More Best Friends on the Way!

September 29, 2016

Angie, Josh and Ellie came over for fun, pizza, and photos last week, and RIGHT before they found out they are having a baby boy! But I wanted to share our photo of the two of us again, just like last time. We are closer together pregnancy-wise, I'm at 22 weeks here and she's at 20 weeks. My little one should be born first no matter what, but they'll definitely be within a month of each other, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Can't wait to see Julie and Ellie with their new baby sister and brother!

Dear New Baby Girl: Part Ten (and apple picking)

September 29, 2016

Dear Baby Girl

The ultrasound tech told us we'd probably be able to feel you more than we did Julie. My placenta is in the back and Julie was on top. Either is normal (good!) but when the placenta is in the back, there's more room for baby to be felt in front. I've been feeling you for weeks since I knew what it was this time. Outside and inside (especially) but some days, you are like a crazy person in there. Yesterday especially, you just couldn't quit! It's kind of neat but then I worry about when you are bigger than you are and whether or not it will hurt. I guess you won't have as much wiggle room by then but we'll see!

^21 weeks

Last night, I had Daddy come over and try to feel you kick. Julie would ALWAYS stop when he would try to feel her kicking. It took weeks but he got to feel you kick last night at 22 weeks! Like I said, you were going crazy all day but you usually seem the most active and strong in the evenings, so he got a chance to feel the kicks and you didn't disappoint! Very cool!

^22 weeks

I was just reading old posts from my last pregnancy and how I felt so fat. I'm at that same stage at about the same time so hopefully that'll at least kind of go away a bit soon. It does depend on what you are wearing. Regular t-shirts make me feel crummy but putting some thought into it makes it better.

This past weekend, we made a family trip to the apple orchard with the Ronas's. It was pretty fun. I was going to bring my big camera but decided not too. Still got a few cute photos with my phone so I'll share those. Julie has fun with Allie, and everyone came over for dinner after so that was fun. Her little sister will be just a couple months older than you so if they are able to stick around a few years, you guys will hopefully get to be friends!

^Waiting for our friends.

^Allie and Julie.

^Hay ride selfie.

^Picking our own golden delicious apples.

Gender Reveal: It's Another GIRL!

September 17, 2016

At first, I didn't plan on doing a gender reveal party for Baby Hoek 2.0 because I was feeling so terrible. But sometime at the start of August, I started to feel halfway human again and decided, why not!? Mike was fine with it to so on with planning! I picked a "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" because Julie likes that song (and she sung it quite a few times throughout the day!) and "How I Wonder What You Are?" is a pretty good theme in and of itself ;)

Not a ton of people were able to make it, but even with a couple last minute cancellations, we had a very fun time. I had lots of snackies and treats, and people made quick work of those, thankfully! The weather was crummy in the morning but by the time everyone was there, it was lovely out and we went outside to share our big secret. Mike and I found out the prior Tuesday what we were having so we had to keep it secret for a few days. It was fun telling people that it was a secret ;) They were very impatient by the time it was time to open the box.

It's a GIRL! Julie seemed so excited when she saw it was pink. Oh, who am I kidding, she was just excited for the balloons ;)

^So pretty!

^Nick made a surprise trip back from Ecuador to come to the party!

^Love this one :)

^Showing Uncle Nick and Grandma Nore her pretty dress (she picked it herself and made people think THAT was the reveal).

^Pete likes to be involved.

^I love watching the girls play.

^Final votes going in!

^It's a GIRL!

^Julie just wanted the balloons!

^Pals for YEARS!

^Feeding Grandmer.

^Livvy arguing with Grandma Wanda about doing to see the "cows"

^As usual, the "boy" team loses!

^The small but WINNING girl team!

^Chip.

^Loving some Uncle Nick time.

Dear New Baby: Part Nine

September 13, 2016

Dear Baby

We got to take your very first photos today! I'm right at 20 weeks and we got to see your face for the first time at your ultrasound. Everything looks good and we know now that you are going to be a... wait! I can't say just yet! We're having a party to share with family and friends on Saturday, just like with your big sister, so I don't want to share just in case someone comes across this post. They think they can get it out of me, but I'm feeling pretty tough! I did tell two people, but I knew I was going to tell them, so that's okay.

I was very worried this morning before the test, though. Just anxious really. The ultrasound is your first good opportunity to see if anything is wrong, so I was worried we'd see something we didn't want to, but everything is looking good according to Melanie, the ultrasound tech. Dr. Lown will confirm on Tuesday next week at my next appointment but I'm feeling much better knowing all your parts are in the right place and at the right size!

Anyway, you were already kicking around when we got to the appointment. You are quite the wiggler. The tech also said I might be feeling everything more and earlier (well, it's not early anymore but it was!) because my placenta is in the back. For Jules it was on top, which prevented feeling (at least on the outside) so hopefully we'll be able to see some movement before too long. AND she said that with that positioning, we may be able to see hands and feet this time, which we didn't before. Weird. It'll be awhile for that but we shall see!

So now... your first profile photo! Below is a shot of your big sister. I see some resemblance already!!!

^Today, Baby Hoek 2.0 at 20 weeks! So adorable already (for an ultrasound photo ;) 

^Big sister, Julianna, at 19 weeks. Awwwww still love the nose ;)

Julie: Summer Portrait Session

September 5, 2016

It took me all summer (that crazy heat we put up with, being too tired and sick because I am pregnant, etc) but I finally got to Julie's summer session! They were supposed to be 18 month photos but it took me til month 20, so we'll just call it a summer session. She was a good sport, though we had to sing a lot of songs and put her back in the tee pee a million times. I'm so happy the set up worked, and we even got to share our "Promoted to Big Sister" shirt for a few shots.

Thanks to Grandpa Mike for helping set up the tee pee, Grandma Nore for distraction and for the use of their backyard for our session. Oh and dinner too ;)

^Couldn't leave the house after her diaper change without the creepy doll. Oh Jules.

^That shot on the right, though... 

^My silly goose!

^The pose on the left... I'm in trouble, the little sassy pants.

^"If you're happy and you know it, point to Grandma!"

^Barefoot big sister.

^Love that kid!