Hello Baby || Week 38

Dear Judson,

Well here we are coming down to the final stretch before we get to finally meet you.  Nine months of carrying you, through winter, spring, and now the hottest summer since forever! :)  Of course, I would do it again knowing I get to hold you in my arms soon.

Mommy never made it to week 38, with Keegan since he decided to come 18 days early, so this is new territory for me. :)  It's hard not to wish you would come early too, but I know that in God's timing you will make your grand entrance.  You have been a pretty easy pregnancy, hardly any sickness and 15 pounds less weight gain, which mommy is happy about.

These days I am just feeling rather uncomfortable and constantly thinking about you.  What will you look like?  Will you have a head full of hair, will you be a cuddler (oh, Mommy sure hopes so), will you have any birthmarks?

It's so amazing that your Daddy and I could love someone so very much that we have yet to meet, although you can be stinker.  Whenever Daddy puts his hand on Mommy's belly you start to squirm as if to say, "Get out of my personal space!" :)

A few weeks ago we were able to get some family/maternity pictures, here are some of our favorites

 Daddy, Mommy, and you! <3

 Keegan cannot wait to meet you!

{35 weeks pregnant}

We love you so much Judson!

Love,
Mommy    

PS We love everything bagels, mango smoothies, and cucumbers.  Also, ice crunching has commenced... :)

Hello Baby || Week 34-35

Dear Judson,

Summer is buzzing along quite quickly, which means your due date is fast approaching!  You are currently weighing in at 5 pounds and just as active as your big brother was.  Just today, I installed your car seat in our new van...I don't believe I have told you - we traded in Mommy's car she bought after college graduation and bought a van to accommodate our growing family... :)

Your Gram, Aunt Brooke and Aunt Lauren came over this week and helped get stuff ready for you.  We folded all your tiny clothes, packed your diaper bag, and pulled out baby gear and toys that I know you will love.  Mommy is officially ready for you to come now...;)

Our doctor appointments have moved up to being biweekly, pretty sure these visits to the doctor are one of the highlights of  my month.  I love hearing your heartbeat and getting good reports from your Doctor.

I have been asked a few times about where your Daddy and I "came up" with your name, and so I thought I would share with you.  Adoniram Judson was a  great American missionary to Burma, someday you can read the same book Mommy did in college about his life and missionary journeys entitled, To the Golden Shore  Daddy and I both thought Judson to be a godly man and a good solid manly name.  Your middle name, Richard, is after your Papa McDonnell.  He raised your Daddy and loves you so much.  We can't wait to introduce the two of you.

Our current drink of choice is ice water, orange juice with lots of pulp and strawberry milk.  We like to snack on energy bites and pizza ALWAYS sounds good... :)

I love you and can't wait to meet you!

Love,
Mommy

Laundry Detergent Recipe

I know that there are several recipes floating around Pinterest for making your own laundry detergent, but I wanted to share what I have been using for 3 years and give the exact run down on how much it costs and how long it lasts.

About three years ago, around the first summer of married life, Jack and I decided to get serious about budgeting and began Dave Ramsey's envelope system.  Being newly married on a tight budget, and wanting to save up for a down payment on a house, I really wanted to make a contribution by not over spending my husband's money.  I cannot recall the book's name, but I read a book from the library about living thrifty.  It had basic little tips in it, like using cloth napkins instead of paper, using coupons, buying gifts throughout the year when on sale, etc.  One of the things, that stuck out to me was making your own laundry detergent.  Since my husband, had an allergic reaction as a child to an off brand detergent, I was not saving money buying off brands.  And even with, trying to watch for sales, I was spending alot on detergent and I only was doing 4 loads at the most a week.

I decided to make my own detergent and found a recipe that I now use and love:

3 bars of Fels Naptha Laundry Soap
Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (3lb. 7oz box)
Oxi Clean (3lb. containter)
Borax (4lb. 12oz box)
Pure Baking Soda (4lb box)

2 containers of Purex Crystals or Downy Unstoppables to add some scent.  This is purely optional.

I buy all of these ingredients from Walmart and they are all located in the same aisle right next to each other.  My total for all of them is right around $20.  The first time, I made the detergent I purchased a 5 gallon tote with a lid for storage and combining the ingredients.  I also, purchased a glass jar for "prettier storage". :)

It is so simple to make, even a two year old can do it! ;)  Combine all the ingredients and then grate your Fels Naptha soap bars.  This can be done using a cheese grater, or a food processor.  Put the lid on your tote and shake to combine and you are done!

I made my last batch on December 10th and it lasted almost 5 months and that is doing 6 loads of laundry a week and sometimes more.

I use about 2 tablespoons per load, and occasionally 3 if extra - large - simply dump right into the wash drum with your clothes.

