Full Term! Woah Mama!

Baby #2 Update

Take 1 outside -- Bug had the sun in his eyes

How far along: 37 weeks, 3 days

Gender: boy

Maternity clothes: All day, every day!

Stretch marks: I'm not going to look again...at least not this week.

Belly button in or out: It's just about an indent.

Wedding rings on or off: On

Sleep: I can't even begin to articulate how bad this has gotten.

Movement: Rolling like a champ!

Best moment the past week: Making progress on our new house. The inspection is complete, and we're waiting on the seller's response for our requests.

Worst moment the past week: Realizing I'm definitely not going to be employed at the beginning of the school year. But really, this past week has been going really well.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy.

Food cravings: Anything fizzy.

Anything making you queasy or sick: This heartburn is a BITCH!

Miss anything: Same as last week -- feeling like I can breathe after walking up stairs or for longer periods of time. I HATE feeling so out of shape.

Take 2 -- Inside with my little goofball

Weekly Wisdom: Part of this post from @mommysinsidevoice on Instagram. Look her up...she's hilarious!--  
"There are going to be people that hear your title of "mother" & try to keep you stuck in an antiquated box. Full of pointless ideals that have nothing at all to do with your situation or individuality. Ideals that stifle women, stripping them of their happiness, hobbies & eccentricities..."

"Ladies... being a mother is monumental in our lives, no doubt. But it doesn't have to be our everything. We're allowed to continue on with WHO WE ARE. I may even go so far as to say that the world needs that from us. Individuality. Resilience. Sense of self, sense of purpose. Confidence.

Strong women. Strong female role models.

The world needs it, our kids need it & we need it. . .

More than a Mama.

Let it be a revolution of enlightenment for the ignorant, a rejection of judgement within our own communities & ultimately liberation for us. ."
Looking forward to: Meeting our new little guy! 

AND!

Launching my new Blog using a different platform. 

I'm looking to start a blog focusing on all of the affordable, family friendly things to do in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Of course, it will also house updates on our two little boys and our life!

I need some feedback on the name though! So if you're inclined to do so, please CLICK THIS LINK HERE to vote on my top 3 blog names.

Times--they are a-changin'!

Given Baby Cable #1's early arrival, I decided that it might be sensible to start weekly updates at 36 weeks just in case Baby #2 decides to follow suit.

So much has happened since last week...really, just one thing, but it feels like a mountain has moved. I'm not sure if it makes me less stressed, but it makes me feel like we're less in limbo than we were at the end of June. I still don't have a job, and I'm starting to really feel a bit anxious about it. I have a feeling that it has a lot to do with this little guy being due in four weeks, but that actually makes me more frustrated.

On Wednesday, we put in an offer on an awesome house in a great school district. We had already lost one really great house, so we weren't counting on getting this house, but we were both in love! Shockingly, our offer was accepted Thursday morning, and we're anxiously getting things in order for a late September close date.

While we love the inside of the home, and all of the modern amenities, it has two major drawbacks. 1 - it's about 10 feet off of a main road and 2 - it has a 50x125 lot :-( We were originally looking for at least a half an acre of property, so the second drawback is a bit of a buzz kill for us especially since Lochlan absolutely adores being outside. Thankfully, the seller is offering us a chunk of money to put in a privacy fence, so that helps with both the first and second issue. There is also a huge lot next door that is owned by a local church and the previous homeowner's children utilized, so I think we can try to make the best of the outdoor living situation with the fence for safety and the neighboring field/property for more room to play. As the hubs would say, "if it's our Pennsylvania starter home, it's one hell of a starter!" I took Mom and my best friend over yesterday to look at it, and thankfully, they both approve as well!

To give a bit more detail -- it is an old farmhouse built in 1922 that has been completely and totally redone! It's super open and full of old charm and character with the modern updates that are to die for! I think in our home search the hubs and I both realized that we were not really interested in a cookie cutter home that was in need of a face lift. Neither one of us has the handiness or time to redo a kitchen, etc. so I'm glad we're getting into something that has all of those things finished -- especially with a new baby on the way! I'll do an update solely focused on the house once we move in and get everything situated. For now, here's a picture of the front:

With all of this change, we still have been staying busy. With the hubs back to work, we've been trying to still do some fun things on the weekends as a family. This week, my sister just finished up her Air Force training to become a recruiter, so now that she's back, she and her wife came up for the weekend. We decided a zoo trip was in order, so we spent the whole day at the Pittsburgh zoo. Needless to say, I'm absolutely exhausted, but it was so much fun! We got to see a baby rhino, and there was even an animatronic dinosaur exhibit! The boys were in heaven!

