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

[Nancy]

Hi - Still here enjoying hearing about your family and travels. Can't wait to hear more about the new little one on the way and how all the big sisters will react! Enjoy every moment! Keep the blog going - I check often and am pleased when I can see how life is for you!

[Vicky]

Hi Stephanie :-) still reading your blog here in NZ!! Don't ever stop blogging xx

[Jackie]

Hi! I always read your posts and I look forward to them! I have been reading since Harper and Sadie were little. I have 5 girls...my youngest are twin girls (age 10). One of my twins gets anxiety, and when changes are coming...she has trouble with sleep. My pediatrician recommended that I purchase a sound machine (nature, ocean, rainfall, etc.). I must say that it helped. Good luck! Sending lots of prayers and hugs!!

[Missy C]

Hi!! Yes- I'm still reading your blog and loving it. I've been reading for at least 4 years. So excited to read your journey with the newest little one :)
Hope the 4 girls have a great school year.

[Debra Williams]

I'm reading and loving traveling with you and your family. Oh, yeah....hoping for a boy. Those girls will spoil him rotten. That laynette does not look girly. Here's hoping.

[Linda E]

Always read your blog and thoroughly enjoy it, Stephanie. As soon as you mentioned Harper not sleeping, my immediate thought was growth spurt. My daughter, who was a great sleeper, suddenly had trouble around Harper's age. Try a little squirt of lavender spray on her pillow. That may help. The school year routine may help too. In fact, she could be worrying about the upcoming school year. Who will her teacher be? Who will be in her class? Come to
think of it, my daughter' bouts with sleeplessness often occurred in late summer. Good luck and let is know how she is doing.

[Lydia]

Hello! I have always read and enjoyed your blog. It has been a joy to watch your girls grow up. Excited to see who this little one is. Your photos are gorgeous and make me want to travel all the more. Thank you for sharing your life with us all!

[Angie]

Definitrly still reading! I thought you and Jimmie today when the today show reported that two women made it through the Rangers training. Said they were Westpoint trained too! Our son has gone through phases throughout the last year nine of having a hard time falling asleep and staying asleep. We had to change out curtains to darkening and noise reducing curtains. The Ped mentioned melatonin but we've tried other things first. Most of his is self induced anxiety from being an over achiever and he just has a hard time shutting down his brain. School starts next week and we are hoping we can go into this year focused and on track so sleep issues do not pop up again!

[Erika @ Scrapbook Obsession]

I'm not going anywhere. You write (so well) about my favorite things: scrapbooking, family, reading, and Italy. But I'll still read when you move, I promise.

[Robin]

Still here! Loving the posts lately and reading how your pregnancy is going. Wondering how you find the time...

[Helen]

Still love reading Stephanie......excited for your new addition, love your travel commentary, and wordless Wednesday pics!

[Jersey Girl Anne]

I have been reading your blog for a long time. Yours was the first that I added to get it via email so that I would never miss a post. I love how honest and real you are. My daughter has three girls now under the age of 3 1/2 so I am always telling her about your girls. I am so glad that you are back to blogging again. I love your LO's.

[Sonya B]

Hi! Yes, I'm still reading. I enjoy reading about your sweet "little" family and your adventures. It does not matter if you go 6 months or year without posting, when you do, it still shows up in my mailbox and I'll read it :-) I have a rising 4th grader who has some mild anxiety issues. So, I would offer to you to pry and find out if your sweet girl is anxious about school or the new baby. Of course you've been a mama long enough to know that children also pick up on our vibes. Harper seems like such a sweet and intuitive child. So, if you're experiencing any anxiety over your upcoming "new normal", she very well could be picking up on that. My son also experienced a super growth spurt this summer, he's one inch away from being 5ft and he just turned 9 this summer! I know he complained about pains in his legs often but I can't honestly remember if he had sleep issues.
I just thought of an activity that you can possibly do with all of your girls. Maybe do an activity where they have to answer some pretty general questions in a little booklet similar to your traveler's notebooks :-) where they can decorate it like mommy's....easy questions like the "currently" questions and maybe sneak a "not-so-general" question in there like "what scares you", "what's your biggest fear" "what makes you happy" "what makes you sad". Maybe some of Harper's answers will give you a clue on what's going on. Hopefully, it's just a passing/fleeting phase.
So, I've said all of that to say...keep on posting...even if it is only 2 posts a year :-)

[Nikki M]

Of course we're still here! You're one of the first blogs I've ever followed and I always enjoy your writing.

