10 on Tuesday

1. I really am back to blogging; but I have slacked in disappointment because my watermark program is giving me issues.
I love to use photos on my blog, so trying to figure out that little bug.
2. The last couple of weeks have been super busy and it has been hard keeping up with everything.
3. Found out that we will be meeting Kolton on 12-12-15, unless he decides to make his appearance sooner. Though, I am not counting on that as my boys don't believe in being early.
4. Slowly getting my Thanksgiving dinner menu planned for my little family.
5. Klayton had his first earache last Friday and I discovered those come fast and suddenly. So grateful for an excellent hospital and walk-in clinic! Awesome doctors and nurses!
6. On Friday evening, Klayton came to me in my room and said, "Mom, thanks for taking care of me today to get me better-you did a good job!" I may or may not have teared up a little bit. Those moments make up for hard days.
7. Since learning that Kolton will be here in basically 5 weeks, I am in major nesting mode. I can't wait to tackle the boys room tomorrow. Yes, I realize it will only stay clean for about 5 minutes.
8. I am so grateful for my husband. He works hard and does his best to provide for our family. I know he would prefer not to work a secular job; but he does to provide for his family.
9. Last week I received a phone call that Klayton won a prize from the fall festival that the local police station hosted. I was SO excited and decided to walk there with the boys after the receptionist stated it was only a couple of blocks away. About 1/2 way on our walk, I realized it was more than 2 blocks and checked my phone GPS. The station was 1.2 miles from our apartment. We decided to keep walking-after all we were just SO excited! When we arrived I learned that BOTH boys had actually won a prize. And the prize Justus won was quite large...lets just say I am sure we looked like quite a sight walking home. Two boys, a pregnant woman pushing an umbrella stroller and me trying to balance a big box on top of the stroller as we walked home. The whole journey from start to finish lasted about 2 hours...we were exhausted.
10. Well, Tuesday is almost over. I hope your day was well and that you all have a great rest of the week.

29 Weeks-Surprise Baby

To celebrate 29 weeks I did my one hour glucose test and failed. Fun times? Blah. I had gestational diabetes with Justus and kind of expected to fail it this time. Apparently, I'm not an optimist! I failed it by 30 points and after talking with my doctor I requested to forego the 3 hour test and treat the remaining time of my pregnancy as if I have GD. I am really not enthused with the idea of 4 blood draws for the 3 hour test and I know my diet has been terrible this pregnancy. So, welcome to life with 4 pokes a day!

Total weight gain/loss: 13 lbs gained. Expecting with a diet change that will drop.
How much does baby weigh?
Maternity Clothes? Yep; but I admit I am also wearing some regular clothes!
Stretch marks? I haven't noticed them? Mmm...I'm sure they are there.
Sleep? I am already uncomfortable at night. So yeah,sleep isn't my greatest success.
Best Moment this week? Hearing his heart beat! It was ranging from 160-172 thanks to finishing my glucose drink!
Food cravings? Nothing right now. I really haven't had many cravings this pregnancy.
Food aversions? None right now. The only thing that has sickened me this entire pregnancy is Taco Bell.
Pregnancy Symptoms: Exhaustion. Back aches. Uncomfortable.
Gender: Boy-Kolton Miles.
Labor signs? Nope and hopefully won't have any anytime soon.
Belly button in or out? In.
What I miss? Nothing yet.
What I am looking forward to? 30 weeks because then I will really feel as if I am on the downward slope.
Milestones? Made it to the 3rd trimester!

Ten on Tuesday-Bring You Up to Speed

1. We are now living in Wisconsin and have been here for almost a month! We are loving it.
2. Justus is now 16 months!

3. Klayton is getting ready to celebrate his 5th birthday and is in pre-K!

4. I am 28 weeks pregnant! And I "get" to do my glucose test on Friday.

5. We are excited to meet this little guy in December.

6. Klayton has lost 2 teeth while Justus is getting 2 new teeth.
7. Thursday my hubs will celebrate his 36th birthday. Upward swing to 40-he's getting old.
8. A little laugh for this Tuesday, courtesy of Klayton! My mom had a deer in her garden that she told Klayton about. He told her that he needs to get his gun (don't worry he doesn't have a real one) and come shoot. She asked him, "why? are you going to eat it?" His reply, "I don't like deer meat-I like people meat!"
9. God gave those little children to you, Mama-to you. No one else can mother them like you can. You may have your work cut out for you, but you're the one cut out to accomplish it.
10. Have a Happy Tuesday and I am promising to be back this week!

