It's a wrap!

The last day of Kindergarten came way too quick; like a big gust of wind came along and just pushed us to the very last day of school without any warning.  When I think back to that very first day of elementary school, it's easy to remember the mix of emotions that we all felt that day.  (ok, maybe the emotions that this Mama felt)  Anxious, fear, nervous, sad, excited, happy, proud.  It was so hard seeing my little girl headed into such a BIG place, full of older kids roaming the halls.  It wasn't easy knowing that my little girl would be kept safe for a full day of school and it wasn't me that was able to do that. But... what was easy, was knowing that my little girl was ready, hopeful, and excited for a year of endless possiblities to begin.  And for that alone, I was one proud Mama.  My little girl was definitely ready!

We were so blessed to start our elementary experience with such an amazing teacher, Mrs. Turner.  Abby just loved her and we knew she was a great fit from the start.  Mrs. Turner challenged the kids, made learning fun, and had high expectations of these kids.  We watched Abby grow so much; both in height (happens too fast!) and her eagnerness to learn.  She fell in love with school ... made so many new friends and learned many new things.

This was also the year of her first "crush."  Sure there's been "boyfriends" in the past and little guys that make her smile ... but.... not.like.this.  One little guy in particular quickly became that crush ... you know, the one you talk about all the time.  ;)  These two really had such a sweet friendship.  A friendship that will definitely continue for years to come!

It was such an exciting year ... full of many firsts!  To think that we are just getting started on this ride, it may be time to buckle up!  If it's anything like Kindergarten, we better hold on tight and take it all in.  One.day.at.a.time.  ;) 

Warning: Time will fly, but precious memories will be made.

Halfway there, no way!

Halfway there and I can hardly believe it!  This pregnancy is going so fast, although I'm sure it will slow down once the uncomfortableness sets in mid summer.  ;)

18 weeks, 19 weeks.... 

20 weeks ... halfway!

Today I had my 20 week ultrasound screening done.  I've been anticipating this appointment for the past couple of weeks with much excitement.  It was an extra special appointment because it was the first time that Abby tagged along and "met" our little baby.  Jen is also in town visiting so she was able to come too!  So, so special!

Baby J seemed super comfortable today, all nestled up in a little ball and hands covering the face.  Kind of disappointing when I was looking forward to seeing an active, little baby!  But ... maybe the restful, relaxing baby will stay that way and make the transition to three a bit easier.  Wishful thinking?  Maybe. :)  Everything looked normal and doc said it was good to be a "happy, boring pregnant lady."  ;)

Total weight gain: 12 pounds. Eek!

Maternity clothes: Still a good mix between regular and maternity clothes.

Sleep: Sleeping great most of the time, although having some crazy, vivid dreams!

Best moment of the week: Ultrasound today and having Jen visiting.

Movement: Not much that I notice during the day but when I'm finally relaxed and sitting down at night, Baby is going crazy :)

Food cravings: They have been changing week to week it seems.  We've gone from pretzels/grapes to cream cheese to blueberry bagels and to pizza with crazy combo of toppings.

Gender: Surprise! 

What I miss: Eating without heartburn.

What I'm looking forward to: So many things: choosing names, feeling more movement from Baby J (of course, I'm feeling some flips as I type, ha)

Things I've been experiencing this week: Heartburn, movement, slight cramping.

Size of baby: Banana

Family time! :)

A couple weekends back the Johnson family had a mini reunion in Atlanta!  It was nice for us to spend some time together ... all together at once!  It was the first time we've all been together since the All Star game in 2012. Crazy, right?!

The kids and I arrived while Jim was at the ballpark, but beautiful flowers awaited us.  I just love a house with fresh flowers! :)  The kids were super excited to watch the fireworks from Daddy's dugout the first game.  The display was beautiful and we had the best front row seats!

We had a great time celebrating Caroline's 10th birthday at the ballpark too.  Ice cream, cake, and a visit from the mascot, Homer.  It was definitely a fun time and Abby and Levi were so excited to play with their cousins.

A weekend together wouldn't be the same without a family game of baseball!

Kids loving Homer ... minus Levi.  He was too busy playing shy guy.

It's always so special when family can be together ... hopefully the next time will be a lot sooner! I'm looking forward to a summer of fun in the ATL.  It's a beautiful area .... lots of walking trails, playgrounds, restaurants, and a community pool.   Less than a month away and our summer adventures begin! :)

17 weeks!

Dear Baby J,

     Here I am ... at 17 weeks!  It's crazy to think how fast this pregnancy is moving along.  Thankfully the morning sickness phase has ended, except for the occasional icky day.  However replacing that symptom comes heartburn!  I had terrible heartburn with your sister and brother so I expected it to ram its ugly head, just didn't know when.  It seems to come after spicy or Italian food (obviously) but even after cereal or blueberry bagels.  Tums, you are my friend ... once again. ;)  I haven't really had any major cravings or aversions yet.  Just eating like I typically do, with a few extra unhealthy treats! Oops!

     There's been some name talk, but nothing serious yet.  Although Levi absolutely knows you're a boy and your name will be Jesus.  He is telling everyone.  Jesus Johnson.  Abby is just busy keeping an ongoing list of possible names for you in her special notebook.  Some for a boy ... some for a girl. :)

     Abby is super excited for you, Baby J.  I'm having a blast sharing this excitement with her.  We talk about how big you are each week, what new things you're doing, and how you are growing.  We talk about names and how she'll be the best little Mommy.  No doubt.  The other night I was reading to her before bed and I felt you for the second time, just that quick fluttering feeling.  We both agreed that book must be one of your favorites.  ;)  In just a couple weeks, she'll tag along for the big ultrasound.  I cannot wait to share this special moment together!

