{A Big Time Apology}

Hello Fabulous Readers! 

I owe ya'll a big, huge, mega apology! 

I did do some blogging...but not my normal two/three posts a week like I had come accustom! 

I did get a few things blogged!

I dropped the news we're pregnant, shared how we found out, gave you a few updates, shared crazy hormone stories, spilled the beans that it's a boy, gave you a peek into our holiday fun, talked about our 2014 house to-do list, and then dropped off the face of the earth! 

Sorry about that!

The truth is...the first trimester exhaustion decided to hit me in the second trimester! 

No bueno people.

So tired...all the time!

Thankfully, I'm officially in my third trimester, and ready to get this blog updated! 

We have been working HARD on the house, doing little and big projects and marking things off our to-do list one project at a time! 

Some we're DIYing, and some we're hiring out, but we're getting stuff done!

It's been pretty exciting, and it just continues to get more exciting! 

I'm working on a second trimester dumpdate with lots of pictures {here's the first trimester update} but for now, I thought I'd share some bump pictures I've taken throughout the second trimester. 

We started taking real bump pictures weekly {we only missed a week or two, so I give that a big thumbs up in my book} so I'll be sharing that soon, but for now, here are some that I've taken in the past few months! 

I'll try to be much better friends...I promise! 

But you know...I've promised before...life happens sometimes.

Oooooooo....and I have a gender reveal party post ready {oops...two months late} and I'll be publishing it soon! I made a video and that thing has been such a pain! But it's coming!

Woo hoo...let's get updated Wendel Land! 

Enjoy watching my bump and cheeks get bigger and bigger!

20 Weeks 

22 Weeks

24 Weeks

25 Weeks

26 Weeks

27 Weeks

28 Weeks

{Our 2014 To Do List: How Did We Do?}

Mmmmm...another list! I love lists...so so so much! 

I love the act of making a list, marking things off a list, adding things to said list even if I just did it so I can immediately mark it off.

Yup..I'm a list person. 

The past few years I've done a house to-do list, and pretty much every single year we fail miserably. Like if we were in high school we wouldn't have graduated.  Typically we get a nice failing grade of 50%...but hey...50% is better than 0%!

Right? No? Still sad?

Anyhoo...

You can check out how we did on our 2012 and 2013 house to-do list and giggle as our outcome was pretty much spot on in the good old year of 2014...oops!

So let's see how we did in 2014! 

1. Update The Staircase Railing {Fail}

So this turned out to be a bigger project that I expected...so I'm thinking we're going to hire this out. Every time we go to look at it again, it becomes more daunting and I start to get the sweats. And that's just no bueno people. And you'll be so happy {I'm sure you would have lost sleep tonight} that a contractor actually came by today to check this out. So hopefully the quote is for like $100 and we're in business soon! Hey...a girl can dream! 

2. Spruce Up The Sun Room {Check!}

We did this! Woo hoo! This is probably the biggest change to our house this year, and we LURVE it!  But ya'll...it was SO MUCH WORK! Man...but so worth it! So so so very worth it! Can't wait to hang with the little man in here this summer! I envision reading,  ninja fighting, wrestling, game playing, mess making, and all that jazz. A newborn can do all of those things right out of the womb...right?

3. Install Built Ins Around Fireplace {Check!}

Amazing! Did this too! This turned out to be a bit more of a pain in the toocus that we thought, and we'd like to add some more to the other side. Now that I'm thinking about it...I'd like to add quite a bit to this...dang...maybe this isn't a check. Oh well...I'm calling this a win anyways!

Side note, this picture shows me that I owe you some updated basement photos! And that I need to add some color...pronto. I'm thinking a bright piece of artwork on the fireplace? Who knows...something...because this picture is boring! Especially compared to our "on color crack" sunroom!

4. Add Wood Detail In Basement Bathroom {Nope}

Yeah it didn't happen...but it WILL happen...sooner than later Mr. Wendel! 

