Missing

I love my husband's job for one main reason: it makes him really happy.

I love love love that he's blessed with a job that he enjoys. It's a privilege. 

The thing I hate most about his job is that it requires him to travel.

I'm so excited that he gets the opportunity to travel, and I'm really proud of him.

I just really, really hate being left behind every time.

Last night he flew into NYC (first time he's ever been there.)

We had always hoped/daydreamed we'd be able to visit for the first time together (sigh.)

When he called last night he said "this would be so much more fun if you were here."

And of course I cried in the most unattractive, blubbering way.

Because he is really, really sweet and loving that man of mine.

And I am really very pregnant and emotional this week.

And I don't even know what the point of this post even is.

But I'm sure I'll look back on it in a couple of years and be like,

"Gosh I was a big whiny baby. Grow up already 27 year old me. Ugggh."

But I'm posting it anyway because, gosh darn it, I'm a pregnant mom with two crazy kids, and it's raining outside this morning so there goes our "wear the kids out at the park" plan of attack, and my husband's waking up in a beautiful hotel room in Manhattan this morning, and our kid that looks just like him woke me up at freakin' 6 AM, and why is it so hard for me to fall asleep when he's out of town, and man my back hurts, and now our other kid (who also looks just like him) is yelling at me from the bathroom to come wipe her bum.

I most definitely will regret this post.

(Apologies future much more mature me.)

Happy Friday! Here's a Bunch Of Phone Pictures!

^^ Before the weather got so hot, we were having fun going to the park almost every day. ^^

^^ My kids are in love with their Auntie Grace. I'm so thankful for the time we have with her! ^^

^^ The splash pad downtown is our favorite summer spot, ever. We spend most evenings there. ^^

^^ Grace bought a car, and it has a sun roof! :) Yay for sister dates and girl time!! ^^

^^ 16 weeks. The "bump" is getting bigger every day. ^^

^^ It is taking Silas a long time to warm up to the fountains at the splash pad... ^^

^^ ...He likes it best when Mommy or Daddy are getting soaked with him. ^^

^^ Matt and I finally got to watch the sun set over the lake. It was beautiful. ^^

Anyone have fun weekend plans?

We're heading to Chicago tomorrow to visit with some awesome people,

and take the kids to the Shedd Aquarium! So excited!

Lovely Maternity & Etc.

Image source

As the weeks fly by by and my waist expands, I've been thinking more and more about maternity style. I try to avoid thinking about it as long as possible, but at some point it becomes a necessity.

My personal philosophy on maternity style is to get by with as few traditional "maternity"pieces as possible, and to invest in pieces that will not only work for pregnancy but also in that awkward, nursing postpartum phase. Not an easy order, but do-able with some hunting and patience. I also believe that looking good and feeling confident about your appearance is good medicine for your stress levels, mood and energy, so I personally think it's worth it to purchase a few special things during pregnancy that make you feel pretty and put together. Pregnancy is tough enough, man, without feeling frumpy!

One of my biggest maternity style inspirations has been blogger and mother to two, Naomi Davis. I love the idea (and practice!) of wearing vintage during pregnancy. So feminine and pretty.

Another huge influence and inspiration: photographer Tim Coulson's wife, Kesh. Lots of maxi dresses, loose fits from American Apparel and menswear inspired outfits. She makes everything look effortless and fresh. 

Last of all, even though it's been years since this maternity series was done, I'm still in love with the photos Ryan Marshall did of his wife Cole. She wore a lot of basic, non-maternity American Apparel, and looked amazing through all 40 weeks. 

I think these tunic dresses from Vanilla and Lace are absolutely lovely, and perfect. 

Vanilla and Lace also makes beautiful baby clothes!

ASOS is a great maternity resource, with unique pieces at affordable prices.

Thief and Bandit sells pretty maxi dresses and leggings, (not maternity, but could easily work in pregnancy.) I love the fun patterns on their clothing, (and their kids selection is adorable!)

P.S: I have to also somewhat guiltily admit in a post like this, I'm a sucker for Forever 21 during pregnancy. (Alright, I'm always a sucker for the Forever 21.) You're sure to always find something stretchy, trendy and cute there (even if it falls apart three days later.)

