so this is happening.

I'm popping in to share that at some point tomorrow we will be welcoming our baby BOY! I go in at 7am! Not exactly the way I planned, but I'm embracing this and thinking on the positive side. When I went to the doctor today my amniotic fluid was very low (2.5...anything below a 5 is considered at risk). Fortunately, when I was doing the Non-Stress Test, baby did fine during my contractions-his heart rate didn't drop. After my doctor got a second opinion, he highly advised an induction today or tomorrow, and I opted for tomorrow. I'm 38 weeks (tomorrow) and already 3cm and 50% effaced (sorry for the detail stats, that's for my own record). I'm feeling very confident with my body that birth will take it's natural route once induction begins. I'm trusting in God and know that He has a special plan for Lincoln's arrival.

So tonight we embrace our last day as a family of four.

I quickly just had the hubs snap this picture. I have a hat on because my hair looked ridiculous. But hey, it's my last day of pregnancy {probably forever} so I wanted to capture it. 

You know what I love about right now? I'm not at all a bit worried about being able to love another sweet child. When I was about to give birth to Naomi, I couldn't imagine how I could possibly love another child as much as I loved Audrey. I was also so worried about Audrey not being "my world," and give her the attention I thought she needed. But then Naomi came it was so good and organic. This time around? I'm ecstatic about welcoming another baby to love and I already know the girls are going to do great with a baby brother. 

A baby brother. 

bump watch {23 weeks}.

[Let's pretend a week hasn't passed since I last blogged. Also, let's pretend the last storm we had didn't do any damage to our house (it isn't extensive, but it is damage nonetheless). Or that one of vehicles had to get repaired this week. And another one needs to go in the shop. Let's just focus on baby bump, shall we?]

I have been wanting to post a weekly picture here of the growing bump. Now I'm 23 (almost 24) weeks into it, and I'm just now committing to it. Also, pictures are deceiving most of the time. I feel so much bigger than most of my belly pictures. Wait, I am bigger than what it looks. The appetite is getting out of control. No doubt. I wear black. A lot. I think it is a good "I just ate a second lunch" hider.

(iphone pics, because the dear DSLR is still broken)

I love, love this picture. Not because of me, but because {unintentionally} there is a picture of just my beautiful mama and me and bump in the pic. We will never have a three generation picture, but this, this is good. And makes my heart swell.

There isn't too much news on the baby-front. Except I'm feeling good. And I'm getting to the point where bending over isn't really easy anymore. And flipping sides in bed is starting to require a heck of a lot of momentum. I do feel the mister move all the time. Which is pretty much one of my favorite things, ever. The cravings aren't crazy. Except I just love food in general. A lot. Mexican is probably still top on my list. Queso dip. Yes. Except it better be white, or I may ask the waitress to take it back. (I ordered Queso dip at a restaurant and it came out mainly with beans and red sauce. Huh? Sorry Charlie.) By this time with both girls, I had a nursery planned and even painted. This time around, I don't plan on making a nursery until we move. We are hoping to get our house back on the market sometime in February. But, I do have some fun Pinterest ideas stored away. Think industrial. Orange. Deep grey. Cork board. Maps. Oh, yes!

his name.

It's tempting to have a dozen of kids just so we can name them. Except three is enough for us. For now. For sure. And it has been so fun coming up with a name for each one. Somehow by every twenty-week ultrasound, when the gender is revealed, we always have a name ready, boy or girl. Audrey was going to be a Jackson, and Naomi would have been Nolan. This time around if we were having a girl she would have been Violet. (Someone use that name, I just love it.)

But, since He is in fact, a BOY (eek!), we have come up with (what I think) is the perfect boy name. If we are friends on Facebook (which I hope we are), then you got to see the most adorable video of Audrey revealing her brother's name. [I'm having trouble uploading it onto here, sorry.]

For now on, instead of calling him boy or baby #3 on here, he will be known as...

