Hi Guys. Thanks. Really.
You were so sweet about yesterday’s video and I truly did love making it. It really does capture our life right now….messy and fun and happy and everything in between. I thought since there were so many folks with so many baby-related and video-related questions, I would recap that real fast so that I didn’t have to rewrite the same answers in the comment section #lazy. So if I didn’t reply to your comments recently….hope you find this post because it should answer a bunch of most-asked-questions.
#1 – What is that song and who is the artist?
What Can I Do (But Love You) by Joy Williams. It is one of my new favorites and I think it perfectly describes my feelings about this part of my life….I just get so overwhelmed by how truly blessed I am. I have this obsessive love for my boys….I know what a gift they are. I always say that parenthood helps me understand not how to love more but how to love deeper….what an amazing gift that is.
#2 – Did we get the results of the full spectrum test?
Yes. In fact, we got the call a couple days earlier than expected and it is actually a very funny story. In a land far far away (my bedroom), it was about 8 am and I was sitting on the bed talking to Jeremy about how we should wait to find out the sex of the baby. I figured at that point we only had about 14-16 weeks to wait and I said “It’s gonna be so fun! I’ll be laying on the bed with a baby in my arms and you’ll be standing there and the nurse will say IT’S A BOY or IT’S A GIRL and it’s gonna be such a fun way to find out!”. I had Jer too. Hook line and sinker, I knew he would go for it. And then the phone rang. It was the nurse from the lab and she introduced herself and told me that the results came back and everything was low risk. I thanked her and asked something along the lines of “What is the test for again? What does it show?” and she said a bunch of technical genetic terminology and then said “And you know it’s a boy right?!”
I DIED laughing. It literally struck me as the funniest thing in the universe that I had just said all these things about finding out and they ALL came true….I was in bed, LJ (different baby but still a baby) in my arms, Jer next to me and the nurse told me. I had to put the phone down I was laughing so hard and Jeremy picked it up and asked her if she could tell him what she said. So we both found out that minute and it was WAY more exciting than I imagined because it was SUCH a surprise. And next time I announce something into the universe for God to make happen….I’ll throw in that I want to find out IN THE HOSPITAL and WHILE HOLDING A WINNING LOTTERY TICKET 🙂 We still haven’t opened the ‘sex envelope’….maybe we will do that on the due date 🙂
(Will circa April 2011)
#3 – Where did we film the video?
We actually have that creek in the back of our property. It isn’t the prettiest this time of year but in a few weeks it will turn completely green and it is the most special and magical place on the planet. I swear that fairies live there. The shallow rock bed part is our property (where we were sitting and it goes back up stream) and the steeper banked areas is our neighbors. We go down there pretty much everyday for at least a few minutes…sometimes spending all day with our snacks, sometimes just to pick up trash, sometimes to discover new critters but most of the time getting barefoot and always getting dirty. We wanted to capture things how they felt…not as they actually are and this video was a very real and typical representation of what we do a lot…outdoor paper airplanes and boats with snacks and playing at the creek.
#4 – How did we film the video?
We used my camera (Canon 5D Mark II and an 85mm lens). We are NOT experienced with it but we just would try to manually focus on the subject. Jeremy and I would take turns filming and since it was an 85mm we had to stand REALLY far away to get the subjects. If I had to do it over again, I would go for a different lens. I used iMovie to put it all together editing-wise. I am no videographer and so this was definitely a challenge. Both Jeremy and I are still figuring out how to use the video function on the camera and we decided to just go with the out-of-focus-ness of it and do our best. The inspiration came from a bunch of different places…a cute photoshoot we saw of a picnic with strawberries, some wedding, engagement and gender reveal videos. We wanted to show that boys are dirty and fun…but super sweet too. It’s easy to get that romantic, slow and lovely vibe when you put a song over the whole thing and cut out the boys screeches and us parents saying “don’t step on that! Be careful! You might slip!”. If you want to do one of these videos for your own reveal, I recommend picking your song first and then making your video clips fit that.
#5 – Do we have a name for the little guy?
Nope. We have a few on the list…but nothing decided like with William or LJ. We joke that we will be those people that after he is born, we will have to send in the birth certificate because we can’t decide. Will has decided to call the baby “Sparky”. He knows it is a dog’s name. He said “Dat’s okay. He can be Sparky too.” It actually was very helpful because we ordered the baby a lovie (all my boy’s have different ones) and this time we got a little spotted dalmation in honor of the cute nickname.
