38 weeks

So, my sweet girl, we are still hanging in there. I went to the doctor today and we are holding steady at 2cm. But, I got to hear your heart beating and that always brings a smile to my face.

Mommy is trying to stay busy while I wait for you. I'm cleaning and straightening, throwing things away and planning. I'm getting in some "last minute" shopping, trying to think of anything else I may have forgotten. I'm going to your oldest brother's baseball practices and games. His season just started last week and so I know I'll miss much of it when you come. I'm trying to tend to this season.

People are starting to wonder when you'll come. Daddy's cousin and his wife just had a baby boy; our eye doctor went into labor so our upcoming appointment was rescheduled. A friend of mine from high-school is scheduled to deliver her baby girl tomorrow. There are babies all around!

Guess what!? Your Abuela is here now!! She'll be here with us for the next 4 weeks! Everyone is glad because she really helps us a lot. Good moms do great things and I am blessed that she is here with us. Daddy scheduled his paternity leave to coordinate with Abuela's visit. And, how generous your Grand Pa is for sharing Abuela with us for so long. They love you already, sweet girl, and they love me, too.

We are blessed.

Mommy's sleepy; it's time for bed.

35 Weeks

Hey sweetie-peetie!

This past weekend was the celebration of our Savior's death, burial, and resurrection. Oh, how I pray that you will come to know Him for yourself, that you will learn to depend on Him, that you would never be swayed by the things of this world, but that you put your faith wholeheartedly in Him and Him alone. Dear girl, what a blessing it is to know a Savior, to know that He loves you, to know that you are on His mind, to know that He gave His life for you, and that no matter what, you can ask Him for forgiveness and He'll give it to you. . . what a sweet blessing, the ultimate blessing. Jesus loves you, sweetie, and it is Mommy's prayer that you love Him back.

The past few days have me reflecting--35 weeks! Eeek! It seems this pregnancy has been full, from day one, there's always been something going on in our home life: the surprise news that you were coming, the government shut-down (where Daddy works), home improvements, morning sickness, homeschooling, Thanksgiving and Christmas, bunches of doctor's appointments, the passing of family members, your siblings in swimming, soccer, football and baseball, lots of birthdays, an unexpected family trip . . . on and on.

Yours has been an "active" pregnancy, sweet girl and God has shown me His hand through it all. He has shown me that each part is just a part of His plan, His will--even when Mommy doesn't understand. I rest in the Truth of what He's always known from the beginning of time. . .He knew this season of life would be a part of our story and that He'd never let go of my hand. Keeping my hand in His is where true peace and joy are found. So even though the pregnancy has been full, it has been rich from having the Presence of God with us every step of the way.

Some days, I feel like I just found out that you were on your way. Other days, I think that I can't possibly wait any longer to see you. Back and forth in my mind it goes. I love you, precious baby, and because God gave you to us, I am blessed.

33 weeks

There's a lot to do and a lot going on. . .BUSY is the word these days. . .both physically and mentally, there's lots to keep up with. . .

But with each day, I look forward to your arrival, how you will look, how you will smell, how you will feel in my arms, what your cries will sound like, how you will want to be comforted. . .

Already in love with you, sweet girl; just waiting. . .

Your siblings talk to you all the time, literally walking up to my belly and saying things to you throughout the day. Even the 1 year old (Baby J) is fascinated by the size of mommy's belly, laying his head on it and babbling away. . .

They get a kick out of your kicks! LOL (Nope, Mommy never said she was the best at telling jokes.)
*************************************

I actually fell asleep writing this post, me and Daddy both, knocked out on the couch.
Well, good morning baby girl!!

We are gathered 'round the table finishing breakfast, getting ready to do our Bible study. We love you dearly. Talk to you soon.

They shall not labor in vain,

Nor bring forth children for trouble;

For they shall be the descendants of the

blessed of the LORD,

And their offspring with them.

-Isaiah 66:23

29 Weeks

Hey, sweetie pie!

We are busy these days, with soccer, flag football, music lessons, swimming, along with every thing else that goes on around here. Mommy is learning how to balance big kids with little kids and the wide range of interests that go on in between.

Today is your oldest sister's 11th birthday!!!!!!!!!!! And let me tell you something about her that you will soon come to know: she loves her family tenderly and deeply, including you. And, she is probably the sweetest person I've ever known in my life. She gives of herself each day to every one of us. I can't believe that I've been her mama for 11 years. . . amazing grace.

Here are some fun pics:

Baby J held still long enough to take a pic. He's crawling these days.

The men-folk of the house.

You'll learn what fun it is to play in a box, too.

Your sister saying hello to a terrapin.

Your oldest brother testing out his wingspan.

All your siblings on a nature center field trip.

Happy 11th, SJ!!!

I love you, sweet baby girl. I think of you each day and the ways you will bring joy to our lives. . . you already have.