Digging for dinosaur bones with Aunt Elyse and Aunt Lacey

💙

"Roar!" He was absolutely infatuated with all of the dinosaurs!

Aunt Lacey's home!

Penguins!

Lochlan and his best friend, Cooper, and Cooper's cousin.

Baby #2 Update

How far along: 36 weeks, 4 days

Gender: boy

Maternity clothes: and big shirts, and sports bras...

Stretch marks: I looked...and I found 2... 😡

Belly button in or out: It's barely hanging in there.

Wedding rings on or off: On

Sleep: My poor husband has to hate sleeping in the same bed as me. I don't remember being this restless with Bug, but I'm constantly struggling to find a comfortable way to sleep. I've tried a pillow between my legs; I've tried to just get up and pee; I've tried to sleep just on my side...nothing seems to work.

Movement: We've had a few quieter days this week, but he's still rolling and pushing a lot.

Best moment the past two weeks: Finding a house we both love!

Worst moment the past two weeks: Realizing that school starts next week and I'm still UNEMPLOYED. 😭

Happy or Moody most of the time: Emotional. Overwhelmed, but happy.

Food cravings: Nothing really. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: This heartburn is OUT OF CONTROL sometimes!

Miss anything: Feeling fit. I can't walk up the steps without being out of breath. It's shameful. < SAME! The zoo was a very obvious reminder of my lack of fitness.

Weekly Wisdom: With all of this hate, bigotry, terror, and racism over the past twenty four hours, I can only hope to raise sons that are understanding, accepting, kind, and willing to do the right thing in the face of hatred. I'm heartbroken that I even have to consider or hope this for my children in today's world. I think President Obama's tweets yesterday (a Nelson Mandela quote) were perfect -- "No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his background or his religion...People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love...For love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite,"

Looking forward to: Still hoping to find a new job, but at this point it may be unrealistic...and I'm getting really excited to meet this new little boy!

It's the FINAL Countdown!

I think every parent has the proverbial, "oh, shit!" moment when they realize they're in the final stretches of their child's incubation, and they realize they're going to have to care for and keep alive a squalling infant. I've had about five of those over the past two weeks along with moments of, "oh, shit...what have we done! I have nothing situated for this baby. No crib, no dresser, not even a room!"

Then I come to the realization that none of that matters save the fact that this kid exits close to term, healthy, and squalling. What matters is that Lochlan will be a big brother, and we will be a family of four. After that is a success, then I can begin panicking about making it all work in some chaotic way.

With that being said, HOLY SHIT, we are LITERALLY a month away from our due date. Now, mind you, Lochlan decided to make an early appearance at 36 weeks and 5 days, so we may be seeing an appearance of Baby Boy #2 sooner rather than later. But if you ask this Momma, he can stay in and bake up to September 6th or so!

How far along: 35 weeks, 4 days

Gender: boy

Maternity clothes: Yes, and damn you Target and Kohl's for coming out with new brands at the END of my pregnancy. 

Stretch marks: None that I can see, and I'm not looking.

Belly button in or out: It's almost popped.

Wedding rings on or off: On

Sleep: Horrid. I toss and turn. I'm super restless. I can't get comfortable to save my life, and then Bug decides he's going to wake up at 2 am and attempt to get into bed with us. Nighttime is not a good time for the Cable family.

Movement: He's an active little booger, that's for sure. Rolling and pushing a lot. He'll give a few good kicks sometimes, but it's mostly just rolling and pushing.

Best moment the past two weeks: Enjoying time with the Bug while we wait for Baby #2.

Worst moment the past two weeks: Getting beaten out for what was absolutely the PERFECT home for us... :-( 

Happy or Moody most of the time: So-so. Mostly happy, but still very overwhelmed.

Food cravings: Strawberries again.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Chewbacca. I'm going to birth Chewbacca.

Miss anything: Feeling fit. I can't walk up the steps without being out of breath. It's shameful.

