We're having a . . . . .

GIRL!! We had it officially confirmed at our 18-week ultrasound last Friday and are thrilled! One of each is just perfect and we're so excited for our little princess to arrive. Jackson already refers to her as his little "sissy" while patting my belly, so we're hoping he'll be able to adjust to having to share his mama and dada once she arrives. Until then we're spending as much time snuggling and loving on him as possible!

Working Mommy Guilt

Right now I'm overwhelmed with guilt. Consumed by it. Most of it has to do with having to work full-time to pay the bills and not being able to spend the time with Jackson that I would like. Some of it also has to do with my fears for the future when I have two babies to balance, while still working full-time. I cannot tell you how jealous I am of stay-at-moms. I would kill to be able to spend more time with Jackson and give him all of the experiences he needs and deserves. Unfortunately that's impossible and I feel like he's missing out on so much. So many of my friends get to stay home with their kids and they're always off to the zoo or museum or doing fun crafts together. Jackson doesn't get any of this because by the time I pick him up from the sitter I'm in zombie-land from work exhaustion and stress. He gets so little from me at the end of the day and I have no idea how I'm going to give even more (of what I don't have) when the new baby comes. Sometimes I think it was a mistake to have kids at all knowing I would still have to work full-time. He deserves so much more than what I can give him and I wish there was some way for me to give him everything he needs. I don't know how other working moms do it- I literally cry every day when I drop him off at the sitter. Are there any other working moms out there that have any tips?

My Pregnancy Month-by-Month

When I was pregnant with Jackson I took pictures every week document my ever-expanding belly. Things are a tad more hectic this time around, so I've settled for pictures once a month. I'm also writing a once-a-month letter to our baby, talking about what the pregnancy has been like and what we're doing to prepare for their arrival. Here are the pics so far:

Our Little One

Our first peek at our new little one was at 11 weeks, but unfortunately we didn't get any pictures from that ultrasound since it was an emergency one to find the baby's heartbeat. Luckily everything was great! We received another ultrasound at 13 weeks for our nuchal translucency screening and got some great shots to take home with us, as well as a gender that they're 90% sure about! We're waiting to announce until we confirm next week at our 18 week ultrasound, but will be thrilled either way! Here is a picture of our newest addition at about an inch-and-a-half long and 6 ounces.

Our Exciting News!

We are thrilled to announce that we'll be expanding our family this coming June!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sometimes we all need a little reminder of how much we have to be thankful for. . . . Happy Thanksgiving!

Pumpkin Picking (Without the Pumpkins)

We took Jackson and Landen to this cute little pumpkin patch/farm in Gilbert called Vertuccio Farms this year. Jackson had a blast on the "momo" (train) and checking out all of the cute animals in the petting zoo. But his absolute favorite thing was the bounce house (which I definitely plan on renting for his birthday party this year!). Unfortunately I'm such an airhead that I forgot to get some pictures with the pumpkins the boys picked out!

More Hawaii Pictures

Playing dress-up in mommy's hat.

My boys.

Smiley boy.

Giving Grandma kisses.

Hawaii!

Waiting for our flight. Did I tell you that I ended up taking Jackson on the flight by myself? Ryan wasn't able to get on, so it was me all by myself and Jackson was GREAT!

Pirate Landen

Beach Baby (while it lasted)

Coloring at dinner.

Landen trying to teach Jackson how to swim.

Climbing the banyan tree.

We never get pictures together, so I was happy this one came out ok.

Landen paddle boarding for the first time!

Checking out the goats at Surfing Goat Dairy Farm.

Well I have to say this year's trip to Hawaii was MUCH better than last year's. The difference between taking a nine-week old baby and a 21-month old toddler on a trip is huge! Jackson is so incredibly fun now and we had a blast! The funny thing is that he hated the beach, which he absolutely loves when we go to San Diego. I think it was because the waves were so much bigger. Oh well, he absolutely loved the pool area with it's huge pirate ship and lagoon so it made up for our lack of beach time. For the most part we just chilled while we were there since we've done so many of the touristy things already. We did make time to take Jackson and Landen to their first luau (well Jackson's second, but the first one doesn't really count), take them up to the Surfing Goat Dairy, and hang out under the banyan tree in Lahina. And I'm STILL not done editing the pictures. Hopefully I'll get around to posting more!