#6 – Are we done? Will we want more kids after this?
We always have said that every child is a blessing. That is the truth. And we believe that. But we also believe that we have humanly limits….and that each family has a to have peace about their ‘number’….a peace from knowing their family is complete. I honestly don’t know if we are done having bio kids. I probably won’t know until after this little one comes. And when the time comes to make any decision, I pray that peace or desire is clear for both Jeremy and I. But I will say that I feel like five pregnancies is the most I physically can handle (I’m feeling OLD)…and Jeremy feels like five kids is the most he could handle as a dad. So right now….let’s just say, we might be done but if not, we will definitely be done after the next baby….unless God does something to change that. Does that clear things up?
#7 – Symptoms?
It’s been a mix between Will’s pregnancy (hardly any symptoms) and Weston’s pregnancy (sciatica pain). I have sciatica pain, craving more salty food, and feel BIG. Some of the things that are different with this pregnancy are that I crave banana peppers (never tried them before this) but now LOVE them. I also like greek salads, Chickfila’s frozen lemonade, Krispy Kreme donuts and of course, giant soft pretzels (I love these even when I am not pregnant but when I am cooking a babe, they are AMAZING in my mouth). I have to force myself to eat protein. Also, I sometimes forget how crazy tired you get when you are pregnant. It’s like fall-on-your-face-on-the-living-room-floor tired. We are in the middle of some really big projects (basement kitchen, deck makeover, etc.) so it makes everything take longer. I will be sanding the deck and wonder “why do I feel so tired?! and why can’t I bend that way?!” and then I look down and the answer is clear. Oh and I am carrying low. At least lower than my last three.
#8 – What are the plans about the boy’s rooms?
Will and Weston are currently sharing a room. I have a mini-makeover planned for it but we have to finish the two other big projects first. And then we plan on transitioning LJ to the nursery soon. He is finally sleeping through the night (he’s been sick since December with ear infections and bronchial stuff so we delayed the transition) and so ideally we would love to have him out of our room a couple months before the baby arrives. We eventually will have the two baby boys (LJ and Sparky) share the ‘nursery’. Our goals are to finish the deck, the basement kitchen, the boys room, the garage and the playroom before Sparky gets here. That’s doable right? Or completely nuts? We have three months. Oh dang…that is nuts 🙂
That should about cover the majority of the questions but if you have something else you would like to ask….please pop it right there in the comments. And once again….thanks again so much for the love. You guys rock my little world. You really do.
I don’t know how you guys do it. When do you sleep?!
So honoured to be able to follow your journey- both housey and family xx
Haha! What’s sleep?! 🙂
xo – kb
Congratulations Katie! Love watching your family grow, God is so good. 🙂
Congrats Bower family, i`m So happy for you 🙂 and i can´t wait to see baby boy Sparky 😉 ( Sweet Will )xxx
I love your video! What I loved the most was how the boys were getting wet and messy. As you stated above, the music cancels out the “be careful you might slip, watch out, leave that” which I guess I wasn’t even thinking about as I was watching it. I was just thinking how calm and cool you and Jeremy are with your boys. I’m amazed with all you get done with 3 little ones and another on the way. You’ll have your own basketball team soon!
Congrats! Sparky?!?! Too funny. I’m wondering where you find lovies for your kiddos? We have one that is almost too loved, and I can’t find an acceptable replacement anywhere!
I love that the pic of Will in 2011 and of you lying down! Can’t wait to hear what name you land on! Sparky is pretty awesome for now 🙂
Girl, the only thing I have on my list to complete before my baby comes in June is to finish his nursery. And to clean my entire house from top to bottom. Good luck to you guys, if anyone can complete all those things, I’m pretty sure it’s you guys.
So sweet! I love my little boy to pieces and would love to have another boy with baby no. 2! Only time will tell!
How fun! I can’t believe the nurse told you over the phone like that, but how awesome that it was EXACTLY how you just described! I have followed you since before you had Will, and I just have to say- I think you are the sweetest. Your little family is just precious and your love for them and sincerity comes through here on your blog. Thank you for sharing with us and answering all these questions! These are the types of things (the random stuff) I love seeing and learning about online ‘friends’ 🙂 but they typically aren’t shared! So thanks! Can’t wait to meet Sparky!
