Bellies and Babies

Ok, here we are 3 days to go until baby girl gets here! I am getting a little nervous. Not really about the delivery but about the whole family thing. It seems crazy to throw another kid into the mix. I guess there never is a perfect time for that and everything will iron out eventually, but it just seems insane to think that things will ever be smooth again.



So last Saturday, I got brave and let my photographer friend take some belly shots of me. She just bought some new studio equipment and needed to practice so I became the guinea pig. I only like this one, mostly because you can't see anything but the baby - no face, arms, etc.



We'll keep you posted!

What's for Lunch?

This is Cade's favorite meal and it's just so darn cute when he asks for it that I have a hard time saying no.

Sorry I don't know how to rotate the picture. Turn your heads to the left and press play. Just consider it a neck workout.

Hospital "Tour"

Ok, so last night was our hospital tour of where the baby will be born. However, I would not consider 1/2 of what we talked about "tour" worthy. I felt like I was in a room full of new mommies that needed to know everything about what to pack and when to get to the hospital, etc. Now, I believe those things are important FOR 1ST TIMERS. They actually have a class for them specifically. They also have a refresher course for those that will have to deliver naturally. As for me and my scheduled C-section . . . I just wanted to see the entrance (as everything is under construction) and the rooms. Of course you have to ask special questions if you are C-section patient b/c they think everyone gives birth the other way.

I'm already frustrated that the new maternity wing of the oldest hospital on the planet won't be open as expected. Also, the Sonic we were supposed to get . . . . haven't seen any piece of it or hint of ground breaking. I know the last month of pregnancy is all about hormones and frustration but seriously. . . . I am just plain mad that all these things i thought would be will in fact NOT be and I'm stuck - fat and miserable - to deal with unmet expectations.

Just to add insult to injury . . . we were informed that the nurses don't like to keep the babies in the nursery at night so they stay in the rooms with mom. It was also suggested that if you want to take a shower or pee and no one is there with you, you should roll the baby into the bathroom with you. WHAT??! Isn't that what nurses are there for??? All i have to say is they better clear the private rooms for this big-mouth Texan. Can you imagine sharing a room (Dad's can't stay overnight in semi-private rooms) with someone else and her screaming baby too?????

This may truly be the experience of a lifetime. I'll keep you posted.

. . .And a Happy New Year!

I usually post pics of the kids and blog about our family but today I thought I'd copy a snippet from my journal this morning. Here you go . . . .

"I love New Year's. It always feels like a new beginning, a fresh start for everyone. On TV, all you see is weight loss commercials and a few other resolution-type ads. Everyone wants to change something.

"I have no real resolutions this year except to work to keep clutter under control. I do have a few hopes for myself but I'm not ready to call them resolutions: I want to have a more steady walk with Jesus. I feel like we have an on-again/off-again relationship and I know having a 3rd baby this year is really going to pressure all efforts to maintain time alone with Him. However, I'm mature enough to know that things will even out in the end and I'll eventually be normal. one thing I've learned from Kim is that worshipping God IS changing diapers too. Cleaning hinees and stained clothes is service to "the least of these" in His eyes."

On this issue of motherhood, I want to refer to a book I was given when we left Flower Mound. the introduction to The Busy Mom's Guide to Prayer by Lisa Whelchel is so affirming. She reminds me that being a mom is not just a desire of my heart but if I let it, it can be glorifying to the Lord as well.

Enjoy your New Year and good luck on your resolutions!!!

Merry Christmas!

Ok. So I know Christmas is over, but it's really too late to say Happy Thanksgiving and I never got those pics on either. Christmas Day here was very different for us this year since we did not celebrate with any extended family. The kids were thrilled to see all the things Santa left them and enjoyed opening presents. Here they are opening everything after breakfast. Jayci was very gracious, wanting to know who each gift was from before she opened it. If the gift was from Matt and me she would fun and give us each a hug an kiss and say thank you before she ever opened the present. It was a great parenting moment. Cade took forever to open his presents. He is still at the age of amazement where each gift is so meaningful. He would say "pull, pull," which means, "Get it out Mommy. so I can play with it." Jayci was getting frustrated with him to get the job done but he loved everything so much, I hated to rush him.

I'm just chillin' in my new chair, thank you.

Peek-a-boo from my new Rose Petal Cottage that Santa brought me.

Gavin and Nicole came over for lunch and it was really good. I've never cooked a turkey before and I was impressed, if I do say so myself. All in all it was a blessed day and I found myself very grateful! Merry Christmas too all!!!!