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. 

pregnancy and house update.

I'm going to be quick here because the girls are napping and I have doctors orders to rest, so I am going to do just that. Tomorrow I will be 37 weeks, which is technically full-term. I'm excited to hit this point, since we have had a couple of hiccups along the way with a blood clot on my uterus and now my amniotic fluid being low. I have had at least two doctor appointments a week for the last couple of weeks, with weekly stress test monitoring on baby and checking of my fluids. This morning my fluid dropped yet again (not by a lot, but still much lower than what we want to see) and while I was being monitored I had a long contraction that caused the baby's heart rate to drop. The word c-section was tossed out there, and honestly, it scared me. If I continue to have contractions that cause the baby's heart rate to drop like that, a natural delivery may not be an option. Which is really hard for me to swallow--I had plans to {hopefully} have a similar experience as I did with Naomi- fast and natural. I go back in on Monday for more monitoring, I'm very much praying that my fluid will have gone up and baby's heart rate doesn't drop. Until then, I rest.

Well, sort of. The most rest I can do with two other kiddos. [Thankfully I have great friends and family who are so willing to help out. And a husband who stops in, in the middle of the day to check in on me.]

In other news, we are still waiting to hear if got the house that we put an offer in almost three months ago. The one house we want just happens to be a short sale, which is a terrible name for it, because it actually takes forever long. But I'm hoping our offer will eventually get accepted and we will look back on this and see it as a time to wait upon the Lord. We are in an intense waiting period. I'm anxious to get word on the house, but I'm not exactly ready for Lincoln to come yet. Thankfully, I can trust in my Maker's plan, He knows what I can and cannot handle. [Apparently, He thinks I can handle more than I do. I'm just going to trust Him.]

So, here I go, shifting my attitude, leaving the dishes in the sink, and propping my feet up. I'm especially looking forward to my baby shower this weekend. I have such amazing friends, that throw me a shower even with my third baby!

my season {of life} right now.

I was almost going to let March go on by without even saying hello on here. I was going to flip the calendar page and move on. Not because it has been a bad March. It's just been a tiring one. Between getting a new roof, getting a tree cut down, a septic pumped, carpets cleaned, car repairs, packing, moving, and of course, enjoy our unusually warm spring with trips to the beach, a waterfall, multiple parks, and the zoo, I sit down at night and have enough energy to just be. Oh, and there's my part-time job too aside from full-time growing a baby and parenting. [You guys, baby Lincoln will be here in no time. Eek!]

Creek exploring. 

 Getting ready to take a walk to our local Science Museum. 

 Outdoor painting. 

Trip to the zoo about two weeks ago (and me 31 weeks along). 

 One of my very favorite pictures of the girls. 

The hugging and kissing that takes place daily tugs at my heart strings.

 Waterfall exploring.

 Yeah, that happens. Hand holding at it's finest.

When everything is packed away for moving, you get out tubs for water play. 

And then you are the coolest mom ever. Just keeping it real. 

 Porch playing.

Beach going. It got up to 85 degrees last week. I still can't believe we were in swimsuits. I mean, they were in swimsuits. You won't find me in one. Ha!

Trip to the zoo today! 

It's a good tired, no doubt. But this is my season of life. I don't think the tiredness is going to change anytime soon. [Hello, newborn comes in t-6 weeks.]

I mentioned we moved, right? We officially sold our (second) home on Monday. It feels really good. Two years ago we bought this 1930's bungalow with plans to live in it and "flip-it" in two years--and we did just that! We packed almost everything away in storage and are now crashing at my dad's, in hopes that we will get the house we put an offer in (we should hear something sometime around the beginning of April). I'm thankful he has the space, but we are still really limited. And still adjusting. Poor sweet Audrey is having a difficult time with the change. Both physically and emotionally she has not been acting her normal self. I'm trying my best to be extra patient with her and show her grace.

I do hope to start blogging again. It's quite therapeutic for me. And as busy and tired as I am in this season of life, I want to remember the little moments.







**Thank you to those who mention you love reading this little space. It is encouraging!**

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!

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!

catch up.

This past weekend my baby turned 13 months. And suddenly she has all this 'tude and talk to me like I'm big, because I am. It doesn't matter if it's the first or fifth, every single baby amazes me and how fast they learn and pick up on language. Also? This past month Naomi became a full time walker. I love watching her toddle around. But my all-time favorite thing that she does right now is THE LOOK. I have posted this specific look on Facebook and Instagram. But I seriously can't get enough of it. She started about a week or two ago doing this grumpy look when she was mad---someone took a toy away from her, she fell down, you didn't give her a treat, you know, the usual. Now she does the look on demand and knows it's funny. She tries to do it as long as possible and then busts out a smile.

I will be 14 weeks on Saturday, which means I'm in my second trimester now-what, what. This third baby business is completely different then the first, even the second. I haven't even thought about a nursery or any preparation, I'm not even sure what fruit or vegetable size the baby is this week. But I can tell you, I'm excited about a newborn again and loving on this little one. I'm anxious to find out what we are having, it won't be too much longer. [Yeah, I'm not one to let it be a suprise, isn't birth a suprise enough? Ha.] I also haven't taken hardly any belly shots, maybe one? So, I quickly just got the camera out to snap this one. I do want to start a weekly what I wore: baby bump post. Because every now and then I like to get out a little dolled up. And by dolled up, I mean out of my pjs.

