38!

So big.
So thankful to be home full time and in my sweats since my clothes don't fit anymore.
So packed.
So happy for the gift of a cute diaper bag that's packed with teensie little boy onesies and crazy tiny diapers!
So tired.
So blessed by Logan watching a Ninja Turtle movie every morning so I can snooze on the couch.
So willing to have contractions and labor.
So thankful for a super pregnancy, very easy compared to the first two.
So excited to meet this little meatball!

So that I have a reminder as I try to get back in shape, here is my stretched out belly. I've decided that Brady is sitting down on my belly button...effectively ensuring my pooch will remain a pooch. Way to make a statement, buddy:) Hope to meet you this week, can't wait to smell your sweet head and hold warm cheeks against mine!

So thankful to be a mommy again!

37.5

Slept in.
With my man.
Kids made their own breakfast without waking us up.
Relaxed with minimal housework.
Naps all-around.
Groceries.
Family snack of fresh pineapple.
2 mile family walk.
Home cooked fried chicken, gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits.
Sweet tea.
Family clean up after dinner together.
Family movie before bedtime.
Typing this while Brady has the hiccups.
Clothes ironed and ready for worship in the morning.
Thankful for this Saturday.

Thirty and Sebmn

Say that title like Uncle Buddy says 37. That's how far we are! I'm feeling well, still busy and active. Today I walked 3 miles...thought I would die but I finished. Sure hoping this
little guy drops soon! I'm feeling pressure, plenty of contractions and have a hearty appetite.
We've had a busy week here...a few pictures from the last 7 days.
Leah came home with a super report card! Way to go, kiddo! I made some art for Brady's wall, love how it turned out. Leah got a haircut! This picture was after a soccer game and her hair being up all afternoon. It looks cute on her and she looks even more the picture of a big, big sister now. It makes me happy to see her growing up and a little sad watching her grow away from being my little Leah. My, how time flies.
Ryan took Monday off to rest up. He wanted a special day with both kids. Logan got all dressed up to go fishing, baits his own lure with live worms and packs his tackle box in a special order. He got Leah's tackle box ready for her too before they picked her up early from school. She got a new rod for Christmas and if it hadn't been for the wind, I'm sure they would have brought some stinky fish home today. Logan asks a lot of. Questions about my delivering Brady. I think he's worried about me and concerned that Brady won't be healthy. It's been a good venue for us to remind him that God has a plan for Brady and as far as we can tell, that plan looks to be a healthy one.
Ryan surprised me with Starbucks one morning recently. I needed the pick-me-up and was thankful for his thoughtfulness. As you can see, my shadow is expanding...this picture is from my long walk today. I'm allowing myself another pick-me-up tonight in the form of chocolate candies with my hot tea.
Lastly, that little blur is Leah at practice tonight. She's getting aggressive, realizing that she's faster than the other girls, and we are seeing the pieces come together for her! We're looking forward to the new season in April when she will get some super training from her new coach that is coming in.
So that's our week...Lord willing we'll have a new little squishy face to post pictures of soon!

I Am That Woman

I was walking to Leah's school today, waddling and feeling sorry for myself. I'm 36.5 weeks pregnant but measuring 40 weeks pregnant. I thought to myself, "I am that woman you see walking down the street and say, "oh, poor thing! she looks miserable!" I'm not sleeping well at night, am contracting most of everyday since Sunday, and have been more concerned with keeping my house ready for my people that are coming to help when D day arrives.
Today, I was discouraged after leaving my appointment. Not dilated at all, he hasn't dropped and I can't be induced until a week AFTER my due date. I want a full grown , healthy baby, so why am I so bummed that I'm not in labor yet? I think my body and brain are exhausted, and my self-pity kicked into high gear today.
I took a nap, and woke up to this valentine by my face. It was in an envelope with "Mom" written in 5 year old penmanship. My refreshed body and mind are able to see...I'm THAT lady. The mom with a son who knows I was struggling and made me ninja turtles to encourage me...and snuck into my room while I slept, didn't wake me up, and waited until I woke up an hour later to let me thank him.
Then we walked to pick up Leah and I got a squeeze from her and her Valentina's hearts in her hair and I thought, "I'm THAT lady." I'm so blessed to be home all day, make her lunch, do her hair, pick her up from school and hear all about her day."
I know a few people were thinking of me and praying for me today and my heart has softened and I'm encouraged. I'm so thankful to be "that" lady. I have 2 happy, healthy kids, a healthy growing bun, and apparently, I still have time to get my house ready.

If You We're Here...

If you walked into our master bedroom/Brady's room, you'd smell Dreft-washed baby clothes. Tiny ones. You'd feel sleepy because the new curtains from my brother and made by my little sister make the room warm and dark. You'd see his coming home from the hospital outfit from my other sister laying out on the changing table. You'd see tiny hiney diapers from my parents and friends. You'd see his carseat all ready to be clicked into the base when it's time. You'd feel his minky blanket and bumpers snuggling his crib from a dear friend. You'd read a prayer on the wall with our family picture from another dear friend. You'd see my bag all packed and ready to go...his hats are ready, 4 different colors so I can decide after I see him which matches his coloring the best. I'm so blessed to have this little corner for him. It's perfect and I love it more everyday...everyday we get a little bit closer to nestling him into our family. I couldn't be more thankful and I couldn't be more in love with him already.

For the Books

35 weeks 2 days

Thirty Five

Baby shower.
Mom.
Sisters.
Amazing friends.
Nursery coming together.
Logan reacting to big changes coming.
Breathlessness.
Fingers and toes swelling.
Rolling out of bed.
Maternity clothes don't fit anymore.
Serious appetite.
Puffy face.
Daily countdown instead of weekly.
No more publishable belly shots.
It must be almost time to meet our little man!