Fall Festivities 2015

From our ABF Arboretum excursion to see the Pumpkin Village to our Patch on the Prairie with Oma, our fall family fun, and Trick-or-treating on Halloween with our friends, we have had an exciting amount of fall festive fun this year. Enjoy a picture post of our fall festivities.

Pumpkin Village at the Arboretum with our ABF

We love our fall family fun with our ABF friends. On Saturday, October 17th we met our sweet ABF friends for a day of pumpkins and festive fall fun.

 {Aubrey & Audrey- 2 years}

 {Kayleigh, Aubrey, Eva Mae, and Audrey}

 {The Ladies & Littles @ The Arboretum}

 {The Gents}

 {Snack Time resting}

{Aubrey style'n in her shades}

What a perfect and exciting afternoon of pumpkins and pals at the Arboretum.

Patch on the Prairie with Oma

On Sunday, October 18th we were gifted with a small visit from Oma and Opa as they had attended my father's 50th high school reunion that weekend only a few hours away. We took advantage of our Sunday evening after Aubrey's naptime by taking Oma and our little family to the Patch on the Prairie.

 {Pumpkin & Penny Penguin Pictures}

 {Pumpkin love}

 {loving on Oma}

{Sunday Funday at the Patch on the Prairie}

This Fall gave us many opportunities for costume parties and play. We were able to celebrate sweet Clara's 2nd birthday- a costume party.

 Aubrey went as the beautiful Snow White.

We surely loved celebrating Clara's 2nd birthday and costume party. There were some adorable sightings from Princess Ariel, Cinderella, a pretty peacock, an astronaut, and our sweet Snow White. 

 

 

On Wednesday, we met up with our ABF for a night of dinner fellowship, a costume photo opt, and play date with our littles. 

As Halloween quickly approached, our little family enjoyed fall festive fun including pumpkin carving, dressing our pumpkin with twissler hair, triangular eyes and nose, and marshmellow teeth. And while we may look interested and excited about touching the "inner workings" of the pumpkin, as soon as Auby had a seed on her, she was all done. But the pumpkin's redeeming qualities were the strips of candy hair and triangle eyes. 

 {Halloween Jammies from Papa Z and Grammy}

 

Sully brought his little Boo to his work costume contest. Let's just say with the help of a toddler and a grown man in a full Monsters Inc costume, they blew the competition out of the water. They took home 1st Prize!

Happy Fall Festivities 2015. To see our Little Moster of a Halloween, be sure to keep posted! More to come soon!

Baby Bump #2: Bump'n Love Weeks 15-19

Sweet Liam,
Each week I'm love'n this baby bump even more. I adore watching you grow. I cannot believe how quickly this pregnancy is passing me by. While it has been filled with a lot of sickness and exhaustion, I am so thankful for what it means. It means that you are safe and wrapped in this precious tummy for another 20 weeks. God has such a beautiful plan for our little family and I'm so thankful for all that will be. So bring on the bow ties, suspenders, derbies, and more. our little boy will make us a family of four. We are so excited to welcome Liam Owen Zellner due March 28th, 2016.

{Week 15}

{Week 16}

{Week 17}

{Week 18}

Our reveal to the media world. We are loving our little Liam.

{Week 19}

Number of weeks: 19 Weeks and 147  days to go

Measurement: This belly is getting big with each and every day that passes. Liam is measuring right on track per our 16 week appointment.
Baby Size: According to my pregnancy app, you are as big as an heirloom tomato. Your sensory development is exploding. Your brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch.
Heartbeat: Heart beat at 16 weeks was 179. Our next appointment is next week at 20 weeks.
Pregnancy Clothes: I have been attempting to stretch out several pieces of clothing absolutely due to laziness and lack of shopping at this point. My previous pregnancy clothes are the wrong season, but I am currently making due.  I have a maternity shopping trip planned in a few days.
Sleep: Sleep has been pretty questionable lately. Having a toddler that's struggling sleeping as well as going to the bathroom 2 and 3 times a night has made this baby mama pretty exhausted most days. I don't remember having to go to the bathroom this much this early in the pregnancy. I'm also a little more uncomfortable when I sleep these days. I can still technically sleep on my tummy and back, but Liam is not a fan. He definitely gives mama some kicks to remind me to turn over.
Most Memorable Moment: Over the past few weeks it has been amazing to feel Liam rock and roll in my belly. I'm loving thinking about his sweet little self and all the new adventures his addition will bring to our family. My most memorable moment this week was Halloween and our family costume. While he is still baking up for another 20 weeks, he did help make my costume a bit better.