[Jo-Ann L.]

I simply just love and look forward to reading your blog, each and every time. Thank you for all you do and share with others on your blog. Regards from Canada.

[Nita K.]

Still reading! Trying not to melt in the Texas summer.

[young]

Hello from Seattle! I love hearing about your life in Italy, and your thoughts on life, travel, kids, etc! Thanks for your honesty and insight into life! Love it!

[Yvonne]

Hi! :) Definitely still reading. Love your posts. Can't wait to see some pictures from your next travel destination! Here's hoping the cooler weather lasts for a while longer.

[Tena]

I am still here and loving it. Thank you again for sharing your life journey. Hugs to you soon to be momma of five. I have five too, 4 boys 1 girl. You will be amazing!

[Shelbie]

Still here! :)

[Janna]

Still reading :-) love when you blog! Can't wait to hear about your Hypnobabies experience. I got all the stuff for it and never ended up listening to them:( so didn't use it. Did end up having a natural birth, which was a surprise breach, so that was fun! :-) haha ha!not. But it did go really well. Our baby Cameo is the sweetest thing, of course :-) can't wait to see what you have.

[Janna]

Still reading :-) love when you blog! Can't wait to hear about your Hypnobabies experience. I got all the stuff for it and never ended up listening to them:( so didn't use it. Did end up having a natural birth, which was a surprise breach, so that was fun! :-) haha ha!not. But it did go really well. Our baby Cameo is the sweetest thing, of course :-) can't wait to see what you have.

[susan h.]

Hi, still reading and enjoying! Hope you're getting to relax some before the next wonderful addition!

[Suzy]

I so enjoy your blog. I was a Marine wife for 18 years and loved the travel and being exposed to different cultures. If the blogging world was around back then, I am sure I would have enjoyed sharing our adventures and life in the U.S. And overseas. You, my friend (I feel like I know you) are a breath of fresh air, a genuine soul and authentic to 'you'. To life!!!!

[Kirsten J]

I'm here - I was gonna check that book out, but not sure. I'll have to give it a try. And I should really update Goodreads....

[Megan]

Definitely still reading. I have just loved every minute of your adventure in Italy and just made me want to go there so much more. I'm sure where ever you go next you will continue to have great adventures! I love how you get out and embrace life!

[Antonia from the UK]

Still reading it and still loving it! I check every day. Can't wait to see what baby number 5 is like :)

[Lisca Meijer]

Yes, I read everything you post. Fascinating. I'll be 65 next birthday and it's lovely to dip into a young life. Keep it coming.
Hugs,
Lisca

[Gina]

Hi there! Still reading. I subscribe through email and am happy when an update pops up in my email. So fun to read about your travels and adventures at home too. Excited to hear about the new baby's arrival!

[Vickey Ezell]

Yes, Stephanie. Still following you! Still love you!

[Pauline]

Hi. I will join the queue of people still reading your blog and loving it. I keep popping back from New Zealand and when you have had time to post then I enjoy the story. Thanks for sharing your family and travels with us all.

[Denise]

Still here and enjoying your post. Thank you for sharing.

[Christina A.]

Hi! Definitely reading everything you write! Excited to see your new baby when he/she comes....inspired by your creativity....loving your travel pics....wondering what you'll think of Game of Thrones. Have a great day, and enjoy the cool weather! My husband says that Fall in Italy is spectacular!

