33 weeks.

Graham,

Look how big you're getting in there! I saw the doctor today and she told me all about how healthy you are and how well you are growing. She guesses you are about 4 pounds 10 ounces right now, and that you'll likely get to be around 8 and a half pounds by 40 weeks (though she wasn't convinced I'll make it that long!). I love seeing your round little head and the outline of your tummy. I think you are such a miracle, my son.

Sure, it's been 33 weeks and all, but I'm really starting to feel pregnant. The midnight bathroom runs, the ongoing heartburn, the achy back, the heavy feeling in my pelvis, the desire to nap an hour after I wake up in the morning...yep, I'm definitely pregnant. And to be completely honest with you, I am still loving every second of it.

Your daddy and I will be busy moving this week and there are a lot of sweet people that are going to help. We really are surrounded by so many people who love and care for our little family. There's this saying that it takes a village to raise a child, and I believe it. We've got quite a beautiful village around us! We're the luckiest...

I love you!

Momma

let it begin.

the craziness, that is.

I dubb this week "move week". I've even come up with a little schedule to keep me on track.

Monday: Pack during the day, Danny to move Graham's boxes at night

Tuesday: Interior gets painted, move freezer/fridge foods that we won't need for the week

Wednesday: Move a few boxes

Thursday: Interior to get cleaned, move pantry foods and clothes

Friday: Move the rest of the clothes, kitchen, books and miscellaneous items

Saturday: Big moving day for the guys...donut and coffee provided by yours truly

Sunday: Hang, organize, etc.

And with that, we have moving week. Wish me luck. I'll be back...sometime.

stork parking.

So did y'all hear about the pregnant woman who ran the marathon? 9 months pregnant, 26 miles in 6 1/2 hours, and a baby 7 hours later. Whoa.

I was watching Ellen last week and she said, "If pregnant women can run marathons, why do we give them all the good parking spots?"

Whatever, Ellen! I'll take stork parking til the end, baby!

(I speed-walked 2 miles (1/2 uphill!) in under 26 minutes last night and was so impressed with myself. But no marathon for me...)

32 weeks.

My little love,

Do you know how truly loved you are?! Last Saturday there were a lot of women in our home, all there to celebrate YOU. I woke up on that special day and within the first hour wept 3 times at how overwhelmed I am with everyone's love and support. (Don't worry- you'll learn that sometimes I cry. It's usually a good thing!) It was a beautiful (albeit hot) day full of family, friends, good food, and lots of goodies for you. I was especially excited to get your jogger, high chair, and diaper bag. Your daddy was excited about a cute little vest, a flannel (daddy wears flannels a lot- its going to be your trade mark with him, okay?), and a book about a bear in his underwear.

There is big news to share this week. We are moving! It's kind of crazy to think about moving right now, at 8 months pregnant, but I am so excited. You get to grow up where your daddy grew up! He is going to show you all the good hiding spots and tell you stories about how he used to jump from the second story into a pile of pillows. Don't get any ideas- he and your uncle JJ were a little crazy. Anyhow, we're hoping to move in a couple weeks. It's a good thing, too, because there's currently a mountain of diapers flowing from your room. Where, oh where, would I have put all of your beautiful things? Now we will have plenty of room to spread out.

Speaking of spreading out, can you please keep your feet to yourself? Just kidding, but really. Your little feet are always right up in my ribs. I like knowing that you are growing healthy and strong. Last Friday I even saw your face again in the ultrasound. You are one handsome little mister. And you're mine. Whoa...

All my love,

Momma

around here.

There's been lots goin' on. So much so, that I haven't really had the time and energy to blog. But not to worry, everyone! Baby and I are doing wonderfully. Here are a few updates on our lives:

Graham. I have 2 appointments a week- bummer. But that means 1 ultrasound a week! Totally worth it. Can a little 4 pound baby possibly bring me any more joy? I'm going to say yes, yes he can, because this is proven on a daily basis. Can I just say baby hiccups are the sweetest thing ever? He is still head down, which makes this momma a happy one. Oh, and we learned the best news ever today at my appointment. During my ultrasound the doctor noted that his little chest is moving up and down. She said that this is pretty abnormal, but it means that his lungs are getting really developed. My heart must have swelled to twice its size with pride for my boy. Mature lungs. Ah!

Our home. Well, it's official. We're moving. It's all been new news within the past 8 days and boy, has my mind been spinning. We just practically finished Graham's room, and now we're outta here. Kinda crazy. But we're extremely blessed by an opportunity to move into Danny's childhood home. It is a larger home, less rent (woo hoo to refinancing), and more space for us to stretch out a little bit. Danny is looking forward to raising his son in the home he grew up in. I'm looking forward to things like central heat & a/c, multiple bathrooms, and a larger space for entertaining! I'm all nest-y and can hardly wait to get this show on the road (which won't happen for another couple weeks). Anyway, if you're looking to rent in the Ontario area, let me know! Our little blue house will be ready to rent Dec 1. Let me know if you're interested.

