A Letter to My Baby Girl

Tomorrow is your big day!  You will enter this great big world and start to turn hearts, move mountains, and change the world.  I know God has great, big things in store for you.  But aside from those great, big things- you need to know that just your presence has answered my prayers and completed our family.

Since I was a little girl, I saw myself raising a daughter.  Every time I pictured motherhood, there was a little girl sitting next to me.  So as we begin this wild ride together, I want to share some of the things I am looking forward to the most:

Bows, bows, and more bows!  

Girl talk!

Shopping!

Watching girly TV together!

Teaching you how to be confident in your own skin!

Guiding you through sports- perhaps gymnastics, or perhaps not!

Everything pink and ruffly!

A new best friend!

You are coming in to this world more loved than comprehensible.  You have a huge team of people that are ready to have your back (and those 2 big brothers are so ready to love and protect you).  Your mommy and daddy feel so blessed by you already!

Gearing Up for Baby Eden

We have been busy preparing to add a new member to the family, but we've also been trying to soak up some time with the boys before the chaos hits! Last week we went to the oh-so-coveted Chuck E. Cheese!

We have also enjoyed Brooks' soccer games, playing on the playground, and spending time with family!

The boys have been so sweet about Eden.  They each take turns rubbing lotion on my belly, and then they rub it on their own bellies.  We've had some interesting conversations with Brooks about how only women can carry babies.   

I asked Brooks the other day what we are going to do when Eden gets here.  He responded with, "well, if she makes bad choices I'll give her a spanking."  Needless to say, we had an important conversation about his role as the big brother.  

 And my sweet little Ramsey.  I have been really trying to soak up his last days as the baby.  I know he will seem so big when Eden gets here.  He is talking so much and doing EVERYTHING Brooks does.  Recently, he has started singing Happy Birthday to Eden and asking if he can hold her.  I can't wait to see the bond between the 3 of them!

This is Brooks' class picture we just got back.  That little personality is a-shining!

A Love / Hate Relationship

That's how I feel about pregnancy right now!  I have had 3 fairly easy pregnancies (and consider myself blessed).  I totally loved it the first 2 go-rounds.  But, I have hit the point where the "hate" is outweighing the love... and I think it's important to talk about. 

 Everyone talks about how they love pregnancy, so this post is for those who don't.  Oh... and when I get the itch for another baby in 2 years (following the pattern) I can look back on this post and maybe, just maybe, remember what it's like to be 9 months preggo!

Here's the low down...

- I can't roll over, missing any remnants of abs

- I can't stop burping, this starts about week 6... and never stops

- My heart burn feels like there is vomit sitting in my throat and if I lay back it will just come right up

- My skin cannot stretch anymore... or it will split open

- I can't see (forget toes) even my belly button

- I can't catch my breath after a short flight upstairs

- I can't lay on my back, check that... there is no comfortable way to lay down

- The braxton-hicks contractions are endless, and take my breath away too

-I constantly have to pee, but when I get there its a slow trickle

- And the highlight of this pregnancy... you just might get some gorgeous, painful varicose veins!

The list goes on and on. But I would be remiss not to mention the absolutely heart melting moments too.  There is no feeling in the world like feeling your baby move around in your belly.  I try to soak it up so much that I like to keep my hands on my belly so I can feel it from the inside and outside.  Having the ability to carry children is a gift from God and I don't take it lightly.  I feel very fortunate to have this time with Eden... but I'll be happy when she is in my arms too! Tomorrow is the big day!! 

We can't wait to meet you baby girl!!

Sprinkling Our Princess

Baby Eden has an official birthdate :)  Her c-section is scheduled for April 22.  We are so excited and have started the two week countdown.  Unfortunately, the surgery is at 5PM- so mommy will make sure to eat good the night before! 

34 weeks

This is a picture of just her face and her hands tucked up under her chin.  She is looking straight toward us with big, kissable cheeks!

CJ planned and hosted the best sprinkle for little Eden Mae.  It was perfect.  Thank you to everyone that came and spoiled her.  It was so nice to have everyone there that will love and support her!

And the donuts were delicious!

Then CJ and I took all the boys to meet sweet baby Daniel!  (David wouldn't get in the picture, but there were 6 little boys there).

Now I get to start final preparations... cleaning, washing, packing, etc.  And this little girl has hiccups all the time and my braxton hicks contractions are in full swing!

35 weeks

School Pictures

Here are a few of the school picture proofs for this year!  Precious babies...I can't believe they are already 4 and 2 years old.   We should have soccer pictures back soon :)