34 Week Recap: F-U-N

One of the amazing pictures from our
Maternity photo shoot!!

While I like to keep my complaining to a minimum, let me just take a sec to say that this whole being pregnant in the dead of summer is starting to take a toll on me.  Big time.  I'm used to being the happy-go-lucky, the hotter the better, fun in the sun loving perky lil blonde that everyone looks to for a good time.  Not so much right now.  It's hot.  I'm fat.  And miserable.  Period. 

Okay, rant over.  No checkups for me this week.  YAY!  I can't tell you how much I loooove my OBGYN, but the fact that they're all the way downtown is starting to get pretty inconvenient for late afternoon appointments.  While I appreciate not having to come back to the office, I get stuck in awful 5pm traffic and it's almost just as bad as being at my desk.  Almost. 
So Tuesday was one of those days where NOTHING was okay.  I cried all day long at work - I'm just so uncomfortable sitting at a desk.  I don't have room for Cohen right now as it is, so when I'm sitting I'm really crushing him, which I'm sure is just as awful for him as it is for me.  I feel him squirm all day long, probably just trying to find a good spot.  Bad news kiddo - doubtful that you'll find one.  So Tuesday I was so miserable that I came home and immediately after walking in the door, I burst into tears.  I'm not much of a crier, but this was like 'OMG, my dog has died, the world is ending, we're out of Oreos' BAWLING.  I just sat in the recliner and cried.  And after a few seconds of just staring at me and wondering whether it would be helpful or harmful to ask what was wrong, Drew finally came over and just hugged me.  This 3rd trimester thang aint no walk in the park, that's for sure.  But having a sympathetic spouse really does help.  So he got me up, got me one of his favorite t shirts and put me in bed.  I don't think my head hit the pillow before I was asleep.  I guess that's what I needed more than anything - good sleep.  Which I got for almost 2 hours before he woke me up with dinner.  He's a sweet one, let me tell you.  And once I was awake, I was in a totally better mood and felt a million times better than I did before I laid down.  So now I'm taking an afternoon/evening nap almost every day.  Even if for just 20-30 minutes, it really helps and lends a hand to the 7 times a night I get up these days.

So I was beginning to think this whole 'nesting' thing was a hoax.  I hadn't had the slightest inkling of wanting to cook/clean/organize, etc.  In fact, people had started to ask if I was nesting yet and I would reply with 'well, if buying things online that I know I don't need but am totally convincing myself that I do is nesting, then yes, I am nesting'.  Then came Thursday.  I have no idea where it came from, but around 2pm that afternoon I started googling closet organizers.  See, I'm one of those people that really prides myself on my wardrobe, but my closet is always a mess.  I'm always so envious of the celebs that have those super organized, color-coded closets that are more like a study than an actual closet, but I didn't think I had it in me to ever create such a space in my own home.  That was, until the nesting bug bit me.  I couldn't wait to get out of work that afternoon to run to Target and buy hampers, hangers and organizers!!  And after $100, 3 straight hours of not sitting down, and resetting my Pandora radio twice because it kept going into sleep mode, I had perfected my closet.  I give you, my little clothes haven - a place where kate spade, Coach and Burberry are always welcome:

Doesn't it bring a tear to your eye?

Drew was golfing while I was busy with this feat, and was speechless when he came home.  The only downside of completing such a task was the backache that followed.  See, what they don't tell you when you're nesting is that although you have the mindset and the energy of an 8 year old boy on a bike with his friends, you're still 30-some weeks pregnant.  And it really doesn't cross your mind until you're bed ridden with a heating pad and cursing all things in the name of Braxton Hicks.  Anyway, in my opinion it was totally worth it.  Yay for nesting!!

Saturday was Vinny and Courtney's wedding.  I'd really been looking forward to this day because it was the last time I was really going to be able to go out and have a good time before this baby is born.  And I was super excited to get all dolled up again.  I borrowed a cute dress from my friend Stephanie and curled my hair, put on my new jewelry and even strapped on some heels for the first time in months.  Ok, truth be told, I had to have the help of 2 grown women to actually shove my feet into them and strap them on.  Funny?  Yes.  Painful?  Yes.  But I was determined to wear heels and although my feet looked like stuffed sausages, with every stitch holding on for dear life, I got through the wedding with them on.  But the second it was over, I was in the car and ripping them off my feet.  It's blatantly obvious that I am now in the realm of all things flip flops and nothing but.  However, I give myself snaps for the hour or so that I endured the 'beauty is pain' mantra.

All in the name of fashion.