Those who have asked how I'm feeling-thank you! This pregnancy has, by far, been the easiest as far as sickness goes. Generally, I feel pretty good. Tired, but good. I get sick about once a week, but it is usually triggered by something I did, like waiting too long to eat between meals. I have learned that in the morning I must eat the second I get up. I can't even pick Naomi up out of her crib until I have eaten. And apparently this baby only likes waffles in the morning. I have tried cereal, oatmeal, and eggs, but it doesn't sit well with me. Waffles, just right. Every single day. In the first two pregnancies I always lost weight in the first trimester because I was so sick, this time I gained a pound. Ha!  I can still cover my bump up just fine (although regular jeans are out of the question), but I can notice a difference each day now. And I have to pee a lot. What the heck, this didn't happen in the other pregnancies till the last trimester. One of my favorite things about this pregnancy is how much Audrey talks about the baby. Mainly in terms of it being a boy. That is my brother. Even when we tell her it could be otherwise. She can't wait to hold the new baby because, sister is just too big to hold now.

Days can be really long with two little ones and another on the way. Sometimes I want to crawl into the tub and hide, but they are too quick, they would find me. But really, this life is so right and good. I may not be sky diving every day, but I sure am living on the edge with this parenting gig I have.

oh, hi.

I have a tendency to do this, take a hiatus from blogging when I get a pregnant. [That sentence makes it sound like a get a pregnant a lot. Ha.] The past two times have been because I was constantly throwing up and anything that didn't involve that, was not a priority. This time around, I'm actually still feeling pretty good, but life has just been super busy. And the sheer exhaustion? Totally kicked in this week. Naptime means rest time for me and I go to bed about 9:30 every night, the times I would normally be blogging. I also got sick Monday night, but that is nothing in comparison to how bad I know it can get. I'm still so thankful for the way I'm feeling. As long as I am constantly eating, I feel okay. I still regret not getting up at 4:30am to eat a bowl of cereal last night. For an hour and a half I sat in bed thinking about it. Just saying.

I made homemade pumpkin pie and pot roast yesterday. That smell was filling my home with the most amazing aroma all day long. I'm pretty sure that's what sold our house. What? Did I say, sold? Why, yes I did. Okay, it's not sold yet. But we did get an offer last night. Praying that everything goes smoothly with it. Also? The house that we have been eyeing since July--the one with 5 acres, yeah, it got an offer last week. God has a plan for us. And I'm confident in that, and surprisingly not feeling too stressed about it (being the planner I am...of course, I threw my planning skills out the window when I found I was pregnant. Time to go with the flow, aye?)

In just about a week, Naomi turns one. ONE. People. October also means Audrey's birthday and my birthday. We are going to be celebrating every other weekend. I shall not complain. I do love cupcakes.

I'm also making it a goal to blog more in October. And drink as much apple cider as I can, and eat as much pumpkin-anything. [I set attainable goals, what can I say.] Yeah, October is one of my favorite months. You too?

[and yes, i know how babies are made.]

Last time this happened (which really doesn't seem like that long ago), I told him in a cute little way. And I was giddy and on cloud nine. Except for when the sickness hit me like a freight train just about a week later.

This time around, I cried frantically because, ohmygosh, would he believe me?! I didn't even believe it. When I came into the living room to tell him, I'm not really sure what I said, because he thought a snake was in the kitchen or something. Um, yeah. While I could barely catch my breath, his face lit up with the biggest smile. Honey, this is a good thing. I'm so excited!

See, I'm a planner. I consider myself fairly organized. So, when this happened at our surprise/shock/whaaaaaaat I didn't know what to do or how to respond. Don't get me wrong, I love babies. And pregnancy (after the first 17 weeks, when I quit being best friends with the toilet). And we wanted more, we knew that. But my plan wasn't to have them this close. [Thankfully, I can fully trust in His plan. Our Maker. He wouldn't ever give me more than I can handle. And apparently He thinks I am superwoman or something.] So yeah, I'm going to be one of those crazies with three kids 3.5 years and younger. If you are currently one of those crazies, all encouragement is welcomed! I'm not even sure of my due date yet, I'm thinking possibly mid-May? I'm just going to say it, I have nothing to base this pregnancy on. Because, yeah, I was one of those people that believed the myth that you couldn't get pregnant if you don't have a period and you are breastfeeding. I went to get blood work done the other day to get an approximation of how far along I am. 7-8 weeks (with all my levels looking great). Which was another shock and a pleasant surprise that I haven't been deathly sick (yet). In fact, I feel pretty great right now. Tired, but waaaaay better than my past pregnancies.

My motto right now is take it a day at a time. That's all I can do right now. I could pretty much lose my sanity right now as we continue to try to sell our house, figure out a birth plan (we are highly considering a homebirth, but the fact we may not know where we will be living, is playing a huge role in the decision), and just running the every day tasks of having two kids right now almost three and one.