LINCOLN WAYNE

Don't you just love it? I'm bias, but I think it is a pretty teriffic name. I like how strong it sounds. We picked Lincoln after going through quite a bit of boy names. I wanted something classic and easy to pronounce (I grew up with a name being read wrong 75% of the time, so I didn't want that for my kiddos). Some other picks of mine (not necessarily Andrew's) were Jasper and Porter. His middle name, Wayne, is a family name, the middle name of Andrew, his dad, and his grandpa. We are up for calling him Linc as well for a nickname.

There is little Lincoln, 22.5 weeks along!

I can't believe I'm more than half way done. Sometimes I get quite excited about it and then other times I'm like, whoa, slow down pregnancy I'm not ready for another one yet. This week has been quite hormonal for me with my patiences running thin. I thought I was suppose to be in the energetic/nesting stage right now, but apparently I'm still really tired all the time. I'm hoping something kicks in soon, I have a lot to do before little Lincoln arrives!

boy, oh boy.

So, I'm feeling pretty good that my motherly intuition was correct. But I really shouldn't be bragging, because Audrey told us day one that she was having a brother. She even prayed for one.

Audrey and Naomi will be having a little brother!

I may or may not have purposely wore a blue shirt, thinking that it would in fact, be a boy.

We also got word that the baby is looking very healthy and his heart is working great. It was so fun to get a super in-depth look at our baby BOY. {Gah, I can't stop saying the word boy, I can't believe it.} We did get a caution flag when the doctor found a blood clot on my placenta. They aren't super concerned, but they do want to monitor it to watch it's growth. Which means another ultrasound in four weeks. We are praying that it doesn't grow or even shrinks, which is possible. If it grows it could interfere with baby's growth. At this point baby boy is growing great--he is actually measuring about a week ahead. I'm not going to worry about this, but just give it to God and thank Him for all the positive news we heard today.

Now I have a confession, two nights ago I began researching things I want for a baby boy and started a blog post on a wishlist. Looks like I will be able to share that wishlist soon! I'm going to break the rumor that there aren't very many cute things for boys.

And thank you all for the sweet words on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram today. I keep reading all the thoughtful congrats. It's fun to spread the word with technology.

tomorrow!

I've been trying to fill this day up with fun and stuff so it goes by as quickly as possible. This morning started out with homemade snowman pancakes. Then we ran errands, which usually always includes a trip to Target. Audrey had the idea of a picnic for lunch in our living room and now naptime with leftover Mexican. [Biggest craving this pregnancy for sure.]

And here we are.

I just snapped a quick 19 week shot of my belly. 19 weeks!! This pregnancy is almost half way done! I have to remind myself daily to take it in and actually think about being pregnant, because this is it {as far as our plans go with pregnancy}. I seriously forget throughout the day that I have a human inside of me, it's kind of crazy.

So, tomorrow is the big day. We get to find out the gender of this baby-yay yay yay! More importantly, we are going to get a super close look at this baby's growth and especially the heart; we are traveling a short trip up to Indianapolis for this ultrasound. Since Audrey was born with Pulmonary Stenosis (and had a heart procedure done at 5 days old), each consecutive baby gets checked in the womb to see if that baby is a carrier. Naomi did not have it and most likely this baby will not as well, but we will find out tomorrow with a heart echo. There isn't anything that they can "fix" before birth, but it will help prepare us and the doctors if something needs to be done at birth. I'm really excited to see little baby pop up on that screen! It is almost as exciting as birth but without any pain--score!

I've been asked a lot if I have a mother's intuition of what gender this baby might be. I definitely have my idea, but before I go and share what I think, I must say, boy or girl, we are over-the-top thrilled for another one to join our family. And clearly we don't have a choice in the matter. Ha! But, honestly, I'm thinking it's a boy. Not because "we need a boy next" or "it's about time for a boy" or "Andrew needs a boy for him." [Yes, I hear these things all the time. Can I give some advice? Don't tell a pregnant lady what gender they need to have next. Mmmkay.] I think it's a boy because this pregnancy has been very different than the last two. Audrey and Naomi were quite similar, all I remember is sickness A LOT. This time I have very rarely been sick and I feel like I'm carrying differently. Only tomorrow will tell, though! I may be surprised!

