Reflecting on 2014

I cannot believe we have closed another chapter!

In typical Robbe fashion, our year was quite the experience.  In February we got the best news ever....WE WERE PREGNANT!!  Having lost our baby in July 2013, we had been asking for the Lord to bless us with another child.  I will never forget sitting in the bathroom, holding the pregnancy test with Matthew and seeing those two beautiful lines appear!!  Tears of joy...absolute tears of joy!!

Our precious miracle.

March brought us out to California for a visit with our Robbe side of the family.  Ten days of beautiful, sunny, warm-ish weather was just what we needed to get us out of that long, winter funk we had.  Spilling the beans of our pregnancy was so fun - we dressed Ethan up in a "big brother" shirt and let him roam the house.  With lots of confused looks we finally yelled out that we were pregnant!!  Our visit took us up the central coast to Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach and Solvang.  It was such a beautiful and memorable trip for us.

Pismo Beach, CA.

Nothing like riding a swing during a west coast sunset.

Early morning fruit-run at the local farmer's market.

Out site seeing in Solvang, CA.

Now this is how you take a selfie!

In May, we headed on our next adventure - our first annual Wasson/Robbe family vacation!  We loaded up our cars, tossed the kids in the back and headed down to Topsail, NC for an entire week of BLISS!  Most mornings were spent sitting on the back deck, watching the ocean waves, feeling the wind, smelling the salty ocean air and sipping on a hot cup of Joe.  It was so relaxing and MUCH needed!!  The afternoons consisted of sinking our toes in the water and digging our "tooshes" into the sand.  Ethan absolutely loved the beach!  Building sand castles with Grandpa, flying kites with Uncle Gabriel, snuggling up with Grandma and playing frisbee with Daddy were just a few of the highlights.  Our evenings usually ended with an incredible dinner, ice cream and an intense round of Settlers.  It was a memorable trip and we were so thankful to spend quality time with the people we love the most!  We had such a good time we've been excited to go back since the moment we drove away.

Wasson/Robbe crew 2014.

My little family of three (and Brooks was brewing inside).

Sandcastles!

Ethan and his cousin Micah absolutely adore each other!

Adios!  See you next year!

In June I went out on a whim and decided to audition for one of my favorite musicals...HAIRSPRAY!  Not knowing whether or not a "preggo" would be casted, I decided to audition anyways!  Much to my surprise, I made it!  I was honored to play the role of a Dynamite (Judine) with Worthington Community Theater.  I am so glad that I decided to join that cast!!  Not only did I meet some incredible people and make some fabulous memories...I got to sing some FABULOUS music!  Although Ethan was too young to see the show, Daddy brought him in during our finale of "You Can't Stop the Beat!"  That was such a special moment for me.

July brought our next great news....ITS A BOY!!  Ethan was going to have a little brother and we were beyond thrilled with the news!!

You can see those beautiful eyes.

My pregnancy with Brooks was similar to that of Ethan.  I struggled with the same horrible morning sickness from conception to delivery.  However, outside of the sickness the actual pregnancy wasn't too terrible.  Brooks was super wiggly and I loved feeling him move around inside me.  The pregnancy seemed to fly by...probably because I have an incredibly supportive husband who was there every step of the way!! He never complained. Never got upset.  Never questioned.  He just helped me and loved me through the entire thing.  I couldn't have asked for a better husband.

August brought a special celebration...we celebrated Ethan's 2nd birthday cowboy style!  Matt and I had such a blast planning this party for our little man!  With family over, we panned for gold, hit the can and fished a snake out of a boot!  It was a true cowboy experience;)  It was an unforgettable time celebrating the life of our precious Ethan.

Ready for our party guests!

Our grub.

The birthday boy with Grandpa and Grandma.

Too tasty to care about pictures.

October ended up being BIG!  We started the month with a mini trip to Lynchburg, VA.  This was our first trip back since moving in June 2012!  Lynchburg holds such a special place in our hearts.  Driving past our old house brought back a flood of memories!  We hit up our favorite food joints and enjoyed introducing Ethan to all of them.  Walking around campus with a toddler and a massively huge belly made me feel a bit dated...but it still felt great to be back!  Matt and I also had the opportunity to take Ethan to his first football game.  We weren't too sure how he would do but he was an absolute champ!  It was cold, loud and overstimulating.  Do you think that hindered Ethan?  Nope!  He sat there until the bitter end.  Looks like we have some more football games in our future:)  The trip also included reconnecting with some special friends!  It only goes to prove that the miles between a friendship do not matter.

