Christmas Recap {2014}

Christmas 2014

This Christmas was both extra special and extra tiring. Christmas 2014 marks Ava's 1st Christmas and our 1st Christmas as a family of four. Although, Ava surprised us by being 3 weeks early (which is even earlier then I had anticipated) we were all set for a memorable Christmas. The house was decorated and presents we all bought and wrapped. Thank goodness for being prepared.

Miss Ava's 1st Christmas

Christmas Eve was spent at my parents. In the morning we "helped" prep for 30 plus people and our traditional fish celebration. Even Mason got his hands dirty this year by helping Papa ans Daddy open up clams.

Mason learning our Christmas traditions

Very focused on the task at hand

Christmas morning Matt and I opened up gifts from each other and tried to get Mason into opening his Santa gifts. He received this cash register and it caused all opening of presents to come to a halt. Once we realized none of his other presents were going to be opened we headed back to my parents; where we opened presents and enjoyed leftovers. As we all took turns opening up gifts Mason started to catch on. He finally dove into his pile of presents and was truly excited about Christmas. 

We were all exhausted by this point so a nap was in order before heading to uncle Neal and Aunt Rose's for dinner. It took some motivation to get both kids out the door but it was so worth it. Mason played with his older cousins and had the best time. It is heartwarming to see him interact with them and give them hugs (this is unusual for Mase, seeing he isn't big on hugs and kisses). 

This Christmas is one to remember! I also took an important lesson away from this season of craziness: Christmas is just as exhausting for the adults as it is for the kids. All the prep work is well worth it but by the end of the day Mason was exhausted. It was just a little too much. 

We are so blessed to have such a wonderful little family of four, that Ava is healthy (she just needs to gain some weight), that Matt has some time off work and that Mason is happy & healthy too. We still have adjusting to do with our new addition but we are slowly creating our new norm. 

We hope you had a very Merry Christmas! Till next year. 

Love the Murrays


What a difference a year makes, check out last year's Christmas post.

38 weeks {No bump but a baby}

On Saturday December 6, 2014 we welcomed Ava Michelle into the world and officially became a family of four.

Ava Michelle December 6, 20145 pounds 11 ounces 20 inches 

She surprised us all by her early arrival at 36 weeks and 6 days!  Although she is a little peanut she is doing well.  Once she gains a bit more weight she will be ready to meet everyone that already loves her so much.  I know I am basis but I must say she is a cutie and so very precious.  We are looking forward to a very special and blessed Christmas with both our children. Thank goodness for all that mad prepping and list making pre-baby.    

 Her name:  We had a few names in mind for our little Miss; I really wanted to use Michelle for her 

middle name after one of my cousins.  My cousin Michelle passed away at 36, leaving 3 beautiful children behind.  I spent many nights babysitting for her children and I admired Michelle so much.  She was a wonderful mother, a strong woman and amazing wife.  In honor of this very special woman in my life I have gifted the name to my daughter.  Ava just fit so beautifully with Michelle and since we thought she was so beautiful with her dark hair and little lips we landed on the perfect name.  

Pictures via Bella Baby

Check out Mason and his hospital pictures

36 weeks {9 month bump}

From the very beginning I had it in my head that EVERYTHING must be done before or around December 1st. I'm by no means a pregnancy expert but I knew that the possibility of me being done and done by this time would be huge. It's November 30th and I am not going to lie I am kinda done. Luckily my 18 lists of "to dos" have mostly check marks on them. Most of the Christmas presents have been purchased and wrapped, the hospital bag is packed and the baby clothes/bottles are washed. Our calendar is much more clear then usual, so bedsides some Christmas events we are hoping to coast till baby girl's arrival. 

Last week I had some early labor signs (which I didn't have with Mason). Apparently, this is very normal for your second. The doctor said baby girl is head down and can come anytime between now and her due date. I have slowed up some more, with bending over becoming more difficult and a feeling a nausea present on and off throughout the day. Not to mention the shortness or breathe and insomnia that hits me every other night. That being said all the above are just making baby's arrival more real. I'm so excited about meeting our little girl but I am nervous too. I know it will be an adjustment for all three of us. 
                                                        

I already have in mind what I want post baby - Italian sub, lots of coffee (I want more then one cup a day) and some sushi. And oh man, if she comes before Christmas Eve I will be digging into to one of my favorite meals all year....fish fish and more fish. 

