmas tree forest on our mantle! Whoop! I think I'll make even more today with news paper to really spice it up.

Last year, I made "tinsel" with newspaper, which was awesome, but I was picking it up all the time. This year I went for a sturdier route:

I had a TON of circle scraps from some circle quilts I had made. I just sewed them together, folded them over, ironed them down, and BAM! Super sturdy, rather adorable garland type thingy, that I actually will be using in the girls room after Christmas is over. You could totally make this with Christmas-y colors, or just white which would be really pretty, but I went for what I already had yo.

After that stuff was done, I asked Lily what else we needed:

"I know....BOWS!!!" Duh, I just ripped scraps of fabric, and tied bows on our fakey-fake branches.

" A shiny star!!!" which, is just aluminum foil, cut into a star, and taped on a TP roll.

She then was in the painting mood, so I just cut up a diaper box in random shapes and let her at it.

After ripping scraps for our "BOWS!!!!!" I just ripped some plaid in to little strips, tied them together and wahlllahhh!!! Another garland thingy, which Eden uses as a rope, logically.

There you have it folks, our home made Christmas! I think we'll do some paper mache later on today...let ya know how/if it goes down.

four square phone purge

2011-12-02T11:38:00.000-05:00

clockwise, from top left:

1)Eden so angelic when sleeping....then she wakes up, and is pure sass.

2)I love/despise the house we live in currently. We have one scuzzy bathroom, with one tiny stand up leaky shower. The girls really miss baths, so Chad made this "purple bucket bath!!!!!!" and they are obsessed. They take "purple baths" at least twice a day now.

3)my breakfast this morning: avocado, berry, mango, spinach, orange smoothie. So good I can hardly stand it.

4)I walked all THREE girls to Lily's school to drop her off, I love that we live "down town" Bentonville and go through the square every day and get to see the shops with Christmas decorations up and everything so festive. Sometimes if the girls are lucky and I remember change, we stop at the "nummy store" and get some treats for our sugar fix. So fun.

burp duty

2011-11-29T10:53:00.001-05:00

Lily has been so sweet with little (I use little relatively) Maggie. Eden has too, for that matter...very surprisingly actually.

Before she was born I talked to Lily about helping me "burp the baby".

So after I'm done nursing, Lily usually pushes my hand right off Maggie's back and takes over "burp duty".

With each baby, I wonder how I'll fit more love into my heart, and somehow there is always room.

ps- took this picture on instagram, you on it? Wanna be insta-friends?! My name is rmeynders.

"!!!!!"

2011-11-29T10:09:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my kitchen first this in the morning:

I walked in to the princesses "having a birthday party!!!!" and "going to dance class!!!!" and "making music!!!!"

They are crazy, but they are a lot of fun.

circle sandwich

2011-11-28T11:34:00.000-05:00

Do you get into food "kicks"?

Currently ours is grilled cheese sandwiches, cut into a circle.

We literally have gone through almost two whole loaves of bread since Saturday.

My girls can pound the "circle sandwiches".

in love

2011-11-27T20:40:00.000-05:00

One of my best friends in the whole wide world, Joy Jackson, happens to be a photographer.

Today she took some new born shots of miss Maggie.

Can you even handle her? I can't.

I've only seen two so far, and I am in love.

I just love this girl so much.

Thanks Joy, you really are awesome.

Check out Joy's site, and her facebook!

skinny jeans

2011-11-26T10:51:00.000-05:00

My midwife gave me to the "OK" to slowly get back into a normal lifestyle yesterday.

Meaning, I can do more than just lay down and watch Chad to EVERYTHING (really, its hard to just watch your husband do it all, not fun).

So I helped start laundry, pick up a bit, and now I'm just chilling with my chunkster baby in her skinny jeans. WHICH by the way are size 3-6 month...and she wears size 2 diapers...and shes only 8 days old.

Things are all good in our hood.

just a picture:

2011-11-23T16:28:00.002-05:00

two pictures from my phone, during one of our many nap times:

2011-11-21T16:59:00.000-05:00

This little one has days/nights rather mixed up.

Last night, I was definitely awake more than I was asleep.

But, I decided to not worry about it so much this time around.

I have help (Chad is the man.) and I have time, and I should just calm down and enjoy the time I get to snuggle and nurse this little one (which...wowza milk is in.)