Homecoming at Liberty University 2014.

Tailgating.

Snuggled up between mom and dad at the football game.

So the end of October ended up being our biggest surprise.....BROOKS CAME EARLY!  I won't go into the entire story on this blog (I did so in another post) but it was definitely a surprise to us.  At 34 weeks and 4 days, my water broke at 5:30am and Brooks Matthew Robbe was born at 8:41pm weighing a healthy 5lbs 11oz and measuring 18.5 inches.  He gave us quite the scare but God was so faithful and good to us.  Our little precious Brooks was born 100% healthy!  With only three short days in the NICU, we brought our miracle baby home and quickly adjusted to a family of four.

Brooks Matthew Robbe 10/24/14

So in love with him.

Brothers meet for the first time. 

Proud daddy.

Getting as many snuggles in as possible.

Brooks is the most content, happy and peaceful baby.  ANNND...he does not cry!  I still have yet to hear my son's full vocal chords at work.  At roughly 4'ish weeks...he began sleeping through the night (6 hours at a time).  Even though he has regressed a bit the last week, I am confident that he will get back on schedule in no time.  He is such a beautiful and perfect little boy.  We are so blessed!

Ethan has adjusted well to his new role as a big brother!   I wondered if he would be interested in a baby since he was so young himself.  Outside of a few early jealousy moments, he has become such a sweet, gentle and kind brother.  His maturity astounds me and he is constantly asking to hold his "wittle brudder Brooks."  We couldn't be more proud of him.

To be honest...November is a bit of a blur.  I took pictures and videos because I knew I wouldn't remember!!  HAHA.

December brought some of the best Christmas memories.  The highlight of Christmas was hearing Ethan (unprompted) say "I love baby Jesus" after we read him the Christmas story.  He has so much more to learn about our incredible Savior and I feel honored that I get to be one of the ones to share it with him.  It was also a special Christmas because it was our first holiday with Brooks.  He sure does complete our little family.

Christmas Eve.

Daddy helping Ethan write a letter to Santa.

Santa came:)

Early morning Christmas snuggles.

Such excitement opening his gifts. 

Our 4th Christmas together!

Brooks' 1st Christmas!

Love our family.

This has been quite the year!  I am sad to see it come to a close but I eagerly anticipate this next year.  I pray for the Lord's continued guidance and blessings for 2015.

Happy New Year!

Brooks Matthew Robbe (5lbs, 11 ounces // 18.5 inches)

Many of you have been asking me to share my birth story.  I thought I would do just that!  I looked back through my old entries and I saw that I had posted one when Ethan was born too.  It was so fun reading the details of that special day.  I want to be sure to jot down the memories now before anything fades.

On Oct 24, 2014 (an official due date of Dec 1, 2014), I awoke at 5:30am to my water breaking in bed (or so I thought - but wasn't too sure).  I started having contractions about 20 minutes apart so I assumed they were just Braxton Hicks contractions.  I actually cleaned everything up and went back to bed until about 9:00am.  I was still experiencing the contractions every 15-20 minutes so I decided to call the OBGYN to see if they thought my water had indeed broken or not.  I was advised to immediately go into labor/delivery.  Freaking out, I started frantically packing my hospital bag and an overnight bag for Ethan.  I jumped in the shower, got ready, threw a load of laundry in the washer, straightened up the house, dropped Ethan of Grandma's house and we headed to the hospital.  We actually didn't get to the hospital until 11:30am.  I am immediately checked into triage where they run some tests and tell me "You are having a baby today!"  Umm....what?!?!?!

So at this point we start contacting the rest of our family to let them know that we are indeed having a baby 5-6 weeks early!  Ethan stayed back with his Aunt Lauren and Mom came to the hospital to support me!

I get checked into my labor/delivery room around 1:30pm along with my super awesome, amazingly supportive mom and husband!!  They are seriously the best cheerleaders and support team during labor.    I was given some Pitocen to help speed up the delivery process since Brooks had not really dropped much.  Once that was given, my labor began to progress very quickly.  Around 4-5cm dilated, I got an epidural to help with the pain -- holy cow -- the pain.  I almost forgot what it felt like and then quickly remembered!!!  The epidural was GREAT and relieved most (but not all) of the pain.  With Ethan, I honestly didn't feel much pain at all.  Unfortunately, this go-around with proven a little tougher. Nevertheless, at 8:41pm Brooks Matthew Robbe was born at 5lbs 11 ounces and 18.5 inches long.

