My Pregnancy Journal

Pregnancy is definitely an adventure. I barely remember anything about my last - it was pretty much a whirlwind. So! This time I've committed to 36 weeks of journaling just a few short thoughts and updates so that one day I can look back and remember this awesome little experience that is such an enormous blessing!

After 6 months of trying; we found out we're pregnant! I craved Chinese food, orange juice, & cheap nasty burritos (which I did NOT cave to); had a mad rage meltdown (on the inside because I'm trying to control my hormonal self) because Brian used a spatula instead of a frosting bag to decorate the cupcakes.

Still struggling with hormones and stress and attempting to control myself & not melt down over random nonsense. Craved wine, which obviously I'm not drinking. I'm more tired that usual and just read that new studies show caffeine (just 100mg - or one cup of coffee - a day!) increases risk of miscarriage by 14% and still birth by 19%. I was drinking my 2nd cup of coffee of the day as I read it. Lame. Next week they'll probably say caffeine leads to genius babies, but for now I'll be trading in my coffee for hot lemon water for my own peace of mind. Also, got to tell our siblings about our good news! Beckett announced it with his cute shirt Mommy made him.

We've consistently referred to whatever's happening in there as "the twins" and I've already started planning a girl's nursery. My biggest concern right now, however, is the fact that I still have leftover baby bump so how will I know when I start to show???

Only Child: Expiring August 25!

Last time I realized I was pregnant, I was half way through a bottle of wine (probably a white zin) when Brian's mom pointed out that I was having several symptoms of pregnancy. I attempted denial (it wasn't on my schedule), but knew in my heart that she was right.

Why am I always drinking wine when I realize I'm pregnant?

This time I was on my second glass of Shiraz when I suddenly realized I was a day late. In the past when I've taken pregnancy tests, I've done it without Brian knowing. Mostly, I was afraid of disappointing him with a negative, but sometimes I was just too impatient. He has been consistently annoyed with me for not involving him in the testing and waiting part, so this time I committed to letting him in on the fun.

I considered (for like 2 seconds) waiting the two weeks until Christmas to test, but I don't have that kind of patience or will-power to keep my mouth shut. Instead, I decided to break out a test immediately. Brian was upstairs working, so I surprised him with a cup of pee on a platter. You're welcome, sweet husband.

Brian joked about the smell of my pee and tried to give me a hard time about my methods, but later admitted that his heart was beating a million miles a minute. It was sweet he admitted it but I knew that without his confession. I could see the blood pulsing through his face. The man was so excited.

Three not-so-short minutes later, we had a positive pregnancy test!

We announced it to the parents immediately, and then to our siblings on Papa's Birthday!

And now it's your turn! World, we would like to officially announce the newest upcoming member of our family! Baby Hill #2 is expected to arrive this August!

We're so excited to start this next chapter of our lives!

Our Christmas Letter: An Update on Us

A few years ago, we started this blog in lieu of a traditional Christmas letter. Still, I think that if someone we don't keep up with often were to ask what we were up to,  this blog would not completely answer that question. So, here's the run down!!

We've been in St. Charles now for 16 months, but it seems like we're still brand new here. We haven't branched out much, but I haven't been in much of a hurry to either. Before we moved we were super involved in everything and stayed crazy busy, so I think we've both been enjoying a bit of a hermit lifestyle. However, it's one of my New Year's resolutions to be more social!

Brian is currently working for Coca-Cola as an account manager. He enjoys it well enough but doesn't see it as a life-long thing. We're super grateful for the job in the meantime though! He's also doing some free-lance graphic design & some consulting on the side, which is more related to the field he really loves. We're grateful God knows what He's doing. He's made some changes in Brian's career path in the last year and a half that we would have never expected, but know are for the better. The whole experience has reminded us how comforting it is that He is in control. We'll keep you updated as things evolve!

Happy Birthday, Nanna!

Have I mentioned how much I love being closer to family? This weekend we got to swipe our niece and nephew and road trip up to my parents' house for Nanna's birthday!

It's about a 6.5 drive with stops and traffic, but went surprisingly well with these awesome littles. Of course, road tripping with three kids is an adjustment for anyone, but we were prepared with entertainment and movies for the drive. 

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas in the Hill Home!

Christmas is my FAVORITE time of year! I love the decorations and the trees and the SNOW! I look forward to winter and Christmas all year. Yes - I'm one of this crazy people who prefers the cold over the hot.

I've been collecting ornaments for years because my dream is to have a tree in every room of the house. :)

My favorite tree in the house is the white tree in my living room. I designed and shopped for this one with my mom a couple years back. The inspiration (and some of the ornaments) came from the Biltmore Mansion. Mom, Curt, Brian, & I took a trip there a couple years ago, so we have sweet memories attached to this tree.

Last year when it came time to decorate for Christmas, I was laid up post c-section and with a newborn.  I got the white tree up but everything else was blah. Actually, the mantle still had the fall leaves on it throughout the entire Christmas season. Not this year! Mantle: CHECK!

Beckett's Christmas Tree

For Beckett's First Birthday, Grandma & PaPaw had the SWEETEST idea. They gave Beckett a Christmas tree!

The Christmas tree is only one year old. It's soooo itty bitty and adorable!

It's so sweet that he has a tree that his age! The plan is to take a picture of the two of them every year and watch them grow together. I love that the tradition is so unique and sweet. Thanks Grandma & PaPaw!