{the end creates beginnings)

It is getting so close to D-day, I figured I better jot down my thoughts.  In a way it seems like I have been pregnant forever + a day... in another, it seems time has flown by at record speed.  I go to appointments every Monday and last week I was dilated to a 2 but not yet thinning.  I felt that was a good place to be.  That week I contracted incredibly every single night consistently.  The most painful "practice" contractions I've ever experienced with any of my  children so far.  I would get frustrated when I woke in the morning, but figured all that work would be less work in the hospital.  When I arrived at my appointment this week I first had an ultrasound.  Dr. Lewis likes to check things out again at the end of the pregnancy to evaluate size, position, fluid levels, etc.  Unfortunately, O is really squished at this point including a placenta in his face, so pictures were hard to capture.  However, the tech said he believes Owen to be about 7lb. 9oz. with little fluid, but normal levels.  He is in position and ready to go! 

Next, I went to my OB appointment.  I told Dr. Lewis about how my contractions had been and also some other physical changes that had taken place and that I was quite sure I was near labor.  I also told him if I hadn't progressed after all that work I'd cry.  I was joking.  However, magically, when he checked me and told me I was still a 2... I broke out into sobs.  I was so embarrassed, frustrated, tired and... bummed.  All that pain and discomfort for... NOTHING!  Ugh!  I had also been frustrated because people who were due near me had been either started or gone into labor on their own.  I knew this would be hard because I'm always the last one to go when I am due near friends.  Don't know why... it just is so. 

Well, by the next day I was over my pity party.  I really was so tired Monday and I think my exhaustion from all the hard work my body was experiencing and my emotions were high.  The rest of the week, including today, I still feel anxious, nervous, DONE, hopeful, nervous, excited...  and in all actuality, I cant believe the day is truly almost here.  For several reasons my thoughts are all over the place... how will Chloe adjust?  How will my labor be?  Will he be ok?  How big is this little monster, really???  Will my labor be similar to Saydee?... Chloe?... Neither???  What will he look like?  Will I adjust well to three children?  Will I be as crazy/anxious as I was the first few months after Chloe was born?  Will they really be able to give Mike time off this time?  What on earth will my hospital tab be up to after this go round?  How quickly will I lose all this weight?  And on, and on, and on...

All in all, I truly am so grateful that what was once a desire that seemed impossible is happening right before my eyes.  My body has been through so much and it has defeated many odds.  I am grateful that things have been relatively "easy" and that we are near the end.  I can't wait to meet baby Owen and fall deeply madly in love... for the 4th time! 

Love my family so much!
xo

{just a little BUMP in the road}

the question with chloe is always this... is this some real big deal or is it just another bump in the road?  Fortunately, most of the time... it's just another bump in the road...


chloe had a little lump in her throat and we were told to have a follow up appointment at Primary Children's Hospital.  We were pretty nervous about it, but the Dr. thinks it is just basically a cyst.  He even said we can wait until next year to get it removed, if we'd like.  And... with the baby coming, her still being only TWO... we LIKE.  So, although I wish we could simply WILL it away... we will have to face it next year.  Hopefully a year of Mommy wrapping my mind around it and Chloe being a bit older to explain it better will be of great help.

We tried to make the trip a bit of fun so we went to Trolley Square and ate Spaghetti Factory for dinner, went to Pottery Barn (Bad Idea with kiddos), Pottery Barn Kids (GREAT idea for kiddos), stayed at the Marriott near the Hospital and did some swimming, ate breakfast at Village Inn, met Aunties at Ikea and Cowabunga Bay, and of course ate dinner at Chili's and then spent a night in PG. 

{blessed are grandmothers}

Chloe has this thing for her Grandma "Madge."  She is always asking if she can watch her, or play with her.  She loves going over and visiting.  She never forgets where the books or cars are.  She gets each car out and shows them all to Grandma and Grandpa.  Last time we went over, they were having races.  It always amazes my Grandpa how my girls never forget where all the toys are and that they go straight to them the second they walk in the door.  Grandma is so good to Chloe.  She is never too busy to read to her and cuddle her. 

The second Chloe began to develop a personality, I said she reminded me of both her Grandma Marge and her Grandma Dorothy.  Both women are kind, giving, generous, hospitable, personable, enjoy serving and entertaining others, affectionate, loving, sweet, and soft.  Chloe is all of these things as well, and Chloe has an extra special bond with both of these Grandmas, which reaffirms my belief that we develop bonds with people before we are even old enough to choose.  Who doesn't feel more comfortable with people of their own kind?!

{i'm bringing home a baby bumble bee}

I'm bringin' home a baby bumble bee! Won't my mommy be so proud o me!  I'm bringing home a baby bumble bee... OUCH!  He stung me!  I'm squishin' up the baby bumble bee!  Won't my mommy be so proud o me!  I'm squishin' up the baby bumble bee... EWW!  He's all over me!  I'm lickin' of the baby bumble be!  Won't my mommy be so proud o me!  I'm lickin' off the baby bumble bee... Mmmm... tastes like strawberries!

There are lots of ways we sing this cute song, but this is the way Chloe likes it best!

{raking leaves}

Raking Leaves!

{my little insects}