[Terri]

Hi Steph! Still reading and wishing you lots of good thoughts with the baby coming soon! I am so happy for you! I love reading about your family and travels, and of course the books you are reading. Hugs!

[Jane]

Still here & still loving your updates.

We visited Malcesine 3 years ago & loved it! Great cable car ride, fantastic hiking, great food (of course!). Have you visited Sirmione (opposite end of Lake Garda)? Beautiful little town.

Just returned to the UK from 2 weeks in Germany (Düsseldorf, Hannover, Potsdam, Berlin, Leipzig, Koblenz, the Eifel region) & can't get over how beautiful it was (& the weather! Wow!)

Keep on having adventures & good luck with the new arrival.

[Nicole]

Hi! Still love reading your blog :-)

[Stephanie Howell]

Weve been to sirmione many many times and love it!!!

Sent from my iPhone

[Carol in the Land of Oz]

Definetly still reading, love your Italy photos-want to go there so badly! Girls are growing and so precious and anxious to hear about baby #5! Sometimes I feel like a stalker reading blogs but my kids are grown and I am wanting to do some travel. Jobs are in the way for now--but soon, very soon....

[Amy]

Hi from Michigan. Still here. Love your location. What a treat to see all that beauty. Best of luck with new baby and your sweet girls!

[Nadya]

Hi from Cape Town, South Africa! I'm still reading and loving it! Xxx

[MBGris]

Hmmm....guess by now you know we are still here! Love seeing your life and times in Italy, and watching those funny, beautiful girls grow. Best of luck with the remaining weeks of your pregnancy. Waiting to see who finally appears!

[Shereen]

Hi. Yes I do still read! I feel like we're friends now!

[Gayl]

Absolutely!

[K]

Hello from Colorado! Still reading and will as long as you write!
Praying for you and yours daily,
k

[Sara Amuso]

YES! Hi! Still reading...love you forever! We'll take any blogging we can get!

Sara

[Kristin]

Hi! I still read!!! One of the few I still do!
Enjoy your outlook and as I'm also an expat in Europe I can relate to you guys it Italy!

[Robin W.]

I'm still reading too! I also wanted to thank you for the book recommend A Man Called Ove---it was such a good book!!

[Kristyn]

Hi! Still here and always looking forward to a post from you :)

[Evgenia]

Hi!
Oh, no, there's no way you can get rid of us!(:
Love your blog and writing style! Excited to see what Howell bambino cinque looks like! You make cute ones!

[Jessy]

Hi! Still reading and enjoying your blog :-)

[angela ezzell]

Hi!! Still reading, anticipating, and just today I recommended it to a new friend!

[Sharonda]

Hello from Maryland! Yes I still read your blog. Can't wait to meet the new baby!!

[GwynnW]

Hi! I love reading your blog. Hope the last few weeks before baby go smoothly.

[Anita]

Hi there!
Still reading and still loving...the kids, the everyday and the travel! All good with me, love to see a new post, but get it if you're busy or just not able. Will stick with you anyway cause it's worth it! Take good care of yourself!

[Twila Bennett]

Look at all of us!!! Yes, still here. Love love love all the Italy pics and commentary on life. Oh, and books! Have you read The Knockoff yet? I am listening to the audio and it is fantastic. Hilarious book I think you would love. It's about the 'ashion industry.

[terryk]

Will always keep reading. Glad you are still feeling good, that little bundle will be here before you know it. I love reading your updates and had never thought of traveling to Italy and after seeing your photos and updates, it's on my bucket list. I live in Canada and even though my kiddos are grown, I am a grandma to a 5, 3, 1.5 yr old and my daughter is expecting their fourth in October. So stories of your girls, who are all such cuties, are such a fun read. Thank you for blogging, for keeping it real, saying it how it is and being a great inspiration on the scrappy front. You keep writing, I'll keep reading.

[Erin R.]

Hi. Definitely still here.

