As We Speak...

 

Watching Game of Thrones with J. We are way late to the party and just started watching Season 1.

 

Reading The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler

 

Cooking This spasagna recipe. The noodles were okay but the homemade meat sauce is EXCELLENT.

 

Buying way too many Fauxdori covers from Cake Paperie (my fave!) and FoxyDori. I've officially gotten sucked into the world of Midori Traveler's Notebooks!

 

Listening to Hypnobabies. I officially started the program this week and I'm so excited to learn more.

 

Preparing to have a fourth grader and a second grader (!!!!!!) as well as two preschoolers. Last year before Kinder!

 

Wearing maxi dresses and maxi skirts. Nonstop. My faves are from Stitch Fix and Pink Blush Maternity.

 

Collecting a ridiculous amount of baby stuff.

 

Realizing that I only have about 6 weeks before this baby makes an appearance.

 

Wondering what's going on with Harper. She's suddenly having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Have any of you experienced this with your 9/10 year old? Wondering if she's having a growth spurt.

 

Planning a day trip to Malcesine on Lake Garda. Please look at this place. OMG. Wanting to make a trip to Portofino, too.

 

Relishing the fact that the heat is gone, for this week at least. It's been wonderful.

 

Obsessing over where we will go next. I should know better by now...this is never a good idea in the Army life!

 

Cherishing every single moment with these four. I know soon everything will be different.

 

Reflecting on whether anyone still reads this blog after I disappeared for so long. Say hi if you are!

 

Happy Tuesday.

xoxo

S

 

 

 

Comments

[Anso]

Hi :) And yes definitely still reading :)

[Deborah]

Hi Stephanie. I am still reading ! Love your thoughts and outlook on life. Enjoy reading about the imminent birth. Never a dull moment in your life. Don't ever stop blogging!
Lots of love from Deborah. X

[Angela Dennison]

Hi from Nova Scotia, Canada! I am excited when I see a post from you in my Feedly feed. I love reading about your adventures in Italy with the girls.

[Sherrie]

Hi. Still reading and enjoying your posts.

[claire]

Hi! Still reading and frankly sporadic blogging suits my sporadic reading time😉. Enjoy your last few weeks as a family of six.

[Kelly Prang]

Hi! Still here, just met someone last week who was stationed in Newport for grad school and I was able to picture it thanks to you! I hope the next 6 weeks are nice and cool for you!

[Stacy]

I love reading your blog. When my daughter was that age she went through trouble sleeping too. Our pediatrician recommended a few things that really helped- removing the clock from her bedroom, not letting her read in bed (read on the couch, in a chair in her room etc), and letting her stay up a little bit later. Good luck!

[Linda]

Hi there!!

I still love reading your blog no matter waht you type.

Could Harper be worried/excited about bub's arrival? My eldest girl (who was 5.5 when I was having Olivia), got a bit funny close to the arrival time. She SAID she had no worries/concerns but I think that was it. Them overthinking everything. Hope she gets to sleeping again soon.

xxx

[Jackie P]

Hi Stephanie, I'm still reading and in the UK. My daughter was 10 in May and we have experienced sleep issues with her too. Sometimes it was down to anxiety, something which she suffers with but I think some of it is hormonal too. Believe it or not those hormones will be kicking in already. Our daughter has had a big growth spurt between 9 and 10, lots of different feelings, emotions as well as physical changes too.

Our daughter had to deal with some issues with her little brother this past year and that has had an effect on her sleeping so it could be the fact the baby is coming in a few weeks that may be playing on her mind, although she may not necessarily think that. Our sub conscious mind can play tricks on us and I am sure she is incredibly excited about the new baby, but she is a lot older than she was when the twins were born and therefore a lot more aware of changes coming.

These are simply just my thoughts but I hope her sleeping problems don't continue for too long, it's hard to see our girls suffering with tiredness.

[Kel]

Hi!

Still reading (and full of envy for your Italy experience). How much longer do you have at your current post?

[Mary K]

Hi! Love your travel pictures.

[Heather R]

I still read!!!! Welcome back!!!

[Christine F.]

Hi! Still reading :)

Will (9.5) has trouble falling asleep but I think it's b/c he's a night owl. Usually once he's asleep, he's out. I am not a great sleeper; how I help myself is to 1. think of something really detailed that I want to remember (i.e., a fabulous vacation, my wedding, etc.) - it wears your brain out trying to remember minute details; 2. move locations (I go to the couch for a bit if I can't sleep in my bed); 3. don't do anything other than sleep in your bed (read in a chair, etc.) so that your brain associates the bed with just sleep.

Hope these help!