Summer Saturday

Yesterday started out hot, and continued to get hotter.

It felt really, really good to me.

We decided to take Grace (my sister, who just moved in with us for the time being,) on a Frey family-favorites walking tour of downtown Grand Rapids. A stop at Madcap for iced lattes, and some fun with the sculptures at Calder Plaza were had. I continue to grow more fond of this strange-to-me, little midwest city. It's calling me to explore.

After our long walk, we got mexican food for lunch, watched the kids play at the mall, came home and took naps and then walked quite a bit in downtown Holland after letting the kids cool down at the splash pad.

I paid for all the walking this morning. The newest, most frustrating thing about this pregnancy is a little thing called "round ligament pain" which I had never experienced before up until the last two weeks. My OB warned me that I would probably experience a lot more aches and pains this time around because it's a third baby and all those lower muscles have already been through a lot of stretching and pulling, but I didn't believe her. But I'm now ready to concede to my doctor, and accept that she is right, and gosh - it's not fun.

Also, there has been much debate lately about whether or not to find out the sex of this little one. We found out with our other two, and it was so much fun, but something tells us this might be the last baby, and therefor might be the last chance for such a big surprise. What to do, what to do...

Odds, Ends & Nonsense

I slept in until 9 this morning. Goodness. Thankful for children in good, quiet moods that played quietly and peacefully for an hour (or 2) and for a husband who fed them their breakfast. The baby and I needed those extra z's.

I'm a few days shy of the 15 week mark. It's flying by. This pregnancy has been so weird. With Olive, I had all the time in the world to over think everything, (and of course I did just that.) With Silas, I still had ample time in the middle chasing 3 year old Olive around to think a lot about him and the pregnancy, and there were complications with Silas that kept my stress levels high for the duration of the nine months I carried him.

I hardly ever think about this new baby. In the last few weeks I feel like I've (blessedly) returned back to normal (no more sickies and plenty of energy, thank You Lord!) and I don't really feel pregnant. I don't even look that pregnant. I thought with a third baby, all the physical changes would be sooner and "bigger" but unless I've eaten a really big meal, I look about the same, haven't had to wear maternity clothes or even use the rubber band trick with my jeans. I feel little flutters every once in a while, but nothing as strong and consistent as I did with Silas around this time.

Every once in a while I'll get hit with a feeling of concern, and I'll listen anxiously for the baby with my home doppler. I always feel a nice wave of relief when I find that heartbeat, and enjoy a moment or two of happiness from knowing all's well. I feel guilty sometimes for not thinking about this baby as much as I did with my other two. The days are so full and busy, chasing and entertaining my big kids. It makes me wonder what our family dynamic will be like when this surprise babe is born, and how he/she will fit in.

Matt and I think we're still partly in denial that all of this is even happening. It's easy to forget when I feel good and am really distracted with the kids and life. Out of my 5 pregnancies, this is the only one I've ever felt so peaceful and stress-free over. And I wonder if, more than just being in denial, that God's just blessed me with a peace of knowing that whatever the outcome, everything's going to be ok.

Now, for some nonsense...

I ordered this dress today. Sometimes Forever 21 gets it right.

I really love this tee.

This is a really pretty, summery hair style.

4th of July Weekend

My sister-in-law's family visited over the long holiday weekend. We had fun enjoying the beautiful weather, eating good food and spending lots of time at the beach. The water is finally tolerable (still freezing, but tolerable) and it's fun to splash around in. Lake Michigan is so clean, and the water is shallow, so it's heaven for the kids.

Thursday Nights Just Got a Lot More Fun

I love my town.

Especially in the summer. Especially Thursday nights.

While Olive has a blast getting soaked and making friends on the splash pad...

...I can watch these guys perform. These ladies are STRONG. So fun to watch.

This group was also funny fun to watch. I always wanted to learn belly dancing. It looks so darn fun.

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We have been super busy lately.

My sister just moved in with us and we've been running around getting her settled in.

We're expecting a lot of company later this week for the 4th and we're excited!

More soon.