What a beautiful family and super sweet video! Congratulations Katie!!!
I love seeing the evolution of the boys’ rooms. Thanks for sharing all your creativity! Congrats on the new little boy on the way!!
BOY! Again? SO EXCITED for you!!!
Loved the announcement and the way you handle the how many kids question…such a personal thing that only involves you, hubby and God.
I have a few questions.
Is the quality of the boys madras bedding holding up? I’ve been thinking of buying it for my little guy.
I have a teen daughter and a 2 yr old boy and boys have so much more energy! I’m worn out each night, how do you do it with 3?!? Do you take special vitamins or those juice diet thingys? Coffee IV? Please share your secret :).
Are you joining the minivan mom club to fit all the car seats?
Thank you!
stopit! angel dear now has cuddle twins?!
so wish they had this years ago when my little girl whose name is olivia, met another little named olivia. my liv was about 2 years older than her and thought the little girl would love to have her ‘baby’….that’s what she called the pink lamb. the dad said she could have it and my liv just beamed! until we got in the car that is! now she was maybe 3 years old and really didn’t understand what she’d just done. she asked where Baby was and i reminded her she gave it to the other little girl named olivia. SHE LOST IT!!! told me to go back and take it back, ha!
so you can see where cuddle twins would have come in handy 9 years ago!! 🙂
So happy for you guys!
That was truly the sweetest video! It *almost* makes me want a third. Bless your sweet family.
HA! I just scrolled past one of those stupid articles on FB that said people who nap/sleep regularly tend to be more successful ($$$). I guess it depends on how you determine successful because I don’t know what a nap or full nights sleep is but my house is filled with craziness and batman pajamas. I bet I am more happy than people who have over flowing bank accounts and always strive for ‘more more more’. Congrats Bowers, I have had so much fun watching Will to this new bundle!! XOXO
I seriously don’t know how you do it. We just brought home our second boy from the hospital last month (our first is three) and I want to cry I’m so exhausted. Congrats to you, but wishing us both sleep!
Way to make your own home movie, Katie & Jeremy! I think seeing your end result really encourages others to do that same. It takes a little time, but it’s totally do-able and what a great treasure you’ve created. <3
My little girl has that lovie 🙂
Congrats Bower family! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with all your adoring readers, so very excited for you!
I just want to say how gracious you are to answer some really personal questions with grace and authenticity. One of the reasons I love reading your blog! Praying you have a relatively easy remainder of your pregnancy!
You are indeed blessed and you express that, so that’s even better. God is good! I am sure you will get the jokes about one more boy makes a basketball team! All those projects sound overwhelming, but just try your best and what gets done is awesome, and what doesn’t will get done eventually. What a cool little spot where you filmed the video. And the boys will look back when they are older and see this as a joyful family at its best, and they will hold that memory dear to their hearts. God bless you all!!
So excited for another little bundle for you guys. I have 2 beautiful girls and would love more but my body hasn’t been cooperating for the last few years. So I am living vicariously through your pictures. How about another L name since you have 2 W’s and one L. Luke, Laith, Landon, Lucas, Liam, Levi or Logan. Just a thought. Congrats!!!
Frozen Lemonade #ftw!!! I’m just sad it took them so long to give the world such an amazing gift. Congrats! 🙂
Congratulations to your family! You are doing God’s work, bearing these little boys who will one day be men. You can do this, Katie! Thank you for your statement about peace or desire for both of you. I needed that today. My husband and I are on opposite sides of the debate right now (we have five kids) and I know God needs us to be one with each other. I think I’ll tweak my prayers a bit from now on. And I’ll pray for you.
Such a good blog post I wanted to share here. I did some serious googling to find this article Roo @ Semiproper wrote (it wasn’t on her blog, hence I had trouble finding it)
http://blogs.babycenter.com/mom_stories/020614-hey-my-family-is-not-incomplete-without-a-son/
She just writes so well and prior to reading her post I had made comments to friends of one gender family’s that may have been hurtful, without giving it much thought. I’m so glad I read it and it changed my outlook forever.
