Celebrating Freedoms, Family, and Animals

July has been one of the best months this year so far--I'm hoping it doesn't surpass any of the months in the fall and thereafter considering what is to come then, however. In the last three weeks we've had family visit, a babymoon, and vacation. I think I've slept in a bed not my own more times than not. I'm not complaining. I love traveling. And I love when others travel to us. Like when we had my mom, stepdad, and sister come visit over the 4th of July weekend. My mom is simply the best. She is not your typical mom (or grandma) who carries around a Vera Bradley handbag and calls me on the phone everyday just to check in. My mom and I are polar opposites. She's a biker chick, I'm terrified of motorcycles. She has over 10 tattoos. I have zero. She loves cats and always talks about her "boys", and I would be fine if I never saw a cat again for the rest of my life. But when we get together we're like two peas in a pod. We crack each other up. The laughter doesn't stop. When they came to visit it wasn't any different.

We decided to do something other than go to Freedom Park this time--which is usually where we take all our guests who come to stay with us. We wanted to do something different. We choose the Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, NC and it sure did not disappoint. We didn't know what to expect except that they had exotic animals that could come up to your car (or wagon) and you could feed them. How cool is that?! Yes, please!

I was so excited to see how Anna was going to react. She loves animals, she loved going to the Columbus Zoo, and I knew being able to be so close to these animals at the Lazy 5 Ranch was just going to rock her world.

I mean look at that face! I don't remember what she and Mami are looking at but it seems pretty exciting!

So like I said above, you could feed the animals that came up to the wagon. This buffalo sure was hungry, so much so that he salivated and slobbered all over me! 

This is my face after the drool from above got on my arm! Blech!

Anna was a little hesitant at first but eventually she wanted to feed the animals too.

The giraffe was so cool. I had never been that close to one before. Well I've never been that close to any of the other animals either but it really puts it into perspective just how tall these guys are when you have one standing over top of you. Pret-ty uh-mazing!

Anna refused to share her bucket of feed with anyone besides the animals. 

It was such a perfect way to spend time with my family. We don't get to see them as often as we wish we could. It's nice to be able to get away for a day and share memories that we can look back on. We also enjoyed walking around Plaza Midwood and eating at one of our favorite pizza places in Charlotte: Fuel Pizza. While we didn't get to see fireworks or an Independence parade we had a wonderful weekend celebrating being a family and enjoying all the freedoms that we've been blessed with.

You can see at least 4 tattoos on my mom in this pic and you'd think the motorcycle we're
standing in front of was hers, but it's not--she wishes ;) 

Anna loves her Auntie Em. She has been notably named the "baby whisperer".

I'll leave you with two of my favorite ice cream photo shoots to date. This girl can slam some ice cream. Me too, Anna, me too.

But those eyes though. Be still my heart.

Another late post and a trip to the Zoo

Friends, forgive me. I'm a whole week late posting about our sweet little bump. Today I'm 23 weeks pregnant and I'm just now updating you all on the 22nd week. This week has been nuts, with returning from our long but wonderful trip to the mid-west and just trying to get back into the groove of things, sitting down to write a post was put on the back burner, and honestly all I wanted to do after putting Anna to sleep (whether it be a nap or bedtime) was veg. So here we are, a week late:

How far along? 22 Weeks (technically 23 weeks but I'll post my 23 week update in a few days--hopefully!)

How big is baby? the size of a papaya and he's sleeping in cycles, 12-14 hours a day. Which sounds about right. When I'm resting that's exactly the times he likes to play. I don't mind one bit ;) 

Total weight gain: 22 pounds!!! When I was 22 weeks with Anna I had only gained 12 pounds! 

Maternity clothes? only when I'm in public trying to look nice, otherwise it's gym shorts, leggings, and tshirts and tank tops

Sleep: so ready to go out and buy a body pillow! I borrowed a friend's while traveling and it was the best thing since sliced bread!

Best moment this week: FINALLY seeing my best friend and meeting her precious baby girl twins!  Even though I was ready to be home after our week and a half trip I didn't want to leave their sweet family.

Miss Anything? fitting into my two-piece like I'm supposed to. I could still rock it but when I was THE only mother at the YMCA pool the other day in a two-piece (not to mention pregnant) I felt out of place and a little insecure :( The next day I ran out to buy a maternity suit and after 2 hours I finally found something that I can feel good in. But believe you me, the beach in 2 weeks will see me in my little two-piece!

Movement: I feel this little guy way more than I felt Anna and I don't think it's because he's my second. Our ultrasound tech did say his placenta is towards my back and he's closer to my front and that's why I'm feeling so much. I don't mind one bit ;)

Food cravings: turkey sandwiches with cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Thankfully I'm still able to enjoy these after I heat the turkey!

Gender: baby boy!

Symptoms: heartburn, peeing all the time, out of breath, swelling in my feet (only happened once after we walked around the zoo for 3 hours, so.), and my favorite: baby kicks! 

Belly Button in or out? out

Happy or Moody most of the time: happy!

Looking forward to: the next three weeks: our 9 year anniversary, my mom, stepdad, and sister come to town for 4th of July weekend, our babymoon, and vacation! I have a feeling July will be just superb! 

I can't end this post without sharing a few photos from our trip to the Columbus Zoo. While Anna had been to the zoo before it was her first time where she really enjoyed it. Animals are her favorite things these days so the zoo was just magical for her. It brought us so much joy to see her eyes light up with every animal we saw. She'd yell the animal's name, growl if it was a lion or bear, or exclaim "what's that?!" Simply the best.

We went with Travis' dad. Anna loves her Pop Pop.

This baby baboon cracked us up! Look at his surprised face and the way he's wanting to bust out of there and eat whatever's in Anna's snack cup! Too funny.

This is one of my favorite pictures ever. 

I think Anna was more scared of this statue than the real thing!

We really did have such an amazing time visiting family and friends in Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia. It's always great catching up and sharing our lives together even if it's for a few days or a few hours.  We are so blessed by their love and friendship. We may be living in Charlotte now but our hearts are still in the 

Mid-West! <3