{Bump'n at almost 18 weeks}

Moving and Grooving: I absolutely love feeling your little kicks. I've honestly felt you kick for quite some time now. I can't wait for your daddy to join in on the fun.
Cravings: not anything in particular. I would really love a margarita!
How I feel: Each day I'm feeling a bit better. Some days I still find myself feeling as though I'm going to faint or get sick, but overall it is a huge change from the first 14 weeks. Having a toddler is an additional change this go round. I'm a bit more exhausted, naps are questionable but doable thanks to the husband, but I am having lots of mama guilt as all I want to do is spend time with my loves. Making a baby is a hard job but so worth every moment. I'm so excited about our new adventures. 
Gender Predictions: We will be welcoming baby Liam Owen Zellner at the end of March 2016.
What I Miss: I would previously say energy and my love for food, but now I'm really not missing a thing
What I look forward to: I am continually looking forward to watching Liam grow. I cannot wait to see our sweet son at our sono next week.

Auby's Month-iversary Series: 24 months/TWO Years

 

Date: 10/7/2015

Age: 24 months/2 years

Dear Auby,

Happy 2 years sweet babe. You are our walking, talking, sweet and sassy, shy and independent, cuddly, and passionate little girl.You are our cuddle bug that makes our heart smile. Every day you continue to amaze us (as I've said many times). You are the best source of entertainment but also the greatest reminder of God's amazing miracles. I am so thankful He made me your mommy. You are the greatest gift your daddy and I have received.

Measurements:  Weight 26 lbs (59th%); Height 36 inches (94th%); Head Cir 18 1/4 inches (28th%)
Clothing: You wear 24 month/2T shirts and pants. You absolutely love jammies with princesses and animals. Currently we are attempting to potty train as you show great enthusiasm at school. You are successful for most of the day (maybe 1 accident) but are currently refusing at home. We did have one successful tee-tee in the potty and I think I threw a minor parade type celebration. You were not as excited as both your mommy and daddy were. You enjoy washing your hands.
Eating: You are a lover of milk. Some days you are a champ eater and others you are too on the go. Your food favorites still include rice, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, melly melon (watermelon), yogurt, ketchup, anything you can "dip" like soup and crackers, vegetables, fruit, and sweets. Girl you love your cake! At your birthday and another that quickly followed, you would shout, "I eat cake!"
Teeth: Your mouth is full of little teeth. We are currently working on teeth brushing. You are getting better each and every day... even though you may enjoy eating it a bit more than brushing.
Sleeping: You are sleeping quite well this month. We still have a few middle of the night wake ups (maybe due to a small growth spurt and being hungry) but we seem to be back to our typical schedule. I love watching you cuddle in bed with your loveys. When you wake up in the morning, we currently have to take all loveys, pillows, and blankets out to bring downstairs. You name each one, give it a hug, and drop it from your crib. Then it is up to mom and her many hands (as we need more) to carry the materials... and many times my child down the stairs until she sees her daddy. I absolutely adore my morning hugs and snuggles.

New Activities & Random Tidbits:
- Sadly you came down with a terrible tummy bug right before your birthday and then it quickly spread to mommy and daddy. We had to reschedule  your original party for a few weeks later. I am so thankful that you were back to your silly self on your birthday. What would be a better celebration be without smiley face pancakes from IHop. I think your expression says it all!