People ask me who I think Maggie looks like, and right now, as in today, she looks like Lily to me:

Check out these new born pictures my cousin did of Lily almost 4 years ago (???!!).

And yes, I am so excited to share our birth story, once I get pictures back from the photographer, I will most definitely share. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made, having my sweet Maggie at home.

change

2011-11-20T17:45:00.000-05:00

It's amazing how fast babies change.

She already is so different from yesterday.

We love you baby Maggie.

oneof the best things in the world:

2011-11-19T13:03:00.000-05:00

a squeaky baby sleeping on your chest.

ps- I'm not pregnant anymore!

pps- if you ever wanna lose almost 30 lbs in 24 hours... give birth to a 11 lb baby.

Magnolia June Meynders

2011-11-18T15:22:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday to my sweet little Maggie.

She was born, today.

Born at home (yes, on purpose).

5:47 AM

10 lbs 15 oz. (no, I did not tare)

21.5 in long.

She looks a little like Lily did when she was born, once her face gets a little less swollen, we'll be able to tell a little more.

So chunky. So sweet. I am so happy she is here.

I'll be back soon-ish, with the whole story, but for now I gots a bebe to snuggle and sniff.

sunday

2011-11-14T09:53:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we were basically outside all day. It was 70 and sunny, and the perfect distraction from having a very large baby still cook'n inside. In fact I skipped church, I cant sit for longer than like five minutes...and I really wasn't wanting to attempt to be polite to a zillion people: "you STILL haven't had that baby yet?!"

We went to a new (to us) park in the evening and threw rocks for a loooong time. Never loses its magic.

I loved watching our girls play, they really are so sweet and fun. And crazy.

Today is day six. I woke up so sore, and tired, and emotional...like choked up when Lily went to preschool...and I am kinda debating on picking her up early. Geesh.

I know this little babe is coming, and coming soon, and I am excited (excited is an understatement) for her to finally be here.

+4

2011-11-12T11:14:00.000-05:00

Baby is still in there.

I feel like this.

Trying to live like its totally normal to be over due, but it's still frustrating.

+2

2011-11-10T21:31:00.002-05:00

Today, the girls went to the library with Nana, and I went for a long walk by myself.

Roald Dahl's father, took his wife (Rhald's mother) beautiful places while pregnant, because he felt that it would help the baby's creativity. How sweet is that?

So today I walked on my favorite beautiful trail, listened to beautiful music and tried to think about beautiful things. To help coax this baby girl to come join us, the world is a beautiful place, and we are ready for her to make it even better.

And if one more person calls, texts, emails, or facebooks me asking if I've had the baby, or if anything is new, I may slap them. Correction: I will go crazy on you. You don't ask an overdue pregnant girl questions like that. When I have the baby you will know. The end.

+1

2011-11-09T14:32:00.000-05:00

Yup.

She's still nice and cozy.

Last night I got spicy Thai, and got a pedicure.

Today I have a nice long walk planned.

I'm trying to help the action happen, but I know, she'll come when she is ready.

me at FOURTY weeks, according to my phone:

2011-11-08T07:31:00.001-05:00

The 8th. I cant believe its really here. The due date. I'm counting on a few more days, but would totally be ok with today little baby.

This is me, technically not 40 weeks, it was late last night before bed.

Weird to imagine me with out a big ol' baby on the inside.

...Think baby thoughts and send them my way, k?

random

2011-11-07T12:43:00.000-05:00

If you are checking in to see if I had a baby over the weekend...sure didnt'!

I'm not counting on her coming before her due date (...which is tomorrow). In fact I have a feeling it will be after her due date, just like my second born was. So I'm being patient, I try and keep complaining to a minimum and I still laugh when I see myself in the mirror.

Today is rainy. I love it. Just like the mother land (Bellingham, WA).

Chad and Lily rode their bikes to school today, we tried to persuade her that I can drive cause it was so rainy...but she just looked at us like: "...um, your point?".

She has that soggy Washington/Canadian blood in her I guess.

Speaking of, in a few hours one of our favorite full-blooded Canadians (first favorite=Chad), Chad's mom is going to be here! We are so excited. We have not seen any of Chad's family in 17 months...that's a long time, especially considering Eden is 24 months old.

So now onto procrastinating getting ready and cleaning my house...so I can make homemade pumpkin donuts! Gracias for the recipe tip, Tif! So excited for my house to smell like heaven.

