I started the New Year with such great intentions and energy. The pregnancy wasn’t too burdensome yet, but then the stomach flu hit our house, followed shortly thereafter by bad colds. We all seem to be recovering now, and are just trying to get back on track. The twins will be here before we know it and there is still so much to do . . . not to mention our big financial plans for 2017, continuing on our journey to financial semi-independence.
Hopefully, we’re done with illness for a while, so we can focus on preparing as much as possible for our family to go from five to seven. Our goal is to maximize the efficient use of our limited space. Mr. Smith did an awesome job on our pantry (in between dealing with sickness and taking care of three kids for his pregnant wife). He used scrap wood, and found some spare paint and screws to install brand new shelving that gives us more storage space. I love DIY!!! All it took was some time and hard work, and we now have something that will make our lives more organized.
This pregnancy is really starting to wear me down. As of Friday, I will be 23 weeks pregnant with the twins. My belly is already so big, I’m pretty freaked out about how giant it is going to get by the end. For now, I’m doing my best to keep up with work, family, and my tutoring side hustle. I started on baby blankets for the twins, which is bringing on a bit of deja vu, as I taught myself how to crochet while pregnant with Trey. It’s probably about time to start getting the baby clothes sorted and ready. That should be enough, but we’re also trying to work on our goals for 2017. We have started to research lenders for refinancing the mortgage on our rental property. My biannual tutoring side hustle is going well. I have some great posts in the works for Creating My Kaleidoscope. And, I’ve been earning my Swagbucks everyday so there will be plenty of Amazon gift cards to pay for diapers.
Thankfully, the kids didn’t seem to be hit as hard by the illnesses as us grown ups. They quickly bounced back to their crazy, adorable, little selves. Tornado has a new found passion for styling hair by adding head bands and little clip-on flowers and bows. Goofball wants nothing to do with it. Trey is okay with a headband for about a minute. So, that leaves Mommy and Daddy as her willing victims (and she can be kind of rough). Mr. Smith looks really great after his hair is styled. And, I swear one of these days I’m going to end up at work with a big neon flower in my hair.
Can you believe that little Trey will be turning two years old in April? He’s still such a happy little guy and very talkative lately. It’s like he’s trying to have conversations with us, adorable hand gestures accompanying his insistent babble. Trey has also been really interested in climbing – on chairs, on tables, and up the ladder to his big brother’s bunk bed. That’s been fun . . . and terrifying. His one big issue is waking up a lot at night. Although I have trouble getting comfortable at night, once I fall asleep, I AM OUT. Poor Mr. Smith is usually the one who wakes up to take care of little Trey. I feel bad about it, but what can I do?
Goofball has been giving us a little bit of trouble. It’s nothing horrible. He is so smart and does really well in school, but he’s very absent minded. Mr. Smith and I really need him to step up and help out more with things around the house and his siblings. Goofball turns seven this summer. Mr. Smith and I were both the oldest, so we expect a lot from him. It’s frustrating how often he seems to be off in his own little world, not paying attention to what he’s doing. I’m trying to figure out whether we need a better system for chores, rewards, accountability, etc.
Well, that’s a little peek into recent developments with the Smith family. How is your 2017 going so far? Keeping up with your goals/resolutions?
Hopefully, everyone stays happy and healthy! I bet you look adorable. And I’m convinced you’re much stronger than I am. This pregnancy is kicking my butt every day…and I’m only carrying one! 🙂 Best wishes and can’t wait to keep reading.
Thank you Penny <3 I probably look at least 30 weeks right now - I'll be going for the adorable whale look in the next month or two. One day at a time . . .
Sorry to hear about your recent bouts with illness in the family. Gosh, you’ve got a lot going on. I’m glad Mr. Smith is able to help out with Trey in the middle of the night. You need your sleep! And your strength.
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Thank you Mrs. Groovy <3 I do love sleep, just wish Mr. Smith could get more rest too. But after having three I kids, I know that this too shall pass - just phases.
Sorry about the flu! And if it makes you feel better, my eight year old is a total space cadet as well. Not sure if it’s a phase or a need for more accountability or a stretch of her imagination, but I agree with you that it can be very frustrating. 🙂
Thanks Maggie <3 It's good to know that we're not the only ones with a "space cadet" - LOL, if you figure out anything, please let me know!!!
Sorry to hear about the illnesses! We also had colds (or the flu?) for the first two weeks of January, which slowed life (and the hustle) down. Lesson learned: health before all else.
Thanks Claudia – I suppose it’s just that time of the year. EVERYONE seems to have come down with something this past month. You’re right about being healthy though, it should always be a priority.
Happy to hear you guys are on the mend! I took up knitting just this year. It’s perfect for calming nerves and practical to boot.
Thanks for stopping by! I recently read that knitting and crochet provide some of the same health benefits as meditation. They are definitely healthy and frugal hobbies.
Twins! Having just spent an evening with a friend with twin toddlers, I wish you all the best in advance of their arrival and continued good health for everyone! I thought I would escape January’s virus, but no, here it is.
I hope Goofball comes around when you need him to. If I remember correctly from babysitting, it’s tough corralling them at that age. I seem to recall a lot of hands-on redirection required!
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Thank you! I am graciously accepting all advice, hand-me-downs, and well wishes.
Yes, lots of redirection. And I swear he just has this knack for getting in trouble, as in always being the last one in the room with the broken cookie jar.