Baby #3 Reveal and Brotherly Dismay

It's another boy-Kolton Miles.

I am NEVER good at predicting baby gender...even my own baby's gender. With Klayton I thought girl up until about two weeks prior to the ultra sound telling us, boy. With Justus, I thought girl because my pregnancy was so different than it was with Klayton. When we left after finding out it was another boy, I felt so guilty. BUT, this time my gut instinct knew. I did waver once..at 11 weeks the heart rate was 172 and I thought maybe a girl. Then I went in for a dating ultrasound and the heart beat was lower and my instincts were back to boy and never strayed again.
Klayton, really wanted a sister this time. He told everyone he was getting a sister and I would tell him that it might be a boy. He would then speak to my belly:

"Baby are you a girl or boy?
He would then proceed to put his ear to my belly and "listen" for a moment.
You are STILL a girl! Ok!"
He would smile at me and run off to continue doing whatever it is boys do.

Since I was so convinced that it was another boy, Joseph and I began to have more conversations with him to prepare him for the gender reveal if my instincts were indeed correct.
The week prior to the ultrasound he informed me daily,

"Mom, I only like Justus and girl babies!"
or
"Mom, if its a boy I won't like it."

"Mom, if its a boy I will be mad/sad."

Then the kicker came the night before the ultrasound during our nightly prayer time.

Jesus, if its a boy baby please change it to a girl before morning."

Now, taking it to the Lord-that is some serious business!

My ultrasound took forever-a student did it-which I don't mind-USUALLY! I have had students in the past; but when you are impatiently and anxiously waiting to see who baby is...well, just, ugh. Finally, after about 40 minutes of her looking around and not even peeking at where "the goods" were the regular technician came in and our little baby #3 was quick to reveal my instincts were indeed correct! Another boy.

We went to the ultrasound as a family and as we left we kept an eye on Klayton to see how he was reacting. He seemed fine. So, maybe he didn't realize it was a boy and we would take him to McDonalds to gently break the news! You can never go wrong with "Donalds" as he calls it. But, as I organized my stuff in the waiting room we realized he did hear and he was not happy. Klayton did not want to tell anybody that he was having another brother. Later that afternoon, Joseph told him that we need to be thankful for another brother to help protect mommy and that we needed to say, thank you Jesus.

Klayton's reply,
"I will not say thank you Jesus for a boy."

Joseph and I decided not to rebuke him for his feelings and for expressing them. We knew he was honestly disappointed; but we also knew that in time he would come around. We didn't want to make it worse and I knew not to let the comments bother me. We just remained excited and continued to show Klayton we were thankful and excited for another boy. Within a day we could see that he was coming around as he liked to tell people the baby's name-Kolton Miles.

I truly am excited that I have the label "boy mom"! I was not disappointed to discover ANOTHER BOY. I let everyone else be disappointed for me! Haha! I am excited that God has seen fit to let me attempt to raise a few good men for Him and to guide their lives to serve Him and please Him.

Most of the time when people learn its another boy-they say, "maybe next time you will get your girl!" I know they are well intended; but I don't need a next time to try and get what I want. God wants me to have 3 BOYS and thats what I want! The other day though someone asked me what this baby is and I shared that its another boy and her reply was, "wow, what a blessing you GET to have ALL boys-you are blessed!"

Blessed. I am definitely blessed.

I'm Back and I Have News

Yes, its been 5 months of silence. I think about this blog often and how I miss it. SO, TODAY, I am back to share some pretty important news with you!