5. Organize Upstairs Closets {Nada}

I already have a call in to the closet lady to start this process. We've been saving our extra money to do this, so I'm GIDDY excited to get this done! What can I say...organization gives me butterflies. Big, fat, your high school crush just winked at your in the hallway butterflies. Don't judge! Perfectly organized closets are the way to my heart! That and Auntie Anne's pretzels.

Okay...yet another side note! I ALWAYS thought that Auntie Anne's was Annie Annes...like always! We walked passed there the other day {yes....I said passed...I did not partake...this time!} and I about had a heart attack when I figured it out!

It reminded me of the time in elementary school when my dad brought me outside, walked me to our street sign, to show me that, in fact, our street name was Hartweg...not "Heartwag" which is how I had been spelling it for YEARS! What can I say...I'm not a speller! My husband, family, and assistants are laughing at how much of an understatement that is! 

6. Add "Popping" Detail To The Bedroom {Thumbs Down}

Oh brother do I have BIG, HUGE, MEGA plans of the master bedroom. Ya'll...I'm so excited! And I think Wendel is even on board! Let's just say, Lelia's not buying clothes for the next year because all of our extra monies are going to home renovations! Oh yeah...and that thing we call a baby. Also...it's a joke to think that I wouldn't buy any clothes for a year...oops!  Anyhoo...details to come!

7. Fix The Upstairs Bathroom Ceiling {Fail}

G...if you're reading this...you better get ready because Wendel is calling soon for some weekend help on this one! I can't wait for this makeover, because it shouldn't be too terribly expensive, but will make SUCH a huge difference! I'll have more details when I share our 2015 To-Do list soon! Another list for us to fail...hehe...I'm a glutton for punishment. 

8. Do Something Fun With The Entry {Thumbs Up!}

Woo hoo! Another thing we did and this is my second favorite update...right after the sunroom! And I loved that it costed $0 and only took a few days! Amazing! 

9. Organize The Garage {Yup!}

We got this one done super early in the year! And we loved it so much, we built one for the other side of the garage! Now everything is in the garage and our attic is empty which makes getting things so much easier! 

10. Build A Pergola {Nope}

Half way through the year I was thinking...maybe we don't need a pergola. But now...I'm thinking I still want one...hehe...me and my always changing mind. We'll see how many outside projects we actually get done before the little man arrives. 

And there you have it...our 2014 list! 

So that would be 40%...not bueno ya'll! 

But I'm hoping we get a few of these knocked out now just this year...but in the next few months! 

Baby is a-comin' and mama's got to get stuff done! 

{Christmas /New Years 2014}

Happy 2015 Friends! 

I'm excited to be back and ready for some blogging action! 

I've got quite a few posts ready to go, and we're about to start the process of changing the guest room into the Little Man's room...plus about a million other projects on docket! 

So with all of that being said, lots to share! 

But before we go there...I wanted to do some reminiscing and documenting of our Christmas fun this year!  

It's funny because every year I feel like we didn't do a lot of Christmasing, but then I do this Christmas post and realize...dang...we did a LOT! 

Here's what Christmas looked like for us in 2012/2012 and 2013

And here's what New Years looked like is 2012 and 2013! 

And here's what we accomplished this Christmas! 

We went to see Elf the musical with Wendel's parents, and I'll admit...it was dorky. But it was a fun festive evening out with some of my favorite people! 

 Then, of course, we had our Christmasy gender reveal party! Woo hoo! 

We went to an ugly sweater/white elephant party and it was just good, stomach hurts from laughing fun. 

We were able to sneak in time to go and see Awaited with my mom. It's always a favorite of the Christmas season. 

Then fast forward a few weeks when Wendel finally finished his masters {woo hoo Wendel} and we got to do all of our normal Christmasing adventures! We headed to The Union Terminal to check out the amazing train display.

Then we braved the cold and did The Festival of Lights! 

