Life with the Johnstons

     What an absolutely CRAZY week it has been. It started off Monday morning when Caleb came down with a horrible migraine...which lasted until Wednesday night. He has been having severe headaches and migraines for the last several weeks and thinks it has something to do with an issue he is having with his back. So, he is off to the doctor tomorrow to have things checked out. Please pray that it is nothing serious. 
     Noah and Haleigh seemed to have caught a cold or some type of virus. I was almost asleep last night when I heard Hales crying. When I went in to get her she had a runny nose, was coughing and sneezing like crazy. She cuddled with me in bed for a couple of hours until I finally laid her back down in her own bed after a dose of Benedryl...which I absolutely HATE giving to my kids because it makes them totally out of it. I justified it by telling myself it was in the middle of the night and sleep was really what she needed to get over the illness...whatever it was/is. Well, this morning, I heard Noah start crying and fussing in his room around 6am. I walked in and realized right away he was showing the same symptoms. He was ok other than being irritated that his nose was stopped up, until around noon and then started running a fever. Haleigh slept until 8:30am and then pretty much cried for the rest of the day until she FINALLY let me use saline and suction out her boogies, and took a nap around 3ish. Needless to say, both kids are in bed now and I'm praying for a good night's rest. 
     I have been doing really well other than normal pregnancy emotions...which are really starting to get on my nerves. I hate crying; let alone crying and having absolutely NO IDEA why I'm doing so. At our last doctor's appointment, we of course found out that we are having a little boy. I also found out that as of 20 weeks, I had gained three pounds. I'm really happy with that number but am trying my hardest to keep total weight gain around 15 pounds; only because I started out at a higher weight than I was hoping. I start my prenatal exercise class at the Green Ridge Rec Center this week and I couldn't be happier. I've really been doing my best to eat well and exercise to keep the extra weight off. Hopefully, God will answer our prayers and bless us with my body doing what its supposed to and going into labor on its own. My doctor isn't a huge supporter of VBAC after 2 c-sections, but we are putting this in God's hands. 
     Well, it's off of here now to grab a bite to eat. I wasn't able to eat any dinner because Haleigh felt so bad. So, I held her in my arms and spoon fed her...only way the poor thing would eat. :-(  

Introducing....

CHARLES LUCAS, our little boy...



     Our little man sure wasn't afraid to show off today. Before the ultrasound tech even had a chance to tell us, I looked over at Caleb and shouted "IT"S A BOY!!!"  I was too excited to cry, which is funny, because I bawled with the other two. Today, I just laughed and laughed...I can't wait for the kids to wake up from their naps so I can tell them all about their new baby brother. 
       Here is the first glimpse I got of his boy parts...


     Off of here now to relax for a bit. It's been quite an overwhelming day. :-D

Boy or Girl?

     Oh my goodness! I have all this nervous energy today. Tomorrow we head back to the doctor for our gender scan and I am so hoping this little one cooperates. I am already starting to nest and I can't wait to start buying stuff for our newest addition. :-)  I'm definitely thinking boy, but I guess we will have to wait and see. Please, please pray baby J spreads his/her little legs for the ultrasound tech tomorrow...can't wait to share the good news with all of you! <3

Mommy Moments

     So basically, every time I try to write a blog post, my kids wake up from naps, start fighting with one another or beg me to watch "George" on the computer. So, these days, I don't exactly spend much time on the good ol' laptop. Instead, I'm chasing two precious angels around the yard, building towers made from blocks, changing endless amounts of diapers....and, well, you get the point. :-)  Not that I mind, but I do have to have my morning cup of coffee in order to function; Need. More. Sleep!!! 
     Not to mention, my belly has finally "popped" during the last week so getting around isn't quite as easy these days. The kids laugh at my efforts in putting on their shoes, as bending in the middle can get a bit rough. Noah is constantly hugging my whale of a tummy and insisting on giving "baybee" (baby) kisses. He is more than excited for the littlest Johnston to make its arrival. It makes me grin to see him so giddy over it. Haleigh on the other hand is continuing to insist "I'm da baybee!!!" (I'm the baby). :-)  So, October should definitely be FUN! 
     Bear with me if I don't quite seem like myself these days. I feel like I'm blowing everybody off when they invite me to things. I'm constantly having to cancel play dates and get togethers because of the never ending morning sickness. This is the first pregnancy I've suffered this long with it and I'm beginning to think it's not going to go away until baby arrives. I've also been having some major issues with my blood sugar. One day last week I fainted because it had dropped so low. Definitely not the greatest experience, but thankfully Hubby was there to help me. I'm not complaining at all about the Hershey's chocolate bar in my purse...and the awesome excuse to nibble on a piece of chocolate every few hours. 
     Anyways, it's off of here to lounge on the couch and enjoy my only free hour of the day. By the time we get the kids to bed and I prepare stuff for the next day, it's only about an hour out from my bedtime...how sad is that, lol? I think it's a sign that I'm getting old. Hope each of you has a blessed Friday!!