9 months in. 9 months out.

She's nine months today. She woke up with a slight fever and then proceeded to get sick about three hours later. I think it's teething related. Her two top teeth are acomin', one is already popped and her gums are super swollen. She has been a little fussy today, which is very rare for her, so I know something is up. But that also includes a lot of snuggling and falling asleep on me, which I love.

Before she went down for a third nap (and it's only three o'clock), I quickly snapped some pictures. She's such a good sport, I was able to get a smile out of her even though she wasn't feeling well.

{I read a trick somewhere--when taking pictures just pin up a cute blanket, curtain, or sheet that you have laying around for the backdrop. So that's what I did.}

Here she is nine months out.

The night before she was born, I took my last pregnancy shot. Here she is nine months in.



I can't remember what life before her was like. She has always just been apart of our family.

Audrey's little sister. My second sweet born. And definitely a daddy's girl.

hi.

[Warning: this post contains things that you probably won't want to read. But I'm super pregnant and I feel like writing.]

I'm here. All of me and the extra 30 pounds I'm carrying right now. (Yes, I just revealed my awesome weight gain. And honestly, it doesn't bother me one bit.)

Yesterday I went to the doctor for my 39 week check up. And she greeted me with "Wow, I can't believe you are still here." Oh, yeah, thanks. Then she did the check. And I'm going to tell you. [Here is where you stop reading.] 5cm and 90% effaced. I'm already half way there. I then requested to have my membranes swept. [I told you to stop reading.] That's it, I have to be going into labor any second. After the encouraging words that labor is going to happen soon and probably quick, doc left the room. And before I even got dressed, I sent the husband a text to share the good news.

I went home and we waited.

And now, 24 hours later, we are still waiting. I can't sleep, because, surely it is going to happen at any second. I go to the bathroom 54 times a day. I have taken two walks today, one that ended with a nice run at the end. Folks, I ran today. I can't tell you the last time I went for a run. And then, we ate spicy food for lunch.

Taken two minutes ago with my regular, old camera, not my DSLR,

because that camera is packed away ready to go the hospital.

I'm 39 weeks and 3 days. And I'm so ready. I know, I know, I have heard it all. She will come when she is ready. Take in these last days of having just one. Cherish your pregnancy. Trust me, I have done all that. I feel so blessed to be this far. But I'm ready to hold my sweet newborn, mmmmkay.

still going strong.

I honestly didn't think I would make it to this week. I'm 39 weeks today. I only made it to 37 weeks and 5 days with Audrey. But it's just a good reminder that all of this, it's all in His perfect timing. Lately I have been thinking about how crazy it is that doctors can't predict when you will go into labor. I mean, people can have heart transplants and new skin reconstructed and attached, but the actual day that labor begins is still uncertain. But He knows. For me, that is I all really need.

And as much as I'm ready to not have this gigantic (beautiful, yes, I think all pregnant bellies are beautiful) belly, I'm so very thankful that I have made it this far. It just means she is growing healthier and healthier everyday.

Not to mention, it has given me some extra love time with Audrey. This morning Audrey and I got another date in together. I'm soaking in these last days of just me and her. With my friend and her two daughters, we took a trip to an apple orchard and then hit up a pizza and play place. It was a good time, despite the first ten minutes at the pizza place where Audrey fell off her chair and then manages to throw up two minutes later by gagging herself with her fingers. Parenting at it's finest, I tell you.

Now the afternoon is spent resting. Candles lit. My new fall dried flower arrangement on the table, and homemade peanut butter (not by me, but from the orchard) ready to be snacked on.

While we wait. Wait with so much love and anticipation.

{almost} family of four.