"its coldy"

2011-11-06T08:06:00.000-05:00

Its "coldy" here this morning.

So we stand on the heater vents and watch movies on our iphones.

mishers

2011-11-04T12:57:00.001-04:00

Probably one of my favorite pictures in da world:

My little bro and sis, in the MTC (missionary training center) TOGETHER.

It's very rare that siblings go on missions the same time, let alone be in the same place together. These two got to have three weeks where they could see each other between their teaching and language classes.

Scotty got to Guatemala this week, and his first email back is hilarious.

Niff (Jennifer) heads out to Thailand on Monday.

I am so excited for them, and slightly jealous actually that they are doing this awesome thing (serving a mission for our church) together.

We are pretty good at writing, I make sure they get plenty of Modern Family quotes (specifically Phil) in each letter/email. I miss them.

Scotty's blog HERE.

Niff's blog HERE.

hoy

2011-11-03T10:53:00.000-04:00

This morning was a pancakes and hot chocolate kind of morning.

The rest of the day involves:

banana bread+friends
library
naps
make a leaf collection
park
chili and cornbread+friends
hopefully a movie in bed with my love to end it all

let the guessing begin!

2011-11-02T12:51:00.001-04:00

We are in the home stretch folks.

D-day is in 6 days.

So crazy to look at the calendar and see dates that I know I will have a baby by.

I am doing alright, pretty worn out, all the time. I am awkward to look at pretty much.

Everything is right on though, measuring just fine and dandy, blood pressure is great and all systems are go.

Now shall we start the guesses?!

Tell me WHEN she will be born (day, and time)

and SIZE of this baby.

(just fyi- Eden was three days late and weighed 9 lbs 3 oz, 21 in)

natural habitat

2011-10-31T12:23:00.000-04:00

Spotted! Dragons in their natural habitat:

Look! just like in Jarasic Park! They lift a cow and place her in the dragon's cave and let them have some lunch:

These dragons basically have %100 sugar running through their veins from this weekend.

And today we get to go trick or treating at Chad's work, come home, have dinner, then head out for the real deal trick or treating. Best holiday ever! Especially for parents, cause we have to inspect the buckets of course.

Happy Halloween!

-from the dragons, and the cow that survived their lunch break.

playing opossum

2011-10-29T07:45:00.000-04:00

How many opossums have you caught underneath your house?

This ~~little~~ big guy, was number six.

Apparently we have the sweetest hotel ever down there.

My favorite part of this experience is hearing my neighbor and landlord talk about when they were little boys, they would catch opossums and sell them. $0.50 for a live one, a whole $1 "cleaned" one. So people could eat them.

We really do live in Arkansas.

best combo ever:

2011-10-28T21:35:00.000-04:00

This has been Eden's uniform the past few days:

Fleece jammies+rain boots.

I figure, if you can get away with wearing them 24/7 and still be adorable, then why the heck not?

I mean, one piece of clothing that's nice and warm, and includes grippy socks?

Can't beat that.

I am jealous of my two year old.

pumpkin hot chocolate

2011-10-27T13:39:00.001-04:00

Today is cold, and not just for us wussys, like, its in the 40's and rainy...that's cold right?

I really wanted to go to Starbucks and get some pumpkin hot chocolate, cause it just seemed like the right thing to do.

But. I am kinda (reeeeally) a tight wad and decided to stay home and wing it myself.

(like my hot chocolate shelf?)

I have to say, homemade pumpkin hot chocolate is pretty much celestial.

I didn't write down what I did...so here is a rough estimate recipe...like most all of mine are:

two mugs full of milk, pour that into your sauce pan, I used whole milk, OH YES I DID!

about 1/4 scant cup cocoa powder

about 1/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 tsp cinnamon

dash of nutmeg and cloves and ginger (or just use pumpkin pie spice if you have it)

mix that all up and heat until steaming. (I used a whisk cause for some reason, cocoa hates on milk)

I didn't have whip cream, so I dumped some mini mallows in there instead and BAM! Take that Starbucks!

Just finished my second mug:)

like I said before, this is a estimated recipe, so make it your own!

change is in the air

2011-10-26T20:54:00.001-04:00

The past little while, I have noticed a slow change in Lily's behavior.

She's a little more emotional, sensitive and quick to get frustrated.