April 21st, was welcomed early and with me sick to my stomach. Not the most pleasant start. But, with a weeks worth of naps and two days of nausea I knew something had to be done. So, yep, I opened the pregnancy test that I had bought the day before.
Before I could even set the test down to wait for the result a plus sign appeared. Normally, I hyperventilate right on the spot; but in my heart of hearts I already knew what the test had only confirmed.
We had not been trying for another baby, it doesn't happen easily for us. I had been selling ALL my baby items as Justus had outgrown them. Saying, this is a surprise is quite the understatement of the year. However, with the shock came excitement and happiness to prepare for a baby come this December! I am also still in belief that I will have two babies under the age of 2! Yes, we are crazy; but God knows what He is doing and His surprises are some of the best!

Justus-11 Months

Justus, you are 11 months!

One month away from being ONE...

YOU:
*Wear 9 month and 12 month clothes.
*Wear size 3 diapers.
*Weigh in at 18.4 lbs. Yes, I did have to include the ounces and not round it down or up!
*Are working on finger foods.
*Still not keen on veggies, you will eat them mixed with fruit.
*Scoot around on your bottom.
*Still no interest in crawling, though you are getting restless.
*Hate tummy time...I think this will be a life long hate.
*Love being outside.
*You have a short quick scream of sorts to get our attention.
*Love to use your hands.
*Clap.
*Wave.
*Found out you get to be a big brother. Wow.
*Love bath time.
*Know how to go backwards in your walker.
*Have 3 bottom teeth and evidence of 2 that could be on their way on top.
*Mama's boy all the way.
*Love apple/blueberry and cherry/blueberry.
*Sleeping through the night except for an occasional rough teething night.
*Have a fascination with peoples faces.
*Love to dance, or shake yourself up and down its so cute.
*Have decided that you are not to fond of naps anymore unless they are in mommy's hands. This has been a rough battle.

Oh, My Justus,
Last year I was so anxious for your arrival and now I am so sad as we approach your birthday. The time has just flown by. You are not so tiny anymore, you are my chunk! Thank you for being my boy. Thank you for always wanting me. Even on the days that I am like you need to just let Daddy or someone else deal with you so I can get things done, I am secretly deep down smiling that you only have eyes for me. I am going to enjoy these last days of baby life and I am going to look excitedly to more milestones with you. I love you and I am so glad that you are my guy!
Love, Mama

Resurrection Day

It is finished, the battle is over
It is finished, there'll be no more war
It is finished, the end of the conflict
It is finished and Jesus it Lord!"

Thankful for my Lord who paid the penalty for my sin and did the work I could not do!

Egg Hunt

A couple weeks ago we had received an advertisement about the largest egg hunt happening in our area. I just knew Klayton would have a blast! Not knowing what to expect we arrived 20 minutes early and already were standing behind at least 200 people!

Kids were let into the park area and hunted for 5 empty eggs a piece and could redeem them for a bag of candy. At first I thought how odd; but it was the best way and most fair way to do it because there were big and little kids all looking at the same time.

Klayton was able to go through the park three different times and came home with a bucket load of candy! Sugar high anyone?

We ended the day with Justus getting in on some of the action. These are the days that he is mainly just along for the ride...his day will come we promise him!

Lunch Date

Klayton and I seem to have been hitting heads with one another lately. It is discouraging as he tries to push the limits with me. We have had many "teaching moments" and it makes me so sad.

I decided that maybe we just needed some one on one time. So, Klayton and I went on a lunch date to McDonald's! Originally, he wanted Burger King and then we pulled up and he realized there was no play land! Thankfully, he noticed the McDonald's across the street and that is where we spent the next 2 hours! He had a blast and while yes there was no long conversations and bonding moments, it was good for us! After lunch we did an errand and ended our afternoon with our favorite soft pretzels from a place called Ben's Pretzels, in Wal-Mart of all places! My favorite part was him WANTING to hold my hand! Thankful for little boys and even for the moments of testing!

I think...

I'M BACK!
Who has missed hearing about these cuties?

I really do enjoy blogging...really I do! Life has been crazy busy and I am making an effort to come back and update my life in blog land. I will be back dating some posts in the weeks ahead. I have 3 monthly updates to do on Justus-seriously, he is already suffering from the 2nd child syndrome. Not as many blog updates, pictures...I think we took a picture of absolutely everything with Klayton-first diaper change...okay-not everything; but Justus is probably going to think that someday.
But, I am back and I hope you have stuck around to share in our life!

