Crazy Chaos

We had a great Christmas..it was wonderful! then it was back to the grind this week for work..and then back to trying to get things done.

Today the Christmas tree is going to have to come down...sad story I love the Christmas tree being up!

However..while I'm in here working on the Christmas tree...sweet Brad is out in the garage working on the baby's furniture! Yay! I bought the stain and paint today. I CAN'T wait for it to all be done because I think the two dressers are going to look AWESOME! There is this blog younghouselove.com and I have found the inspiration off there. I had told Brad we could just paint the dressers white..but then changed my mind and asked if we could do what they did in the nursery instead. He agreed. He's such a great man!

We're working to get into a birthing class next week..nothing like cutting it close.

I told one of the doctors I work with that I am hoping to go without an epidural..due to a completely irrational fear of epidurals...to which he replied "I don't know why anyone would choose to do that but whatever suits you." Thanks.

I am 34 weeks tomorrow.

Whoa.

I started hearts this week! I so far have been in on two...but we only counted the second one. I was SUPER nervous but everything went well and by the time I went home last night my patient was talking and happily stable. I was stinking pumped! No hearts tomorrow on the schedule..so I have at least four more to orient on before I'll be on my own..but it's awesome!

Wish I had some funny stories for you..too much going to through my crazy brain to be funny. Except every day I find new bruises on me because I run into everything with my big belly and wide hips. That is pretty funny.

That's all I have..hope you have a great week!

Merry Christmas!!

Oh my goodness, I almost missed blogging about my FAVORITE part of the year!

The part when we celebrate our Lord and Savior's birth...how very thankful we are for Jesus coming to earth as a baby to save us! It's amazing...so so amazing when you think what we have been saved from because God loved us that much. AWESOME.

Also..it's my favorite part of the year because it means family!

And pretty Christmas lights!

And just overall cheerful days!

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!

This year, I was super sad because this was the very first time in my life that I wasn't in Indiana for Christmas. It's the first time even since being married that we weren't with my family in the morning, or at night. Every year we've been able to spend at least some part of Christmas/Christmas Eve with both our families which has been a huge blessing..so I was worried because I thought I would be all mopey and sad because we missed everyone. Not to mention I was supposed to work..which would have also been super sad.

But it turned out to be an amazing day! Carl and Rosemary came down to spend Christmas with us and it was wonderful! Last night we were able to attend our very first Christmas Eve service at the Stone. It was such a special time of worship! Then Brad and I couldn't sleep all night because we were so excited that I might get canceled today...so when the phone rang at 3:51 am saying I was canceled...that totally started the day right! Then we slept in and skyped with everyone at home while we all opened gifts! It was almost like being in the same place..so we were able to be with both of our parents and enjoy watching everyone open gifts together. THANK GOODNESS FOR SKYPE! It made me so happy!

We had some delicious biscuits and gravy for breakfast..watched a movie..were overall incredibly lazy..and then made a heck of a Christmas dinner! Brad rocked out a FANSTINKINGTASTIC turkey..one of the best ever I must say, and we carb loaded with mashed potatoes AND hashbrown casserole and then added in some glazed carrots to remind me of home. Rosemary made some delicious desserts...so it was just perfect. Then we ladies beat the guys in Euchre..so overall..I'd say it was a successful day! I'm just thankful for the blessing of a such a wonderful Christmas!

So here are some pictures of our day!

Our very first tree with actual presents..which didn't fit so well with our tree in it's little corner.

Skyping with the famPrior to skyping I was on the phone talking with my family...Brad thought it was good time to get a picture of me in the puppy slippers from the white elephant exchange.
Carl and Rosemary waiting to get started
Brad got a Baby Bjorn for Christmas! We decided to practice with a teddy bear!

Our Christmas dinner spread!The amazing turkey chef!



On another note...this was our very last Christmas as a family of two. Whoa. But we're so very excited for the little guy! Next year he'll be at such a fun age we think with such a little personality!