On Wednesday I finally got enough motivation to go and get some maternity shots done. It had nothing to do with the fact that Audrey's maternity pictures stare me in the face every time I walk into the living room, and I felt like I had to get them done for Naomi's sake, ahem.

So I grabbed my talented friend, Steph, and we went to get some pictures outside on a bridge. (And even though it was 95 degrees out, we pretended it was really fall weather like it should be and wore jeans.) She took the pictures and I did the editing.

Here are some of my favorites:

I'm really happy we ended up doing it. Soon, that belly will no longer be there and we will be a family of four. I can't wait.

thirty-eight and a day.

I'm so close. I can feel it. Yet, as hard as I try to grasp what is about to happen, I can't seem to get a good grip on it. All I know, is it is going to happen--and (hopefully) probably sooner than later.

(If you don't want to read about my doctor details skip the next paragraph, mmmkay?)

I went to the doctor this morning for my 38 week check up. Everything is looking and sounding great. Last week I checked in at 2cm and now I'm 3.5cm. Do you know how awesome it is to know my body is doing this so naturally? I'm very thankful.

As the day draws closer to Naomi becoming apart of our family, we are talking more and more about it with Audrey. So much that the other day we were at the mall and that annoying store where you can't walk by without your toddler automatically darting over to it because it's like one gigantic magnet for kids at Build-a-Bear Audrey picked up Hello Kitty and said mama, I'm nursing Hello Kitty. Then the lady who worked there proceeded to give me a really weird look. It was sort of awesome, I thought.
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On a random note, Naomi's nursery was featured on Unique Baby Gear Ideas website. It totally made my week and you could totally make my week too, if you go, check it out, and comment. Purty-please. If I get a lot of rad comments I have a chance to win a prize. And even if I don't win, I can promise you that every comment makes me smile.

full term, baby.

Let's recap, shall we?

Here I am when I just found out I was pregnant.

20 weeks later.

And now.

Butta-boom, butta-bang. Full term, baby. Even though my due date isn't for another three weeks, when you get to this point in the pregnancy, it's like, okay, baby, you may come out. Of course, I want what is best for Miss Naomi and have her come out when she is ready. But that's not to say, I may be sayin' a little prayer, that she comes oh, let's say September 16. [Don't burst my bubble, I know that is in two days.] September 16 is my mom's birthday and I just think that would be really, really cool.

So, I'm feeling pretty good right now. The hard part is not expecting her to go early like Audrey did. If I went into labor the same time I did with Audrey it would be in just five days. Hey, I do finally have my hospital bags packed and her room is ready. (I'm hoping to share pictures this week of the nursery.)

 I'm ready. I think.

getting there.

I can now say I'm less than a month away from my due date which may cause for a preggo dance, watch out. Sleeping is pretty much out the door. And if you saw me yesterday, you would have laughed (I surely did at myself), because just going up and down our basement steps four times carrying small loads of books, I had to take a break and was breathing heavily. The good news? I don't have k-ankles. This may not sound like much of a celebration, but at this point in my pregnancy with Audrey I was swollen like a water balloon on the verge of bursting. I had to wear support hose and have a cane. Okay, fine, I didn't have a cane, but I definitely wore those funny hose things to help with circulation. This time around, I can still see my bones in my ankles, and overall feeling pretty good.

Our bags are half-packed for the hospital. Naomi's room is still filled with tools and other random things. I have a dozen of things still left on the "to-do-before-baby-comes" list. But I just keeping thinking to myself, it's okay, the things that need to be done will and the rest won't matter because you are going to have a precious newborn soon.

Then my brain thinks about Audrey and how she is going to react. I think that's what I'm most nervous about. I mean, Audrey LOVES babies. She always has one with her. She talks to them with a sweet voice, pats their backs, shares food, asks them if they are okay when they fall, and sings songs to them. And lately she has been into wearing her babies and nursing. [Two things I have been talking to her a lot about with Naomi coming.] Which is pretty much the cutest thing ever.

