Big Sister Status

One of the things we were most excited about for this pregnancy, was getting to tell Everette she was going to be a big sister. She became a big cousin this year, and lots of her friends became big brothers and sisters this year, so she was very familiar with having babies. 

Anytime we would ask her about Mommy having another baby, she would reply with "two ones!". We cracked up at that, but she continually insisted she wanted "two ones". She was so convincing, my husband even double checked at our first ultrasound that there was just one in there. One day I asked her why two ones, and she so sweetly said, "because you can hold one, and I can hold one." 

We waited until close to the 11 week mark before telling her, and on that particular day, I had a doctors appointment and she had been playing at my parents house. On our way home she said "so Mommy, how was your doctors appointment?" and it honestly caught me off guard. I told her it was great and when Daddy got home, I'd tell her all about it. 

That night we all snuggled up on the couch and told her that there was a baby in my tummy, and that she was going to be a big sister! We showed her lots of pictures and videos from our ultrasound, which she proudly carried around. Then, we told her there was a surprise on the porch!

I had seen The Stork on the Stoop company over the last couple years, and I knew when we were expecting again I wanted to include them in telling Everette. She was so excited to see her special delivery! It is the most precious book, explaining all about becoming a big sibling, and their own special stork stuffed animal for them to name and love. Ours is affectionally named Storky, and she has slept with it every night since. There was also the most precious big sister shirt, and she proudly wore that to school to tell her class her big news. 

It has been so special to share this time with our first baby, and she is already such a great big sister. Lovingly rubbing my tummy, talking to the baby, telling it she is their big sister. She tells us all the things she wants to do with the baby, and we remind her what a big helper she will get to be. 

We pray for the baby to keep growing healthy and strong every night, and in the last few weeks, one of my favorite things is feeling the baby move, while snuggling with her at bedtime. Feeling both of my babies at once is a feeling I'll never take for granted. Three has been such a sweet age because I feel like she really understands, and can enjoy the process with us. 

We find out this week if she is getting a baby brother or a baby sister, and anytime someone asks her what she thinks the baby is, she always responds, "I don't know, we have to wait and see" or "Jesus is going to decide." From the mouth of babes. We are so excited to reveal with family this weekend, and I can't believe we are already almost halfway there! 

Baby brother or sister, this baby is already so prayed for,  loved and adored by our little family. Can't wait to share next week who will be joining us in the Spring! 

Baby Barbour #2 is on the way!

A couple of weeks ago we announced some big news for our family. Everette is so excited to say, Baby Barbour #2 is on the way! Big sister status coming this Spring, March 2021. We feel eternally blessed to be growing our family and are so very thankful for this new life. It's already been so true what they say about the second pregnancy flying by, as this has been the first time I've sat down to record anything and I know if I don't I'll forget! 

The first trimester was very similar to how I felt when I was expecting Everette, but of course the big difference this time being, how exhausted I was. With Everette, I honestly don't even remember being tired, but this time chasing a toddler full time, definitely took it's toll. I found myself drifting off to sleep when putting her down for her nap, almost everyday weeks 6-12. 

Just like with Everette, I also had a strong coffee aversion starting on week 6, and I'm just now coming back around to it. I feel very fortunate that I truly haven't been sick, and have been able to manage morning sickness and the occasional all day nausea on my own. 

Just like with my first pregnancy, by week 14, I felt like I had much more energy, and the nausea almost disappeared completely. Feeling super thankful for that, because there is not time to sit and rest with a little one! I'm wrapping up week 17 now, and very much enjoying the honeymoon phase that is the second trimester.

Another change this time around of course is being pregnant in a pandemic. Obviously doctors appointments are very different than before, where my husband and I both could be at each one, and it felt like a fun little mid week day date to check on the baby. This time he has only been able to be there for the occasional ultrasound, but we are so grateful that at least that's now a possibility, which we originally didn't think would happen. 

With this being our second go around, there is certainly a level of ease. I feel for everyone going through their first pregnancy, during such an unprecedented time, and trying to navigate all the different protocols on their own at appointments with everything constantly changing. 

With this pregnancy, I so look forward to, and try to schedule all of my appointments during one of the mornings that Everette is at preschool. It has already been such a sweet time for me to allow myself to fully focus on this new little life growing inside, and I love getting to bring home new pictures or videos to show big sister. Just a few more weeks until our anatomy scan, and we can't wait to  find it if we will be bringing home another sweet baby girl, or baby boy this time. 

A huge thank you to one of my favorite friends, Zelle Wiggins for capturing these precious photos of our family. She is truly amazing and snapped these at the very last minute, in the rain, in less than 5 minutes, which is about all the time a toddler allows. We will certainly treasure these forever! 

 

Our bonnet baby is three!

 How can it be our bonnet baby is three? A little over five weeks ago, our first baby turned three years old, and I am still sitting here wondering how that is possible. Our original party plan was to host all of her friends and family, for a gymnastics party at The Little Gym, where she takes classes, but in true 2020 fashion we had to go a different route. 

Instead we hosted an intimate family party, with cake and all her favorite things, the weekend before her birthday, and she was of course just as thrilled. We are so grateful to God for blessing us with the gift of a daughter, and the endless joy she brings to our life. 

The absolute sweetest day celebrating our very best girl! Here's to our big beautiful three year old!