Also..we've reached week 33! Only 7 more weeks until he's out in this world! HOW AMAZING!! Still feeling great...just sleepy because I sure don't sleep much during the night..but for not sleeping at night I sure so feel good during the day. I've been incredibly blessed! We love watching my belly move all over as he shifts and shakes around in there everyday. The last two mornings Brad has reached over and put his hand on my belly just as the little guy made his first morning stretch. It's a pretty awesome way to wake up...all three of us saying good morning. I LOVE IT. I think I'll miss that a little when he's not in there anymore.

So here we are at 33wks and 1 day!


We sure do hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

Passed!

Passed the heart test today! I was so worried and nervous..which I realize is just ridiculous. Oh well though..PASSED!!! I start orienting to open hearts next week! YAY!! More to update later but this is news worthy for now in Allison Land!

Amazing Weekend.

So will have pictures to update so very soon! We're having a big week here!! We're so so so excited!

This weekend we weren't at home because we tag teamed loving on the Mullins' kiddos with the Campises. It was such a great weekend! Those two precious babies are just amazing..and it was like a big slumber party all weekend to hang with some awesome friends and take care of kiddos!

Along with that Brad and Dave whipped out some awesome work on the house this weekend. Our house currently is in a state of chaos...as all three bedrooms have been relocated to different places in the house, and we are sleeping in the living room...but it's totally worth it! Brad and Dave ripped out all the carpet in the bedrooms, got the floors ready for the new carpet, painted the nursery, and went to pick up the nursery furniture I finally picked out. Brad has also knocked out repainting the trim in little man's room, and is working as I type this on the other two rooms. Friday we are having new carpet installed. I just can't wait! The nursery is finally starting to come together! We found two dressers for the nursery at a sweet little vintage store here in Austin. They will need to be deep cleaned and probably repainted..but they're cute and just what I was looking for. A little collection of mismatched items..but I kinda love that! I just am so excited!

I'm also so thankful for how hard Brad worked this weekend! It's finally coming together and I can see an end in sight!

So there are pictures coming...but we have a big BUSY week ahead..so it may be awhile!

For an update: was unable to take the test last week due to scheduling issues...and I had planned on taking it tomorrow but again won't be able to. So we're planning on next week..hopefully Monday! I just can't wait to take it and be done with it!

Hope you're having a great week! Bed time for this girl! Sleep's hard to come by so we have to take it when we can!

Yay!

Christmas tree up!

Christmas decorations up outside!

Possibly a paint color picked out!

A husband requesting that I begin to move things out of the guest rooms so we can get the carpet replaced!

Which means replaced carpet soon!

Which means a painted nursery soon!

Which means a place for baby boy soon!

YAY!!!

Can we say excited! Yea!!!

Also on the books for this week...I REALLY need to take the open heart recovery test this week. If you think about it..please pray that I'll pass. I'm extremely nervous about this..first test I've taken since the NCLEX and it's really intimidating. Once I pass then I can get checked off on recovering open heart surgery patients...which has kinda been my dream since I started at the hospital three years ago. So it would be wonderful if I could get this done! Also...it would be incredibly helpful to be checked off on these prior to Noah coming. It will be difficult to do once I'm down to working one day a week. Nervous but seriously excited.

Oh how I wish I could write about...

SO VERY MANY THINGS! That is what I would like to write. Things such as the following:
The nursery is done!!
We signed up for nursing and birthing classes.
We picked paint.
We replaced the carpet.
We're ready any day he chooses to come along, so we have the next 2 months just to be together and prepare for him.
We went out and used our gift cards to get the final things we need.
The house is ready for Christmas.

However...I can't write about those...because they are kinda lies...

Instead I will write...
We haven't picked out paint or carpet for the nursery.
We haven't put up our Christmas tree or prepared for that to come.
We don't have a dresser for the little guy yet.
We haven't taken any classes...so I'm feeling a little unprepared.
In 1 week..we're two months from the due date. WHAT?!

