Unwavering Minds of Reflection and Baby Button

My unwavering mind travels these days. So much to think about and it's keeping me uneasy most days. It makes it easy to drift off to sleep to escape the constant worry and thought, but that never solves anything. So I try my hardest to pick up the pieces, write a to do list, and push forward with my day. I try to make each day as productive as my 20w2d pregnant body with let me. Some days I get alot done and others, I barely put a dent in what needs to be done. I am limited to what I can lift, which makes it hard to clean the house and organize things. Put the bins in the basement, do the laminate flooring, get my maternity clothes down from clothes storage, put ceiling fans up. Often times, I feel as if I don't do it, it doesn't get done. Both frustrating and disappointing.

I had a breakthrough in church tonight. Evi and I have been going to a new church for about a month now. I enjoy the style of it. I enjoy the traditional hymns, the biblical talks and the company that is kept. Evi also has a nursery playmate around her age. The last few days, there is been a visiting team in town, The Galkin Team. It was enjoyable to sit through and hear the message twice on Sunday and again tonight. The pastor was entertaining and the team played beautiful hymns and Irish folk music. It reminded me alot of my moms Irish roots. I had asked boy to go and he refused, which was saddening. When Evi was born, we agreed we would go to church, as a family, to raise her in good morals and values. During the talk, the pastor preached about righteousness and trusting in Jesus. He gave alot of examples about how no one is perfect and about how we all sin and to ask for forgiveness. It made me reflect on the many imperfections in my life and I couldn't stop the wheels from turning. I engaged in a conversation toward the tale end of the service and the water gates of emotion began to flood me and I spoke with an individual about a few of the ways my life has ended up where it has and the decisions leading up to that. It wasn't something I expected on doing, it just came out surprisingly. I felt a little embarrassed as I headed home, thinking of the events that unfolded.

We found out Baby Randall #2 is a GIRL! It was a shocker to all but a few, PawPaw, Grandpa Mike and Auntie Anna. As the day unfolded, I kept looking to boy to see what he thought about for names. I mentioned Ellie and we agreed on Ella Evangeline-Grace Randall. Grace comes from the girls' only living great grandmother. He acted tired and distant all day, complete bummer. I still can't feel the baby, though I am more fluffy this time around. I have gained nearly ten pounds so far. Ultrasound was normal and we saw alot of movements during that time. The baby was like her older sister. The legs were crossed underneath her bottom, but the veteran ultrasound tech of 20 years assured us, there was no mistake... those were girl parts. She also had her hands by the face the whole time, another similarity to Evi. I scored a double stroller of OfferUp today! BabyTrend Sit to Stand Plus which will allow me to be more mobile while Miss Ella comes ;) God is always providing what we need. Since the baby is a girl, there is little to buy. The most we need is diapers and a few baby gates. All in all, life is good.

Oh, baby...times 2!

Our beautiful baby girl was born April 18, 2016, weighing 9 pounds 8 ounces and 21 inches long. We named her Evelyn Helena-Lily Randall, but she is known to most by "Evi". She is now 9 months old and its hard to believe this much time has passed already. She is so smart and definately has our personalities in her. As she hits her milestones, I can't help but thinking how blessed we are to be able to be chose to be her parents. I couldn't image my life any other way. She is talking in her own jibber, jabber, walking with help and crawling.



Two months before Evi was born, we moved into Pearl. Though she had/has renovations that are to be done, it was the most feasible option for our growing family. It was been so wonderful knowing the rent won't be raised, the dogs will have to hide or be uprooted, or if we want to do something to the yard- it's ours to do whatever we choose. Since we have been there, we have renovated Evi's room and are in the process of completing the bathroom and powder room renovations. I am super excited about both. Evi's room has a warm beige on the walls and is decorated in shabby chic. The bathroom now has a shower!!! Yes- a real shower! For months, we only had the clawfoot tub. Although we opted to keep the clawfoot tub, we added to shower ring- so happy we did. Also, we moved the sink to the powder room to add space and added a brand new toilet! The toilet is high-efficiency and only takes 1 gallon to flush- with save on the water bill, by far. Something only a new homeowner who had a outragious water bill would be estatic about, I'm sure. There has also been lots of painting too. Originially, I was going to paint the whole house antique white with bright white trim... well, boy had other plans. After some discussion, we agreed grey tones might be better. So grey tones turned into multi colors after a wild discovery in the discount paint section :) I think it looks bold and charming though- painting is on hold for the time being though.
We took a mini-trip to get out of town when Evi was 6 months old and shortly after, I had the sneaking suspicion that things may not be all that normal. After a few home pregnancy tests, we discovered we are expecting Baby Randall #2! The news did not come as a shock, but when we really think about it, things are going to be busy in our household during the infancy stages of our childrens lives. We are prepared to dive in and we are excited for this new chapter in our lives together as our family grows.
I am currently 15 weeks and 4 days. All the family have been notified (the same day we found out- we were too excited and couldn't wait!). The estimated due date is July 23, 2017, which will make them 15 months apart (ALMOST Irish Twins). So far, I have been extremely fatigued with a little nausea and sensitivity, but no vomiting (thank goodness). I was really sick with Evi and food was very limited as to what I could tolerate. However, I have been getting headaches and alot of hip pain as time goes on. All in all, it has been a good pregnancy though. We have been to two check ups. The first time, at 8 weeks, the baby's heart rate was 165. Boy and I glowed just as much as the first time, when we heart the little heartbeat for the first time in their tiny little bubble. Love at first sight. The second time, at 12 weeks, the heart rate was 160. We had such a great experience with MomDoc Midwives the first time around, we have decided to use them again with the same birth plan at the same hospital. It is comforting knowing we already know the midwives onbaord and we will be in good hands.