  

- You love your glitters (silver sparkle shoes).

- You love to be read to and to read to us. Our favorite of your chosen books is Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus as you like to say, "Pease, I be careful!" You absolutely adore your birthday Frozen Books and I love Daddy book.
-  Before meals, you will pray with us. You bow your head and even will "pray" out loud. You mimic our prayers and will say AMEN at the end. It melts my heart each time.

- You continue to learn new words daily and say the funniest of things. You have said, "Excuse me, Aggie and bless you mama." 

- You have learned your colors (thanks to our chalk days outside).
- Our favorite songs are Jesus loves me, Auby song, Row Row, 10 Little Monkeys, The Alligator Song, 

- You love being outside, sliding on your slide, running through our neighborhood field, walking Mattie, crafting, playing with Play Dough,

- You love all things Frozen and can name almost every character in the movie.
- You love kissing mama's belly and will be such a great big sister!
- You love Bubble Guppies and Paw Patrol. You will even say "silly Gilly"
- We are starting to play with more balls, but have a tendency to throw them up in the air and hit your head.
- You love boo-boo kisses and will request them.
- Every little friend at daycare knows your name. I think it's because you are one of the most vocal. You also love to name all of your friends at school. It is quite adorable.
- You think it's funny when I blink my eye lashes and raise my eyebrows
- You love taking care of Mattie and ask for kisses.
- Each afternoon you love to get the mail with daddy.
- One of my favorite phrases is, "Mama, I hold you" meaning you want to be picked up.
- You are starting to leave in bows and like your hair out of your face.
- You are my cuddle bug and mini. I love watching you grow!

Watch our mini grow!

More to come...

Baby Bump #2: Weeks 9-14

 

Let the Bump'n posts for baby #2 begin!
While I can't promise a post for each week, I can promise a ton of pictures, a lot of love, and so much excitement.

Our first appointment at the doctor, we found out we were 6 weeks and a day pregnant. So thankful for this beautiful new blessing and for all the directions our little adventure would take us. At 9 weeks we met our beautiful little jelly bean. Our little bean was already moving and a grooving. Our baby's heartbeat read 179 and perfect.

So far this pregnancy, while a beautiful blessing, was proving to be very different than my first. From exhaustion to full day and night sickness, I will admit I was a hot mess. Adding a new school year and 22 kids plus a vibrant almost 2 year old, I was definitely losing the battle. But with medicine, early bedtimes (sometimes at 4PM), an amazing and helpful husband, and lots of mama guilt for missing time with my little girl, I was somehow making it through.

Each week my little bump got bigger. I am definitely showing more this go round than the first. I felt as though clothes started to get snug within my first few weeks.

At my 12 week appointment, we opted for the genetic testing and gender reveal information. After losing our last baby, it was just a small reassurance for this mama's heart to get the testing done. Plus knowing our little one's gender as early as possible was such an enticing offer. To be honest, I felt from the moment I was pregnant, our little babe was a little lady. I thought about more little hair bows, matching outfits, and two sweet princesses. I even referred to her as "her." But moments before we would hear from the nurse, I immediately began dreaming of a little boy. Wondering how perfect and different our lives would be if Aubrey had a little brother. Both options seemed absolutely perfect and exciting. Within a week, we would soon find out.

This time around, our reveal to family and friends looked very different. I always love dramatic reveals. I like the personal touches and seeing the expressions of faces. This go round, I had to spill the beans super early as I was in constant sick mode. My school team had to know as I was having to leave my classroom each day. My family received the reveal upon their visit for my father's birthday. A Little Critter book read, "Please read to me Opa! Love Aubrey and your new grand baby due March 28, 2016." 

At almost 14 weeks, we had our final reveal to Ray's family as we would be returning home for his mother's birthday. We thought a fun family photo would be the perfect way to reveal our new little blessing. The first picture was "cheese!" and the second was "We're pregnant!"