BUT ALSO!!
We had an amazing Thanksgiving. It was so awesome to be with family and friends.
We hit the 30 week mark today...and I feel great. I'm so very thankful for the way the Lord is blessing this time of pregnancy... 10 more weeks left! I realize those will be a little more trying..but we're all good!
We're going to spend the day tomorrow together decorating for Christmas and picking out paint or carpet. So those will be taken care of.
It's not the end of the world if I can't find a dresser. We will. But either way..the little man is not going to resent us for that.
Even if we don't get the carpet placed for a few more weeks..it will literally take like 2 hours total to get the nursery organized and the new guest room put together. That is COMPLETELY OK.
The precious little man inside of me loves to move around. I love to watch him. It almost makes me cry I love it so much. Even cooler...he totally doesn't kick when I'm trying to sleep. He is one sweet boy!
Brad is the most encouraging husband I could even hope for. This week...I did have a minor emotional breakdown..which I blame on just exhaustion when I couldn't sleep over our vacation time. I cried so hard that I ended up laughing. I haven't done that in forever. Brad sat and hugged me and then joined me in laughing once he realized I was ok. How thankful I am for a husband who loves the Lord, and who loves me, and who knows me better than I even realize. I'm so excited for him to be a dad!

So basically...every time I think I need to worry...I just look at the faithfulness of God. Brad reminded me of that this week...in his calm while I was panicked he - in his oh so peaceful way - reminded me that he was completely at peace with where we are and that our God is faithful and good and He goes before us. I'm so thankful.

And I'm so so so excited to meet this little guy. I think he's awesome. Seriously.

Celebrating Baby Boy!

So over the last weekend of October I was able to fly back to Indiana for two showers with our friends and family. It was amazing. Seriously. Amazing.

One of the best parts was being greeted by these two baby girls! Oh how I love them.

Basically, we have friends and family that we adore...and being able to go home and celebrate the little one together was priceless to me.

Not to mention..while I was home I was able to see so many people! It was the perfect weekend to be home. It rocked. That's all there is to it!

These three stopped in Lafayette on their way to Olivet's homecoming..I haven't seen any of them since Britt and Chad's wedding..two years ago...and now they have a one year old. Crazy.


We had a semi-cousins lunch. We were the only four kiddos but it's always fun!

So Saturday..the lovely ladies of our family hosted a shower. Then Sunday we also had a shower with the ladies from our church, Marilyn, a family friend as long as I've been alive hosted it.

I'm going to do a picture dump because I think that's more fun than words! :) Especially since I love pictures that include anything baby!

The computer is running a little crazy...so we'll put the Sunday shower first..






And then the Saturday pictures...

With the grandma's and great grandma's.
Oh how I love family!


With all my little helpers..all the little ones helped me open the gifts. A little chaotic but so awesome!
Thanks Rose!
Monogrammed goodness for the little man!
With sweet Kelsey.
We're pregnant at the same time...now that's pretty stinking cool. We're so excited for their baby girl on the way!
Em helping me with the perfect cakes! They were so stinking delicious!




HAHA...Anna was not happy with us at the time..so she would rotate like 45 degrees each time we took a picture. I loved it.
So excited for her Tigger costume and Pop's boots!
We took the girls to the mall for Trick or Treat. They were ADORABLE!
One final picture for you Mom! We went out this weekend to buy find baby furniture. Unfortunately no go there...but we did finally find dining chairs! The modern chairs were Brad's idea which I was totally against...but then we found these which I am in love with! They're totally different than our normal style and I think that's pretty cool! Good job
Brad! Now if only I can find that baby furniture!


Thanksgiving is this week!! I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS! Happy Thanksgiving!

A more cheerful post..

So! Update: The company took care of the short term disability thing...and we will be able to qualify! (This is huge because otherwise I would have gone back to work only 4 weeks after baby boy entered the world.) We received the email yesterday and I literally broke down in tears at work. Embarrassing. But true.

Also...I'm thankful for an awesome husband. Today he let me sleep in and then agreed to help me get the house in order so we can leave next week and I won't be overwhelmed! Then we get to go shopping for some long sleeved clothes for me, and for furniture for the nursery! We haven't had a Saturday off together with no plans in over a month. So glad to get to spend the day together!