Weekly Wisdom: I have nothing for this update. I'm all out of wisdom.

Looking forward to: Finding a new home. Finding a new job. Meeting this little boy and working on being a functional family of four.

And this little guy was such a goofball today. He just lit up the adventure of house hunting for us. I had to include this second take with him looking up at his little brother/me.

33 Weeks -- Baby #2

Before we moved, I had asked one of my really great friends to take maternity/family pictures for us once we got home. As usual, things were getting busy and my mom kindly reminded me at Bug's birthday party that if we wanted to do them before Baby #2 arrived, we better get on it! Thankfully, she brought her camera and was able to impromptu snap some awesome pictures of the 3/4 of us! I couldn't be happier with how they turned out. She captured us with such honesty, and the personality of Lochlan is just spot on! I can't wait to have somewhere to hang these...which hopefully will be before we get family pictures done with the four of us.

Enjoy! If you love them, give Elyse Davis a huge shout out on Facebook! :-D

TECHNICALLY the pictures for this update are from when I was just a bit over 32 weeks, but we've been swamped/I've been lazy this week about making a chalkboard and taking a picture, so you'll all just have to make due with one from our amazing family pictures!

How far along: In the pictures I'm 32 weeks 3 days, now I'm 33 weeks 4 days

Gender: Boy

Total weight gain/loss: I think I held steady from my last SC doctor's appointment, but I'm still not happy with how much I've gained.

Maternity clothes: Like a champ!

Stretch marks: I haven't even looked, and I don't think I will.

Belly button in or out: Becoming less and less cavernous as the days go by!

Wedding rings on or off: On

Sleep: Horrible. I toss and turn. I can't get comfortable, and then I have to pee.

Have you started to show yet: I'm thinking about deleting this one.

Movement: Same as before. More rolling than kicking/jabbing. Then every once in awhile he gives me a swift kick in the left ribs.

Best moment the past two weeks: Bug's 3rd birthday was definitely awesome!

Worst moment the past two weeks: It's been pretty good the past two weeks. We're starting to adjust slowly but surely.

Happy or Moody most of the time: So-so. 

Food cravings: None really...

Anything making you queasy or sick: Same as usual -- heartburn!

Miss anything: I'd still love a good wheat beer!

Weekly Wisdom: I need to enjoy the time with my little family of three as much as possible.

Looking forward to: Continuing to get ourselves back into a routine.

Itty Bitty Baby Cable Turns 3

On Wednesday, July 12th, my little spitfire turned THREE! This kid has brought so much into our lives that it's sometime hard to explain how much has changed. Everyone tells you when you have kids, your world is different, and it's so very true. While in a lot of ways my priorities are the same -- I still value my career tremendously and I'm constantly trying to make my relationship with my husband my number one priority -- this little blonde headed, blue eyed boy has sent the rest of things in a tilt-a-whirl! He constantly has me questioning whether or not I have any clue what I'm doing as a parent/adult, but the minute he looks at me with his squinty little smile and says, "I love you so much!" everything seems to just click right back into place. Since we've moved home, he's shown me just how smart, willful, and happy he can be. Over the past few weeks, it's been very clear we've made the best decision for him, and I'm so excited to have him grow up at home. Enjoy the little snapshot into his birthday!

Official Birthday Cake!

Birthday Decorations for the Cake Display Table

Favors!

Homemade Paw Patrol Cake

Lochlan and his best friend Cooper!

Pappy Jeff and Mamaw got Lochlan his very own electric powered 4 wheeler for his birthday!

Photo Courtesy of Elyse Davis
Be on the lookout next blog post for updated family photos!

Milestones: We are about 90% potty trained! We have about one #2 accident per week, and I can't figure out why sometimes he decides to hide from us instead of going to the bathroom.
We found a "school" for him for next year, and he's adjusting really, really well to being in a new environment.
Sleep: Still up about once a night and crawling into bed consistently around 4 am, which we really need to work on because that will not be a good idea when baby brother gets here in September.
Eating: Eating has always been a weird one for this kid. He rarely likes to sit still and eat, and he rarely wants to try anything new, but when he's hungry, he will eat a small teenager under the table.
Mood: Very mouthy lately. He likes the word "no," and frequently exercises his freewill when it comes to expressing himself. There have been quite a few time outs and quiet times filled with tears, but we're all working on trying to find the best solution to help him manage his temper (and for us to manage ours when he screams at us).
Likes: His new quad and sitting outside on the porch after breakfast -- especially if it's raining.
Dislikes: When things don't go his way.