Big Congrats on the new lil guy, and best of luck with a healthy rest of pregnancy.
Love the Sparky nickname! My second was due on the Fourth of July so we called him Sparky while in utero.
Now that you are a mom expert with three kids. Is there anything that you plan to do differently with number 4? Will you still attempt another VBAC as well? Hopefully this one comes sooner than LJ. Anything after your due date is just plain torture. Thanks for sharing all that you do 🙂
Hello Bower Family!
Congratulations on your newest little boy! The first thing I thought when I found out your newest little one is a boy is that there must be adorable pictures of all four boys in matching jammies!
Thanks for the update. No questions here, just want to say you guys are awesome! The way you just take things as they come and live. Live it girl! You’re an inspirstion:) and I don’t think those projects are nuts, I bet you’ll get it done and I’ll be front row to follow along here, can’t wiat.
Congratulations again! I love reading about your family. Though we aren’t parents yet, I love reading all about your journey as parents and as a family. Your boys are so handsome! Wishing you a healthy pregnancy!
Hi! 4 boys is awesome, truly! Congrats! …. But I gotta ask…. Is there a part of you that wants a girl if you have a 5th etc?
(I wanted my 2nd baby to be another girl so my daughter could have a sister. I held back tears when u/s tech said boy. Obviously now, I couldn’t imagine my awesome boy (or family) any other way….)
I’m just thrilled for you guys! I say the more Bower babies the better! Wishing you a wonderful second half of your pregnancy :):):)
I love Roo! She is so sweet. And I think that it’s part of our culture…you want what you don’t have….and if you don’t, people expect you to 🙂
xo – kb
We are still going to attempt a VBAC…and I don’t know about your first question. That’s a good question! I think I do things differently with each kid just according to what works…not really a preplanned decision…just do what works, ya know?!
xo – kb
Oh Em Gee. I am dying at that thought 🙂
xo – kb
Sure! Part of me does but part of me doesn’t. I guess I just live by the philosophy that God gives us exactly what he wants for us…and I already know one thing…that God loves me and wants what best is for me and my family…so yeah, if He gives me a daughter in the future, then I will be happy because that is what is best….and if it’s a son, then I will be happy because that is what is best.
xo – kb
It’s holding up well but I have to admit that it doesn’t get a lot of wear (the boys like to sleep with just a sheet and their pillow and lovie)
xo – kb
I order them off Amazon and they are the Angel Dear brand. The boys all love them.
xo – kb
i am so excited that you’re having another boy, your boys are precious and seem to get cuter every time (LJ and that hair kills me every time!!) thank you so much for sharing your life with us, all of the good, the bad and the inbetween and you dont hide your faith, its so inspiring!! on a side note, are you still using your cloth diapers? and if so, have you been able to use the same stash for all of the boys or did you need to get more, change your wash routine, etc and, if not, why did you ditch them? we only have the one babe and we still go back to disposables occasionally (most recently because of a battle with a stomach bug that would have had me washing all 24 of our diapers every day for nearly a week), and i know of some people that use them for multiple kids but usually one kiddo is done before the next one is born.
We didn’t use them for Weston (we tried but he was a blow out king!) so we haven’t used them for LJ either (convenience)…I will definitely try to use them again when it comes time for potty training…so I don’t want to get rid of them but honestly I haven’t thought about if I will use them for Sparky 🙂
xo – kb
Just so you know…since you said a 5th pregnancy is all you could take…you’ll end up with twins on that one…God is listening to you! ha! 🙂 so happy for you all and praying for a safe delivery. Cheers to you, lady.
Don’t say that. I have friends with twins. Although the newborn photos are amazing, that entire situation scares me!
xo – kb
So this is baby number four? Great. I had five boys. You are very wise about the number of children. Each couple is different and each woman’s body is different. I am very happy for you.
Katie, Congratulations on boy #4! I have 4 boys, also. My oldest turned 7 and boy #4 was born 10 days later! Fun times, wrangling four boys 7 and under! My little boys are now 12, 15, 18, 19. They are my loves and although I wouldn’t have minded a girl, I know the Lord knows what’s best for us and I am raising them to be men of God. I so love your blog and I think we would have lots of fun hanging out. In case you need some boy name ideas: mine are Dakota, Trevor, Logan and Mason. Hugs to you all. =)