     Things are going good ... real good.  Enjoying this pregnancy (now that I'm feeling better) and taking it one day at a time.  Looking forward to snuggling you and introducing you to your big brother and sister.  Abby and Levi will take good care of you ... and we all love you so much!

                                                                                    Love,
                                                                                  Mommy

All in two weeks time ...

Wow, April sure has been off to a busy start!  We kicked off the month celebrating Levi's third birthday, followed by Disney, Easter, and Opening Weekend of Braves BASEBALL!  Being so busy had its ups and downs ... happy children, tired children, happy adults, tired adults ... you get the picture.  I was so thankful to have my parents here to enjoy some special moments together and make memories that will last forever! 

The kids made birthday cupcakes, with a bit of Easter flare.  Levi loved opening all of his presents and I'm quite convinced he now thinks Santa visits in April too. ;)

The highlight of Levi's actual birthday was going to his Daddy's ballgame, who happened to be playing here in Sarasota against the Orioles.  Talk about perfect timing!

Then came Easter and everything that comes along with it.  Easter egg hunts, dying Easter eggs, and church Easter morning.

Saturday evening before Easter, the hubs gave us the best surprise.  EVER.  As Gramma, Grandad, kids, and I were eating dinner that night ... I heard the door chime go on.  And in walked Jim .... talk about putting a smile on ALL of our faces!  It was so special to celebrate Easter together!  

Then the whole gang traveled to Atlanta for Opening Weekend!  Despite rain delays and long nights, we had a wonderful time! (and let me just add that the hubs looks SO good in red and blue ;) ... Go Braves!)

Finally finished the whirlwind of two weeks celebrating the birthday boy with his little buddies!  The kids had a blast.  We are so very blessed to have such dear friends! :)

Gramma & Grandad DO Disney!!

Although they never thought it would happen, my parents were able to visit Disney World for the very FIRST time!  I'll be honest and say it took a little bit of bribing from me and Jim, but we were able to get them there.  And I'm so glad we could share this experience with them!

The weather cooperated and wasn't too hot, the crowds were crazy as expected (Spring Break), BUT thanks to fast passes and a MASSIVE hookup at Cinderella's Royal Table, we had an amazing time!  

If I had to guess, I'd say these were some of the favorites from the day!

Dad - riding his first roller coaster with Levi, seeing Princess Jasmine up close and personal ;)

Mom - The Fantasy Parade and Buzz Lightyear Ride

Abby - Roller Coaster/Royal Table Dinner

Levi - Teacups

Jim - Roller Coaster

Me - Teacups

Our little Baby J ...

Since before we were married, the hubs and I always talked about having a big family.  Two, three, four kids ... we had Abby and life changed drastically, but in the best way possible.  Then Levi came along and life changed again ... everything became a bit more complicated, busy, and just plain crazy.      But one thing remained constant through all the craziness ... we loved being parents, especially to our two amazing children.

This offseason the talks started ... do we have another baby?  The mere thought of it made my head spin and my hands shake.  Truth is I knew I wanted another baby but I was (and am) a bit scared.  We would be outnumbered.  Things would get even more complicated, busy, and crazy.  Jim was ready, quite certain he was prepared to be a Daddy of three ... me on the other hand needed some time to pray about it.  And pray I did ... every day, over and over, so much that I'm sure God said "enough already!"  Then one day I knew I needed another baby, that I had more love to share with another child, and that if we didn't try for a third blessing I would truly live with regret for the rest of my life.

So here we are .... 13 weeks!  To say we are happy is an understatement.  This little baby is growing and changing so fast.  I've had a rough start to this pregnancy with morning sickness, which has been quite different this time around.  I was sick with Abby and Levi, but not to this extent.  Exhaustion and fatigue hit hard, right from the beginning.  But as of a couple days ago, I've been feeling considerably better and that makes everything much more enjoyable!  Woo hoo!


The kids are excited, especially Miss Abby, who when asked "Does Mommy know what she's having?" responds, "No, Mommy doesn't know.  But I know it's a girl."  Of course she wants a baby sister and our little guy wants a baby "brodder."  One of them will be disappointed when Baby J arrives!


Speaking of gender, we decided to keep Baby J a surprise until the end. We have our girl, our boy, and we'll now have extra special news when our sweet baby arrives.... and how special it will be!!!

Here is Baby J at 12 weeks.  Ultrasound showed all signs of a healthy baby!

If you look closely towards the end of this video, you will be able to see the heart beating!

I really thought it was time.

November 10th.  That's the last time I posted in this blog; which is crazy to think because so much has happened this offseason.  Wait, did I say offseason?!   That just sounds funny because the offseason has officially been over for a month.  Needless to say, the Johnsons have been busy ... school, Christmas, New Years, vacations, time spent with family ... and the news, the most exciting news of a new baby coming this October!

About a month ago I logged into the blog, started to type and just didn't have it in me to keep writing.  I tried again a few days later and was interrupted by our little guy wanting to play baseball.  In fact as I sit and write, that same little guy needs to go potty.  Like NOW.  See?  It's not so easy for me to find stretches of time to let my mind wander and to let my fingers hit the keys.  I really thought it was time... time to say goodbye to the blog, this lovely place where so many memories are kept.

But ... with the news of a new baby and looking back at all the stories and time put into this blog, I want to get back into it.  I feel like I owe that to this baby and to the two beautiful, amazing kids running circles around me as I type.

I may not post as much as I used to, but I'm going to try my best to keep you updated on our growing family.  So stay tuned .... I guess it really wasn't that time.