My Sister's Maternity Photos

I am by no means a "professional" photographer. However, I do enjoy taking pictures as a hobby. As you all know, my sister and her husband are due with their first baby in September. I figured there was no better way to show them my love then by snapping a few of these short and precious maternity moments. 

My little baby niece is already one of the most loved creatures on the planet. I cannot wait to be a part of her life! (Briggs is pumped to be a big cousin too) We have decided Baby Matthews is going to be his practice baby before he becomes an official big brother in November. The biggest challenge? Learning to share his "Yaya" and "Bapa" (my mom and dad) with another kid.

Until then, here is to a beautiful pregnancy and a few more short weeks before this little one arrives. Praying for a healthy mommy and baby every step of the way...

A Little Lady Is On Her Way

My baby sister's first baby shower was yesterday. This one was hosted by her sister-in-law Megan and cousin-in-law Mandy (upper left corner pic). They did an amazing job with food, decorations and games. Most importantly, I know Kara felt very loved.

Friends, I cannot begin to describe to you how incredible it is to see your baby sister becoming a mother. To witness the transformation of her heart from a woman's to a mother's has been such a blessing. Even more so, it is truly a God thing to share the miracle of pregnancy with her at the same time. Briggs and these two growing babies are going to be quite the crew.

Here's to more babies!

6 Months Growing Bebe 2

Today I went in for my 24 week check-up. 24 WEEKS. 6 MONTHS.

Heartbeat was 150. The child was crazy per usual.

How am I that far along? I'm telling you, the second pregnancy flies by. I remember checking every app, email and book on a daily basis to see how my baby was developing when I was pregnant with Briggs. I can already prove to you that I have documented less on this pregnancy. Having a lively 18 month old, being self-employed and trying to move to a new house is consuming my time- so let me take a breath to focus on the newest growing one for a moment.

 Dear Little Robinson Bebe 2, 

Allow me tell you a little more about you and this pregnancy. You are a miracle. There is nothing less miraculous about being pregnant with your second child than there is the first. We wanted and prayed for you since the moment Mommy and Daddy knew we were going to spend the rest of our lives together. 

Your movements lately have transitioned from little taps or what I like to refer to them as "butterfly kisses" to a more powerful punch. I think you are getting a bit of meat on your bones in just the last few weeks. Besides mommy, only daddy and Grandma have felt you kick. Big brother Briggs kisses and rubs you every day and says "Baby" but he doesn't stay still long enough to feel you move- I'm sure you will follow suit someday. Although, I know you already love him because almost every time he sits on my lap, you start doing a happy dance.

I am finally allowing myself to really absorb the idea of becoming a family of four and I couldn't be more thrilled. There is a lot to do before you get here, but the important thing is that you keep growing big and strong because at the end of the day- you have an ABUNDANCE of love already here for you.

The pregnancy with you has been pretty different than the one with your big brother. You have unfortunately given mommy a lot more acne- or should I call it my baby glow? I don't know how tired I have been because I can only rest when your brother sleeps. (By the way, one of my favorite times of the day is when I first lay down at night- that's when I feel you moving around the most.) I am not as emotional this time around. I was going through some pretty big life changes when I was pregnant with Briggs. This time, I can better comprehend and appreciate the joy in my life- including our little family that you are already so warmly a part of.

Always remember baby, that while I love your brother with my whole heart- Love multiplies; it does not divide- so I have a whole other heart's worth of love already open for you.

Keep growing and I can't wait to give you kisses in November.

Love,
Mommy


Right now, Big Brother Briggs is enjoying his last few months as a single child. We love taking random week nights to enjoy each other's company. These moments are the sweetest ones:

 

Hawaiian Vacation Sneak Peak

We are back from the most glorious trip of our lives! My whole family (mom, dad, kara, her ryan, my ryan, briggs and I) took a week and a half vacation to paradise. The islands we stayed at were Kauai and Maui. The flights were long with an 18-month-old, but SO worth it.