With less then 30 days to go (you're pregnant for 10 months not 9, in case you didn't know) we are enjoying our little family of 3 and the calm before the storm. 

                                 

Click Here to see my 9 month bump with Mason.

 

Thanks Day 2014

Thanks Day is one of our more recent family traditions!  It consists of getting together with my mom's side of the family which includes my cousins and Mason's cousins.  This pre Thanksgiving and non turkey event is something we all look forward to, however this year was extra special for the Murrays.  Mason had the most amazing time with his older cousins.  Matt and I were both able to sit back and relax most of the evening allowing his older cousins to keep an eye on him and entertained.  The pictures from the evening say it all:

Playing with his new favorite train

Big hugs for cousin Lauren

Eating with the big kids.

More Playing

Family is so important!  It warmed my heart to watch Mason enjoy his cousin and one of our family traditions.  We spent a lot of time with family growing up and it is nice that we will be able to do the same with Mason.

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I am thankful for so very much!  I'm Thankful for my growing family, my husband who is truly the best and for my parents and sister for always being there for us.  We are so lucky and blessed and I know that.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Must try recipes {Part 2}

I don't know about you but I'm a little crock pot obsessed these days!  There is something about cold weather and a crock pot that go oh so well together.  Using the crock pot allows me to complete the clean up before dinner is ready (extra bonus, if you ask me).  Here are a few recipe successes I have had, easy, tasty & loved by my family.  

It's so great to help in the kitchen!

Slow Cooker Loaded Bake Potato Soup
This is soup was amazing!  Cutting all the potatoes wasn't fun but so very worth it.  Matt and I ate the leftovers for days and we even shared some with our neighbors.  Top the soup off with cheese and some bacon and not only is the soup tasty but filling.

Crock Pot Ranch Chicken Tacos
Wow, was this easy! I am planning on keeping the chicken broth, ranch mix pack and taco seasoning on hand; with no prep this is a great go to meal for when the baby gets here.  The chicken is so juicy and is loaded with flavor, yet not spicy.  Mason even asked for seconds!

Crock Pot Southwestern Corn & Potato Chowder
If you are looking for a little something different this chowder fits the bill!  It has tons of flavor and again can be eaten as a main dish.  The coconut milk adds a different element to the soup that I really enjoyed.  Next time I would add a little extra bacon....mainly because you can never have enough.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup
This recipe makes a ton of soup but again it was one loved by all the Murrays.  This is an easy, hearty recipe that pairs well with garlic bread or a fancy grill cheese.  We will have leftovers for days so the next serving will be accompanied by grill cheese for sure.

Let me know if you try any of these dishes or if there is a recipe I should try!  Figuring out what to make for dinner every night can sometimes be daunting; plus simple and easy is key these days. I love checking out Pintrest for new ideas.  Want to see what else I've cooked up....click here.

A Little Exhausted

I'm sure you have seen all the mommy posts about how Day Light Savings is kicking their butt this week!  Well my friends our family isn't any different....however we might be battling a few other sleep issues at the Murray house.

Mason has always been good at making the transition with the time change but this year seems to be different.  Not only is he getting up an hour earlier then usual he is struggling with going to be bed.  Is he over tired?  Have we hit the 24 month traditional sleep regression (I know another one)? Or has he suddenly become afraid of the dark?  He spent the better part of Sunday night turning the light on from his crib, saying "turn light on." We are now sleeping with the closet light on and closet door open slightly.  This seems to have helped and we have made bedtime progress throughout the week.  This too shall pass but we are just a little extra tried in our household....all of us.

Oh, and 32 weeks of pregnancy has hit me like a brick wall.  Pregnancy insomnia has crept in and exhaustion by the end of the day is what I am feeling.  With a little over 7 weeks to go I can only hope this too shall pass.  My growing belly might just be getting the best of me this week and I am keeping my fingers crossed my energy will be restored soon.