That's it. I won't be spending any more of this day on the computer because we have so many fun things to do! I love Saturdays in the fall! LOVE IT! Hope you have a great week!

Learning to trust.

So. As the pregnancy has progressed life has been more and more fun...but along with it have come a few stressful moments. I'm learning to trust in the Lord, and in His provision. I have gently been reminded by Him that He is in control of my life...He is my salvation, He will provide, He cares for me. I have to keep reminding myself of these things daily.

Side note: I totally just typed out the entire situation to explain what's happening...but that's not the point here...and basically it's just me stating the craziness for my own benefit. So here's a summary.

Our hospital was purchased. MANY things changed. We didn't know what those changes would be but we found out this week...and well...they're going to take awhile to adjust to. Most of the big changes are going to have financial impact on us...in a larger way than expected. And to be honest...I'm stressed.

HOWEVER. This week has been such an amazing testimony of the God that we serve. After the message at church on Sunday Brad and I had an awesome talk..about what we're struggling with in sin and why.

I'm struggling with not trusting God to provide. It's shameful. HE has ALWAYS provided. It's hard to say provide too...because it's not about money..I know and believe he has blessed us immensely. We make plenty. We have wanted for nothing. It's that I guess I always felt that I was assisting. Which is just laughable because all we have is HIS and because of HIM. But really, when Brad was unemployed..I never worried...and now I think it wasn't maybe so much that was I trusting in the Lord's provision but in my own security in work and ability to help us. I'll tell you...it's a little convicting.

So now..we're having this precious baby boy come February, and because of my job our situation has seriously changed. Now...I say this...but it's not like it's that bad...and I realize that. And any one thing of the many would not be a big deal...it's kinda just that it all happens at once you know? So I have been seriously struggling with what do we do? How can we best be frugal and wise..and yet trusting in the Lord to provide? And basically I have had to give up my control. Our God is SO much bigger than anything that we have going on down here.

So in our missional community we have been doing a study called Gospel Transformation, and this week was a week on living in light of the cross. It spoke about how if we are not viewing our lives through the gospel...then we miss so much about what God has done for us, and about the true condition of our hearts. So basically...if I'm not looking through the lens of the gospel and of all the Lord has done and is doing through Jesus...then I have tunnel vision. I may only see one aspect of the gospel instead of the amazing greatness of it. I may totally miss the condition of my heart. Such as how I am not trusting in the goodness of the Lord.

So anyways. I'm learning. I'm learning that even though much of this is out of my hands...this precious baby boy is coming in February either way. We are going to love and adore him in ways I know we can't even imagine. Our God knew his name before he was even in me. This baby boy that I already love so very much...that love we have for him doesn't even come CLOSE to the love Christ has for us.

GOD sent his ONLY son to die..in the most horrible way imaginable...so that WE could have a relationship and unity with Him. He used the cross which was a symbol of death..to become a symbol of amazing life for us.

How is it even remotely possible that I am worried over insurance, maternity leave, and paid time off when I have a God who has promised He is faithful and he will NEVER leave or forsake us? I mean..it's crazy right? So I'm learning. I write all this out...basically for accountability..because it's so tempting to complain, worry, and fear. Which I'll tell you gets you nowhere. All will be fine. Those small details will work out. I have a job that I absolutely love. We have the ability to get benefits..and we have the ability to allow me to work part time. We have a God who is good...all the time.

YAY!!

The crib's here!! YAY!! It officially arrived about 10 minutes ago. I already opened the box..but that's it! I can't put it together..because there is a serious chance I might mess it up and really I think it's more fun if Brad does it! Something sweet about daddy putting the crib together!

(Also...not much point to putting it together yet..as we don't quite have a nursery ready or waiting yet.)

However...it's here!

The FedEx guy totally dropped it on the porch and tried to leave it. Kid you not..he knocked and I literally RAN to the door because I knew it was the crib...and he was already at the truck. Then he saw me staring pathetically at it and offered to come help me move it in. I'll take the sympathy move..because I would have been seriously disappointed if I had to leave it on the porch and that thing is HEAVY!