My mother-in-law, mom, and I met a bunch of sweet ladies for a ladies lunch at The Golden Lamb in Indiana. It's always a fun and festive afternoon with some wonderful women!

Christmas Eve, I woke up, turned on the lights, and it was magical! We are so incredibly blessed! 

We had our 20 week doctors appointment {20 weeks...what?} and then we went on a little lunch date to Brio. It was so incredibly awesome! We talked about making it a tradition...we'll see how that goes next year :) 

We passed out treats to our neighbors. Notice the no coats...it was like 50 degrees! Insane! 

Christmas Eve with my family...I feel like I look almost dead here. Sleepiness has hit me hard in the second trimester!

Wendel let me open ONE present on Christmas Eve. This was a little bathtub tray for me to put my drink or book or something. I've been having LOTS of "tubby time" especially while Wendel was finishing his masters so Wendel got me all kinds of fun bathtub things! 

We also decorated a gingerbread house on Christmas Eve...we were DETERMINED to have the most magical day ever! 

Christmas morning we headed to Wendel's parents after opening up presents together at our house. We opened presents...ate breakfast...open presents. It was like a four hour afair and I kind of love it that way! 

Christmas evening, we always go to Alex's great-aunt's house for dinner. The view is always a favorite! 

I told you every year! Also...Wendel's hair in that first picture. Hilarious! 

New Years was pretty magical this year! In years past, we've gone to The Opryland, and gone to Florida, but this year we drove to The West Baden Hotel in Indiana and spent a fancy evening dining, dancing, and laughing with Wendel's parents. 

When we got to the hotel, we did a bit of exploring...which involved taking a little train...pretty much the highlight of the whole thing for my father-in-law. 

Then we got all fancified, and ready for the evening! 

I hate that this picture is so blurry...oh well :) 

It was a pretty incredible way to end the year! 

One thing I know for sure: next years will look MUCH different!

And I'm so excited! 

{Merry Christmas 2014}

Merry Christmas Dear Friends! 

Sorry for the absence...my goal is to get back into my normal two to three times a week rhythm after New Years! 

Now that Wendel has finished his masters {woo hoo} it's time to finish house projects before the little man makes his appearance this spring! 

So I'll have lots of house updates, pregnancy updates, and a few more personal posts I've been working on about infertility and how that season changed and molded us into who we are today! 

In the mean time, we're soaking up the holiday spirit, and enjoying every second of this magical time! 

Merry Christmas...and a Happy New Year! 

{It's A Boy!}

Hey Friends! 

So sorry I'm late on posting this!

Most of you probably know but...

We're having a boy! 

We're still pretty in shock! 

We were 100% positive Little Bit was a girl, so we're having to re-envision our little lives now. 

I'm preparing my heart for lots of sports, wrestling, super heros, and legos! 

We're excited to raise a respectful and joyful little boy who will turn into a man of  honor. 

Austen Bradley...you've already surprised and shocked us. 

We're excited to see your face and watch you transform us into the people He meant for us to be...

Parents! 

I'm working on a little video from the gender reveal party, so be looking for that this week! 

{Reflecting On The Holiday Season}

I shared a little bit on Instagram about how I was feeling this time last year, and I thought I'd elaborate a bit on the blog.

Wendel and I were really hoping to get pregnant last year at the end of August, which would mean that we could announce our pregnancy at Thanksgiving. 

His family has a huge Thanksgiving at his parents' house, and before dinner, they always count how many people are in the room. I had always dreamed of going around the room counting everyone there, and when it got to me saying "14, 15...14 and baby makes 15!" 

Now use your imagination...I have no clue what number we'd actually be...work with me people :) 

That obviously didn't happen.

The week of Thanksgiving hit me like a ton of bricks. 

The realization that my dream was not going to happen, and that life was going on. 

I couldn't just curl up in bed and pretend that it wasn't happening. 

I needed to suck it up, move on, and be thankful for our crazy amounts of blessings. 

I think I did pretty decent. 

I made the most out of the holidays and enjoyed all of my favorite traditions. 