Justus, Ten Months

Justus, you are 10 MONTHS!

YOU:
*Wear size 3 diapers.
*Weigh in at 19 lbs.
*Wear clothes anywhere from 6-12 months.
*Have a tooth and two more on the way.
*Dropped your morning nap.
*Introduced Puffs.
*Love your ice cream.
*Love your bath time, especially when you get to take it with brother.
*Leave no doubts in anyones mind that you are a Mama's boy.
*Have settled into a nice bedtime routine, baby food, nursed, diaper change, pjs, bedtime prayers and a kiss goodnight puts you to sleep within 5 minutes.
*Sleep through the night for me.
*Still a bum, I say that with love. But you are just content to sit and observe.
*Traveled to Colorado and Pennsylvania for the first time.
*You are not fond of chicken and rice.
*Have a fascination with peoples eyes, noses and mouths.
*Do not like feeling forgotten or left in a room alone.
*You love your brother; but we can already tell that he annoys you at times.
*Hate being on your tummy still.
*Enjoy being read to.
*Like to smile.
*Have excellent gripping and grabbing skills.

Thanks be to God for letting me be your Mama and I am loving all the smiles and snuggles! I can't believe in just 2 months we will be celebrating your first birthday. Time is passing too quickly for this Mama's heart!

First Ice Cream Cone

It is no understatement that the Barnhardt family likes loves their ice cream! Especially the boys and Justus may only be 10 months tomorrow; but he is just the same!

I scream,

You scream,

We all scream for ice cream!"

Now that is a face of pure contentment...yum!

Bowling

Klayton has been asking to go bowling for what seems like ages! Tonight he FINALLY went to the "alley"!

Of course we asked for bumpers!

It may of been more for the benefit of his parents and grandparents...we will never know though!

He loved watching for the balls to be shot back from the lane! He also figured out that its not a good idea to cross "the line" on the lane because lots of slips and falls will ensue.

Overall, one game of bowling was just enough for him, yet leaves him wanting to go back!

First Field Trip

Klayton has been waiting and waiting for the chance to ride the school bus! And FINALLY the opportunity came as his class went to visit the library!
Parents were invited to attend; but I am still unsure how he would behave with me around. So, I met up with his class at the library for story time.

And some silly songs!

Followed with art time in the children's section.

But, my most favorite part of the field trip was watching him line up to ride the bus back to school. My heart was just SO happy knowing that his "little dream" had come true.

School days will soon be passed and I am thankful that I can look back at these moments with fondness.

Winter Carnival

The 8th graders at Klayton's school hosted a Winter Carnival in the gym for a class fundraiser. It was $5 at the door and that gave you 10 tickets to play with in the gym. There were several activities, face painting, decorate a cookie, make your own ice cream sundae; but Klayton's favorites were the bowling, ring toss, basketball and bowling again and again!
Klayton loves being a Ninja and he brought his ninja moves to the Penguin Ring Toss, I wish I would have video taped his Ninja moves! His moves were show stopping as parents of girls stopped to watch! I emphasize girls because I think Ninja moves are something you rarely, if ever see a girl doing!

The bean bag toss gave me a giggle as Klayton would stand behind the tossing line and then quickly run to the snowman and drop the bean bag in the hole.

A photo opp!

And finally, the place we spent the most time...bowling!

My favorite quote of the day was as Klayton stood next to a 12 year old girl who was bowling...he told her to take her turn first and then said, "I'll show you girlfriend!"

Pajama Party at the Beach

One thing I have always loved being a part of is story hour at the library for Klayton! This one was particularly fun as he got to go in his pajamas! Even Justus went in his pajamas!
There was singing and dancing...

There was a story...I didn't take pictures because I felt funny aiming the camera when I knew I wanted to blog about it and didn't know the other kids to make sure their parents didn't mind their faces being plastered on the internet!

And to the end the evening a craft!

If your local library has a story hour aimed for your young children, I encourage you to take your kids! They will have a blast! Well, they will have a blast if the program is done right! I have taken Klayton to some where we have ended up walking out because it was SO BORING! Klayton loves going to the library and I think story hour has a big part in that love!

Wordless Wednesday-Snowy Day