Anyways..I'm pumped! Pictures will come..you know..at some point..with all those others I've promised..and when we actually have a nursery to post pictures of. Someday. Before February 11th preferably.

Have a great day!

Product Push!

So..I kinda have a tendency of starting clothes in the washer..and forgetting them for a few days.

Sometimes we have to wash them twice because I do this and then they have that wet smell. It's gross.

Embarrassing.

I'm not kidding.

So, I saw this Tide with Febreeze detergent the other day..and thought "hmm I wonder if that would work?" As in...I wonder if that would help me to prevent the sick smell.

IT TOTALLY DOES.

It really does...it's amazing. One of Brad's shirts had that smell of a wet dishrag and we were both bummed, especially me because there was SUCH a big chance that it was my fault.

So...now that same shirt not only doesn't smell like a dishrag...it smells AMAZING! Totally forgiving of my forgetful brain. WOOO!

Don't judge....stinking laundry is one of those house things that I truly do not like. Probably because with that comes ironing. It always gets done...just not always done well apparently. Now though, we're golden!

Try it! You won't be sorry!

The stomach.

Oh this stomach of mine.

So many funny little things about pregnancy..which I love..but also make me giggle a little bit at the insanity of it.

Such as:

I'm starving right now.
HOWEVER....
I am still so full from lunch that I feel like my stomach and my lungs are connected. And baby boy keeps kicking and he's awfully close up there to the ribs..which basically means they're all just sitting right there on top of each other.
(might I just say I really didn't eat that much at lunch...)
But seriously, how is it even possible that I might be hungry, if I still feel so full?

I decided on some all natural unsweetened applesauce because I thought at least that would be healthy...and maybe not take up too much space.

No go...I'M STILL HUNGRY!

But I'm just going to have to go without..because basically there is no more room. Seriously.

Also...today our friend asked me what I've been craving..anything crazy?

To which I could only answer...I crave ALL food ALL the time. Except meat..which is crazy for me. I ordered a breakfast taco with no meat today..and you might imagine that this bacon lover was incredibly confused by that.

So I'm sitting here writing out thank you notes and just thinking how much easier it would be to breathe if I could just lay out straight. It's funny, good funny too. Like I think I'll look back at this and giggle at how strange it felt. I love it.

That's about all for tonight! I have pictures to post from our sweet showers this past weekend which were amazing. It was so wonderful to see friends and family from home! That will be a post for my day off...but the thank yous take priority over the blog. We had an awesome weekend..or Sunday only together. I worked yesterday but it was a great day. Then today we had such a nice Sunday..which was capped by a lunch with friends and it was so awesome! We hadn't met Blair and Adam's sweet baby girl Bailey yet so that was wonderful! We relaxed together today which is just nice.

Anyways..hope you have a great week!

the bedding and other fun!

So we received the peanut's bedding in the mail last week...and I LOVE IT! So stinking excited to start working on the nursery, only we have a little bit longer before we start that. It's coming..I know it..just not there yet. Anyways, I keep promising pictures so here we are. They aren't nearly as pretty as they will be once they're in the crib but you'll at least get an idea. This week I found three little mirrors that are the perfect orange color..I think maybe we'll hang them over the crib and then when he gets a little bigger he'll like to look at them. Hopefully.



Here is a picture from online to get an idea of the finished product...we will actually have a white crib too so I was glad to see it looked ok with that. I don't think we'll go with the nautical theme..but I just love the cheerful colors.



I need to post pictures of when Mom and Dad were here...I'm a terrible daughter and I'm pretty sure we didn't take one picture together while they were here, but I have pictures of what we accomplished! But they were awesome! We had so much fun with them! Poor Dad wasn't up to shopping with Mom and I every day, and Brad had to work..so instead Dad kindly repainted our back hallway, and the whole front hallway and front room. I love how it looks! I can't post quite yet because we're still slowly putting things back together in there. Brad is working on repainting the trim in the house..he's doing an amazing job. I know it's really tedious work for him and not the most fun job ever...but it means so much to be! Anyways, while they were here we took them out for some good Texas food, introduced them to more of our friends, washed our windows, weeded our yard (even though I really thought I had already done that), and overall just had some nice quality time together. Seriously, I love when our family comes to visit. I'm so excited for when the little man is born and we have both our families here at the same time..it will be crazy and awesome!