Going to Florida after Christmas helped get me through the season. 

But I remember so vividly praying...

"Lord, please make next year different."

I didn't know what that meant. 

But I knew I wanted it to be different. 

And boy did He follow through. 

And while I'm so thankful for our Little Bit, my heart literally breaks in two for those who are still struggling. 

I get weekly e-mails from people who have found this little blog {hello to any new readers} discussing their struggles with infertility. 

And my heart aches for them. 

I know this season will be hard for them. 

And this may be the second or third holiday season that has been hard. 

I truly hope everyone knows that we do not take this gift for granted! 

Not for a second have we felt like we deserved or were entitled to this miracle. 

But we are so incredible thankful. 

I'm excited for all of our holiday traditions! 

I literally cannot wait to finish decorating! 

And I'm thankful to walk along this journey with Wendel by my side! 

Oh and side note...a week from today we have our gender reveal ultrasound! 

We're having a party next Sunday and I cannot wait to find out! 

Eeeeeee!

Happy Thanksgiving!

{Reasons I've Cried Today}

Pregnancy hormones are flippin' insane! 

Seriously!

I thought my hormones were out of control before I got pregnant...that was a joke! 

So I thought it would be funny to document some of the ridiculous reasons I've busted into tears lately...enjoy! 

Fortunate enough for you...Wendel captured pictures of a few of these...oh brother...this is real life ya'll...so I'm sharing it all. Don't make fun too much! 

The Matching Straw Situation

I asked Wendel to grab me a straw for my cup and it just happened to be the same color as my cup...yup...you just can't make it up people! I promise I was crying more in this picture...Wendel must have caught me at a good moment! 

A Lawn Mower...You Don't Cry Over Lawn Mowers?

We were driving home and I saw a man mowing his lawn with his son trailing behind him with his own toy lawn mower...oh boy tears! 

Even the mascara was running...it was a serious one ya'll! 

Pretzel, Pretzel Who Wants A Pretzel?

This is probably everyone's favorite one so far...it's a long story: so I went to the mall to do a little shopping and was going to meet Wendel for a late lunch. I was already getting hungry, so I decided to get a little snack. I immediately thought 'AUNTIE ANNES!' So I super fast walked over to that direction, and when I got there, right next to Auntie Anne's was Great American Cookie Company. Ya'll...I looooooove cookie cake! So the obvious reaction was to BUST into full on, crazy person, can't stop, won't stop, 'what the heck is wrong with that chick' tears. The lady at Auntie Anne's walks over and asked if I was okay. I responded through my tears "I'm pregnant and I can't decide if I want a cookie or a pretzel" and being a wise sales woman she said "aw, sweet thing, get yourself a pretzel." And I did...and it was delicious. But I'll be honest...I was ticked I didn't get a cookie...next time...I'll shove both in my face at the same time. 

Victoria Secret Sleep Masks...Duh! 

I am seriously obsessed with Victoria Secret's flannel PJ sets! I order one every year for Christmas, and this year was no different. I got it in the mail, and I knew that I had gotten a free pair of matching slippers with the set. I was so excited to get it in the mail, and noticed that something was wrapped around the PJ's...once I looked closer...it was a matching sleeping mask. I don't even use a sleeping mask. But it was a perfectly precious matching sleeping mask wrapped around my perfectly amazing PJ set. And the tears FLOWED! Ya'll...I seriously cannot make this stuff up! 

So yeah...the dumbest things ever make me well up in tears!

The funny thing...haven't cried at a single Dr's appointment, ultrasound, hearing the babies heart beat, announcing we were pregnant. You know the normal things pregnant people cry over...nope...not here. Just matching Victoria Secret sleep masks and matching straws for my cup...yup...that's me! 

I hope I provided a little bit of entertainment for you on this hump day!

On a side note, if you didn't see on Instagram, I tried on one of the fake bumps at Destination Maternity and it 100% freaked me out! Like for real...what the heck?