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Stephanie Howell

reading, organizing, shopping, momming too close to the sun. Home is wherever the Army sends us.

As We Speak…

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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.6a00e551ef15fe883401bb08652919970d-800wi

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

Happy Tuesday.

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Comments

  2. 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

  5. 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!

  6. 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!

  7. 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

  8. 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.

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

  12. 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!

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

  14. 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!!!

  17. hello! 🙂
    love your blog entries – however random or sporadic or infrequent they may be!
    *

  23. 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!

  25. 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.

  32. 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. 🙂

  34. 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!

  35. 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!

  39. 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.

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

  45. 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.

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

  49. 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!

  52. 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?

  54. 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!

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

  58. 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

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

  61. 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 🙂

  63. 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!

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

  66. 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}}

  67. 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.

  71. 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!!

  72. 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

  75. 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!

  77. 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.

  78. 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!

  79. 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!

  80. 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

  81. 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!

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

  84. 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!

  86. 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!

  88. 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!!

  90. Hello from Santa Clara, California…Lemon Delight dessert in Amalfi, Italy..I’m just saying. 🙂

  91. 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.

  92. 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.

  95. 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!

  96. 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!

  98. 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!!

  99. 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.

  100. 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.

  101. 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.

  102. 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!

  103. 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!

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

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

  107. 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.

  108. 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 🙂

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

  110. 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.

  112. 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!

  113. 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.

  114. 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!

  116. 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.

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

  118. 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!!!!

  119. 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….

  120. 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!

  121. Still reading it and still loving it! I check every day. Can’t wait to see what baby number 5 is like 🙂

  122. 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

  123. 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!

  125. 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.

  127. 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!

  128. 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!

  129. 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.

  132. 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….

  133. 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!

  135. 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!

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

  140. 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!

  141. 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!!

  143. 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!

  148. 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!

  149. 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.

  150. 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.

  151. 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). 🙂

  153. 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.

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

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

  157. 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.

  159. 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?

  160. 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!!

  161. 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!)

  162. 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!

  163. 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!

  165. 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!!

  166. 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!!

  171. 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! 🙂

  172. 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?

  177. 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!!

  178. 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!)