Okay, yup, she is going to be an awesome big sister. The only thing I might be slightly worried about is the fact that she likes all of her babies naked. Sorry, Audrey, but your little sister is going to have to wear clothes.

[Little sister will be here before we know it. Tuesday, I'm considered full-term. Whoa.]

waddle waddle.

The hormones are raging. I'm 35 weeks along (or I like to look at it as 35.5 weeks because every.single.day counts) and one minute I may be happy as a clam and the next, well, I might need a tissue. [Hey, at least I admit to it, right?] I'm not sleeping well, even though I try to get a lot of sleep, it just doesn't work when I have an escape artist in my belly trying to get out in the middle of the night, and I have to pee, and I have a rash that itches like crazy. Folks, I am one of the lucky few (.8 percent of pregnant women get it) that developed PUPPS during this last week. It is basically a really irritating rash that only pregnant women get, it is on my belly and makes my arms and legs itch too. BAD. The good news is it doesn't harm the baby or me. Just makes me go crazy. That's all.

Today I am having one of those days. I have been short on patience with Audrey and if I see one more ant in our kitchen I am going to scream and catch it on fire. Or not, but so very tempted to. The pile of papers laying next to our desk is about to go into the trash, no matter how important they are. The laundry in the dryer may just sit there for a couple of more days as I pretend it is already folded and put away.

And right when I am about to lose it, a beautiful breeze comes in thru my windows and it sends the aroma of my fall candle right to me. And I feel better. Then I look at my kitchen and ignore the ants and think about how blessed I am to have lots of counterspace and food to eat (both of which the ants love). I look over to the pile of papers that need sorted and think about how thankful I am to have money to pay my bills. And then I think about the laundry in the dryer and think how fast Audrey is growing and how Naomi will one day wear her clothes. And when my patience runs dry with Audrey she will say or do the cutest thing and I just melt for her love.
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Now I just need to take down my hallway mirror so I can stop watching myself waddle. And then I will feel much better.

[Aren't pregnancy hormones, great?]

35 down.

We went to the park. The grocery store. Wendy's for lunch. I made zuchinni bread (with chocolate chips, no doubt). Painted a lot of trim and a door. Bought a bouquet of sunflowers. Ordered this print to hang above our bed.

Jumped on the bed.

And completed 35 weeks of pregnancy today. What, what.

All in a day's work, people.

six.

She is going to be here before I know it. Six weeks left. Or three until I'm considered full-term. Or four if I go into labor the same time I did with Audrey (which I'm not expecting this, but just sayin'). Last night I actually preregistered for the hospital. And then I started thinking about what I'm going to bring. And I remembered the "big sister" gift I have been saving in my closest for Audrey.

A couple of months ago I won an AMAZING Corolle doll and carriage from Jessica over at Momma's Gone City. [Such an awesome gal I met through blogging, and has quite the stories to read about moving to the Big Apple and raising two kids there while her husband goes through dental school. You should stop over and say 'hi' to her.] I was ecstatic when my name was randomly chosen, because, duh, Audrey loves, loves, loves babies. The baby doll and carriage came in the mail and I immediately wanted to hand it right over to Audrey. BUT, being the thrifty lady I am and having a doll and carriage in my hands that retails for over $150, I decided to make it a special occasion to give to Audrey. And what better time then when she becomes a big sister.

Big sister and little sister are going to have so much fun playing dolls together one day. I can't wait.

yesterday was a {very} good day.

Mama, Aomi's art beat! [Translation: Mama, Naomi's heart beat! Which equals one of the cutest things I have ever heard.]

I looked up and saw on the screen her eyes. Hands. Feet. Belly. Tush. Mouth. Which I'm pretty sure she smiled at me. (We saw it in 4D. I saw chubby cheeks and a squished nose against my belly. It was crazy weird.) While all at the same time my husband held Audrey in his lap, while she repeatedly told me she was eating a sucker, mama. It was so real. My little family was right there.