[KarenP( kphike)]

Still read! That destination looks gorgeous- Love your travels photos! And 6 weeks - wow- hope the weather stays cooler for you!

[Melissa]

Still here! Always look forward to your posts! Sadly, I'm now reading them from the other side of the pond again. Sigh.

So excited about for you about that baby!! Squeel!!!

[Melissa]

Still here!! Love, Love, Love to read your blog!

[Clare]

I'm still here! Love to read what you write!

[lauren]

hello! :)
love your blog entries - however random or sporadic or infrequent they may be!
*

[Tinkster]

Of course we still read. I've been reading since just before Sadie was born, won't be stopping. 😃

[Heather]

Hi, still here! I enjoy reading your blog!

[Becky]

Always reading. Love your blog probably the only one I keep up with routinely

[craftychicgirl - jessica]

yes, i still read you blog! it's still one of my favorites :-)

[barb]

You'll love hyonobabies!!

[Kim]

absolutely still reading!! love keeping up w/your family

[Dana]

Still here! A big fan of your blog! You speak from the heart, don't sugar coat anything and I love seeing that places you go with your family. Feel like I've seen a little bit of Italy thru your pictures. Have a great day!

[Suzanne Frazier]

Stephanie, I read your blog! I am enjoying following along as you prepare to welcome this new little one! Your family is precious. Love you!

[Lindy]

Hi - still here!!! Love your blog! I've followed your blog since I found out what a blog is/was. LOL Yes, I have a 9 yo who is having the same issue. Takes her forever to fall asleep and then normally awake around 2 AM but falls back asleep after 1/2 hour or so.

[Amber W.]

Hi! Still reading,of course..your blog is my absolute fav!! :-)

[Amy Gomez]

Hi from Salt Lake City! I've been reading since you only had two!

[Andrea]

Hi! I love your blog posts.

[Angie Urbon]

Still reading and love you through all the changes!

[Kirsteen]

Still reading, still laughing, still bundling along. I'm not alone right? (everyday, I'm bun-bundling) :p

[Jennifer C]

Hi..still here! Can't wait to meet the new baby :)

Enjoy!

[April]

Hi! Still reading. Can't stop. Won't stop. Stopped once when I gave up reading all blogs. Thought about you one day, looked up your blog and saw you were pregnant with twins and was like "crap I missed a lot!" so I started reading again and haven't stopped since. :)

[Mendi M]

Hi! Of course we are still reading!

[Melissa D.]

I love reading your updates no matter what the time between them! 😊

[Cindy Stanley]

HI .. Still here! Love your blog !! I am always telling my friends about things I learn from you. Whether a book to recommend, about travelling to Italy. Love hearing about your family and so respect and admire the mother you and wife you are. You and your family definately have a place in my heart. Can't wait to meet your new arrival!

[Cheryl]

Absolutely still reading your blog, you are like my adopted daughter! And I love hearing about your girls. I have followed you pretty much since you started blogging. I am a grandmother, mother and wife in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and love reading about your army wife adventures!

[Justine]

Still reading and absolutely love your blog!! You are one of my very favorites!! :)

[Erica Messervy]

Still reading!

[Lisa Chapman]

Hi! Still here reading your blog!! I love it!

[Christine Parker]

I'm still reading your blog... and love all of your adventures! So excited about your new baby-on-the-way. Your girls are growing more and more beautiful with each post. Keep blogging and I'll keep reading. As always, thanks to J for his service and to your family for all the sacrifices you make as a military family.

[Allison]

HI! Always reading! Always happy to see a new post!

[Natalie (QSOgirl)]

I'm still here! ::waving and smiling::

[Dale]

First time commenter but longtime reader...totally still reading!!!

[Ann Anderson]

Absolutely still here! love your blog posts whenever they arrive!

[Monica]

HI...of course I`m here!!!
Super happy that YOU are back!!
(also first time commenter but long time reader)

[Tinka]

Still reading! Although, I usually wait till I see a post on Facebook before I pop back in. But I've slacked off from daily reading with all the blogs I follow. Trying to get back into a routine now that I've had LASIK surgery and will be able to see better!! Love all your travel posts...I'm keeping notes and I share the tips and information with friends who are planning their own adventures. I also love your book lists which have introduced me to ones I'd probably never choose on my own. I also cheer for you when you post that you've gotten creative. Like so many other readers, I'm looking forward to the new baby's arrival (I'm kinda thinking it might be a boy!) and reading about your adventures as a family of 7!

And, as for Harper's sleep issues, I also think it could be hormonal. if you are still using the YL oils, you might try applying or diffusing lavender or one of the other soothing/calming oils.

[Lindsay]

I love reading your blog!