Also? This is most likely my last pregnancy. So, I'm going to try to revel in the beauty of this pregnancy. And pray that the sickness stays away. And like I said, take it a day at a time.

Cheers to baby #3, yes?

naomi's story.

Just two days ago I was saying It is going to happen. And soon. And probably really quick.

It did. Not even 24 hours later. I'm so glad I waited.

Naomi has entered the world on her exact due date and has a beautiful story to share.

It started at 7:45am Tuesday. I woke up, yawned, and had a sort of intense contraction. But I didn't think much of it, considering I have been contracting for over three weeks now. Then within 45 minutes I had about four more intense ones and then I proceeded to get sick and started to bleed some. [Which definitely concerned me, but when I arrived at the hospital the nurses said the bleeding was normal because I was actual in transition by that time already.] I knew I was in labor.

We arrived at the hospital at 9:15am. Holding tight to my husband because the contractions were fast and hard. I was checked in at about 8cm. That created some confidence in myself that I can do this. I am doing it. And instead of trying to think about the breathing techniques I learned in the birth class with Audrey two years ago, I let my body tell me what to do and how to breathe. And honestly, I handled transition so much better. I labored on my side, ate ice chips, and just breathed. Exactly how I wanted. I let my Type A personality come out (unlike the other day), and did it the way I wanted to.

Within 15 minutes of pushing, Naomi Fae entered the world at 10:07am. Just a mere 52 minutes after getting to the hospital, and only 2 hours and 22 minutes since my first contraction began. She came, not induced and without any medicine.

I feel so empowered. It was a beautiful experience. That's not to say, that is wasn't extremely difficult and painful. And while I was pushing I didn't think I could actually do it. But I did.

She weighed in at 7 lbs. 7 oz and a super long 22 inches. She is healthy and has a full set of dark hair. And has nursed so naturally. We are both doing well. After some slight hemorrhaging, I was put on some fluids, and I'm now doing fine. We opted to leave the hospital as soon as we could. And now we are home. As a family of four.

type a, trying to be a little type b.

I almost didn't publish this post. Because I'm sort of thinking you guys are over hearing about my pregnancy that just keeps going. BUT, then I am reminded as much as I write for you, I really, really write for myself. And I want to remember this.

After a weekend that included e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. you can think of to help naturally induce labor (from a boat ride to walking a ton to running to spicy food to bouncing on an exercise ball, you get the idea), I went to my 40 week appointment this morning with hope.

I received an oh-my-gosh you are still here walking around at 5cm from the doctor, I didn't expect to see you. And then I was checked. No new progress, but it he was pretty confident that I am not going to progress anymore until labor actually begins. I have made it as far as I can without actually going into labor. [I think I should throw myself a party or something, that's a big accomplishment, right? Or treat myself to some thrift store therapy shopping.] Then he offered to let me have the option of inducing at anytime I would like. We didn't schedule another appointment, because he is sure I won't make it another week. Hmmm.

Option to induce? Like, let me take charge and sort of plan this? I called Andrew and told him the option. And my Type A personality came flying out. I'm a planner. An organizer. A worrier. This could work. I mean, I am so ready and so is my body. We could easily find someone to watch Audrey at a decent hour. Everyone can plan to be at the hospital at to the right time. No waking up in the middle of the night to get to the hospital. Oh, yes, inducing sounds so enticing. Let's do it.

Or not.

I sat back and prayed about it. And my Type A personality got thrown under the covers. I'm going to wait it out. I'm so close. It is going to happen. And soon. And probably really quick. And you know what? I'm really excited about the adrenaline part of not knowing and then it suddenly happening.

So, it may be today. Tonight. Tomorrow. Or in a couple days. Until then, we wait with more snuggles and cuddling and trust in His plan.

P.S. This is my decision. In no way, am I saying induction is a bad thing. I respect each mother's decision on what to do for labor. Also, I have a big belly picture to add, but blogger is being all difficult and not letting me upload any right now. But I'm sure you can imagine it.

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.

checking in.

Checking in, folks. [And no, not to the hospital.] I thought I would pop in and say hello so that you know I'm not in labor. Although I thought last night it was going to happen while I was grocery shopping at 9pm. [All the cool cats are doing it on a Friday night.] I had to stop in the middle of the ice cream aisle next to two college-age boys (which I'm pretty sure I scared a little) and take some breathers. The contractions have been coming in the evening, enough to make me think just maybe and then they go away.

Today I kept busy with having a garage sale (purge, purge, purge) in the morning. Taking my little sister and sister-in-law homecoming dress shopping in the afternoon. Which made me feel really old, because ohmygosh teenagers and the dresses nowadays. On that note, Audrey and Naomi are not allowed to grow up. And I finished up my evening with a girl's night out at Olive Garden where I asked for more olives over and over and over again.

Now I'm home, resting. And thinking about how blessed I am. And how my little baby will be TWO in exactly one month.

Gah, I love her.

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.