The reception was the most beautiful reception I had ever been to - it was on the 18th hole at Quail Hollow Country Club.  Not too shabby.  From the patio, I stared out and imagined a Burberry-clad Adam Scott teeing off and after sinking a hole in one, looking up and winking at me and flashing that gorgeous smile of his.  But I digress - it was a wedding, not a golf championship we were there for and I eventually found my husband by the bar and the next thing I knew I was stuffing my face with everything that the shrimp and grits bar had to offer. 
We danced and had such a great time, celebrating the new life that Vin and Court are beginning.  For a family that is a second family to all of us, it was such a special day and I was thrilled to be able to be a part of it.  I thought I was going to dance the baby right out of me - I was having SO much fun with everyone!!  And I even had enough stamina for the afterparty at Christie & Benj's house til 2am!  Party animal I am!  But man, did me and my feet pay for it the next day...

Overlooking the 18th hole.

Grammy, Uncle Boo, Momma and Cohen.

Exciteddddddd.

Uncle Vinny, the groom, loving on the youngest member of the wedding attendees.

WEEK 34 CRAVINGS:  I've always been a HUGE milk drinker.  And when I met Drew that became even moreso, because as most yankees do, he drinks milk with his dinner every night.  Now, for awhile I was really against it - I just didn't see how milk went well with pizza.  But it does - and very well in fact!  We go through about 2 gallons just between the 2 of us every single week.  It has to be cold.  Like ice cold.  And it has to be either 1% or skim.  But I love it.  So when everyone else was toasting with champagne at the wedding during the cake cutting, Drew asked what I wanted and considering we were eating cake, I wanted milk.  And lemme say, them rich people drink the good stuff ;)  It was so cold and SO good - and eventhough I would have adored a glass of champs, I loved my glass of moo juice almost just as much.  Maybe more. 

It does a body good.

WEEK 34 "Dose of Daddy":  I don't really have a funny story for this week's DOD.  I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank Andrew for being who he is and for everything he's been to me for the past 9 months.  He's beyond my best friend and my rock...and never has that been more apparent to me than during this pregnancy.  I know I'm a far cry from the woman he fell in love with these days and I'm sure that there are days where he barely recognizes me, both physically and emotionally.  But he hasn't once made me feel like I'm crazy or that he wasn't 100% supportive of what I'm going through.  He's the best and I'm so blessed that God had him picked out just for me.  I can't wait to see how this baby brings us closer together and for Cohen to love him just as much as his father as I do as my husband.  Love you, boo.

My heart.

WEEK 34 "To Remembers":  I won't be confined to the flip flop only option as far as footwear goes for forever.  While I have acquired some really cute pairs this summer, I'm not going to miss them.  Sometimes I stand in my closet and stare at my collection of fun and pretty and sexy heels - especially the leopard print booties I got last fall that are to die for.  But alas, only a few more weeks of flats, flops and slippers and I'll be back to rockin my beloved 4-inchers again.  Bliss.

Dear Baby Cohen - 8mo Letter

OH. MY. GOSH.  1 month.  1 month.  1 month.  That's all I can think of these days - I'm actually writing this on August 2, which is exactly 1 month from your due date and I honestly can't focus on anything else.  It's all so surreal.  To know that less than a year ago Dr Belle told me I'd have trouble conceiving a child, and now I'm only a month away from meeting you.  If you ever in your life doubt the miraculousness of God and how amazing and loving He is, please remember that.  It humbles me every single day and I'm sure every time I look at you for your entire life it will have the same effect. 

Well kiddo, everything's ready for your arrival - FINALLY.  And it's all so incredible.  Your nursery is decorated, your diapers are organized, your clothes have been washed (thanks to Grammy) and all of your play things have been assembled!  All we need now is you to put in them!!  Sometimes I'll wake up in the middle of th night and look to my left side of the bed and see your bassinet and I just can't believe in a handful of weeks you'll be here right by my side! 
Grammy and Aunt Dana, Aunt Mandy and Aunt Shavon threw us the most incredible baby shower a few weeks ago and it was CRAZY how many people came and brought so many nice things for you to enjoy!  We are so blessed and I can't wait to tell you about every person that was there and how much they love you already.  Then, the weekend after that, Uncle Boo, Uncle Tina and Uncle Chris threw daddy a 'diaper shower', where all of his friends came and brought diapers for you!  They brought over 1,000 so we figured you're probably set for about 5 months!  YAY!!  The outpouring of love and support we have from our friends and family is amazing and they're all so excited for you to be here!  They're already arguing over who's going to babysit!