*****************************************************************************

On a total side note, have you seen the sales going on?  Hello, Christmas shopping from my computer.  I'm totally getting a jump on Christmas gifts this year due to the potential timing of baby girl's arrival.

Mint Arrow is a great blog that will keep you updated on the best sales and sale items but if you want my two cents this is what is keeping my busy at night:

Nordstrom up to 40% off
Gap 40% off your entire purchase with code FFSALE
Tiny Prints 25% off  (their pillows are calling my name) & if you get their coupons you should be getting a 30% off in the mail
Carter's 50% off

8 month Bump {32 weeks}

                                             

Less then 60 days till baby girl arrives!  Time is flying yet moving so slow at the same time; I'm getting so very excited to meet our sweet baby girl who is going to make us a family of 4.  The reality of sleepless nights are just around the corner so I'm taking full advantage of the energy I continue to have (thank goodness for that).  Baby girl moves in a pattern throughout the day (unlike Mason who moved all the time).  I feel her when I wake up, when I relax while Mason is napping and at night. I rarely feel her while on my feet which had me nervous but the doctor said as long as I know her pattern and she continues to follow it or kick more there is nothing to worry about it.   Luckily, she doesn't keep me up at night moving and shaking.  This past week I felt her hiccups for the first time and I believe I have felt my belly tighten a few times (braxton hicks?).  Needless to say I'm getting bigger, it will be interesting to see what I look like right before the babe comes.  I am carrying so differently this time around....

In preparation for baby's arrival we hired a painter to paint the rest of the house. Matt and I also know we weren't good enough to paint bathrooms & kitchens.  It turned out great and I have a new love for my house once again.  The peeps at HGTV are more then right when they say paint can change the entire look of the house.

8 month Bump with

Pumpkins & "Costumes"

Wow, what an amazing weekend with amazing weather!  Near 70s at the end of October is a gift to Chicago-ans anticipating winter weather around the corner. This weekend we had a couple of Halloween celebrations to attend; one being a Halloween parade at the near by pre-school.  I knew Mason would love it or want nothing to do with it; however with endless Dora's Halloween Parade episodes under our belt I was somewhat hopeful.  Mason being Mason wanted nothing to do with putting on his costume (a fireman coat) and was more interested in riding the elevator up and down. Surprisingly, he participated in the parade and walked around the gym with all the other kids in their Halloween costumes.  He then did a full on permanent exit when reaching the door out of the gym. Ha ha so much for that Halloween party.

Sunday at the Ruth Lake Pumpkin Patch was a different story.  Mason LOVED watching the hay ride taking the kids around.  He even wanted to get on the hay ride and try it out himself which he fully enjoyed.  We still weren't able to get him to put his fireman coat on but that's ok with me.  The entertainment dressed as pirates was also a big hit.  Pretty sure I don't need to say more:

Loved Playing on the Golf Cart.

Family Hay Ride!

Mommy Guilt

It's a thing....really it is and sometimes it just creeps up on me and in turn makes me doubt pretty much everything I am doing.  Mommy Guilt usually arrives in full force when we have a bad day or a bad few days.  I start asking myself several questions: Am I doing enough with Mason? Are we getting out enough doing enough kid friendly activities?  Am I creating or feeding into his "naughty" behavior?  Am I giving in too much with TV/iphone just to make my life easier; is that really the best solution? Should I have more patience?  The good news; regardless of how I am feeling I never question if he is getting enough love or the best care a we can provide.  I know those boxes are always checked (thanks goodness).

Honestly, I know I am being hard on myself and that I am doing the best I can (I think...).  With the colder weather creeping up on us and another babe on the way I'm worried about how we are going to survive what could be a VERY long winter.  Maybe it is the anxiety of it all or just that fact that I need a mommy time out because I know in a day or two we will have the best day ever and all doubt will vanish...like it never existed.   Even on our rough days that little voice calling out "mommy mommy" in complete excitement or getting a random hug while making breakfast is both heart melting and heartwarming.  Personally, I think being a mom is the best job in the world but with that comes the good, bad and the ugly.