Since Brooks was a premature delivery, the NICU nurses were ready and waiting for his arrival.  We weren't sure whether or not he would be whisked away or if I would be able to snuggle with him.  Everything was unknown.  We didn't even know if Matt would be able to cut the cord.  All that that worrying was for no reason - Brooks was born healthy!  Matt cut the cord and I got to have him wrapped up on my chest for a while!!  It was an emotional, beautiful and surreal experience.  Seriously, the flood of emotions that come right after the delivery are incredible.  Tears filled the room and smiles were plastered all over.  We were so happy he was here and that he was healthy.  Brooks was still taken to the NICU for observation and Daddy followed.

The next day Grandma brought our sweet little Ethan by the hospital to visit his new little brother for the first time.  Talk about an amazing, emotional and unforgettable experience.  Ethan has been anticipating this moment (as much as a 2 year old can) for a while now.  He sat on the chair and held Brooks in his arms.  He was so gentle and spoke so softly to him.  He admired Brooks and pointed out all his different features.  "Mommy, he has 2 eyes and 2 hands.  Oh, look mommy...feet."  He has adjusted well to his new role as a big brother.  I knew he would!  He has such a soft and kind heart - and his sweet spirit really glows now that he is a brother.

Grandma got to snuggle with Brooks.  Aunt Lauren and Micah too!!  Did I mention that my dad and brother were in China when Brooks was born?  They were finishing up another service project and actually made it to the hospital prior to him being discharged.  I was so happy they were able to make it too!

Matt and I feel so very blessed to have my family so close.  It was such a comfort knowing that Ethan was spending time with his family.  Knowing that he was having a blast with them really helped to put us at ease.  It allowed Matt and I have to also have special alone/bonding time with Brooks.  I will never forget those trips down to the NICU with Matt.  Sitting there, weeping and thanking God for this beautiful miracle boy - who surprised the heck out of us!!  Brooks looks so much like his Daddy!!  Dark hair, olive skin....but still has the newborn baby blue eyes.  He also has the Robbe stamp...the dimple in the chin.  Just like Daddy!  He is absolutely beautiful and we couldn't be happier or filled with more joy.  We know that each child is a gift from God and we will treasure this gift!

So on with parenthood we continue.  A mother of two precious and awesome little boys!!  Brooks is the most calm mannered baby.  I haven't heard a full cry out of him. I don't even know if I would recognize his cry at this point - I haven't heard it enough to know! I guess that is a good thing.  He sleeps so well and has adjusted into our family perfectly.  This next year is going to be so fun - I can't wait to watch it all unfold.

Until next time. xo

Real life...

I never thought I would fall behind on blogging.  I started out so strong and then.....yup, life happened. Blog posts used to come so easily but now that I have a toddler, my life has changed. Just when I think I have a moment to myself, a nose needs wiped, a boo-boo needs kissed, a dinner needs made, laundry needs folded, etc.  Most recently, I find myself sleeping whenever I can.  My energy is zapped and the nausea that plagues me during my pregnancies has been in full swing.  Don't get me wrong, I am definitely not ungrateful or complaining.  I'm just plumb-tuckered out and finally sat down and decided to dedicate a few minutes towards my long forgotten blog.

This past summer I had the opportunity to perform in Hairspray as a Dynamite.  I performed with an amazing cast at Worthington Community Theater and hope to do more shows in the future.  I did the entire show preggo and felt great (nearly) the entire time!  My biggest fear were the costumes.  Luckily everything was made to fit the growing mass that was my belly.

We also had an incredible family adventure to TopSail Island.  My parents got a 4 bedroom house right on the beach!!  We spent 7 glorious days soaking up the sun, eating delicious food, having intense games of Settlers and sleeping in!!  It was an awesome trip and we made so many unforgettable memories.

At this point...Ethan is 2 and baby #2 is due in 8 weeks.  Holy cow.  I can't believe we will actually have two kiddos in diapers.  Did I plan this right? (hehe)  I trust God in all the changes and am so thankful for the opportunity to be a mommy again.