Things I want to remember: How resilient he is, and how excited he is to be a big brother.

Looking forward to: Adjusting.

It's not Goodbye, it's See You Later!

Since about the end of May, we knew that we would most likely be resigning from our jobs at our current district and making the move back home to Western Pennsylvania. We had already sold our house, so when my husband landed a teaching job at a school district not far from back home, we decided that we were going to take the leap and move back. Luckily, the hub was also offered a job as an assistant principal at a high school locally as well, and he's really looking forward to tackling that endeavor.

Things progressed fairly quickly through June. We told our immediate supervisor the second week of June that we would be leaving, but we had to wait until the final week of June to be released from our contracts by the school board. It was super stressful, emotionally overwhelming, and very unsatisfying to not be able to say a proper goodbye to all of our students and colleagues since it was already summer. Thankfully, all of our really great and close friends were able to come over the day before we left or meet us for dinner at a local restaurant the same evening.

I don't think I've really wrapped my mind around the fact that we're not going back in two weeks -- we're still in 4th of July vacation mode -- and I'm in a bit of denial about being unemployed. My job is who I am. I absolutely love being a mom, but the end of the day, those kids in my classroom are my kids too -- they make me proud, and I love interacting with them and seeing them grow almost as much as I enjoy watching my son grow. For the past eight years, I've been doing that from August to June. I'm not sure how I'm going to feel in the middle of August when everyone is into the back to school routine, and I'm not! Everyone keeps saying, "it's for the best!" and "you have a lot on your plate, especially come September and with grad school..." While part of me is in agreement, the other part of me really wants a new job and a new challenge! Maybe when baby boy #2 gets here I'll find myself equally overwhelmed and glad that I don't have the pressure of a new job, but for now, I'm furiously searching for any and every English teacher opening in the area! Wish me luck!

As far as the move, and my little adventurer's adjustment, he's doing much better than I am! My mom made him a PawPatrol room in my old bedroom, and he could not be happier. He gets to run around outside, play in the pool, ride 4-wheelers and tractors with Pappy, and torture three other dogs! He's such a little trooper.

Sometimes he asks about his "kids" in South Carolina and about his white house, and he breaks my heart into a billion tiny pieces, but then when we went to take him to look at a new school, he was so excited and said, "my new kids are waking up," and "I found my new school, Mommy" when we were walking out. He also has a wonderful friend in my girl friend's son Cooper, and I can't wait to see how much fun they have this summer/fall!

We are also continuing to plan his big three year old birthday. He keeps reminding me and everyone else that his birthday is coming up. I'm a bit fearful that we won't live up to the hype, and I'm also shocked at how much he's able to remember from last year's party! He knows where everything will be set up, where his cake will be stored, etc. It's a bit intimidating!

All-in-all, I think most of us are adjusting well. I think only time will tell before we are really "settled in" and ready to get into a routine, but it was definitely the right timing for our little family, and it's nice to be home.

Happy 4th of July!

Playing with chalk at Grandma's!

Morning snuggles with our bed hog!

Our JRT contemplating life! He has a love-hate relationship with my parent's house.

Baby #2 Update

Take 2 with my niece! <3

Take 1 with my Bug, but hubby cut off our chalkboard.

How far along: 31 Weeks, 3 days

Gender: Boy

Total weight gain/loss: RIDICULOUS -- same :-(

Maternity clothes: The only thing I can wear other than dresses.

Stretch marks: Nope, but I refuse to check because at this point it's beyond my control.

Belly button in or out: Fading quickly!

Wedding rings on or off: On

Sleep: Awful. I don't remember my sleep being like this with Lochlan. I'm restless EVERY SINGLE NIGHT from about 3-4/5 am. I toss and turn, and I'm certain that my husband is ready to divorce me.

Have you started to show yet: Uhhhh, yes!

Movement: I was just telling my mom the other day and this afternoon that this baby is different. Two weeks ago he was kicking a lot and now I'm mostly just feeling rolls and pushes. He's active for sure during certain times (evening time) and then really quite quiet. I'm not sure if this is because he's running out of room, the anterior placenta, or if he's just less active than Lochlan.