My shower. You guys. I had the most beautiful baby shower this weekend. Graham's aunties, grandmas, and my close friends threw it for me and I was completely blown away. Pictures and details will be coming soon. I am still utterly overwhelmed and feeling so, so, so blessed by it all.

I'll be back tomorrow which a 32 week (32 week?!?!?) picture of me and my boy.

xo

31 weeks.

Graham,

Lately the songs of Harry Connick, Jr. have been flowing through our home. Your daddy and I dance nearly everyday, although this not-so-little-anymore bump of mine is starting to get in the way! (Graham sandwich!!!) The fall candles are lit and the cool mornings and evenings are here for the season. This is one of my favorite times of the year, and it is also a beautiful time to be pregnant with you. I couldn't be happier at the end of the day than when I'm snuggled in a blanket with a cup of peppermint hot chocolate in hand and my feet in your daddy's lap.

The season isn't the only thing that's changing around here. Your daddy and I have a lot of changes coming up in our lives in the next few weeks. Lucky for us, things will be settled down again for a few weeks before you come and join us on the outside. I'm trying to stay calm and allow the shalom of Christ to wash over me. The Lord is constantly teaching me to rely on him, his strength, and his great will for our lives. I'll tell you one thing, son- God has continuously provided for our family. His faithfulness truly does reach beyond the skies.

Today I had my first non-stress test, which I'll be going to the hospital for twice a week. You were a sleepy boy this morning and they had to wake you up so they could record your movements! The kind nurses said you are doing great in there- your fluids are normal and you are still head down. I know you've still got room in there to move around a bit, but please hold your headstand position for a couple more months! I am so proud of you.

I love you forever!

Momma

& on a side note.

how incredibly good does a cheeseburger sound? with friends*? and ranch for dipping?

or a bean and cheese burrito? with chips and salsa? and sour cream?

or a big fat donut. the pink one. with sprinkles.

or I know! A chicken sandwich from Jack in the Box. With an oreo shake on the side.

Who. am. I???? Oh goodness gracious...please don't let me eat all that crap. Am thankful I haven't been dwelling on this junk for the past 30 weeks. I can feel myself growing larger just at the thought of it all. Off to go eat a banana...just in case, you know, I happen upon a burrito later in the day. Evens things out, right? Right?????

*Obviously, I meant fries here. But friends is what was typed. So I'm leaving it. Sounds cute. Maybe, if husband takes me for a burger and fries this weekend, I'll order it as "a burger and friends".

sheep.

Tuesday I came home to one of the sweetest packages that ever happened upon my porch. It was from my friend Kaylyn (yep-same name!) from North Carolina, the owner of Dunlap Love, the mom extraordinaire, the prayer warrior, and my dear friend. Well, this friend of mine is going to Mexico City next week and has spent countless hours making these sweet little sheep for orphans. 60, to be exact. What a gift.

Anyhow, my package Graham's package consisted of little bath towels, outfits, and a sheep of his very own. I can't wait to tell him the story of his sheep's maker and how there are many orphans in Mexico who have a similar softie.

Thank you, my friend! I love you and I love this little sheep. I am blessed.

maternity: my favorites.

As I shared earlier, my friend Christa from Jae Photography took some pictures of us last Friday. She really captured some of our everyday life around our home and our favorite coffee shop. I love them all so much I can hardly stand it. Here are my favorites:

30 weeks.

Hello my sweet boy!

30 weeks- we've made it 3/4 of the way there, son! Looking at this picture makes me one happy lady. It's me and my two boys- the loves of my life. My heart truly is full. As my tummy gets bigger, my love for you and your dad grows right along with it. I love your movements...even the ones that take my breath away! This Sunday we laid in bed and felt your hiccups for a good 10 minutes. My poor baby!

This past weekend we took some maternity photos and they turned out so beautifully. It is special that we get to capture this sweet season of our little family. Some things we have been doing lately include gardening, working on your room, and speed walking. When I say speed walking I mean speed walking! This momma of yours can move! I must look pretty silly speed walking, being all front-heavy and all, but it is good exercise for us. I am still feeling great out here.

Our friends had a baby boy one week ago. We got to see them in the hospital and he is so precious. Holding your little friend was just one more reminder that you'll be here before we know it. Your daddy and I keep talking about how ecstatic we are to have you in our arms. As excited as we are for you, we are going to try to enjoy the next 10 weeks of having you in my belly. Even though at times it will be hard to watch our baby boy get bigger, we want you to grow up nice and strong. We will savor every delicious morsel of your life!

I love you sweet one,

Momma

iota design.

Danny and I have been searching for the perfect art pieces for Graham's room for a while now. We wanted something fun, colorful, and kid-friendly. Well, this weekend we found just that from Oliver Lake's Etsy shop Iota Illustration! (Side note: how seriously cool is the name Oliver Lake?!?!?) We had to pick out two for above his bookcase, and boy was it a challenge to limit ourselves. Here are a lot of the ones we liked. You'll have to wait until his room is finished to see which ones we chose!