Halfway!

I can't believe that I am already halfway through my pregnancy. The first 20 wks have gone by pretty quickly although I have had quite a bit more discomfort this time around. My belly is growing rapidly-Max thinks there is a boy and a girl in momma's tummy. I don't think so...An endless "to do" list is constantly running through my brain. So much to prepare, organize, clean, decorate. I am most definitely "nesting" as they say. Can't wait to hold this miracle.

Me: 20 wks. preggers. I feel baby move all the time. :). low back pain, abdominal pains, heartburn,

itchy skin (weird), fatigue, food "issues", emotional, & grateful to have this experience again!

"Itty Bitty": 10 oz., very active, (so active in fact that I will be having another sono at my next checkup, Darn :) 146 heart rate, abou 5 2/3 to 6 1/2 in. long

Bottoms of 2 feet and toesies.

Summer beckons

Summer is technically, officially not here yet, but the activities are in full swing. Although we have been getting bucket loads of rain, we have still managed to squeeze in some super fun activites.

We took the boys camping a couple nights and hit up the nearest small town pool. Max & I camped 1 night while the big boys camped 2. Max is still new at the whole camping thing so sharing a tent with his two big brothers was just too exciting-not much sleep. And, Stephen & I's blow up mattress had a slow leak so we ended up on the hard ground, yes, ground by 11:00. pm. It was hot and there were lots of noises and the ground was digging into my side. Normally, I am quite the camper. I love it. Love being in nature. But this time, 18 wks pregnant, it just wasn't working out. I woke up, well I should say finally just got up at 5:40 am and informed Stephen-who was already awake with Will preparing to set off for fishing-that I was sorry but that Max and I would be sleeping at home tonight. (We're only a 15 min. drive from this state park). Stephen understood. I was a little disappointed in myself but then remembered that I have a pretty good track record at being the "happy camper." So, me, Itty Bitty (baby), and Max slept soundly and snuggly in our cool, soft beds. :)

"Sittn' on the dock of the bay"

The "Boys" Fishing time

Max & Momma in the rowboat. Max started singing "Row row row your boat" when Stephen started rowing.

Ed & Will

We had our very own private little dock that led right up to our campsite.

At the pool: Max didn't let go of that ball the whole time-unless he was shooting a basket.

Ed & Will-great big bros, fantastic helpers, studs. :)

The pool house is sooo vintage-love it-hope they never change it.

Vintage tin pool sign.

16 wks!

I am 16 wks pregnant! Our baby is due Nov. 14th and we are soo excited to welcome our new little one.

We feel extremely blessed, humbled and still somewhat shocked. Although we had been planning this for quite some time, it took us almost 2 years to conceive. Talk about a lesson in perseverance and patience, faith and character building! After visiting a fertility dr. 8 m0nths ago, I got some answers and we became more hopeful. I learned to trust God in this matter and to realize that this Was going to happen-when He wanted it to!

Max is excited and curious about the "baby in mommy's tummy." He keeps asking what "her" name is. No, we do not know if its a boy or girl & don't think we will find out either!
My sister, Mindy, just had her precious baby girl on our mom's b-day! We got to share a little time being pregnant together and how wonderful it will be to have 4 cousins so close together! Christmas at Gma Lila's & Gpa 'Mutache's will be full, fun and frazzled with a 3 and 2 yr. old, 6 mo. old and a 1 mo. old!

Baby is about 4 1/2 inches and weighs 2 3/4 ounces. Fine lanugo hair covers baby's head fingernails are formed. Legs are longer than arms and both are moving. Baby may suck its thumb.

Me: fatigue, heartburn, upset stomach, sciatic nerve pain, food "issues", clumsiness, forgetfullness, emotional, (pass the tissues please), itchy skin, frequent & annoying urination. Just to name a few.. Best part- I have just begun to feel movement, slight "fluttering"! :)