This weekend we went to Houston with some friends for the Chiefs/Texans game. I had never been to an NFL game, or to Houston for that matter...it was so cool. I mean the stadium seemed huge..and it was so clean. It was military appreciation day and they had servicemen parachute which fascinated me. I will say it was sad that the Chiefs didn't end up with the win...especially since as a Colts fan I kinda hate the Texans. It was still totally worth the trip! We had a great time!





In other news..this week we received an umbrella stroller in the mail from Brad's sweet aunts and cousins! I LOVE IT! Brad put it all together for me and I wheeled it around the kitchen..you know just to practice. Anyways, it's so cool. Next weekend I get to head back to Lafayette for showers with friends and family. I'm so excited I can't even tell you. I think it makes this all seem so very real. I mean I realize that the growing belly, and the constant sweet movement in there should probably seal the deal for me...but this does it instead! I'll be able to celebrated this little man with our sweet friends and family! Just have to work 4 out of the next 5 days and then I'm off!

One AMAZING AWESOME ONLY GOD COULD DO moment of this week I have to share! We have neighbors who have four sweet little kiddos. Well last week on Thursday I was leaving and there was an ambulance in our cul-de-sac and our neighbor said his 5 year old had been having seizures and they were headed to the hospital. We were so worried! I didn't get to get an update for a couple of days as we were super busy and working. On Saturday we got an update, and the little guy had a severe bacterial meningitis. I went up to see him on Saturday and it was just devastating. Anyways...we prayed hard over the last couple of days, and I know there were many many people lifting him to the Lord in prayer. On Tuesday they were able to take out his breathing tube and off all the IV medications, and when I went to see him yesterday he was out of the PICU and into a normal room. He looks amazing! I just feel like it's such a miracle...I know how sick that precious child was...and now they think they might get to take him home on Monday. It will be a long road to complete recovery for him...but I just know our Lord healed that child. It's amazing!

So on we go! Hope you have a great week! We reached week 24 today! That's just crazy!!! We're just under a month away from the THIRD TRIMESTER! WHAT?! Here's a picture from last night. I'm not gonna lie...it's becoming incredibly apparent that this little guy is truly in there! We're so so so excited to meet him!

My new best friend

Backstory:
Lately I've had a little difficulty sleeping. It's a bit frustrating..especially since I used to be one of those who could fall asleep ANYWHERE! The problem is strange too...it's that my left leg and hip go numb. Not like tingly numb..just like annoyingly feels kinda numb to touch numb. It's weird. Also weird..it mainly happens after I've worked that day. So basically I toss and turn all night and it's tiring, especially when you have to work the next day.

Enter guest bedroom:
So in our guest bedroom we have a bed with a mattress that I've only slept on a handful of times. Brad's parents let us bring it with us when we moved to Texas, and after we ended up getting a queen sized mattress for us this one has been in our guest room. We've never really slept on it because being so soft I always felt like my back was arching because I'm normally a belly sleeper.

Enter pregnancy:
And then I was pregnant. As the belly has grown I've really tried to sleep on my side..because they tell you to do that...and I've struggled with this now with the leg cramps and numbness and all. It's strange. But the other night I decided I'd give the guest room a try..I begged Brad to join me and he did...that wasn't the best idea since it's a full bed and it's pushed up against the wall. Brad has major allergies that night and he had to climb out the end of the bed. Anyways...I tend to wake up every 2 hours or so either to run to the ladies room or just simply because I'm awake. Last night...I couldn't get comfortable for the life of me...I was starting to feel like I might throw my pillow across the room, so I asked Brad if he cared if I slept in the other room that night. He very sweetly did not mind...so I went to the guest room and I slept for 7 hours straight! I only woke up one time and that was after 5 1/2 hours! OH MY WORD! It was like heaven. It's totally made for side sleepers..it's like a cocoon for my body. Sad part was that Brad wasn't there. So...I think I may see about if we can both try it on the nights after I work if my legs are doing the weird thing. Either way..I'm so thankful for Brad's understanding and for a bed that I can finally sleep in! My new best friend. I love it! I may even start taking naps in there! :)