[heather]

Hi! I read your blog all the time, love going back and looking at your gorgeous travel photos too!

[Alyssa O]

Hi! Still reading here in Texas. Love your blog! :)

[Brenda]

Definitely still reading and loving your blog! My 14 year old daughter has always had trouble falling asleep (and some nights staying asleep) but it seemed the worse around Harper's age. I'm not still not sure if it was just hormones and growing or if part of it was her becoming more aware of things to worry over (meaning more aware of things that can go wrong - not sure if I'm being real clear here). "Sleep" lotion from Bath & Body Works seems to help right at bedtime and sticking to a very strict bedtime routine is still the key even now. For Rachel what works is getting in bed and reading for about 30minutes before turning out the lights to sleep (but be careful what she's reading cause if it's slightest bit scary it's gonna be a rough night!). We found that if she is in bed and on her tablet or any kind of screen it won't work, has to be an actual book. Hope this helps!

[Ki Kruk]

I will always follow you and read every single post!

[DIanne]

I read every time you post, and so enjoy hearing about you, your family and your adventures.

[clippergirl]

HI! :)
Yes, your blog has always been a favourite of mine! As long as you're blogging, with or without breaks, I always check in!
I hope Harpers sleepless night eases....my son went through this, I thought it was growing pains, body changing etc.....or could she be anticipating all the (good/happy) changes coming soon, becoming a big sis again....school starting?

[janet]

I look forward to everyone of your posts. Definitely still reading!

[Cynthia Baldwin]

Hi, Stephanie! Yup, I read your blog on feedly whenever you post. I live vicariously through you, you know. Italy - ah! A place I've never been (yet!). Even if you didn't have any crafty news (the reason I started following you), I would still tune in.
So enjoyable to hear - not only about your life abroad - but also your daily lives with your little ones/not-so-little-ones. Love your from-the-heart writing!

[Ana F]

Hello, from Florida. Still reading. :)

[Kathryn]

Hello from Toronto, Canada. Love reading about your adventures!

[Carla Hundley]

Only six more weeks!
Wow, time is skipping
along. Still checking
in on you!
Carla from Utah

[Sandy]

Hi Stephanie. I read your blog often and I love reading your growing family:)
I haven't comment in a very long time and definitely still keeping up with your blog. Please don't quit! Love to see where you and your family headed next.
Take good care of yourselves and soon you can enjoy some bubbles:P
Sandy

[Sheila McGowan]

Oh ya, still reading. Love to hear your stories of your girls, travels, art... love it! and keep them coming!

[Rhian]

I'm still reading your blog, I love reading about your travel adventures x

[Sarah]

Love love love your blog...have been reading since Harper was a baby! And yes my 10 year old went through a lot of growth related sleep changes....just another phase :-)

[Claudia]

Yes, I still read you and miss you when you're gone! Dying to know the baby's gender!!

[kim]

I was late to Game of Thrones too and watched all the seasons at once. I actually preferred it that way...no waiting a week for the next epi or having to wait for a new season. Although I'm stuck now, waiting for the next one!

[Tere]

HI! I am here and new in 2015. Keep them coming. xoxo

[Keely]

Oh yes!!! Love your blog!!!! Reading via Bloglovin makes commenting an extra step but it means I get your feed whenever you post 😘👍❤️

[Valerie]

I've read every single blog post of yours! Love your blog. Thanks for sharing a bit of your life❤️

[Laura]

I always read your posts. I catch that you've updated either through FB or feedly. Some things that help my daughter (now 11) to relax for sleeping are (1) white noise and (2) listening to audio books. These ideas may or may not make sense depending on whether and with whom she shares a bedroom. {{hugs}}

[ginny]

Of course, I'm still reading! Maybe Harper's bedtime needs to be a little later. I noticed when my girls were about her age, they slept better if bedtime was a little later & I let them read or listen to music for about ½ hour after bedtime.Hope this helps.

[amanda fair]

Hi!

[Mel]

From the look of all these comments above I don't think you have anything to worry about regarding whether people read your blog or not...but Hi!!!!! 💕 Mel (UK)

[Heather Adams]

Not to sound like a creeper, but I check like every day to see if you've posted. LOL

[Maryline]

Hi yes still here. Love reading your about your Italian life.