Change is coming, and she can tell.

{Edens chubby finger painted pumpkin}

She came home from school today, with a report of her not listening, the teacher was shocked cause she honestly is one of the most obedient kids in the class (not just saying that, teacher tells me!). We both agreed that we think its because she knows the baby is getting closer to being here, and it's a big change.

So we came home, put on some nice fun/calm music and painted a million mini pumpkins.

I talked to my step-mom and asked for advice with helping the girls adjust to another sissy. Involvement is key, talking about our feelings about the new baby...well, more like Lily...Eden just likes to talk about chickens and puppies and apples. And first thing I do when I wake up: Pray to know the needs of my girls. It really is amazing how little answers come through out the day with that prayer in your heart. I am just a kid myself, and I need all the help from my Heavenly Parent that I can get with raising His beautiful daughters.

I think tomorrow we will paint pictures for the baby and hang them above her sweet little crib.

cuddles

2011-10-25T22:21:00.000-04:00

The other night, Chad tucked both girls into Lily's bed.

Probably the sweetest thing you can see is your two and three year old cuddled together, snoring. They slept like this the whole night, Eden woke up first and found us in our bed, and when Lily woke up we could hear her little voice from her room: "Eden! Where are you?!"

Having little kids is hard. Having little kids close together is really hard. But it is also, so so wonderful.

I love that these sisters love each other so much.

tomorrow

2011-10-22T23:16:00.000-04:00

I really have no regrets about much in my life.

But I regret how much I got done today.

I had a long list of things to get done and I finished them.

Kind of a funny thing to regret, productivity.

I really wish I would have played outside with my husband and girls in the perfect autumn day that it was instead of finish my list.

After fixing our stroller tires we walked across the street to our favorite fountain and let the girls play and I thought: I am really glad that tomorrow, we can do a "re-do".

Play outside, church, go for walks, color, bake, and just be together.

Tomorrow will be a great day.

Thank goodness for tomorrows.

pumpkin "patch"

2011-10-21T12:37:00.000-04:00

Today Eden and I went with Lily's preschool class to the pumpkin "patch"! (I say "patch" but really it was just a church yard a few blocks from her school that had a bunch of pumpkins in piles.)

It was fun to see Lily with her class and with her teacher. She really is such a sweet, obedient, and well behaved 3 year old. She made me so proud.

I put Eden in the back pack and walked to the school, then to the patch, then back to the school, then back home. If you ever want to get a million comments made about your belly looking like you stole a pumpkin, or how you are a "brave/crazy woman" for having three girls, or more stuff like that, just do what I did.

The four Meynders girls! (well almost four)

It was sunny and in the mid 60's the whole trip, we apparently are not used to "cooler" weather, notice Lily's parka and gloves?

Lily got to pick out a pumpkin to bring home, she ended up picking one the same shape and size as a small apple...she could have gotten bigger but she wanted a "baby one".

This little trip made me so happy. Being with my girls, in the cool sunshine, with fall all around us. Just about perfect.

Now it's time to finish off our pumpkin curry soup...which also makes me really happy.

my (little) space

2011-10-20T13:45:00.000-04:00

Heres a little peek into our room:

The new green walls, the duvet I made (ummm just two flat sheets sewn together:) ), the hand-stitched quilt my parents sent me that was from my great great great great grandmas, and the poster I made that says "you are my favorite" in dutch. I still have a couple more things to add to make the room feel more like 'us'. It's a tiny room...basically only our bed fits in here! But, it's cozy and makes me happy when I come in here.

Now, if you will excuse me, I have a nap to take.

nester

2011-10-20T00:01:00.000-04:00

Most of my nesting projects are coming to a close...well I say that, but have you ever been "nesting"? Um, you never stop thinking of ish you've got to get done.

But new bedding is made (crib sheets, bumper, duvet and duvet covers made for Chad and I, AND the girls, pillows complete with favorite animals...),

teeeeeny tiny onesies and blankies are washed and folded ready to go,

the girl's room will probably/maybe be done tomorrow,

the car seat is washed and ready to be filled,

and tomorrow I'll pack my 'hospital bag'.

Less than three weeks until her due date...sure hoping she decides to come a little earlier, cause we are ready.

I think.

walk with me suzy lee

2011-10-18T21:45:00.000-04:00

"Fall is here, hear the yell

back to school, ring the bell..."

