You + Me and What We've Learned As a Family

Hunter and I went to run a quick errand yesterday, just the two of us.

As we got out of the car and started walking towards the store, I kept feeling like I was missing something or had forgotten something.

As I thought about it more, I realized it was because we didn't have kids in tow.

We were able to just get out of the car and walk straight towards the store.

No meltdown from Oaklyn about not wanting to sit in the cart, no trying to decide if we should use the cart or the stroller for both girls, no diaper bag, no snacks to keep them occupied... we literally just got out of the car and ran our errand.

We talked about how funny it is that everything becomes more difficult when you have kids.

The simplest things in life become the most challenging and suddenly everyday things require a whole lot more planning and thinking. 

Hunter jokingly said, "can you imagine how easy life would be if it was just me and you?" 

We both chuckled and continued on, but I thought about it some more.

Holy cow, it really would be WAY easier!

I would be able to work full time and therefore, saving for a house would be way easier.

We would get to eat dinner in silence and maybe even enjoy our meal, ha!

We would be able to go on date nights, any night.

We'd be able to sleep through the night, take more vacations, spend more time together, invest more time in hobbies, and probably have a little more sanity if we're being totally honest... 

There's a lot of life changes that come with a bundle of joy.

There's a lot of time and energy spent on taking care of them when you would much rather take care of yourself. 

There's a whole lot more hard moments and ten times more whining and crying.

Truthfully, life would be a lot easier without kids.

But, that doesn't mean it would be better...

Life as just me and you, was delightful.

It was carefree and fun, it was spontaneous and exciting, and it was a time that will forever be a happy memory to me.

But, we have added two little people to our family and have dreams to add more. 

They have brought challenges, that's for sure, but they have also brought more joy than we ever would have experienced had we not chosen to have them.

Children are supposed be challenging.
They're supposed to make you grow and think outside of yourself.

They are supposed to teach us what we need to learn to become better and stronger.

Caring for someone else who completely depends on you, is the absolute best way to learn the attributes of our Savior.

Hunter and I have probably lost a few brain cells since we have become parents, haha, but we have gained experiences and perspectives that no university or job will ever teach.

So to any newlyweds or expecting parents... one day you'll have a child or two or a few that change most everything. 

So cherish the time you have now and keep those memories of just the two of you engrained forever, but never lose sight of the importance of being parents.

The day to day life gets "harder" but trust me, it actually is better.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

*Loving this dress from Pink Blush! I think the choker neckline is so cute and fun because I don't even have to accessorize! Check out Pink Blush for any and all cute maternity clothes or trendy women's clothes!

1

A Little Pregnancy Update

*This post is in collaboration with Pink Blush Maternity

So, I'm 35 weeks and some change.

This child is coming in like 4.5 weeks.

I'm honestly so shocked at how fast this pregnancy flew by!

I also have been seriously terrible with pregnancy updates. 

Oops, second kid probs.

Also, not wanting to take pictures because nothing fits... probs...

But I know I really will want to remember this time so here goes a little update :)

I guess she's the size of a small watermelon so... here's a picture with some watermelon haha

How Far Along? 35.5 weeks!

Weight Gain: I just don't think it's worth it to know...

 Maternity Clothes? YES! I bought a few pairs of maternity jeans when I was pregnant with Oaklyn and called it good. Not only did I hardly show, but I was pregnant in the winter time and it was so easy dress the bump. This time however, ugh... I hate getting dressed. It's hot. Like really hot. So, I don't really want to wear anything tight. I've been living in dresses but I also got some shirts from Pink Blush Maternity that I absolutely love! You guys, they actually have CUTE maternity clothes! I chose some flowy tops that I love and the one I'm wearing in this picture can be worn after my pregnancy too. If all goes as planned, this won't be my last pregnancy so I figure stocking up on maternity clothes isn't such a bad thing! 

 Sleep? No, not really. I'm waking up more at night to pee which is the most annoying but I'm also switching positions constantly. For some reason I end up flat on my back while sleeping so I've been trying to correct that.

 Best moment this week? I am pretty nervous to add another little one to our family.
The newborn stage is hard for me and I'm just getting anxious about it. However, I saw an itty bitty baby the other day and I melted. I got so excited to have another one of my own! So that was pretty much the best :)

 Weird pregnancy moment? Just the way this child kicks and moves is weird. She's super active and her kicks actually hurt!

 Movement: Oh, spoke too soon ;) But seriously, this little girl's movements are so crazy that I wake up from them. She's either really big, really strong, or really crazy haha.

 Food Cravings: Halo Top Ice cream has become a recent obsession. French Fries, oh man do I love me some french fries. Steamed broccoli with cheese haha. Shrimp. Ohh give me allll the shrimp! Dole whips, and thankfully they have them in Provo! And whatever else I fancy each day ;)

 Anything making you queasy? Smells are still getting the best of me. Weirdly, I can't stand the smell right after Hunter brushes his teeth haha.