There's not a ton of crazy things going on with you inside the womb anymore - no more stories of how you had a tail or how your drinking your own pee (which you still do, but that's yesterday's news...)  These days you're pretty much just hanging out until the big event!  I went to the doctor this past Monday and you're already weighing in the heavyweight category of over 6lbs - with 4 weeks to go, in which you'll gain about a 1/2 pound/week - so you should be right around 8.5lbs - mostly in fat deposits (my little chunk of love!).  Whew!!  For such a little momma, that's a big baby!!  Just be as nice to me as possible during labor and delivery and take it easy on me - I'm not very big (which I'm sure you know from how cramped you are in there right now).  I don't feel you kick as much, just more twisting and wriggling around as you're running out of room to move around in there.  You're already head down (way to follow the rules!!) which means you're in position for delivery.  You're sleeping through regular periods of REM and deep sleep (just make sure you keep the REALLY good sleep for when you're out and about in the world - momma and daddy need a good sleeper!)  When you're awake, you're experiencing active and quiet times where you continue to explore the environment around you.  I don't know exactly what all you're 'exploring' inside the confines of the womb, but I do know you can tell when it's daytime or nighttime from the amount of light you receive.  Pretty cool!  And in a few weeks you'll be a pro at knowing daytime is the time to be awake and nighttime is for sleeping...*fingers crossed*

This month's 5 things are all about your Big Brother, Greyson (aka, 'Greycat', 'Greyfat', 'FatMan', 'Grey's Afatomy', 'Grabeson', etc...).

Grey and mommy on the couch with his paw on you ;)

Given that Greyson thinks he's the King of the Castle, it's going to be kind of an adjustment for him to have a new Prince in the house - so I figured what better time to go ahead and give you heads up on some of his weirdness.
1.  He isn't one of those cats that is cuddly and friendly towards everyone.  In fact, it's kind of the opposite - he really doesn't like anyone but me and daddy.  But I'm pretty sure he already loves you because every night he cuddles up beside me on the couch and puts his head or his paw right where you're laying in my tummy.  It's like he already knows you - and I love that!
2.  He has an attitude most, if not all the time.  And if he's in a bad mood, you'll know it.  It's best at these moments to just let him be and ignore him.  I know as you get older and more curious, you'll want to grab his tail and squeeze him to death, but I'm gonna have to do a really good job of running intereference to make sure that doesn't happen because something tells me he wouldn't like that too much.
3.  He has a broken tail.  I got him from an animal shelter when I was 21 when he was just a few weeks old - and his tail was already broken.  There's nothing that can be done to fix it and it's not problematic, so we just leave it alone and laugh when it dangles around in a circle. 
4.  He must have a bowl full of food (and strictly only the vet-approved cat kidney-friendly brand that you can only get at a vet and must have a prescription card for), and the water in daddy's sink in the master bathroom must always be running at a slow, even trickle for him to always have fresh water.  Yes, Big Brother is quite the diva.
5.  He sounds like a handful, but he's the best and mommy loves him so much.  He and I have been through alot in the past 8 years and he's one of the few things that have always been there for me.  I know he's not easy to get along with sometimes, but he's irreplaceable and has a special place in my heart.  I'm excited for him to meet his little brother and to see how he reacts to you and vice-versa.  You're going to love eachother!! 

Well, back to the countdown - love you little one!!

Xo,
Mommy

33 Week Recap: Ouch.

Tipping over in 3..2...

Wow.  If the picture to the left is any indication, I'm pregnant.  Like REALLY pregnant.  Almost 9 months pregnant.  And while I'm one of those weirdos who really likes being pregnant, this whole 3rd trimester, down to the nitty gritty thing is starting to get to me.  I'm so thankful for this blessing and I refuse to take for granted the fact that there are many women who aren't able to have children of their own, and women who are sick and bed-ridden for 40 weeks of their pregnancy.  And all in all I've had a very textbook, easy pregnancy.  But the fact of the matter is, I'm small - he's big, and every move I make is really starting to hurt.  Even when I sit still and HE's the one moving, it hurts.  I still love to feel him kick or roll, and it's hilarious to watch, but it takes my breath more often than I'd like to admit.  And while Drew and I lay on the couch every evening and play "what body part is that", I know he's just as ready to meet this little guy as I am - and to have his wife back to her old self.  It's official - I'm fastly approaching the point where I'm ready to hold him on the outside, rather than feel him on the inside.  I don't even focus on the '7 weeks to go!' approach - instead I focus on the '4 weeks til he's full term!' way of thought.  I know this is probably just setting myself up for disappointment when I go to like an unheard of 48 weeks without any indication of labor or baby, but it's the only thing that gets me through most days.  And even when I reach that golden 37th week, I can just think 'any day now'.  I know every single day is better for him to be inside, as his lungs grow and mature, but selfishly I'd like my own lungs back to be able to expand to their full extent - something I don't think they've done for about 3 months now.  Until then, I'll continue on with my daily routine - work, come home, put on one of Drew's really soft tshirts, crawl in bed, sleep for an hour, get up and eat a few bites of dinner, take a bath, then crawl back in bed until I fall asleep for the night.  What a life ;)