[THAT song is one of my all time favorites. So sweet, and happy.]

Fall is here. It happened, today.

Yesterday was in the mid 80's, and today? Never got above 60, and the rest of the week looks the same.

Finally.

Eden and I found this "Ahwt heef" (heart leaf) on our porch.

And we all ate pumpkin pie.

We went for a walk this evening and wore jackets and had runny noses.

Its so nice to have autumn here, cooler weather, beautiful colors, Halloween is just around the corner, and this baby really could come any time, I think. There is so much to be excited about.

chocolate cake, in a mug, less than five minutes. do it.

2011-10-16T13:47:00.000-04:00

So I saw THIS coffee cake recipe, made it, loved it.

And thought, I bet we could do this a bit more chocolate-y....

And after some experiments, this is how it's done folks:

put 1 tbsp soft butter in your mug (if its cold, nuke it for like...8 seconds)

then stir in 2 tbsp sugar until it's nice and mixed

now add half an egg...I know right? half? well, just use the other half to make another one, duh.

mix in 2 tbsp sour cream

once that's all mixed, add 1/4 cup flour, 1/8 tsp baking powder, 2.5 tsp cocoa powder, and two tbsp of chocolate chips.

stir it up...

microwave it for 1 whole minute, dust with powdered sugar...

BLAM! You've got yourself your very own yummy mug of chocolately, cakey, goodness.

Make it,

aaaaand you're welcome.

shelf

2011-10-14T13:40:00.000-04:00

I have a lot to post about, that I probably never will.

Like, Eden's birthday party+ her new rain boots and jacket and the puddle hunt we went on.

And the huge care package my wonderful parents sent us, which arrived shortly after I had a "how-am-I-going-to-be-a-mom-of-three-kids melt down". Can you say: perfect timing?

But instead, I'll post another iphone picture.

My belly has become my toddler shelf.

Lily was well enough to go to school today, and Eden has been the snuggliest thing ever. Kinda love it, even if it means killing my hips to carry her around all day. I don't care. I just love having her in her kitty-princess jammies in my arms and messy hair.

Any awesome plans this weekend?

I plan on getting random stuff done around the house before d-day and answering Eden's number question: Mahm, wha eee-i-oo eat? (mom, what does a cow eat?) over and over, with different people: what does daddy eat? what does Lily eat? Mommy, Zacky, kitties....

shower number 3

2011-10-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

Tonight my awesome friend Joy threw me a baby shower.

I was against it at first, seeing that this is my THIRD GIRL...but eventually she convinced me and people not only showed up but I walked away with some dang cute stuff that we actually needed.

I of course, forgot my camera, so my iphone pics will have to do I guess.

This little party made the arrival of this baby girl seem a little more "real", holding little pink polka-dot onesies and realizing that soon a baby will fill them, crazy.

I have only a handful of things to get and get done and we will be "ready"...well, as ready as we can be for a third child.

So excited to meet you little one, don't rush it, take your time, but know we are so excited for you to be here with us!

happy birthday

2011-10-11T14:07:00.000-04:00

Today, Eden is officially two.

She is super spicy.

Extremely talented at running in high heels.

Wearer of constant bed head.

Put green lipstick on today (aka green marker).

And can be the sweetest little person in the world.

I love her more than words can describe, and I am so glad she is mine.

slimy

2011-10-10T13:44:00.001-04:00

So all us Meynders ladies have colds.

And our bed is still in the dining room cause our floor isn't quite dry yet.

So us three basically look like this today:

But I have managed to make a pumpkin pie, and some pico de gallo.

So it's still a good day, even if we are rather slimy.

i like today

2011-10-07T12:48:00.000-04:00

Lily woke up with a little fever, so I kept her home from school.

We ended up going to the park later and the girls played so good together for well over an hour: down the slides, on their tummies! Down the slides, backwards! Running! Super fast! AHHHHHH!

I like today. I like having both my kids with me, in the warm fall sunshine.

This weekend a lot is being accomplished:

For starters, Chad and I painted our room last night! From a chipped, super dark, brown, to like...avocado green, it's bright and it makes me happy.

Chad is re-doing the floors!Yes, underneath the nasty carpet there is the original hard wood...still cant wrap my mind around why people ever do that.

And I am making new bedding...probably.

