Part 7: Due December 2017, Jan Feb & Mar 2018

[maximbella]

Also, I wanted to add this in, especially since I talk about the closeness of my family so much and I see similar bonds with friends who were raised the same way. For what it's worth, I wanted to share something about my mom. Both sides of my grandparents are holocaust survivors, lost most of their family members, and were brought up with very little. My mom has 2 brothers, one that she's close with, and one that she doesn't speak with. My dad has one brother who he also does not speak with often. I often think it was for this reason that my mom was extra sensitive to having us grow up close, especially as four girls (despite the almost 10 years between us). I can remember her constantly telling us that "we are all that we have" in this world and despite what happens in life, "we will always be there for each other no matter what". Those were recurring themes in our home, and when one sister was going through something, she gently encouraged and guided us to help one another. We all jokingly say that she brainwashed us to love each other, but she really did encourage us over and over to be there for one another. As kids, we were, but now we are closer than you could ever imagine. I'm trying to bring up my girls the same way, and would do so regardless of gender, but I wanted to pass that along in case any of you had similar (or different) upbringings. I truly believe my moms guidance formed our bond that I'm not sure would otherwise be as strong.

End of rant...

[AshFind]

Max I love this! Dh and I left our very small town of 3k and moved to Baton Rouge, la for work for a short term and we debated on staying! We absolutely loved it ❤️ but we were all we had so we came back to this small town with nothing to be with family. I recently told him I'm ready to go whenever you are and he asks why now? I say we have built our own empire with 5 kids we are all we need and can raise our boys how we want. But then again we never will more than likely we're to chicken. Even though I hate the fact there's barely any jobs in Illinois and it's a very broke state right now [emoji53]


[emoji170](07) [emoji170](09) [emoji170](14)[emoji170](15)[emoji166] EDD 1-15-18[emoji166]

[Mommy2apples]

Max! That is amazing! I truly do admire you! You are always sugar sweetheart and always so encouraging!


2003 [emoji1349]2009 [emoji1407] 2012 [emoji1406] 2015 [emoji1406] 2015 [emoji1356] 2016 [emoji1413] 2018[emoji120] for a [emoji1405][emoji166]to fit into the mix of our crazy bunch and complete our beautiful family! [emoji7]


https://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/50268a

[XXforhubby]

Also, I wanted to add this in, especially since I talk about the closeness of my family so much and I see similar bonds with friends who were raised the same way. For what it's worth, I wanted to share something about my mom. Both sides of my grandparents are holocaust survivors, lost most of their family members, and were brought up with very little. My mom has 2 brothers, one that she's close with, and one that she doesn't speak with. My dad has one brother who he also does not speak with often. I often think it was for this reason that my mom was extra sensitive to having us grow up close, especially as four girls (despite the almost 10 years between us). I can remember her constantly telling us that "we are all that we have" in this world and despite what happens in life, "we will always be there for each other no matter what". Those were recurring themes in our home, and when one sister was going through something, she gently encouraged and guided us to help one another. We all jokingly say that she brainwashed us to love each other, but she really did encourage us over and over to be there for one another. As kids, we were, but now we are closer than you could ever imagine. I'm trying to bring up my girls the same way, and would do so regardless of gender, but I wanted to pass that along in case any of you had similar (or different) upbringings. I truly believe my moms guidance formed our bond that I'm not sure would otherwise be as strong.

End of rant...

I do something similar! I am an only child from a mom with an unmedicated personality disorder. When my children treat each other badly I tell them that being friends with your siblings is a choice. If they keep treating each other this way, one may chose not to be friends with the other anymore. How would that make you feel? They typically say sad and then they knock it off for awhile. My boys are all super close and look out for each other when not at home. I see how they will end up just as close when adults. Kids are kids and sometimes aren't nice. It's how they make-up and how they are most of the time that matters. I believe closeness of siblings is in part personalities clicking well and how the culture is at home. It also comes down to their choice and interests as they get older. Time will tell, but I see how they will continue their friendship.

My dad is from a 3 boy family and says my boys remind him of his relationship with his brothers all the time. It warms my heart and I sure hope so!


[emoji170]8/2010 [emoji170]6/2013 [emoji170]11/2015 [emoji170]
[emoji178]Baby Girl [emoji254]EDD 9/30/2017 [emoji178]

[Lolabelle]

Nacire-I've only been through a chemical, but certainly understand those feelings of hopes and dreams for the future. I'm sure you're feeling very overwhelmed at the moment, but take care of yourself & give yourself time to grieve. You'll always wonder what could've been and never forget about this baby, but taking each day at a time & living in the moment with your kiddos will help you with the healing process. Kids have a natural way of brightening things and are good at sensing your pain. I will say a prayer for you for comfort, healing and positive things to come your way in the future. I always love the expression...after the storm comes the rainbow [emoji304]

[AshFind]

Xx that's great. I'm going to have to start using that with my boys. The older two fight all the time and ds1 is rude and mouthy to ds2 all the time and the smaller 2 see it and repeat it. And well I could lose my mind 99% of the time and wonder why in the world am I doing this again !


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[Lolabelle]

Max-that's quite impressive how you've kept yourself busy on bedrest!! Keep us posted on your OB appt. Ohhh I bet you have the cutest barely there bump!! Now I want to see a pic [emoji12]
Kat-a monogram machine?! How fun!!! Your little one is going to have the cutest personalized clothes. Love that you'll be happy either way.
Max & Kat-as you both know, I have 2 boys, but besides snacking, I've never been on the HE diet. I don't like feeling overstuffed either. When I was first preggo, I felt like a bottomless pit...which is NOT my usual! These days, I'm def feeling full a lot faster!!!! Every meal feels like Thanksgiving dinner haha.
I'm sorry I haven't popped in here as often...I've had a miserable cold, back to the busy work schedule & lots of family for the eclipse. I have to say, it was a pretty cool experience to see it go completely dark for a few minutes!! Gave me chills!! I could hear the neighbors cheering when it went dark...think there were lots of eclipse parties haha. We were in the path of totality so I was able to watch from the comfort of my front porch [emoji41]

[Lolabelle]

Max-I missed your post, but sounds like you have an amazing mom who encouraged such a sweet sister bond! There's no doubt that you will pass that down to your kids as well!!!! [emoji173]

[AshFind]

Lola I love near the country so when it was dark here I heard the locusts buzzing the birds flying and the neighbors roosters going insane lol


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[Lolabelle]

Ash-cool how animals respond to the changes...animal instincts! My dog was barking like crazy!