And the nurse just kept saying "she looks fantastic. what a beautiful baby." Those words were exactly what I needed to hear. I also learned that:
a) she is measuring in about 5lbs (and I still have 7 weeks till my due date)
b) supposedly she has a lot of hair according to the nurse (I'll believe it when I see it)
c) she is one very active baby (duh, my belly is a jungle gym for her apparently, especially in the middle of the night, when you know, I would like to sleep since it will all be gone soon)

Then after the ultrasound the doctor came in and caught me scarfing down a salad, Cheetohs, and banana pudding like I hadn't eaten in days did a heart echo. And before I knew it, it was over and we heard the best news. It appears Naomi's heart is terrific. No signs of Pulmonary Stenosis (what Audrey was diagnosed with at birth).

And just like that, we left.

On the way home we shared the good news. [I clearly remember when we were driving home from Riley Hospital bawling our eyes out sharing the difficult news that Audrey was going to have a heart procedure done. I'm so, so thankful we were able to share happy news and have a cheerful ride home.]

And to make the night even better we had a "date night" and I bought Naomi her "hospital to home" outfit off of Etsy from the store Zaa Berry.

I'm getting so excited about having a newborn around. Eek!
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[Not to damper the happy mood from yesterday, but this morning my husband called and told me his office, (his business and his brother's business that they both just started in the last year or so) had been robbed. Really important things were taken. It was devastating to hear my husband's voice. His hard work was stolen right from him. Now we will be spending the next couple of weeks sorting things out and trying to get back on track. So, little prayers would be appreciated for this too. Thanks, friends. You're the best.]

my brain is scattered and so is this post.

I'm at the point in pregnancy where you actually start counting down. When you tell people how many weeks you have left. 8. That's it. It may sound like a lot. But in my head, it isn't. And last night I totally had one of those "you are very pregnant and emotional" moments. My sweet husband took the blame and apologized [For what? I don't even remember. That's pregnancy for you.] and I managed. I even did some sewing therapy.

I made Naomi her own diaper clutch and two burp cloths.

Yesterday I had my regular every two-week doctor check-up. Things are looking well. I don't want to take for granted these appointments that come so easy. Great blood pressure and no problems. I am very thankful for that. And just to make sure all is well with little Naomi's heart, next Tuesday we are going up to St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis to get a fetal heart echo. This will tell us if Naomi has the same heart issue that Audrey had when she was borned (it's genetic). Audrey was born with Severe Pulmonary Stenosis. But after her heart surgery at 5 days old, she now only has Mild Pulmonary Stenosis and everything has checked out great since. [Sometimes that first week of Audrey's life still seems so unreal to me.] So if you think about it next Tuesday, little prayers would be much appreciated for our little Naomi.

For good measure. Here is my 32 week belly.

Today I got the official "mom seal." We bought a mini-van. [I told myself years ago I would never, ever drive a mini-van or wear a jean jumper as a teacher. Excuse me, while I swallow my pride on that first one. And I am determined to hold true to that second one. No jean jumper for me, no sir-re.] I can't believe we actually chose a mini-van to buy. But we did it, and I am so glad. It really is practical and makes sense for us, since we want more than two kids. My favorite part? The automatic power doors. Oh, and that we don't have a car payment (we bought an older one).

To keep the scattered post going, let me share with you the shirts I bought off of Etsy today from the shop Funzee with Onsies.

Except not that exact one. Because I don't have a daughter named Olivia. [Although I think that name is super adorable.] Instead I bought two shirts with that stinkin' cute mermaid on it. One shirt will say "Big Sister Audrey" and a teeny onsie that will say "Little Sister Naomi." So, so excited to received these in the mail. And you should check out her shop, there are tons of adorable shirts there that you can get customized. A lot of vintage looking ones! (I'm not getting anything for mentioning her shop, I just think it is really cool and wanted to share.)

So did you get everything in from this post? Let's review: 32 weeks pregnant, Naomi's heart echo on Tuesday, diaper cluth and burp cloths, bought a mini-van, and purchased some super cute shirts on Etsy. And somehow my brain still feels full and cramped with things that I can't organize.