Some of our most recent changes are a result of our baby #2 (name not yet disclosed).  This weekend we found an incredible deal on a gorgeous Honda Odyssey.  We knew we wanted a van and had been looking.  God dropped the opportunity in our laps and we acted.  The room is incredible. I vowed I would never become a minivan mom but now that I am a parent, I realize how incredible these things are.  **I have seen the light!!**  A few other changes are a work in progress.  We are converting our 3rd bedroom playroom into a nursery and turning Ethan's former nursery into a "toddler room."  Ethan's switch to the "big boy bed" should be interesting.

We recently started a small group within our church and absolutely love it.  We attend Grace Fellowship of Pickerington along with my family.  Living only 4 miles away from your family and attending the same church is a blessing I do not take for granted.  

This wasn't the most exciting, earth-shattering post I've ever made.  I just wanted to update this blog since it had been so long.  Until next time...

2013...what a year!!

I know everyone says it...but holy cow, where did 2013 go?!  Seriously, life is speeding by and I sometimes feel like I'm barely hanging on for the ride.  Nevertheless, another year has come and gone.  While reflecting, I can truly say that this particular year has been a defining time in my life.  I have learned and grown through failure, loss, heartache and triumphs.

Over the past year...

 ...I have so loved watching Ethan and Micah (his cousin) grow in a close relationship.  They have formed such a sweet, young bond at such a young age and it has been a true joy to watch.  We've enjoyed sleepovers, trips to the Zoo, Chuck E Cheese, play dates, library time, amusements parks and countless other fun memories together.  I wouldn't trade any of those lasting memories for the world.  

...we had the opportunity to fly out to California and introduce Ethan to Matt's side of the family.  It was a special and memorable time for us all.  We even squeezed in a trip to Disneyland while we were there.  Ethan was only 8 months at the time so he wasn't too sure what was going on.  Little did we know his obsession with Mickey Mouse would so quickly ensue.

...we traveled up to Boston with my parents.  My dad (the incredible athlete that he is) invited us to Boston while he ran the Boston Marathon.  Strolling the cold and historic downtown area, taking a duck tour and gorging ourselves at Max Brenner's were a few of the highlights.  On the day of the race Matthew, Ethan, my mom and I "posted-up" and waited for dad to run by.  Remember, this was a marathon so we were sitting there for hours.  Little did we know that we were sitting less than 100 yards away from hidden bombs.  My dad finished his race about 30 minutes prior to the attacks.  We were around the corner, past the finish line and waiting for my dad to shower when we felt the bombs detonate.  My phone immediately started blowing up as I was unaware as to what was going on.  A lady ran inside of the building and started telling us that there had been an explosion and "people's limbs are flying off."  The city was in complete pandemonium and I remember being so scared.  I hugged my family close that night as I knew we were lucky.  It so easily could have been us...I will never forget this tragedy.

...we took our first family vacation and headed to Myrtle Beach.  This was quite the adventure with an 8+ hour car ride each way.  But alas, we made it and it was SO fun.  Watching Ethan dig his toes in the sand and eat shovels of it at the same time were some of the highlights.  Also, eating an ungodly amount of king crab legs...delish!

...Matthew and I discovered that we were expecting #2. We were thrilled, surprised and THRILLED!  We kept the secret for nearly a month until I decided to let the cat out of the bag.  Unfortunately, I did it a tad prematurely as God had different plans for our little family.  Only July 4th, I miscarried at approximately 10 weeks.  That was a truly painful moment in our lives but the Lord brought us through the heartache.  I know we will see our little angel baby one day:)

...I decided to jump back into the theater world!  I auditioned for Godspell and was casted!  It was an intense and FABULOUS two months of my life.  I made lasting friendships and got to enjoy one of my first loves.  I have been scoping out my next opportunity for an audition this coming year. 

...our little man turned 1!!  We had a fun carnival themed birthday party complete with a photo booth:)  Burgers, hotdogs, beer, popcorn, cornhole, party hats and a pinata were the highlights of the day.  Ethan's birthday also brought another big milestone  as he took his FIRST STEPS only 2 days shy of his big day.  Luckily I caught it on camera!!  Once he took those first steps he never stopped...and boy does he keep me on my toes!!