I had my 2wk drs appt on Monday - and I'm now in the rotation, where I have to see all of the doctors at the office so we're familiar with eachother in case Dr Belle isn't on call when I go into labor.  However, while it's always nice to meet a friendly face, I'll do anything in my power to have no one other than Dr Belle herself deliver this baby.  End of story.  Anywho, I saw Dr Parker.  He's a nice, younger guy - about 6'4.  My appointment was typical - I still haven't gained any weight in over a month - I actually lost 2 lbs.  He said as long as the baby is measuring well (which he is), I dont have anything to worry about.  So again, less weight that I gain, less weight I have to lose when this is over.  :)  I do find it odd that I'm the only person I know who can go to the gym at 5:30am and work out with her trainer to the edge of death and not lose a single pound - but have me grow a human being and I lose with no effort.  Normal.  But not complaining.  Dr Parker read over my chart and noticed that my blood is rH negative - which meant I had to have an antibodies screening (by none other than Braids McBadNurse) and then proceed to have a Rhogam shot.  I had never even heard of such, but apparently if you are rh negative and there's a chance that the baby is rh positive, the antibodies in your blood can possibly attack and kill your baby if your blood mixes with your baby's blood for any reason. The rhogam shot prevents that.  Sounds terrifying, but it's really common and it just makes me really thankful that there's such advances in modern medicine that can detect and prevent this kind of thing from happening.  (Now, lets get working on that cure for cancer, because I'd REALLY love to see that in my lifetime).  All in all, 33wks, I'm healthy - baby's healthy - and my butt's a little sore. 

Now that my shower is over, the nursery is complete, and the only thing we really HAVE to do is our prenatal classes, which aren't until Aug 11, we sit - and we wait.

7 weeks to go (or 4 if you're counting the way I am...)



WEEK 33 CRAVINGS:  Once again, my cravings of trimesters past has come to haunt me.  And this week it came in the form of Oreos and milk.  However, in really thinking about this 'craving', I wonder if it's really that as much as it's my lifelong love for this treat.  I remember eating Oreos and milk as my bedtime snack when I was teeniny!!  Either way, not much has changed between now and then because 1) I still LOOOOVE it and 2) I'm unable to get them on my own, so someone has to get them for me.  When I was younger, it was momma or daddy - and now that I'm barely able to move off the couch, it's Drew.  So, when I asked him for some the other night and he kept saying 'in a minute' (guess he was too busy seeing what was going on in the Twittersphere), I got impatient and from the couch cushion right next to him, sent him this Tweet (which immediately got his attention, and resulted in 5 Oreos and a glass of milk in front of me in no time):

Ah, technology.

WEEK 33 "Dose of Daddy":  Dana always said one of the smartest things they did during her pregnancy was to have a 'Diaper Shower', where a bunch of guys get together and celebrate with the dad-to-be and bring diapers.  Basically, it's a keg party where the dad-to-be gets to hang out with all of his friends that he hasn't had time to see over the past few months because of his nagging, preggo wife, and all the guys bring diapers (which are either a reasonable size because their wives or girlfriends bought them, or just whatever size they first grabbed because they were afraid to be in the baby isle longer than 30 seconds).   Anyway, Andrew had his on Saturday night.  And let me tell you - not only did we get a TON of diapers (6-8 months worth, I figure), but the guys (all around a median age of 30-35) put frat houses around the country to shame.  I spent the night at Dana's, and what I came home to not only disgusted me, but in a way made me proud and happy that the guys had so much fun.  Everyone is so busy these days with their own lives and their own families, it was nice to know that they could all kick back and just have fun for a night.  Now, I may sing a different tune once I get the noise ordinance fine from the HOA, but til then...

YAY for diapers!!

Frat houses around the country - show some respect.

WEEK 33 "To Remembers":  Some day very soon, I'm gonna miss looking down and seeing this bump.  It's become proof that God is alive and works in the miracle business - and it's more than become my favorite accesory.  I'm gonna miss giggleing when I see it move with my little blessing inside.  I'm gonna miss being weirded out when my stomach is lopsided from him being completely on one side while the other side looks flat and baby-free.  I'm gonna miss it - big time.  So although I'm a tiny bit miserable and know that it's only going to get worse over the next few weeks, I'm trying to take in the little time that I have left with my bump.

32 Week Recap: Baby Shower Time!!

OK.  Let's get something straight.  The next person that refers to me as "Waddles" will be immediately kicked in the crotch, without apology, just so they know how it feels every single time I take a step.  Now that the warning is out of the way, let's proceed with the blog, shall we?