Oh well.

31.

I'm pretty sure I skipped week 30, because I'm not sure how I am already to week 31. But it is here. And obvious.

See.

(So I noticed in this picture that my wedding ring is on my right hand. I just finished making chocolate chip banana muffins and must have put it back on wrong. This is just proof of how much I have lost my mind lately. No, seriously. EDITED TO ADD: Ready for this one? 8 hours later my husband points out that the ring IS on my left hand because it is a mirror shot. MY MIND IS GONE. Help.  )

I'm feeling good. A little uncomfortable at night, but still doable. Naomi is a wild woman. Sometimes I feel like she is trying to reach out and grab me. Doc says I'm still measuring big. Which she thinks this babe might just be bigger. We'll see.

On another note, did you know it's World Breastfeeding Week? I think it totally rocks that there is a week dedicated to this. And to celebrate I bought myself a new Bravado Nursing Bra and Glamourmom Nursing Tank. (P.S. They are 25% off right now, use coupon code breastfeeding-week at checkout.) I'm getting really excited to have another little one to nurse, comfort, and nourish. I nursed Audrey for about 13-14 months. Every one's timeline is different with nursing, but that is what worked and felt right for me and Audrey. I can't believe in 9 weeks or less, Naomi will be attached to me in the most beautiful way.

full.

I could have spent all weekend just sitting around and lounging with my best girlfriends and I would have been just as happy. We definitely did a lot of relaxing and lounging around in p.j.s, but we all had a lot of fun exploring Chicago.

My cup is full. I'm refreshed.

We ate at some delicious places and now I can't get that chocolate truffle cake out of my head. [Excuse me, why I clean off my drool right now thinking about it.]

Being that I love antiques and shopping, I thoroughly enjoyed going to the Randolph Market Festival. Surprisingly, I didn't buy one thing. But I did find a lot inspiration. And sometimes that is all you need.

We also went to the Imax Theater on the Navy Pier and saw the movie Inception. My brain is still hurting from trying to understand it, but it was really good. Not to mention, it was my first real experience at an Imax (besides seeing a 15 minute ocean movie with a 150 campers). And not to mention, it was my first movie in a very. long. time.

Then we hit up dinner at Smoque. Delish pulled pork sandwiches, but what was even better were the pictures we snapped using the black glossy wall outside.

My beautiful friends. Sarah, me, Stephanie, and Susan. (Sarah and Susan are twins- how adorable are they?)

Then after dinner, these pictures were taken without flash, just using the street light.

Almost 30 weeks along with Naomi Fae.

To close up our weekend of girl fun we hit up the Bean and the beach.

I even made it home in time to tuck my sweet baby girl into bed. And to sit on my new porch swing my husband hung while I was gone.

A full life.

and i'm off.

I'm leaving for Chicago (yes, I was just there last week) this morning. But this time it is just me to spend a weekend with three of my closest girlfriends.

Oh, and Naomi too, of course.

29 weeks along (as of last Tuesday).

It would only be fair for me to bring Naomi, since Audrey traveled with me two years ago.

25 weeks along with Audrey in July 2008. Taken in the Sears Willis Tower. Hopefully we can have a repeat shot with Naomi.

A weekend like this is far and few in between. It is cherished. Anticipated. Remembered. And bittersweet. I weekend without my husband and my sweet baby girl. But this trip is needed. It will be refreshing. And good.

Audrey will be spending the entire day with her Aunt Hanni (Hannah) today. Whom she totally adores. I have her lunch packed and ready to go in what used to be my Mickey and Minnie lunchbox when I was little. Audrey used my old lunch box for the first time the other day and it was pretty much the cutest thing ever. She didn't want to put it down.

If you look really close, you can see where I wrote "Ab" on it. Why I never finished writing my name? It will remain a mystery.

So, now I'm off. It's a daddy-daughter weekend and a girls weekend for me.