...Matt and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary with a mini trip to Pittsburgh!  Man was that a fun trip!!  While Ethan was being spoiled at Grandma and Grandpa Wasson's house, we were wining, dining and having a great time!  While in Pittsburgh, we got to attend a Steeler home game!  This was Matthew's 1st NFL game....AND WE WON!!  It sure made for an awesome trip.  After the game we had the privilege of running into the famous Franco Harris and were even able to grab a quick picture with him.  We traveled up to the top of the Dusquene Incline and even hit up Primanti Brothers.  It was an unforgettable trip.  So happy to have had the opportunity to rejuvinate with my hubby.

This year brought many more memories...too many to mention in a journal/blog.

As we move into 2014, we are making some more big and life-changing decisions.  All we can do is trust the Lord through the decisions and ask for your prayers of support:)  Here's a toast to 2013 as we package away all the goodness that came with it.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Wise words from a mommy

A friend said something really profound the other day that stuck with me...

"...how my child behaves does not define me."

Ethan and I were at a play group, which let's be honest is for the kids but is REALLY for the mommies :)  We were discussing behavior and those embarrassing moments when our children have an all lights out...freak-out moment.  My friend was giving an example of her child having a meltdown and after she told the story she said, "It has taken me years to realize that how my child behaves does not define me."

I chewed on that for a second because that is exactly what I have done and do.  I can become easily humiliated if Ethan screams in the middle of the grocery store, squeals in the middle of church or relentlessly cries during a long car ride.  I feel an overwhelming need to apologize to others for his behavior.  I even think, "Do people think I'm a bad mom?"

Here was the conclusion that was drawn.  We raise our children with morals, standards and good values.  We try to teach them good from bad, right from wrong and how to think for themselves.  We can teach and teach and teach but ultimately our children will make their own decisions.  We cannot control the outcome of all situations nor can we forecast their reactions.  The choices our children make or how our children act do not define us as people or parents.  We cannot be consumed with what others think but rather take those moments of "disaster" and try to teach them, again:)

I know it's SO much easier to write that down.  I'm working on it myself...daily.

Our precious baby...

As some of you may already know....Matt and I experienced some major complications with my pregnancy on July 4th.  Over the last week, I was monitored and tested only to find out that we miscarried our child.  While we are both broken hearted, we also feel a peace about everything.  Matt and I know that our precious child is in the glorious presence of our Lord.  

I wanted to thank our family and friends for being so supportive over the past week.  It has been a difficult time but we could definitely feel your prayers and support. Thank you does not express our sincere gratitude.

God bless you.
XOXO

Let's be honest...I don't have it together

In a social media-driven world, we strive to produce our best.  We show our home at it's cleanest, our children at their happiest and us sipping Mai Tai's at the beach. I often find myself doing just that...only producing my best for the world to see. Nobody can see the mounds of laundry piling up, our children screaming (while we are ripping out our hair), and our weekends that are filled with fighting.  We laugh...because we are all probably doing the same thing.

You may be thinking, "Why would you ever want to air your dirty laundry?"  That's true and I completely understand.  That's not really where I am going with this post.  

When things aren't going great in the house, I find myself looking at other people on social media networks and getting jealous.  

"Ugh, she looks so good for just having a child!"  

"How is she able to do so many Pinterest projects?"

"I wish I could keep my house that clean."

"Wow, she actually got a shower today?"

"When can we go on a vacation like that?"

"Their marriage seems so perfect."

The list could go on and on.  When my not-so-facebook-worthy moments are in full swing, I find myself wanting someone else's more "perfect life."  Then I think...I bet people think that MY life is perfect too.  I mean, I only post the best.  I'm not writing these sorts of posts...

"Matt and I got in a massive fight last night and didn't apologize before bed."

"Ethan's screaming is paving the way for him to be an only child."

"The dog didn't even want the dinner I just made."

...And the list could go on and on.  I'm not posting the things that make me a real and relatable person.  I'm human.  I make MASSIVE mistakes.  I don't have life together.  I'm not perfect.  I do get stressed.  I do have lazy days that consist of nothing but staying in my PJs and laying on the couch. I do eat at McDonald's sometimes.  My husband and I don't always get along.  Ethan has annoyed me (yes, it's true).  I do forget to take the dog out and ignore his warning barks...and then he poops by my front door.  I accidentally shrink clothes in the dryer. (sorry babe)

Let's be honest...I don't always have it together.

I imagine I'm not the only person who is thinking this way either.  So I'm going to charge myself to remember this.  We are all imperfect people who are on this journey of life, together.  We are not perfect, nor will we ever be.  

**Only Christ is perfect**