Best moment the past two weeks: The past two weeks have been pretty rough again (see above), but I'm starting to settle into the idea of being "home" and enjoying the time we get to spend with our families. Lochlan absolutely adores being at my parent's house and is so content with all of the things to do here.

Worst moment the past two weeks: Probably last Friday the 30th. I just don't like goodbyes.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Moody.

Food cravings:  None.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Still heartburn central over here.

Miss anything: A beer. A good wheat beer.

Weekly Wisdom: Definitely not feeling a whole lot of wisdom.

Looking forward to: Feeling settled.

29 Week Update Baby #2

How far along: 29 Weeks, 5 days

Gender: Boy

Total weight gain/loss: RIDICULOUS

Maternity clothes: The only thing I can wear other than dresses.

Stretch marks: Nope

Belly button in or out: In

Wedding rings on or off: On

Sleep: My body has an internal alarm clock that goes off every morning at around 5 am. :-(

Have you started to show yet: Uhhhh, yes!

Movement: Like a crazy little kicking machine over the past two weeks. He definitely has periods of down time and periods where he just goes nuts for a bit!

Best moment the past two weeks: Nothing really. The past two weeks have been really rough.

Worst moment the past two weeks: Yesterday.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Stressed. I am the definition of stressed right now. Hopefully I will be able to do a blog post on why I've been so stressed soon.

Food cravings: Nothing 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Miss anything: Still missing that "normal" feeling. Though I'm not sure that I'll ever have a normal again. 

Weekly Wisdom: Not feeling overly wise over the past two weeks, but I suppose the phrase, "everything works out eventually" is appropriate.

Looking forward to: Friday and this weekend.

Lions, and Tigers, and Bears! Oh My!

87 days. 

In 87 days (or so) we will be a family of four. 

Most days I can't wrap my mind around that idea. Lately things have gotten interesting to say the least. There are so many things going on right now that make me absolutely excited, and yet so nervous. I can't wait to see how the rest of our summer unfolds. 

This past week my mom and one of my best friends and her two kids came to visit! They were so super helpful while they were here. First of all, they came down because Lochlan was done with school after Memorial Day, so we needed a sitter. Second, they started packing up our house! I have just felt so ho-hum about the idea of packing up and moving, so it was great for someone to at least start the process and make my life a bit less stressful! I felt a whole lot better after they left, and even though I'm not a packing guru, I feel like I at least know how to continue moving forward.

I swear I didn't just invite them down to put them to work. I really enjoyed their visit, and it's a huge reminder of a handful of things. While the hubs was out of town for his brother's graduation, we took the three kids to the Columbia Zoo.

Baby Boy #2 Update

How far along: 27 Weeks, 3 days

Gender: Boy

Total weight gain/loss: 

Maternity clothes: Yep! And I even have some new preggo workout pants that I broke in this week. AH! MAZING!

Stretch marks: None that I've noticed.

Belly button in or out: In

Wedding rings on or off: On

Sleep: So-so. I've never been a solid sleeper apparently according to my FitBit.

Have you started to show yet: He has grown AND moved up in the past four days.

Movement: Yep. It feels different than Lochlan, but I definitely think that's because my placenta is right in the front. I feel him a lot already on the sides and down below. In the middle when he kicks, it's still really faint.

Best moment the past two weeks: Finally being done with work and my mom and good friend from home coming to visit. They helped start the packing process and got me somewhat motivated to do the rest!

Worst moment the past two weeks: Today was rough. 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Moody. Tearful really, which isn't me, but it's situation stacked on top of hormones, so it's beyond frustrating.

Food cravings: Nothing.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Heartburn/acid reflux is constant. I'll for sure be asking the doctor for something on Tuesday at our appointment.

Miss anything: Feeling "normal." Definitely don't remember feeling so out of whack with baby #1. 

Weekly Wisdom: Keep on swimmin'! 

Looking forward to: Answers. Specific. Concrete. Answers.

Baby #2 - 25 Weeks

How far along: 25 Weeks, 5 days

Gender: Boy

Total weight gain/loss: I don't even want to talk about this. :-( 

Maternity clothes: Absolutely.

Stretch marks: None so far.

Belly button in or out: In

Wedding rings on or off: On

Sleep: I'm up at least once a night to visit the bathroom, and bug is still getting up once a night.