On Monday, our 14th week, the doctor's office called to reveal that our baby was in good health and it's gender. Ray ended up receiving the doctor's call but waited on the gender reveal. That afternoon after school, we picked up the paper work and made our way out to celebrate for ice cream. It was there that we uncovered our sweet baby and gave it a name. We are so excited to reveal our little one in just another short week. So excited for our sweet little adventure and for all that is to come with our little family of four.

 

Monday night we revealed our little news to our facebook family and friends. This Bump'n post will be based on our most up to date week. (as I write this I'm almost 15 weeks... I better hurry;))

Number of weeks: 14

Measurement: I am assuming I'm right on track.
Baby Size: According to the Bump,
Heartbeat: Heart beat at 12 weeks was 172
Total Weight Gain/Loss: 2 lbs (I was probably around 5 pounds heavier when I got pregnant this go round)
Pregnancy Clothes: I have been in pregnancy pants pretty exclusively for a few weeks now. My regular pants are just a bit too snug on the belly. My shirts are still perfectly fine. But oh how I can't wait for the fall season. Dresses, scarves, and leggings. YES!
Sleep: Well this one has been a bit difficult the past few weeks. Aubrey went through a growth spurt two weeks ago that kept her awake from 1AM-5AM. This mama (and daddy) was exhausted. I have found myself within the first trimester going to sleep at 4PM and sleeping for a few hours, waking up for a snack, then back to bed. I get up 1-2 times in the middle of the night already.
Most Memorable Moment: Having our baby's gender revealed to us this week as well as hearing we have a healthy baby has truly been the most amazing moment this pregnancy. Also I love the way Aubrey hugs and kisses her sweet sibling. I asked her a few weeks ago what does she want to tell the baby. She said, "I love you!" Now she probably has not a clue about this growing little love bug in my belly, it was such a sweet and beautiful little moment in time.
Moving and Grooving: I feel like I have felt some flutters and little thumps as of late but will be feeling more as the baby gets bigger.
Cravings: snacks and sweets
How I feel: From the moment I was pregnant, I was sick from morning, noon, and night. From exhaustion and getting sick, falling asleep, dizziness, high blood pressure, and feelings of fainting, this has definitely been a difficult first trimester. Knock on wood, since I made it to my second trimester, I am feeling so much better. I am back to my old self and haven't gotten sick once. I feel my energy is beginning to return and I'm ready to take on this trimester with a more positive outlook.
Gender Predictions: We will be revealing within the next few weeks what our little babe is.
What I Miss: I would previously say energy and my love for food, but now I'm really not missing a thing
What I look forward to: I am looking forward to watching this baby grow. I am so excited to reveal his/her gender to the world and be able to call the baby by name.

Happy bump'n!

Coming Soon Baby #2

 

My prayer, "Lord, I am constantly reminded just how truly loved I am by you and that you are the true maker of all miracles. Your plans are perfect and I give it to you! You are a good, good Father!"

Today was a day like no other. It was the day we were blessed to know that we would be having another baby. A day our love grew bigger, hearts raced faster, and minds wondered all over. Today was a blessing.
...
We lost our second baby only 6 weeks after we discovered we were pregnant. While our pain cannot be measured in that time, our hearts will forever grieve the loss of our child. When we discovered we were not pregnant last month even after following ovulation calendars, dietary supplements, prenatals, yes doing everything in our power to get pregnant, we came to the realization that we are not in control. God has such a perfect plan for our little family. This month I began to notice symptoms, and even took a few tests. I was surprised when I was graced with only 1 pink line starring back at me. I just knew I was pregnant. I just had to be. But maybe it was me believing what I wanted to feel and having expectations that I did everything I could. So many times I just fall to my knees prayfully asking God to take the wheel but secretly hoping to hold on just a bit. I laugh at myself thinking of this knowing that I am NOT in control. His plan is perfect. It is His timing.While symptoms continued and now a bit of nausea, hoping I was not getting sick I decided to take the last of my 3 dollar store pregnancy tests. To me it was going to say what the others did and would be a clear indication, no you are not pregnant. Try again next month and probably the next and next. I was wrong. A faint line began to appear and then quickly darken. I sat with my eye brows ruffled in complete disbelief.  I may be pregnant.