Hello Baby || Week 25-26

Dear Judson,

This pregnancy journey is moving along quite quickly.  It is so exciting to think that in a little over 3 months we will have you at home with us!  We love you so very much and have discovered in the last few weeks that you are just as much a squirmer as your brother was. :)  I have also noticed that you must love music, because during certain specials in church you will start thumping inside Mommy's tummy as if you are keeping beat with the singers!  You also seem to want to party when Mommy wants to sleep. :)

You are currently measuring at about 10-12 inches long and weigh 1.5 pounds.  Such a little guy, yet so very loved already.  The next 3 months are sure to go by quickly, as you will be shooting FIVE weddings with Daddy and Mommy.  We are excited to be busy, because that means the time will go by even more quickly and you will be in our arms.  Your big brother, Keegan is excited to meet you as well.  He loves other babies and if they are crying tries to console them with a toy.  You two are going to be the best of friends!

Just today, I had Daddy raise the crib for you and I put on fresh bedding and got it all ready for you.  I know we still have a ways to go, but seeing that crib ready for you puts a smile on my face.  I wonder what you will look like...if you will be born with dark hair like Keegan only to have it turn blonde, or if you will have any hair at all.  Will you have a birth mark?  Will you have any dimples?  One thing I do know is that you will be absolutely perfect and we will love you immensely!

I love you, baby Jud.

Love,
Mommy

PS We love everything bagels, ice cream sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and late night snacks of cereal :)  We also have a food aversion to  Chinese and Mexican...:/

{Mommy & Judson}

{Your Gram & I picked out some material and made

you this blanket}

Happy 2nd birthday, my big adventurer!

Dear Keegan,

How quickly the last two years have gone.  Seems like just yesterday, we were bringing all 7lbs, 11oz of you home from the hospital.  You made us first time parents, and you have filled our lives with so much joy; truly our cup runneth over.

Last night, was bittersweet as I tucked you in as a one year old for the last time.  Silly, I know, but as I prayed aloud with you and thanked God for giving you to us, I couldn't help but cry.  You make us so very happy and I can not imagine our lives without you.  I have not rocked you to sleep for some time, but last night for some reason you called me back into your room and climbed from your bed onto my lap where you laid your head on my shoulder.  My heart could have burst with love right then and there.  Your cake was sitting in the kitchen, waiting to be frosted, and the dishes were piled in the sink, yet all I wanted to do was savor that moment.  I sang you the song, I used to sing to you daily when you were a baby,

I love you, Keegan, oh yes, I do.

I love you, Keegan, and I'll be true.

When you're not with me, I'm blue.

Oh, Keegan, I love you.

In that moment, I was taking a trip down memory lane and remembering the countless nights of waking up with you and rocking and singing you back to sleep.  The days when you were content just to lay in my arms and do absolutely nothing else.  The days when I could kiss you all over your face and you didn't mind at all.  Oh, Keegan, I love you so much!

I pray that God gives us wisdom to raise you and I pray that you will have a wonderful year.  Happy birthday, my big adventurer!

Love, 

Momma

 

 

You made me 'Momma'

Dear Keegan,

Since we have been having such nice weather lately, you and I have been going on long walks around the neighborhood.  The other day, I was pulling you in the wagon and you were pointing out all the squirrels and birds you saw and were  making car noises anytime a truck or bus drove by.  Everything about the moment was so surreal - the calm breeze, the smell of spring, and the birds chirping.  In that moment, I suddenly got a big lump in my throat and felt tears springing to my eyes, I looked at you with your big eyes taking in the world around and your chubby fingers pointing at all the little scampering animals and it hit me that you aren't going to be my baby for much longer.

I whispered, I love you, as I swallowed that lump and blinked back the tears. I told you again how that you are going to be getting a little brother, named Judson in just 5 months and that he would be your new playmate and our little baby.

Things will be different...in a good way, I told you.

I thought about our little routines and how much I enjoy being your Momma.

You were the first little boy to steal my heart and make me burst with so much love and joy that I didn't even know my heart had room for.  I call you 'my little buddy' because that's what you are.  You follow me around the house and like to help me with whatever I am doing, whether making dinner, dusting furniture, or fixing my hair.  I want you know how very special you are, after all you were the first one to call me, Momma, and that is by far the highest calling in my life.  I love you, my little buddy, forever and always.

Love,
Momma

{Us on one of our walks}

Hello Baby || Week 18-19

Dear Judson,

I have begun to compose this letter in my mind dozens of times, yet today when you are 18 1/2 weeks young, I am finally putting it 'to paper'.  I don't even know where to begin.

How does one start a letter to someone they have never met, yet love so infinitely?  Daddy and Mommy had wanted a baby for some time, after all, they knew the joy that one tiny being could bring into their lives.  The day Mommy found out she cried tears of joy and could hardly wait to tell Daddy.  They were so excited that God had blessed them with you.

Several weeks have passed and we are excited to have found out that you are a boy!  Having grown up with only sisters, Mommy is thrilled to have yet another son.  I know that you and your brother, are going to be the best of pals.  What is a brother, you may be wondering...  A brother is a built in best friend, and yours is the most wonderful toddler I know.  His name is Keegan, and he can already say your name.  He calls you, Jud for short, which is perfectly fine by us.  I am sure you both will have plenty of adventures together and I am looking forward to introducing you two.

I have just started to really feel you moving and every time you do, I can't help but smile to myself and anticipate the day I can hold you in my arms.  I love you, baby Jud, and I can't wait to meet you.

Love,
Mommy

PS We love raspberries and strawberries!

{Your first picture}