Other good news:
The little guy's bedding came in this week! We love it! I'm so excited! Can't wait to get things started...but currently it's just sitting in his little room waiting on us. The nursery is a little bit further down on the to do list. So for now..just enjoying staring at it.

Here's some bummer news:
We just found out that my doctor who I LOVE is going to be leaving Austin in January. We've been seeing her since we got married and I have been so appreciative of how she has made everything so easy during the pregnancy. She's incredibly relaxed and yet very thorough all at the same time. We're super excited for her...but yet so sad because she'll be leaving in January just before the baby is due. I guess this just goes to show us that we're never in control. So now we have to choose whether we'll be sticking with my awesome doctor until she leaves and then just stay with the doctor who takes over for her come January, (Who happens to be my current doctor's best friend) or if we want to switch doctors now. I really dislike that idea but at the same time we can understand how that might make sense that the new doctor would get to know us a little before baby boy enters the world. There is a doctor at the same practice who goes to the Stone..I feel like if we decided to switch then we might see if he has openings. Might be strange to see a man for that but Brad goes to all my appointments with me anyways...so we'll see.

So that's my story. LONG WINDED! Going to go make some soup for Brad for dinner. I made some the other night for some friends and he liked it and asked if I would make it again...you better believe I'm game for that! Have a great week!

Update

We now have four completely organized closets...one which is empty in preparation for little boy blue...and one very happy Rachael!

10 hours of work = Pure Satisfaction!

To Do:

There is so much to do...seriously..before the arrival of this sweet little man.

#1 on my list...become a mature adult. I have a ways to go on that one.

But really...we do have a ton to get done! Two weeks ago I sat down and wrote up a list of everything that needs to get done between now and then for both Brad and I...but each day I come up with things I need to add to it. We're steadily checking things off the list, thankfully!

I have so much on my mind these days...it's just like it can't be stopped...probably another blog for another day because that could take FOREVER just to type out.

Today though...I have to admit that nesting has kicked in. I have spent the whole day getting our closet all rearranged and organized so that it can be used for storage and all that good stuff. It's a little sad how much I like organizing things. Maybe I let things get a little unorganized so that I can take a whole day just to redo it! Sad to say..it could be a little true!

My plan for the rest of the day is to finish the other three closets. If I can finish all the closets then that's another thing to mark off the list. Woo to the Hoo! I know it may seem I have a fascination with this list..however..the issue is my mind -as previously stated - is going what feels like 100 mph and I feel like I can't focus on the actual really important aspects of preparing for parenting while these little small details need to get worked out. So instead...I'm taking some time to read and pray and prepare while getting all the little stuff worked out. My goal is then to have the last bit of pregnancy to spend just quiet and focused on this new little creation God is blessing us with and all the amazing things that go with him. I'm really hoping that the Lord will just grow us both over these next couple of months as we prepare more and more to raise one of His children. The enormity of that kinda shocks my core.

In other news...I'm thankful for the second trimester and the renewed energy! I finally feel like myself again. I think this is also LARGELY due to having three weeks off, spending time with family, and having a chance to relax with friends. However..being in the second trimester doesn't hurt at all. I feel like a whole new girl! LOVE IT!

And that's it...hope you have a great day! An update of the belly is below taken last Friday when we reached 22 weeks. I feel like the belly has maybe been on hold for a few weeks...most of the most recent poundage has found it's way to my facial area. Oh well! :) Little man kicks and moves and it's pretty cool. I can watch my stomach move which is strange but amazing! Ok seriously..that would be all for today!