Big Decisions

     Gearing up for our fun four day weekend! Tomorrow afternoon through Sunday morning, our friends are driving in from Richmond for some much needed time together. So, you can imagine how giddy with excitement I've been this week. :-)  
      Saturday we are having a huge Memorial Day get together with many of our friends...complete with grilling out and the kids running around in our new backyard. Hubby is going by O'Brian's tomorrow to pick up the package we ordered...hotdogs, steaks, and pork chops! YUMMY! 
      Saturday also marks 18 weeks preggers for this Mama. As I count down the days until the littlest Johnston makes its appearance, I am growing more and more nervous. Excited, ohhhh YES, but nervous...that too. I am having a rough time adjusting to the thought of having three babies to take care of. I would consider parenting the most rewarding job, but also one of the hardest. We are also battling with the decision to have my tubes tied. It's not something I ever really wanted to do, but at our last doctor's visit, my OB said that having a fourth c-section would be extremely risky for me and the baby...mainly due to the amount of scar tissue that has built up. I am struggling with the decision because if God wants us to have more children, I feel like I shouldn't interfere by making a decision that would prevent that from happening. But at the same time, I would feel like a horrible mother if anything happened to harm my (potential) fourth child. Knowingly proceeding with getting pregnant a fourth time, and knowing that there is a very high risk involved....I just don't quite know what to do.
       We have discussed that maybe God wants us to adopt eventually, so then having my tubes tied wouldn't seem quite as heart breaking. It's just so much to consider in a very short amount of time. But, with much prayer and a ton of faith, I know that the Lord will guide our family to the right decision. :-)
       It's off of here for now, since Hubby will be home soon. Got to figure out what we're going to do for dinner and then head to the store to pick up a few last minute items for this weekend. God bless each of you!

17 Weeks

     I only have 22 weeks left until my c-section, which is looking like it will be scheduled for October 21st. That's like, 150 something days left to go...EEK!! I'm getting so nervous about becoming a Mom for the third time. So many questions swirling around in my mind...How will I do this? Will I keep my sanity? Will I get postpartum again? Will I be able to make time for all three of my beautiful babies?
     And then I have to stop, breathe, and remind myself that God is WITH ME!! He blessed us with another baby for a reason and He will never give us more than we can handle. Even so, the human emotions keep resurfacing. Boo! :-(  That's where this lovely quality of FAITH comes in...and boy, oh boy, do I struggle with it sometimes.
     I finally got around to taking some pictures this morning of the kids with my actual camera instead of slacking and just using my phone. Here are a couple of the kids and one of my belly (which is very much getting in the way these days, lol).

Blessings

    Sitting here in my living room looking around in amazement at the blessings God has showered on us. Who knew that after only four years of marriage, my husband would have an incredible job, we would have two beautiful babies with a third on the way, and finally be in our first house. Sometimes the Lord's love catches me off guard and completely overwhelms me. I'm left with feelings of thankfulness and amazement in what God has done. Just had that on my heart and wanted to share. 
     We are heading to another doctor's appointment tomorrow at 2:15 to listen to baby's heartbeat and get some blood work done. I've been feeling more and more kicks and pokes and it's amazing. I can't wait for Caleb to be able to feel little Lucas or Bella for the first time...it's always such a special moment for us. 
     I will try to update at some point with how the appointment goes...I just haven't had much time for blogging these days. The days have been too nice to sit inside in front of a computer or television. We've been GREATLY enjoying our backyard...complete with playing in the pool, kicking a ball around, chasing the kids, and our new favorite...GRILLING OUT! 
     Off of here now to relax a bit before starting on a load of laundry. :-)  