This week was REALLY exhausting.  Perhaps the most exhausting of my pregnancy, other than the week that we moved.  Every spare minute of the first part of the week was spent getting the nursery finished and putting the finishing touches on some parts of the house that I wanted ready before the baby shower.  The rest of the week was spent getting everything ready for the shower. 
Now, I realize that I may be crazy for wanting the shower at my house.  My momma and about 5 friends warned me that I was borderline nuts.  However, we never had a housewarming party and I wanted to show off our new place and the nursery to my friends and family!  So I put Drew to MAJOR work.  He hung curtains, he hung blinds, he assembled a coffee table, a side table and a book shelf for the nursery.  He also hung shelves (failed to anchor the 2 he hung in the dining room, so shelf 1 fell while I was decorating it, resulting in the demise of a dessert plate I got as a wedding gift, and shelf 2 fell in the middle of the night around 3:30am, which resulted in a glass hurricane vase also meeting it's demise, as well as almost putting me in pre-term labor and giving Drew a heart attack to have been woken to the sound of glass shattering).  Good times.  There was a lot of cussing, a lot of irritation and a few tears from me being emotional and stressed, but I can happily report we made it out unscathed, still in love, and our house is as decorated as it's gonna get for the time being AND the nursery is finally COMPLETE!!!  (Pics to come). 

Momma came to town Thursday and we did a little prelim prep work for the shower.  But Friday's when it got crazy.  Mandy came over and we were all running around the house like lunatics.  I don't even think I took a shower or ate anything (dont tell Dr Belle) until about 3pm that afternoon.  The best part about Friday was that my cousin, Karen, came to town!!!  It's always such a great time when we get together.  We're more like sisters than cousins and I'm pretty sure we're cracked from the same mold.  We went to the Wine Shop for dinner, then to Target for some last minute shower shopping, then home.  Now, usually this is about the time we drink wine, which we run out of, so we move to beer, and we're up until all hours of the night talking and laughing and singing and catching up.  But, given my 8mo pregnant state, I was only able to hang until about 1am, which I think is pretty impressive!!  Thankfully, my replacement came in the form of my beloved husband, who had been golfing all afternoon, and was in the perfect state to accept such a challenge as keeping up with Karen.  Which he did - until about 4:30am.  Lord only knows what they talked about, but I can promise you one thing - I doubt he'll be trying to out-party her again any time soon.  Ha.

2 peas in a very chic and fun-filled pod.

Saturday finally approached and it was SHOWER DAY!!  The shower didn't start until 3pm, but the first part of the day flew by!  Mandy and Dana and Shavon (my lovely hostess') came early to help, and thank God they did because without everyone chipping in I doubt we could have gotten it all ready in time.  Then guests started arriving.  And they kept arriving.  There were SO many people there!!  My house was FULL and so was my heart, from all of the love and support for me and my baby boy that everyone gave by coming.  We mingled, ate, opened gifts, and had a great time!  Once again, I'm beyond blessed with the most amazing family and friends anyone could ever ask for and I wouldn't trade any of them for anything in this world.  I can't wait to introduce Cohen to all of these incredible people!!

The most beautiful women I know.

Sunday was a great day as well.  I was worn out from all of the hustle and bustle from the day before, but there was no time to even think about it because we had our maternity photo shoot that afternoon!!  We met up with our photographer, Wendy Gray, downtown and after an hour and 3 separate locations, we had about all we could stand of the 100* heat and the blazing sun.  Here's one of the pictures that momma took on her phone, but as soon as I get the final proofs of all of them, I'll be sure to put them in a blog as well!! 

We did a few Ohio State pics to make daddy happy.

It was an incredibly busy and tiring week, but shower's over, pictures are done, and now all I really have to cross off my list is our prenatal classes in a few weeks.  Until then, I'll be asleep - wake me up on Aug 11 so I'm not late for my class...

WEEK 32 CRAVINGS:  And I digress.  Back to the frozen grapes craving of month 3 or 4.  They're just so dang good - and so freaking cold.  And healthier than a popsicle. 