*as an update our morning progressively got better which makes for both a happier child and mommy*

Here a two of my go to mommy blogs that tell the truth about parenting while always bringing a smile to my face! Happy Reading:

Camp Patton - Grace has four kids 4 and under and keeps things honest and comical all at the same time.

Coffee + Crumbs - a serious of stories about motherhood that are full of raw honesty yet very heartwarming.

Happy 2nd Birthday to our sweet boy!

10.10.14 Blowing out his candles.

Dear Mason - Happy 2nd Birthday! All signs of your infant self have completely vanished (where has the time gone)!?!?! You have continued to grow like a weed this past year and are still my good little eater (although these days you prefer snacks over lunch).  Your vocabulary is impressive for your age and you even surprise me at times with what you have to say.  You are extremely inquisitive; constantly asking "what's that noise" (aka noise or object).  You are so strong mentally (hello stubborn much) and physically.  You love cars and trucks, Bubble Guppies, your lion & monkey, being outside, running, gym class, going to nana & papa's, trips to the mall to see fountains, the zoo and the grocery store.

You are so full of life and energy.  You are loving and so very loved by all.  You are friendly, always sure to say hi to passers by or your trucks when you're done playing with them.  You love being tickled and I love your belly laugh.  You love to have fun and are so fun to be with; you have such a great personality.

The changes and milestones you have accomplished this year are amazing!  You are first and foremost my son but have also become my buddy.  We spend little time at home; spending many of our days out and about together.  I love getting you from you crib first thing in the morning; excited to hear what you have to say and rocking you each night "warm & cozy" on your rocker.  You have my heart and I love you more the words can describe.  I am so lucky to be your mommy and look forward to more adventures together.  With your sister on the way life is going to change and as much as I think baby girl is going to rock your world; I might have that wrong....she is going to rock our world.  We will quickly adjust like we always do and you are going to be an amazing big brother.

I love you buddy!

Love,
Mommy


Birthday Celebration on the night of your birthday; just the 3 of us:

Small Birthday Party the next day with some of your closet buds and other favorites:

Love singing Happy Birthday

28 weeks {yay for the 3rd trimester}

                       

  

I'm 28 weeks and I have officially entered my 3rd trimester.  With 12 weeks of pregnancy remaining I have lots on my mind.  We need to get the nursery in order as well as have baby girl clothes on hand and of course size 1 diapers.  I'm getting excited to have an infant around again; Mason is so far from a baby these days.  It is so hard to remember the baby stage when they grow up and change so quickly.  I'm still feeling good but it is clear I am getting bigger.  We have a few names picked out but nothing finalized; we plan on waiting to see the baby to actually make a decision.  I have been doing some nesting and lots of online browsing for baby girl's nursery.  Here is what I have in mind:

1. Rugs USA rug: they have great sales all the time.  We waited until they were having a sale and then browsed their very large collection.  We went with this bold pattern and are going to decorate based on the rug.
2. Rugs USA Pouf: I am kind of in love with this pouf but haven't looked too hard for other options yet.  I think this will be great accent piece for her room.
3. Kersey Recliner: I've been going back and forth about moving the rocker out of Mason's room into baby girl's room; however Mason is a bit attached to his chair.  He sits in it everyday and looks through books and we rock him before bed each night and read to him.  I was regretful I didn't go with a recliner the first time around so I knew if we were going to buy another chair we needed a recliner.  With a recliner I could get some sleep on those nights baby is up every hour (wishful thinking?).
4. Land of Nod Sheets: I found these at the outlet and the bold color works great with the bold patterned rug.
5. Land of Nod Changing Pad Cover: Another outlet find but excited to experiment with several patterns in her room which seems to be so in right now.  I hope I can pull it off.
6. First Light by Benjamin Moore: a subtle pink will be the wall color of choice.

Of course, we still need to pick out and purchase the essentials....hello crib and changing table/dresser.  It will all get done (I hope) prior to the baby coming or before I slow down and run out of energy completely.  I am really starting to get excited about being a family of four and meeting our little princess.

28 weeks with Mason