Visiting the Aquarium on the Boardwalk in Branson, MO

On our third day of vacation in Branson (my true love gave to me... hehe) we explored the newly opened Aquarium at the Boardwalk. Home to 7,200 sea animals and 250 different species, this aquarium holds more than 400,000 gallons of salt water, with 9 different viewing galleries. As aquarium connoisseurs we have been missing the experience more than I can express! This was just what we needed.

Highlights of the Hollywood Wax Museum in Branson, MO

This post is sponsored by US Family Guide. As always all opinions are my own.

We had such a great time in Branson last week! The last time Brian and I went was in 2008 before we were even married and we only went into Silver Dollar City. This visit was extra special since we went as a complete family of six!

Special passes to Hollywood Wax Museum in Branson

You can't miss the Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center in Branson. Yes, it's the building on Highway 76 being climbed by a giant Great Ape! 

Laurel's Name Explained {Baby #4}

As a true mommy blogger and type A (symmetry is everything haha) I have to share all about the how and why of naming Laurel.

Welcome Littlest Love

Laurel Gray is here!

Nine Month Bumpdate // {Baby #4}

Well, this is it! The final bumpdate for my final pregnancy. What a feeling of coming full circle.

Small Space Gardening with Kids

This post is sponsored by Responsival. As always, all opinions are my own. Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Maternity + Family pictures 2021

This will possibly come as a shocker but we have never had professional family pictures taken before. My mom was our Christmas card photog back home and I do everything else so this was quite the experience! Aunt Cindy gifted us this session with the lovely Rifka of Rifka Jensen Photography.

Eight Month Bumpdate // {Baby #4}

Somehow I skipped a month, oops! I guess it was bound to happen at some point 😅

Sweet Slumber with Figure 8 Moms // Tips + tricks for 3rd trimester sleep {Baby #4}

This post is sponsored by Figure 8 Moms. As always all opinions are my own. 

Anyone else struggling for sleep these days? Granted I have a very good excuse as to why my zzzz's haven't been their best and that is all due to being seven months pregnant. That dreaded third trimester sleep slump is upon me. 

Six Month Bumpdate // {Baby #4}

Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

23 weeks

Special occasions with Pinkblush Maternity {Baby #4}

This post is sponsored by PinkBlush. As always all opinions are my own. Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

One of my most favorite specialty shops for maternity clothing is Pinkblush. The first time I discovered this online boutique was back in 2013. I wasn't pregnant at the time but I vowed to return when I was.

Infused vinegar DIY cleaner

I've been really getting into spring cleaning lately. It's probably a combo of nesting + feeling invigorated by all the sunshine (vitamin D is truly a marvel).

Five Month Bumpdate {Baby #4}

Week 18

Four Month Bumpdate {Baby #4}

I honestly thought I would never be writing another bumpdate post so this just make me so happy!

How far along: Second Trimester :: Weeks 13-16

Size of baby: Avocado

Weight gain: 153 // 5 pounds.

Maternity clothes: I had to start over on the maternity clothes front. I had given my Clark-pregnancy clothes to Dana and saved only a few dresses. Thankfully, Dana sent me some great Blanqi leggings and I bought a few secondhand items.

Gender: We're announcing this week!

Movement: YES! I'm not sure if it is a combination of an active baby and this being my fourth pregnancy but I have felt movement very early on. Baby is most active in the evenings. I'm not sure what is jabbing me, but it is comforting to feel those movements.

Sleep: I haven't felt comfortable in bed for awhile. Once I'm not able to stomach sleep, all bets are off.

What I miss: Feeling comfortable in my clothes. Its too soon for full blown maternity clothes but my regular jeans and leggings dig into the belly. Add in bloating and its a regular party over here.

Cravings: Fruit smoothies. Cucumber, tomato, onion salad. Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches.

Symptoms: Extreme fatigue.

Highlight of the Month: I went to my first ultrasound at 13 weeks which turned out to actually be 14 weeks of pregnancy! Talk about a pleasant surprise.

12 weeks

14 weeks

16 weeks

Join me for the Feel Good Pilates Challenge

It's that time of the year again-- The Balanced Life is hosting a free 5-day Feel Good Pilates challenge and I want you to join me! Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links with no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Unexpected JOY

This post has been waiting to be shared for awhile now and I am honored to tell you we are going to be having another BABY! If you follow along on IG, I announced on Valentine's Day and now I'm sharing the nitty-gritty details here.

Word of the Year 2021

It took me extra long to think of my Word of the Year for 2021. There was just so much to process and digest from last year that sorting through all of it was more work than in previous years (and I know you get exactly what I mean by that.) 

A Year in Review + Top 5 Posts of 2020

This year has been something else. We all lived it and we all have our stories to share. I was not the best blogger this year as it just felt like a chore to add-on to already long days. Brian and I both lost family members. Emotions have been everywhere and nowhere. I come back to this space because it is mine and finding solace in its digital pages feels right, right now.