I heard it snowed in UT and ID? Yikes, don't mind me but I'll just sit on my front porch now in the 75 breezy weather.

Ha!

Have a good weekend.

victory

2011-10-05T21:19:00.000-04:00

This is Eden's "I win face":

They didn't eat very well at dinner tonight.

And we have gotten in the habit of having a snack before bedtime...which we wanted to stop tonight.

After they were all tucked in, we kept hearing:

"Moooommmmmyyyyy I'm hungry."-repeat that like, a hundred times.

They won.

Waffles.

Tomorrow is a new day, right?

Hurrah!!!!!

2011-10-05T12:47:00.000-04:00

I could have kissed my doctor today.

I am officially OFF OF BED REST!!!

Apparently, my whole situation really wasn't that big of a deal, and the doc at the hospital Sunday night was a little overly cautious.

I wanted to cry, I was so happy to hear these words.

Yeah, I know, I won't go running a marathon any time soon...or mop my floor for that matter.

But now I can help pick up, switch the laundry, maybe make some dinner? Oh I can't wait.

I also get to start working on some more projects:

That's our car last week, the girls got big-big-girl beds!

So I definitely have new bedding to sew, Chad is refinishing the floors this weekend and then the list goes on from there.

Pretty pumped.

Yay for being able to ~~walk~~ waddle around the house again!

day one re-cap

2011-10-04T10:46:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was day one of: "operation-fat-and-lazy"...or bed rest.

Lily went to school.

Then Eden and I read books, watched movies, did puzzles, and drove choo-choos on the couch and my bed.

I got up to go pee or grab the pre-made snacks that Chad made the night before in a bunch of separate plastic baggies. Thats it.

(...and I still feel like I ran a marathon.)

This whole being lazy is hard work apparently.

Lily came home from school and a friend came over to help with the girls.

Then Chad came home, and dinner was brought over.

Now, Chad is at work, the girls are at a friends house. And I'm home alone watching old Modern Family episodes and trying to think of other things to distract me.

For the next two weeks we have meals being brought over, the girls being watched, Lily being picked up from school, people coming over to help around the house.

We are still rather new to the area, we don't know a ton of people, but that didn't matter. Our church congregation and friends have just taken charge and taken care of us. I am blessed.

what i'm look'n like for the next 2 weeks:

2011-10-02T23:52:00.000-04:00

Laying down.

For TWO FREAKING WEEKS.

Bed rest.

I went in to the hospital today, thinking I might have leaked some fluid, nope just straight up peed myself.

But I was having contractions every five minutes and dilated to a 3.

Awesome (not awesome).

What does this all mean? Bed rest.

Remember how I have a 2 year old (well she'll be two in a week and a half!) and a 3 year old? They don't take to resting all day kindly.

Lucky for me, I married someone awesome.

Lucky for me, I am part of a church that is very involved and supportive.

Will I still go insane? Probably, but at least I know I'm taken care of.

Wish me luck k? Well, wish us all luck, we're going to need it.

me+20 minutes+can of spray paint+garbage can=

2011-09-30T13:47:00.000-04:00

Eden was asleep and I was itching to make something, anything.

I want to have some type of Halloween stuff up, even though we dont have extra cash to go to Hobby Lobby and get awesome stuff.

So instead I cut up a diaper box, made an owl (or "ah-hole" as Eden says) stencil and then sprayed away. With a black sharpie I just drew a spider web and our spidey fam.

For the branches, I went through our pile in our back yard from our recent tree trimming and spray painted them and popped them into some old glass pop bottles.

Happy October eve!

3rd time around

2011-09-29T14:42:00.001-04:00

I feel like I have come full circle in this pregnancy.

I'm back to being queasy, and exhausted like the first trimester.

Like, this morning I took the girls to the library and then the park...I came home and told Chad I just ran a marathon. And then ate bread with butter on it because that's the only thing in the whole dang house that sounded eatable.

I have a feeling this girl is going to come early (yes still a girl, second ultrasound confirmed it!), I never thought that would happen but I think she will. I keep telling her: two weeks baby, then you can come. Give me at least two weeks to get ready and give you two more weeks to get nice and chunky (that's how we like our babies) and then you can come.

All my nesting projects are slowly getting closer finished.

We will re-arrange some rooms tonight and get her crib ready (!!!)