WEEK 32 "Dose of Daddy":  As I mentioned a few months ago, we were so blessed when Drew began a new job at Mazzella Lifting Technologies.  It was something we'd been praying about for awhile and it was so exciting when he was officall offered the position.  This job got him out of the overworked and underpaid employee plan at his previous company and allows Drew to work from home most of the time.  This is awesome for him, as it provides him sort of a reward for years of getting up at 5am and not coming home until well after dark.  Awesome for him.  However, this also provides me with the task of having to hurl my orca-whale of a tail out of bed and propel myself to the bathroom to get ready and out the door to my 8-hour in an actual office job.  I can't honestly say it would be any less irritating for me to face this daily, daunting situation not being pregnant.  However, I can totally say that being pregnant does seem to make it a little more frustrating, as I head out the door, using every ounce of energy I have before I even back out of the driveway, while my husband (and cat) are snoring and drooling their way through the 8am hour.  I'm proud of him beyond words - and I'm happy that he can take advantage of being able to reap the benefits that come with his new job.  But I have to be honest - it takes every ounce of self control to kiss him goodbye gently on the forehead every morning when I leave, rather than flick him on the forehead like I really want to do.

My view every weekday morning.

WEEK 32 "To Remembers":  The phrase 'all because two people fell in love'.  I mentioned my beloved Papaw a few weeks ago in my Fathers Day post, but I can't really mention him without giving credit to my Mamaw, the person who makes him who he is.  I have never seen 2 people set a better example of what true love is.  They've always shown that love to us grandchildren and it's so obvious, even to perfect strangers that pass them on the street or see them eating together out in public.  This love has become even more apparent lately, as Papaw's health really started fading.  The tender love and care and insurmountable patience she shows him is one of the most inspiring things I've ever witnessed with my own eyes.  Momma was talking the other day about how they have always talked for an hour or so when they go to bed at night.  They talk about their day, about their kids, about us grandkids.  And even now, 62 years later, every night when they go to bed, Mamaw talks to Papaw as if nothing has changed and as if he's able to communicate right back to her.  It's amazing.  And such a demonstration of the love they share.  In today's world, where the divorce rate is 50/50, it's so refreshing to see them still so much in love.  And it's a constant reminder that I'm blessed to have, that real love exists and can really last forever.  It's better than any love story I've ever seen in a movie or read about in a book.  And the best part is that it's so real.  It's such a blessing.  And my momma, my aunts and uncle, me and my cousins, and this beautiful baby I'm carrying wouldn't be possible without these two people, that fell in love...and still are.

Me, Cohen, and Mamaw.

Be still...

This week I've gotten some really sad news regarding a friend that I grew up with and her heartbreaking story of how she lost the precious baby girl that her and her husband were expecting.

I sat and read her blog post with tears streaming down my face and my heart physically aching for her and her situation.  Why anyone should have to go through something so painful, and especially when such unexplainable events happen to someone so sweet and loving, is beyond me.  Daily you read horrific stories or hear about them on the news, where a mother has abandoned a child or someone has been arrested for abuse, or an Amber Alert is sent out signaling a child abduction.  How God would give these types of people a child, and take one away from someone so deserving and able to provide a good home and more love than can be imagined is so confusing.  It's the kind of thing that makes you lay awake at night and just ask 'why'.

These questions hit even closer to home when you carry your own child.  For my heart to break for me friend in the way that it does, stems directly from the experience I'm going through right now.  I cannot even fathom anyone telling me that something was wrong with Cohen.  And knowing that I would eventually lose him would change me forever.  And while I can't imagine what my friend is going through, I lean on my faith, just as she's leaning on hers. 
"BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD".  {Psalm 46:10}  This verse explains what we don't understand.  This verse brings comfort in those moments when all you can do is ask 'why'.  And this verse gives the peace that passes ALL understanding.  For even in the most heartbreaking situations, He knows the 'why'.  And in EVERY situation, He brings blessings.  'Letting go and letting God' is one of the most difficult things in the world to do - we just have to lean on faith that He's leading us and works all things for our good - even when all we see is pain.

I keep my friend and her dear husband on my heart and in my prayers - and know that someday, this will all make perfect sense.  It may not be revealed until God tells them Himself in Heaven - but in the meantime, here on Earth, I pray He gives them the healthy, perfect baby they've been praying for - and takes good care of their angel that lives with Him now.

Xo.

Week 31 Recap: 4th of July!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!

Life is getting pretty nuts lately, so I'm actually writing this on July 18th (my 33rd week)...and from what I hear, it's only going to get worse, so I'm trying to just maintain and keep up as fast as I can.

Anyway, back to 2 weeks ago.  Monday I had yet another doctor's appointment.  I'm really starting to feel like I live there.  My weight hasn't gone up or down - it's stayed the same since I lost a poound 2 weeks ago.  Dr Belle didn't seem at all concerned though - she said as long as the baby is measuring on schedule, she's totally fine with it - and he is.  And honestly, the less I gain the less I'll have to lose when he's out :)  I told her I'm not eating a whole lot because I don't have room for it and because he's big and I get full so fast when I do actually eat.  Guess it'll be this way for the rest of my pregnancy (or at least until he drops some and gives me some room).  Until then, all of my food and nourishment is going to him (which is fine with me - I wonder if I can find someone to donate all of my food to after he's born so this whole weight loss thing is easier).