This trip was one for the memory books! There are so many pictures and videos because everyone documented the vacation from their perspective- so I am currently working on an all-encompassing video that may take a week or two to complete. Then after I show the fam, I'll post it on here. (If I were to post all the pictures on the blog, you would probably cry from the sheer volume.)

So in the meantime, here are a few from our vacation in para, para, paradise!

Now the tough part is getting that baby back in his normal routine...or maybe we should just make Hawaii our routine?

It's a...

It's a..................

We are happy to report that we have a healthy baby on the way! We ourselves do not know what the gender is nor did the tech even look- so only God knows about this precious pipsqueak. The ultrasound technician said that if mama doesn't know, nobody knows!

We were able to get a great video (I will post soon) of Baby stretching its legs out and being a typical Robinson wild child- can you see the dramatics already? The hand is up by the forehead. I also love this picture because I think the profile looks just like Briggs.

So now we wait until November to find out if Briggs is having a baby brother or sister. The plan for Baby 2 was always to be a surprise. I have always wanted that feeling to find out in the delivery room at least once. However, I was SO close to caving. Thank God for Ryan- he stayed strong, which ultimately helped me stick to the plan.

Why a surprise?

We have a boy. I LOVE being a boy mom. It would be amazing to have a brother for Briggs. My sister, Kara is having a girl. I am going to get my girl fix. Either way, we are in a win/win situation. I have been calling Baby 2 our "Bonus Baby."  I am already bonding with this baby either way.  I 110% do not have a preference.

I am so thankful for my babies inside (Baby 2) and out (Briggy Bear). Our family of four is going to rock the house come November...

Sweet Summertime (and Second Trimester)

Summer 2013 is all about Briggy. I'm in the sweet spot of my pregnancy. Morning sickness is over, Clothes still fit (with help of the "B" Band). 

And this dude is FINALLY walking! Although his first official steps were around 14.5 months- he really had no interest in hitting his stride until 16 months.  People always say enjoy the time before your baby walks- but I am SO relieved. The guy is a healthy 26+ pounds- I wanted to spend as much time outside as possible with him and I was tired of him crawling on the concrete (or carrying him). So we are finally able to go out and enjoy toddler fun.

Even if I can fit in just an hour or so a day- we are trying to live life to the fullest with an only child while we can. He is loving all the adventures we are taking- I absolutely love this exhausting but fun age.

Briggy's First Official Steps at 14.5 Months

Dancing into wedding season with Daddy

Breakfast in bed...what a prince

The Splash Pad in Avon is one of his favorite spots

Sunset walks with "Bapa"

Our Anniversary with Mr. Prez

Every year Ryan and I try to take at least a night and just enjoy each other's presence for our anniversary. It doesn't have to be something big- just something away from the distractions of work. (Thanks to "Yaya" for letting your grandbaby hang out this time around for a few days.) This year for the big 4 year, we took a trip to D.C. for 4 days.

This was a big deal for a few reasons.

• It was our first mini "babymoon" (I was nearing the end of the first trimester at 12 weeks)
• I had never been away from Briggs for more than a day
• We both had been so busy with work- we were reminded that we actually know and like each other

It was such a nice trip- we saw all the attractions and tried all new and ethnic restaurants. My favorite was a french bistro that served life-changing crepes.

12 week baby bump

It felt strange to be there without Briggs. I didn't know how to just take care of myself. It's amazing how quickly I could shower and get ready. By day 4, I was ready to go back to my crazy kid though. Although I may have to sacrifice actually doing my hair, eating a whole meal and getting some "me" time- I wouldn't trade anything for those sloppy baby kisses or the smile that lights up when he sees me. 

It is important for Ryan and I to take time for just "us" once in a while but I'm so thankful for the "additions" we have gained over those 4 years.

So long Mr. Prez...we are headed back to see our Briggy.