Also wondering if diffusing essential oils in H's room might help with falling and staying asleep? It helps my kiddos (and me too for that matter). :)

[Beck]

Hi from Melbourne Australia! :)

[Nicole]

If you write it, we will read it.
My 10 year old went through a rough time with sleeping, so it must be a developmental stage. She was thinking too much and we were able to come up with strategies to help her relax and go back to sleep. I'm hopeful she'll be able to use these later in life too. She is allowed to read a little, try listening to music, fold clothes (talk about "boooooring"), and I also taught her a breathing technique I read about online. It's something to do with counting your inhale, hold your breath, then exhale. I told her to use 4, 5, 6 counts respectively since she's so young. Letting her know that being up in the middle of the night is normal and having a way to address it helped her stay calm so she can go back to sleep. It only lasted a few weeks and now if it happens I don't hear about it.

[Gaye]

Still reading from Australia. Love your travel adventures :)

[Phyllis Olson]

Always enjoy your blog. Love your pictures of the girls and your travels. Thanks for sharing.

[Bri]

Hi from The Netherlands. Always reading en enjoying your blog. Hope to read about your visit to The Netherlands in the future.

[Charity G.]

Your blog is seriously one of my favorites (I only check 3 on a regular basis). Love your stories. It's fun to read about your adventures with 4 girls (I have 4 boys, including a set of twins). Makes me feel like I'm not alone in this crazy thing called motherhood.

[Danielle Barton]

If I only read one blog for the rest of my life, it will be yours! :)

[Debbie D]

Absolutely still reading your blog!! Looking forward to hearing all about your new baby and your upcoming move. Are you hoping to stay in Europe?

[AngieF]

I love reading no matter what you are writing! Love the kids, the photos, the craftiness, all of it! Thanks for sharing! Can't wait to see what's next and pretend to meet your new little bundle. How exciting!!

[Cathy]

Hi Stephanie, have been reading for years and definitely still here! Am jealous you're only on Season 1 of GoT, you have so much coming your way (as well as the baby obviously!)

[Angel Grammy]

Hello - still reading here - I feel like I know you just because I have been reading so long! I could be your "mom" and I love reading about the kids and your travels. I found you years ago due to your scrapbooking and just love your parenting - we aren't perfect and you freely admit that - your girls and this new baby will appreciate you; in the future of course!

[Angel Grammy]

Don't mistake - they appreciate you now - they just don't know it all the time! I sure didn't when I was young with my mom!

[Alissa Getson]

Waving "hi" from Canada!!!

[Lisa]

Yes! I love this blog. I just signed up for stitch fix because of your blog. I asked when I signed up that you get the referral money. Wishing you the best with the baby!!

[Amy]

Hi Stephanie! I've read your blog for years....Since Harper was an only. Love your blog! Missed it while you were gone! Love reading about Italy an all of your adventures! Sorry I've lurked for so many years. Will comment more often!!

[Wendy A]

Yep, still reading! Love watching your girls grow up and can't wait to meet the newest addition. Blessing on you.

[Mary in IL]

of course I am still reading...why not? :)

[Katherine]

Still here, always reading :-)

[Denise]

Love reading your blog!

[Zsuzsi]

Hi and a big hug from Hungary! Please come and visit our country too, it is not too far from Italy! Budapest is beautyfull! Check it! :)

[Nicole Norman]

I'm reading! I'm reading! I was on vacation last week, so I'm just getting caught up. I don't remember what you've said...how long do you have left in Italy?

[Sara Kiiru]

I'm also still here! I love your blog, and how you share openly and authentically. Keep on keepin' on!

[Kimberly]

I check every now and again. I love to see what books you are reading.

[Kim]

Hi..and yes, still reading ;)

[Deb]

Still reading over here in Canada and loving it!

[Kaho]

I am, too. I might not always leave comments, but I do and I'm always slow in a game. So, finally I am catching up. You have many fans!!

[rkokes]

still reading!!! My almost 9 year old is also having this trouble lately. I usually let her read until she falls asleep, but it's tough because she can be pretty crabby the next day (which doesn't work well for homeschooling!)