Wednesday was the 4th - and thankfully our office was closed.  I appreciate any day that I don't have to get ready and rush out the door, drive half an hour and sit here at my desk miserable with my feet propped up on my computer.  We had a great brunch at Brandon and Denise's (seriously, the best homemade french toast I've ever had - and of course it took me back to my first trimester craving, where I ate french toast almost every single day).  We had made plans that night to go to Knights Castle to watch the game and the fireworks, but the heat index was about 115*, so we nixed that plan (THANK GOD) and just decided to spend the day at the pool and go park the truck somewhere and watch the Carowinds fireworks that night.  Perfection.  We had a great day at the pool.  Shavon and Damon and I spent most of it in the kiddie area, and all I could think of is how excited I am for Cohen to splash around next summer!  Then we went to their house for a cookout and about 9pm we all loaded up and headed to some random parking lot near Carowinds where we all watched their fireworks.  All in all, it was a pretty fantastic 4th with great friends...and as little heat as possible :)

Cohen's cutie baseball shoes!  Can't wait for my lil slugger to be here!

I was back to work Thursday and Friday, but cut Friday a little short and we headed to the lake for the weekend.  Jenks was in town for his annual 4th trip, so we all had a great time hanging out with him.  It's such an honor to be sitting there and listen to some of the stories he has to tell about the war and trips overseas.  It really makes you thankful for all of the men and women who fight fearlessly so that we can have our freedom.  It's not something you really stop and think about everyday, but it's so amazing how unselfish he (and people like him) are and it really puts the 4th of July in perspective.  So, fun in the sun, yet another cookout, and church on Sunday.  Great weekend!! 

We had to head back Sunday afternoon because we were helping to throw a shower for our good friends, Vinny and Courtney.  I am beyond excited for the two of them and can't wait to celebrate their big day on the 28th (I just hope I can waddle down the isle and maybe even dance some at the reception!)

So there you go - another weekend in the books.  Down to the single digit weekly countdown now!

WEEK 31 CRAVINGS:  ANYTHING frozen.  Grapes.  Ice.  Slushies.  Smoothies.  I don't care what it is as long as it's freezing cold.  When it's a million degrees outside and even the 'refreshing' pool feels like bath water, you just want something cold.  Frozen.  Period.

WEEK 31 "Dose of Daddy":  Andrew has an 'interesting' or 'unique' fashion sense.  Which is hilarious to everyone that I married someone with such flair for the unordinary.  Every 4th of July he and Brandon go to Walmart or whatever discount cheapo store they can find and scope out the clothing section for the most ridiculous 'I'm Proud to be an American' shirt.  A shirt so insane that even Toby Keith or Larry the Cable Guy would shake their head.  And this year was no exception.  As we cleaned up after the pool and I put on my super cute white and navy maternity sundress that I had been saving just for the 4th, Drew turned the corner wearing this.  I am completely out of words and the picture needs no explanation.  Just take a sec and let it sink in.
**oh and I must give credit where credit is due - he fringed the sleeves by his very own self.  Vera Wang move it on over - there's a new fashion designer in town.

Ladies, you can have your Magic Mike - I have my very own American Andy.

WEEK 31 "To Remembers":  The benefits of being pregnant this time of the year.  While yes, it is insanely hot and at times completely miserable, there are a few reasons why it kinda rocks to be pregnant in the dead of summer:
1.  You get to wear cute dresses.  Rather than packing on layers and coats and everything else that you have to don in order to stay warm in the winter, it's nice to just throw on a one-piece dress and call it a day.
2.  It makes the weeks really fly by!  Summer is always so busy, so it's really nice that there's always something fun to do, which in turn makes the time pass quickly!  I can't imagine being pregnant and stuck indoors all winter long, with it getting dark at 5pm and nothing to do but watch the clock.  Ugh.
3.  For the first time EVER, you don't have to 'suck it in' in a bathing suit.  This probably rocks most of all.  No amount of pilates or yoga or treadmill time is getting rid of the inevitable belly and stretch marks, so throwing on an adorable one piece swimsuit and rockin out with your bad self is pretty much the only option.  And surprisingly, I get compliments every time I'm at the pool.  Now next summer will be a totally different story, but I really have enjoyed just embracing my belly and not having to constantly suck it in.

I'm a summer girl - even when the heat and humidity is damn near killing me.

Week 30 Recap: AsheVegas

Pigtails - hat - sweatpants...at work.
Please don't hate....