 It read positive. I love those two beautiful pink lines.

To our sweet babe. I have so much excitement, fear, joy, disbelief, and love. I would ask how I could be filled with so many different emotions, but being a mother, I feel we are used to being emotionally invested in what we do. My greatest joy would be to be pregnant and carry a happy and healthy baby to term. I know that God is a good, good Father. He has a plan for our growing family and for this little one. Lord you are in control and we are beyond blessed by all you do.

Aubrey's Month-iversary Series: 23 Months

Date: 9/7/2015
Age: 23 months
Dear Aubrey, 
You are my talkative, independent, organized, determined, hysterical, and big girl. You are my heart and my love. I thank God each day for my little mini. You continue to amaze me with all that you learn and all that you can do. While I write this, only two short weeks stand between us before your big two year birthday. I am one proud mama. 


Measurements:  I'll have to update the other measurements soon as all measurements will be taken at your 2 year well visit.
Clothing: You wear 24 month/2T shirts and pants. You absolutely love your jammies and will not here of me getting rid of your super girl or wonder woman jammies. Oh how those are super snug and mommy will be hiding them soon as they are 18 month pieces. You love shoes and socks, pearls, and jammies.
Eating: You have actually been a bit finicky with food these days. You eat almost anything but lately seem to just want your milk and little snacks. We are almost through teething with your upper eye teeth.
Teeth: You have 12 teeth which include your molars and your eye teeth are continuing to come through.
Sleeping: Most days you are a fantastic sleeper, but sweet baby you definitely hit a growth spurt this month. You decided for a whole week to wake up between 1 and 2AM and not go back to sleep until 5AM. You would say, "nigh night all done. Auby downstairs?" While this may have been the cutest of all time, staying up for those long hours surely wore this mommy and daddy out. You love sleeping with all of your loveys, blankie, and pillow. Each morning, you have to take out all of your loveys and bring everything downstairs.

New Activities & Random Tidbits:
- new and expanded vocabulary. You are an amazing talker. While we may not understand everything you say, your words and phrases grow daily
- some of your new favorite words and/or phrases are: excuse me Aggie, make picture... it beautiful, I love you mommy, watch guppies, watch paw patrol
- you learned the word "um" from school and are currently using it with every other word (a must fix)
- you know all of your colors (we are still working on gray), Mattie give kisses, Dees Auby's shoes, leave jammies on Mommy, want clean diaper
- You love Bubble Guppies and Paw Patrol
- Your daycare teachers love you and constantly celebrate all of the wonderful things you learn.
- sort Uno cards by color
- You hold our hands and request to pray. You clothes your eyes and bow your head. It is beyond words adorable.
- You can sing Aubrey song, Jesus loves me, Itsy Bitsy Spider
- attempt at putting on clothes
- walk upstairs and down without hands
- when you feel extra cuddly, you say "hold you."
- You love taking care of Mattie. You love her kisses.
- This month you helped mommy make a cake just because, went to the Children's aquarium, visited our Waldrup and Zellner families in Sugar Land, watched the Cowboys and ate popcorn with daddy, went to the Plano balloon festival

You said, "mommy scared... monkey." I loved the extra cuddles

This month we announced that you will be a big sister!

 We love our big sister!

Likes: books, "reading," praying, going shopping with your plastic shopping cart, wearing pearls, coloring, talking, watching Guppies and Paw Patrol, sitting on the counter, trying to dress yourself, learning new things, playing Uno (sorting the cards by color),

Dislikes: being told no, car rides, being hot, waking up before you are ready, teething, 

I love my mini! Watch her grow!

 

We love you sweet angel. We are so excited for your upcoming birthday and are continually thankful for you, our happy healthy little lady.