[Denise M]

Aloha from sunny Hawaii...still reading! I have a 10yr old that has also been struggling with falling/staying asleep for the last year. At first I thought it was from the move and all the anxiety with daddy redeploying, grandma dying, then losing paw-paw too. 2014 was rough. We spoke to her Dr, who suggested no tv/ipad for an hour or two before bed (even though she likes to sneak it and watch movies ALL night). I gave her a YL Rutavala roll on to use. We also have two teenagers who are coming in later because of work and practice and like to socialize (and be loud) but still try to keep things calmer in the evenings. It's a work in progress. Homework has to be done by 7 so she has time to unwind. Her BEST nights of rest are days when homework is done early and she plays with the neighborhood kids until 7ish then starts the bedtime routine that also moved from 8 to 9pm. Best of luck!!

[Jackie S]

Hi, still reading and still loving your updates. Perhaps you will be coming visit us in the UK. God has his plan and I know you will enjoy the ride. Looking forward to seeing your new bundle very very soon.xx

[Gayle W.]

Waving hi from Florida! Of course still reading ... you can't get rid of us that easily! xo

[lynn maple]

Still reading!

[Jessica D.]

I love reading your blog and seeing all of your wonderful pictures of your sweet family and the awesome adventures you have! I've been following your blog for many years, and occasionally I find myself talking to one of my friends about you and your travels like you and I are friends and you've shared your stories with me personally. LOL! :) I love that you're honest, funny, sincere, adventurous, a great mom, creative and down to earth. Thanks for sharing your stories, pictures, and layouts of your special life. You ROCK!

[Dena]

Have been reading since you were preggo with Sadie :)

[Deb @ PaperTurtle]

Hi Stephanie ~ I'm a fairly new reader (about three months now) so I'm still getting to know you and I just love following your journey. I'm waving hello and sending well wishes from Arizona.

[Shivaun]

Thanks for your wonderful blog! I'm a California mom of 9 who really enjoys seeing your adventures and soaking up your great attitude about life! God bless you and your beautiful family!

[Candy]

Nine year olds... I still remember struggling to get him to bed at that age. It never occurred to me that he was having trouble sleeping. So that is interesting. I just thought he wanted to do things his way... sort of that stage of rebellion or independence. Things did improve with him getting into bed by 9 pm.... but to this day he is still doing things his way ignoring any advice and he is 20 years old. But then he is getting straight As in college so I stopped worrying. Whatever is going on with her will just be temporary. So will the next thing... ha!

[CJ]

Hi Stephanie, of course I'm still here, and a post from you is a treat indeed. The word "notebook" caught my eye, I'm always on the lookout for a good notebook. It's a sickness. Glad all is well with you. CJ xx

[Summer]

Hi! I'm still here. I always love reading your blog because I think in another lifetime we'd make great friends. :) Thinking of you as you approach the finish line with your fifth baby!

[Renee]

Hi! Still reading. Love your blog.

[katie]

Every day! Love all of your adventures, your family, your real life feelings! Love it all!

[krys72599]

Hi, Stephanie!
Still hear and reading! Love whatever it is you choose to share with us!
And your girls - oh, my, they're all getting so big so fast!

[Jung A]

Hi! I may not comment very often, but I'm always reading!

[Julie]

Absolutely still reading and loving your blog for so many reasons. I enjoy your scrapbooking, book suggestions, thoughts on motherhood, and overall honesty about the magic and challenges of everyday life. Thank you so much for sharing!

[Danielle Taylor]

Definitely definitely still reading!! I get so excited when I see a new blog post up!!! You are such an overwhelming inspiration!

[Carolyn Hawkins]

I wouldn't miss your blog for the world. I had 4 children by the time I was 24 years old. You are so brave and courageous for having another. I truly admire you. My mom was your age when my baby brother was born. I loved him as my own.

By the pic of your baby clothes, am I correct in thinking you are going to have a sweet baby boy? I am thinking so!!

Keep writing my dear one, I so enjoy what you write and all the wonderful pics!!

[mary jo]

HI! I'm defiantly still reading and enjoying your blog! :)

[Shana]

Hello from Santa Clara, California...Lemon Delight dessert in Amalfi, Italy..I'm just saying. :-)

[JanL]

still reading, enjoy all your posts. I follow Sadie closely since she's same age/grade as our Connor. Good luck with all the events you have going on in your lives.

[Pat H]

Still reading and traveling vicariously through your blog. As for Harper's sleeping issues, I remember having trouble falling asleep when I was her age because I was afraid that I wouldn't wake up. Dont know where that came from as there had been no recent deaths in the family. My parents reassured me and were patient with me, and it passed. Sorry I don't have a more concrete explanation.

[Naomi Rice]

Hi! Definitely still reading! Your posts inspire me!

[Meghan]

Yep, I'm still reading, and loving everything you post, too!

[Lisa]

Absolutely still here! I subscribe and always smile when you pop up in my inbox!! So glad you are blogging and so excited for the baby!! Sending prayers and positivity to you and your lovely family!