10 weeks to go!!  Whew!!  I'm trying so hard to get everything around the house decorated for the shower on July 14, and I feel like I'm in AC Moore or Hobby Lobby or Kirklands every single day, buying something else that I just HAVE to have in order for that to happen.  This week we got a new dining room set and I have Drew running around like a chicken with his head cut off hanging stuff, since a) he freaks out every time I get on a ladder of any kind and b) he's just so dang good at it.  I'm more of an 'eyeballer' when it comes to hanging stuff, but he's all about measuring, leveling and making sure it's perfect.  Reason 342,398,571 to love him.

The end of this week, our family took Tom Mack Auctions on the road and had our first out of town auction in Asheville!!  Brandon, Drew and I got there Thursday evening and went to the best mexican restaurant I think I've ever been to - Papas and Beer.  OMG, coming from a self-proclaimed mexican restaurant connoisseur, I can honestly say this one tops it all.  And I stuffed my face as much as Cohen would let me, considering he's taking up 90% of my stomach region these days.  The mexican food high was awesome, until we got back to our hotel room and discovered that the mountain hotels don't really take into account the fact that yes, while the climate is considerably cooler in certain times of the year, it was 90+ that weekend and our room was hot.  Hot as H-E-double hockey sticks.  I tried to sleep, being uncomfortable as I am already, and finally Drew pulled the mattress onto the floor right in front of the A/C unit.  I finally fell asleep around midnight and sletp ok, but I was such a zombie the next day when we got to the Events center that I worked for a few hours and had to curl up under a table in one of the spare rooms and, wrapped in a table cloth, I slept like a baby on the floor for a good hour and a half.  It's crazy the things your body allows you to do when you're pregnant.  Being able to sleep like a baby on the floor is one of those things - and I think to myself how I probably couldn't have survived that day without that glorious nap.
The auction went well and we had a great time with our auction family.  I got really dizzy and nauseas up on the block during the auction and momma had to come relieve me.  Back to my spot on the floor for another carpet nap.  And before I knew it I knocked out a few more hours of work and we were headed home.  It's so crazy to think that I won't see our auction family again until I'm a mommy!  Our next auction isn't until September, so Cohen will definitely be here and I can't wait to show him off!  Just gotta get him a Tom Mack Auctions embroidered onesie before then ;)

Saturday night we relaxed and rented '21 Jumpstreet' - hilarity AND Channing Tatum??!  Double win.  Then Sunday Drew went golfing so I decided to round up my faves and have some MUCH needed girl time.  And what better way to celebrate being a girl but by going to the theatre to see 'Magic Mike'.  I'll keep my comments to myself, but there are 2 things I'm positive of after seeing the movie: 1) I have no idea how I didn't go into labor during some of the dance scenes (especially the way Dana and I were dancing like we were part of the crowd in the actual movie).  Holy moly.  and 2) I can guarantee that I'll NEVER listen Ginuwine's 'Pony' quite the same again.  If you're a woman and you're wondering why, just do yourself a favor and see the movie.  If you're a guy, just take my word for it.  WORTH IT.  I needed that time with my girls so badly.  And it was so much fun to get away from all-things-pregnancy for 3 hours.


WEEK 30 CRAVINGS:  Ice.  Again.  Blame it on the heat.  Blame it on the anemia.  As Milli Vanilli said, 'blame it on the rain'...I don't care.  I want ice.  Now. 

WEEK 30 "Dose of Daddy":  Part of our beloved auction family, Linda and Wayne Foster, partnered with momma and Tom for the auction in Asheville.  And since it was a weekend-long, out of town affair, they brought along their 8 year old, Jesse.  From what I hear, Jessie was pretty bored on Thurday before Drew and Brandon got there on Friday to play with him.  And let me tell you - play they did!  It was crazy some of the toys this kid had - and how complicated it all seemed when he tried to explain how they all worked.  It didn't take long to realize that we need to step up our game and prepare ourselves for when Cohen is old enough to play with this stuff - because clearly the days of Lincoln Logs and My Buddy are G-O-N-E.  What was so cute though was how Drew and Brandon spent every spare second entertaining Jesse.  I think they both got quickly overwhelmed with the toys of this generation, so most of their entertainment consisted of throwing a ball at inademant objects (or yours truly at times).  It's crazy how patient Drew can be and watching him play with Jesse just made me that much more excited to see him play with Cohen soon.  :)

Jesse and his buddies.

WEEK 30 "To Remembers":  If at all possible, take a nap.  I know in a few weeks the ability to take a nap whenever, wherever I want will be completely a thing of the past, so I plan to enjoy the freedom to snooze away as much as possible.  Even if that means I'm on the floor wrapped up in a table cloth.