Have you started to show yet: Yep!

Movement: Yes, this kid's in there kicking and punching throughout the day!

Best moment this week: Graduation and the long weekend.

Worst moment this week: Still feeling utterly overwhelmed. We finally have a new place to live in July, but I have nothing done in anticipation of that.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Summer is almost here, right?

Food cravings: Nada

Anything making you queasy or sick: This child is going to come out looking like Chewie from Star Wars...I swear! I don't remember having heart burn/acid reflux this bad with bug until the very end.

Miss anything: Beer...

Weekly Wisdom: STAY ACTIVE...more like GET BACK to being active! These love handles have got to go!<SAME four updates in a row! Once summer is here and I'm not at work, I might actually be able to get myself moving.

Looking forward to: Sunshine and summertime!

First Year of School -- COMPLETE!

Last week was the last week of school for Lochlan, and this week is our last week of school with students. We have had so much going on lately, and it's been so overwhelming. Our house sold at the beginning of April, but the buyer agreed to wait until June 30th to close, so we have been scrambling to find somewhere to live within a reasonable drive to work and for a reasonable price. There were so few options (seriously, like 2), and by the beginning of May I was panicking just a bit. I've now realized that I have to pack up a whole house in a month, and move it across town. It was intimidating seven years ago as a two person family unit, and now we're doing it as a family of three and a half. I also am so annoyed that I can't help move anything big or heavy. I'm not sure how that's going to work. We are definitely looking into hiring a moving company to take everything from one place to another as long as it's not excessively expensive. Thankfully, we can start moving stuff June 1st, so that takes SOME pressure off!

Graduation was also yesterday. It marked the first graduating class of our project based learning school of study, Cougar New Tech. I felt like the proud mom of 62 kids yesterday, and it puts so much into perspective. We all work so hard sometimes to just "get through the day" that we forget to appreciate all of the nuances of the individuals and experiences around us. From 9 until 11 am yesterday, I was reminded that the long hours we put in are worth it because the work we do does have an impact, and the kids I work with everyday are so influential in both my career and my personal life. Three years ago, I couldn't have imagined the tremendous difference these kids would make in my life, and I'm so glad that they took a chance on the New Tech program without having a clue what they were getting into! I'm so proud of them! As always, Lochlan came with us, and he was so sweet and polite. He cheered for his "big kids," hugged his favorite baby sitter, and told them all to be safe as we were leaving. It's days like that, that I think I might be on an okay track with this little guy!

Mommy and Bug hanging out while Daddy was in charge of graduation!

Graduation break time! 

Milestones: This was bug's first year of 2 year old preschool, and this week was his last week! He has adored his teachers and loved making friends. We have made some progress with potty training, but he still poops in his underwear more than he poops in the potty. Once school is over for me, I think we will be able to really conquer it, so fingers crossed for us! He loves to make believe, and every night in his bathtub, he makes up stories to go along with his toys. It's absolutely adorable!
Sleep: He is up at least once a night (around 4 am) calling for his daddy. He usually wants nothing to do with me... :-(
Eating: Today he housed all of his lunch at Moe's, and he ate a waffle and a half this morning for breakfast. He eats so much better at school than at home, so I'm interested to see how we do when I'm home full time.
Mood: Whiny. Demanding. ADORABLE! We had a senior dinner for our first graduating class of Cougar New Tech Students, and he was the king of the dance floor! He was being so sweet and so polite. It was for sure a #proudmommoment!
Likes: Blowing bubbles and running around the house making up Paw Patrol and Octonaut stories. He has a new favorite Amazon show called "Super Wings," that I'm not even mad about. It's a super cute show about a bunch of airplanes, led by Jett, who is in charge of delivering packages around the world. Each 15 minute episode, Jett travels to a different country around the world to deliver a special package to a little boy or girl.
Dislikes: Waiting for anything ever.

Things I want to remember: How he scrunches up his eyes when he smiles. It's the most adorable thing in the whole world. How quiet and sweet he can be when he wants to snuggle, which is so rare. How excited he was to feel the baby kick once a few days ago.

Looking forward to: Our summer together as a family of three. I want to take bug to Kennywood, mudding on the quads at my parents, and swimming for hours and hours in the pool! :-D