I wrote a list of things we need to pick up still: nursing pads, tiny diapers, clothes 0-6 months (we tossed our old ones out, Lily and Eden thoroughly trashed them=yay mustard poop!), go to Good Will and get some button-up shirts (best for nursing in! button up+leggings+boots+scarf=my uniform in about a month) and a few other little things.

I cant believe it's really time to do all this stuff.

I feel a lot more confident this 3rd time around. With Lily I was freaking out about now: "How do I be a mom!?" with Eden: "How do I handle TWO KIDS?!" and this time around I'm not too worried. Yeah, it won't be a walk in the park, but I know I can do it and also enjoy it. I am excited for this little one to come join our family.

Oh, and I asked Lily what baby's name will be and she said: "Baby Rapunzle".

I love you Baby Rapunzle!

cheap mom/monkey trick:

2011-09-28T21:53:00.000-04:00

Need to entertain kids while driving?

Do this:

Stuff an animal in the steering wheel and narrate what they say when they spin around turning corners.

My girls thought it was the funniest thing ever.

My voice is almost hoarse from all the monkey screeching.

dream'n.

2011-09-26T14:17:00.000-04:00

Last night, we just walked around for literally, over two hours.

With no real place in mind to go, just visited a couple parks turned some strangers into friends and checked out old houses that have potential to be awesome.

Last night we pretended we bought this house and we we planned out our garden, and the colors of the kitchen and all that stuff. Don't get me wrong, I know that re-doing houses is no walk in the park, but it is fun to dream about ya know? Ever seen the blog young house love (thanks for the tip, Rachel!)? So rad, now my mind is spinning with more ideas...some day we will do this, and I am excited.

wonderer

2011-09-25T14:42:00.000-04:00

Are you totally sick of my posts that are basically just iphone pictures and me talking about being pregnant?

Welp, here's another one.

This was me at church today:

....for about 5 minutes.

I just could not sit very long, all my guts are all squished and its just plain difficult to breathe while sitting properly.

So, I would come in and out of class, just walked around the church, visited with people in the hall, spied on my girls in nursery, checked the weather like a zillion times on my phone and got excited to think in not too much longer I'll be walking the halls with a little squishy squeaky thing other wise known as an infant.

Now we are home, the girls are asleep and its time to make a pumpkin pie.

Happy Sunday to you!

me myself and I...and my fetus

2011-09-23T14:17:00.000-04:00

Last night, it was dinner time. I have come to hate this time.

So while the girls were eating rice with butter and salt (yeah, see? Hate it) I went and sat in our tiny little office in the swivel chair and cried.

I sounded something like this: "Imhungry-butIdontfeelgood-andeverythingwehaveinthefridgemakesmewannabarf-andI'msodangtired-andmyhipshurtrealbad..." and all in a high pitched squeaky voice.

Chad just said:"Go. Go out to eat, go anywhere you heart desires and be gone. I got the girls, we'll be just fine."

Um. A date by myself?

So I put my shoes on, grabbed a book and left with red eyes.

I drove around a while and tried to figure out what my heart, and my baby's heart desired.

We agreed on Table Mesa.

Why? Let me show you:

LAVENDER CREAM FREAKING SODA.

Butter beer, yes, like you would get with your invisibility cloak on in Hogsmede. And yes, its good.

And, my new obsession:

Chicken curry burrito. Complete with corn, chicken, avocados, apples, onions, peppers, spicy curry sauce, and jack cheese, and amazing rice and beans....

The plan was to go to a church activity afterward.

But I bailed on that, and went to a movie, BY MY SELF.

Oh my Law I loved this book. The movie was very well done, they did have to cut a lot out but it was still well done, I wish they would have kept the naked crazy guy scene in where Mrs. Celia beats the crap out of him for Minny. Oh well, filming that probably would have been reeeeal tricky.

It was a great date. I came home so happy and ready to conquer the world, even if I still am queazy, I am happy.

I love Chad, he some how always knows what I need, and want at the same time.

grey

2011-09-22T15:41:00.000-04:00

This was me a about an hour and a half ago.

It's chilly and rainy out, the girls were down for a nap and I got to lay down in the quiet grey light all to myself, and get a little rest too.

One of my favorite things ever.

Now on to making homemade dark chocolate brownies.

And watching "Barbie Rapunzle" with the girls. So magical it makes you want to stab your eye-balls out...or...at least that's what it makes me want to do.