 Gender: Little girly pie! We'll see if this one has hair like oaks!

 What I'm looking forward to: Setting up the nursery. Well actually I'm more looking forward to it being done haha. Setting it up doesn't exactly sounds fun ;)

Best Advice Learned So Far: Bodies are amazing and can do hard things. My body won't always look like this, my body can and will carry this child, and even though labor is scary to me... my body can do it!

Well that's all I have this time.

This pregnancy is a million and a half times different than mine with Oaks but I guess they'll all be a bit different.

Needless to say though, I'm giving myself a nice long break after this child is born ;)

I had an appointment today and baby girl is measuring at 5.5 pounds! 

No dilation but I didn't dilate til about 38 weeks with oaklyn and even then I was just at a one. 

So, only time will tell when this little one gets here :)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

0

Things You Should Never Say To A Pregnant Lady

Oh pregnancy, it's the best of times and the worst of times haha.

The swelling, the heartburn, the clothes that don't fit... it's all worth it to grow and bring new life into the world, but man is it challenging at times.

Just about every day I look at Hunter and say something along the lines of how done I am with being pregnant.

My pregnancy with Oaklyn had its ups and downs but mainly was a breeze, this time has just been harder all around.

The funny thing is, pregnant women are already going through so many emotional and physical changes, yet people still have the nerve to say some really well... dumb things. To put it politely ;)

I've decided to compile a list of all these rather annoying remarks to maybe shed some light on the topic, because really, just think before you speak people! 

"You must be due any day now!"

Okay people, just don't bring up a due date you know nothing about unless you are asking when someone is due. And when they tell you, just say something kind like "oh how fun!" When a 7 month along pregnant lady is walking through the grocery store, the last thing they want to hear is that they look like they are going to pop at any minute. It's a long process and every single body grows differently. Just let the body do its thing. Commenting on weight during pregnancy is a danger zone at all times. 

Just wait... 

Okay, ANY form of just wait comment is actually the worst. Just because something may have been harder for you does not mean it will be for the pregnant lady and even if it will be, they surely don't want to hear about it! "Just wait til the baby comes, you'll never sleep!" "Just wait until you have two to chase around, then you'll know how hard it is!" Just wait until you are in your third trimester, it's so much worse!" "Just wait until you're in labor, you'll be wishing you never got pregnant!" You guys, I'm not kidding I've had all of these said to me and I just wanna pull my hair out. It's just not kind to talk to someone like they are naive in the first place, but let's not freak out other moms either. Just let them be them and you do you.

You must want a *insert opposite gender here* so bad!

We're having our second girl. And guess what?? We are SO excited! This second baby being a girl could not be better for us. With Hunter still in school for a few more months, it is such a blessing that we can just reuse everything we had from Oaklyn. Also, it is so much fun having girls and Hunter is actually happy with having two girls! When someone is pregnant with another one of the same gender, it is actually possible that they are happy about it. And if they aren't it's probably best not to bring it up unless they do first...

Don't let your hands do the talking...

Some people could care less that random strangers come up and touch their belly... but most find it really really odd. I know I do. "Oh, is she kicking??" Uhm no, and even if she was I don't know you... It's just best to move along and keep your hands in your pockets people.

Opinions on labor choices

Here's the deal, we have several different choices and options when it comes to labor nowadays. There is no "right" way and that is a-okay. If you bring up labor, just keep your opinions to yourself. Your natural birth may have gone really awesome, but some just aren't about that. Your epidural may have been heaven sent, but some women just don't want one. Either way is just fine.

Asking baby's name

Okay, while it's not a bad thing to ask if they have a name picked out, don't pry if they don't want to talk about it. And if they do feel okay offering the name, you may not like it... but don't show it or say it. Our daughter has a "different" name, but we absolutely love it. I hated telling people her name because the reactions were all over the place. If the only names you like are the ones you named your children, it's best just not to ask this question...

Okay, that about covers it for now haha.

I'm sure I can think of more, but we'll leave it at that ;)

Pregnancy hormones are no joke, so let's just not mess with them.

Since pregnancy is such a difficult time for a lot of women it's always a plus to feel comfortable in your clothes.

I have been living in dresses and looser fitting clothes in general and PinkBlush Maternity has been heaven sent!

If you're pregnant and searching for something comfortable to wear, there is an amazing selection of cute maternity clothes on their website. 

I'm obsessed with this black lace up maternity shift dress because it is sooo comfortable and trendy!

I also will be able to wear it after the baby comes and that is always a plus in my book.

You are bound to find something you love from PinkBlush!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

*Thank you to PinkBlush Maternity for sponsoring this post!

8