15 Week Belly Photo

    We only have a little less than a month left before we go in for our gender scan on June 5th. I am REALLY hoping baby cooperates because I don't think I can wait to find out. I had really wanted to throw a gender reveal party for family and friends but I just couldn't convince Caleb of it, lol. He says he can barely wait to find out a month from now...let alone push the date back any farther. It will be nice to be able to start decorating the baby's room once we find out. We've already decided on Beatrix Potter...just don't know whether to go the pink or blue route. :-)  
     Anyways, not exactly feeling the greatest today. Woke up with the headache that I've been dealing with for FOUR DAYS...nothing helps. Guess I'm going to have to break down and ask the doctors for another prescription of painkillers that they gave me at the beginning of my pregnancy for my migraines. Seems to be the only thing that I can take right now that actually helps. Please pray for me that I will wake up tomorrow and it will be GONE!!! :-) 
     Off of here to (hopefully) lay down and rest for a few minutes while the kids are in their room for quiet time/naptime. 

Congratulations, Hubby!!

     Just wanted to take a second to brag on my Hubby. We found out last week that he got another promotion; this time, from disability analyst to case consultant. :-)  He works for Disability Determination Services in downtown Roanoke which is the company that people file for disability through. He determines whether those applications are accepted or denied. He will still be doing some of the same work as case consultant but since it's a middle management position, he will also be managing a unit of people. He will be there to answer questions, offer advice etc. 
     I can't begin to say how truly PROUD I am of him. He worked so hard to buy us this house and now God has blessed us with not only a new home, but a better paying position!!! I am thankful for many things today, and continuing to trust in God!

House Improvements

     It has definitely been a crazy, busy week. We are all moved in to our new home and I am falling more in love with it by the day. So much has happened over these last few days that it's pretty much impossible to fit it all into one blog. But, I shall try. 
     After signing the paperwork and officially closing on the house, we headed over to start the priming and painting process. I had decided on a cheerful yellow color for the living room and kids' room. We only got the priming done that day, but spent all day Saturday finishing up those two rooms. Praise the Lord we had a ton of our family helping us, or it would have taken forever. :-)  My parents surprised us with a $50.00 gift card to Lowe's along with a huge pot of petunias for our porch. We immediately headed out (without the littles) to purchase a few things for our new home. Let's just say that we went a bit overboard and bought close to $150.00 worth of stuff. When the cashier rang us up, I was like...WHAT?!?!?  But, it was ok because we had already set aside some funding for fixing up our new home. 
     We decided while we were there to buy paint for the kids' play room/guest room downstairs and for Caleb's man cave. The playroom/guestroom has it's own private bathroom so we chose that to do in a beach theme. Pale blue walls with tons of ocean view pictures...including a couple of the ones I took while in Key West.  I was very impressed with it. AND, my awesome Mother in Law is giving us her futon so our guests have a place to sleep when they stay!!! So totally thrilled. :-)
     Caleb chose a dark red wine color for the man cave. I wasn't too sure about it at first but after a couple of coats of paint and finally seeing it after it was dry, I pretty much loved it too. We made a trip to Best Buy a few days ago and purchased a big screen tv for that room, along with a television stand to go with it. Now, we are doing our best to decide on furniture but can't seem to agree on anything as of yet. Still lots of browsing to do. I would really love to buy a new sectional sofa for upstairs, and then move our old furniture downstairs until we will hopefully be getting a sofa from a friend of a friend for helping them move. :-)  It will all work out and I know it doesn't all have to be done right away. I have a very LONG list of improvements to make, for sure. 
     We just got internet back yesterday so I'm thankful for that. It's a bit harder to access everything from my mobile. Can't wait to have all of our friends over for a get together soon. It's off of here for now, as I've got to figure out what activity to plan for the kids this afternoon. Hope each of you has had a VERY blessed week!!