Week 40

 "The Father is the only One who has the authority to decide dates and times. These things are not for you to know." Acts 1:7

"But do not forget one this one thing, dear friends: To the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day. The Lord is not slow in doing what He promised- the way some people understand slowness." 2 Peter 3:8-9a

"Yet I am confident I will see the Lord's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." Psalm 27:13-14

Not gonna lie, I'm a little bitter about writing this post. I think I will be glad I did choose to jot down the details later, but right now, I'm a little peeved about it. The picture below is more accurate….and it is putting my feelings about today verrrry nicely.

How far along?

Fully cooked. Today is Eli's due date. 

Baby size?
According to sonogram projections, Eli is between 7 and 8 pounds.

Weight gain?
Weighed in this morning at 167. Assuming that Eli is coming in the next days, that makes a total weight gain of 32 pounds for the pregnancy.

Sleep?
Sleeping has actually been pretty good the last several days. Trying to rest as much as possible so my body can be relaxed and ready.

Cravings?
Still pineapple and oranges! After making freezer lasagna, I was needing Italian. Hubs had this baked shrimp parmesan at Olive Garden, and I can't stop thinking about it. Also, I'm loving breakfast. A lot of that is because of breakfast food, but mostly it's because Hubs and I have recently made it a sit-down meal we have together the days he is off work. Waking up to yummy food and QT with the Hubs is the best way to start the day.

Aversions?
None

Symptoms?
Things are getting a little uncomfortable around here. My joints are a little achy most days, and I've had to take my walks down to 1 - 1.5 miles. My favorite part of my workouts is the stretching! The worst thing is that my right arm is asleep constantly. Feels like tiny needles down the muscles and in my fingers and wakes me up multiple times a night. Still having Braxton Hicks, but no other signs of labor.

Mood?
I'm still excited, but the past few days have been disappointing. I know to you guys it's a little different perspective to know it's just a matter of days, but every day gets longer and longer for me. I miss Eli and want him to come be with us. But also, at this point, I know that there is a deadline on spontaneous labor, which means the least probability for complications during delivery. Trying to not get ahead of myself here, but I'm definitely praying for him to come this week.

Looking forward to? 
- Eli, of course. 
- My parents will be here in 16 days!!!
- Looking forward to this beautiful summer in Alaska!

What's new?
- We bought a microwave. We thought we might actually use it for convenience when we are tired and too focused on a baby to do much more than heat up some leftovers.
- We booked a newborn session with a photographer! She is coming to our house when Eli is about a month old to capture his tiny baby life. I'm so excited to have found her!

Disclaimer
I woke up sad today. I genuinely apologize if your phone call or text was one I ignored today. My phone was quite busy, and it was a bit overwhelming. I'm disappointed as well and have had a difficult time wanting to answer comments like: 
"Still no Eli?" 
"Where is he?" 
"Didn't he get the memo that today is the day?" 
"Tell him to hurry up already." 
Any response I can come up with is so insincere and my feelings today so far from what you are hoping to hear, that I decided it's best to give the exciting news when it happens than to cause any unnecessary tension today. I am so grateful to have your support and love that you are excitedly hoping for our precious boy to get here. I just didn't think I'd be able to pull off pretending that I'm in that space with you today. Please keep the enthusiasm going and know we simply cannot wait to share it! "No news is good news" is an appropriate perspective to apply as we anticipate his arrival together!

What I've truly needed today is to be prayerful over my discouragement, asking for patience and peace. Contrary to the cliché, Eli doesn't choose when he comes. God does, and He is always right on time. Spending today with the Lord who is concerned with every detail of Eli is where I have to be.

Prayer Requests?

- Please pray for Eli to come this week. The longer he stays in, the more the hospital is going to want to intervene. We want Eli to get here in the most natural way possible. 
- Pray for an uncomplicated labor and safe delivery. For successful breastfeeding, a smooth transition home, and appropriate boundaries with others wanting to visit a new baby once he's here.
- Pray for my patience and trust in God's timing. He knows us and what is best for us and works it all for good, no matter the circumstances. 

Your investment in us and our son gives us the confidence and support to start this new adventure as a family of three! We will be sharing photos and features of our brand new baby boy sooner than ever. And then we will be praying for time to slow down as we all watch him grow! We love you and are so thankful for you! 

Our Last Weekend for Two…We Hope!

"We live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

Hubs and I have been trying to take advantage of the short time we have left as just the two of us. 

He had a four-day weekend (Friday- Monday off), so we went on a few dates and got lots of rest.

Friday
We mostly ran a few errands and relaxed. After breakfast at home, we walked around downtown and checked out the Army/Navy store. Hubs got some new jeans, and we went by Lowe's to price a few things for our garden plot. We are hoping to start potting a few things out back once Eli is home, and the community garden will open soon afterwards.

Saturday
I spent the morning making two large freezer lasagnas for post-baby dinners. After finishing an insane amount of dishes, we got ready to head to Beluga Point. It is a whale-watching site only about a 35 minute drive south from our house. We didn't see whales, but we did get a beautiful view and a nice little walk before dinner at Olive Garden.

Sunday
We called our moms, of course. We spent some time sitting out on our back deck. We are starting to love our deck-sits. Hubs put some citronella tiki torches out, the sun stays up til after 11pm, and Jessie gets to run sprints, fetch her tennis ball, or pine for the pups on both sides of our fenced yard. Our date night was to see "Bears" at the movies and grab dinner at Red Robin. We even splurged for Marble Slab before heading home.

Monday
We had our 40-week Dr appointment at 8am. I'm not having any signs of labor, so after the normal weight, blood pressure, and measuring check-up, they set up another appointment time for next week. We are really, really, really needing Eli to come before they start thinking I have to be induced.
We went out for a comfort breakfast straight from the appointment to Snow City Cafe downtown, then came home to rest for a while. We went for an afternoon workout and had a relaxing night at home. Hubs had his first yard mowing of the season, and I took a pretty wonderful nap. Also, I woke up to a few of fun packages in the mail! 

One of my favorite friends, Melanie, sent the sweetest gift. How adorable is she?!

"Ear plugs- for when Andrew is on the night shift.

A Sophie Teether- because that would be the first thing I'd be excited to buy if I were pregnant (it's so cute, right?!)

A T-shirt that says "hug"- because that's one thing I'd love to be able to give you right now (a really BIG one!)

& A gift card- to cover the bits in between.

CONGRATULATIONS! I love you!"  

I received Eli's banner for the man cave from Ethan and Kelcee! 

It came with the best Mother's Day card from my Seester. 

I was too excited and immediately made Hubs hang it above Eli's crib. It's perfect!

A Few Favorite Things on Mother's Day

I found my labor verse! Please pray this with me so that this truth 

is written on my heart and mind when Eli is on his way.

I left the commissary just behind this precious pair. And I slowed down just to take it in. I'm convinced there's nothing sweeter. This baby boy of ours will grow up and move away and it'll be just me and Hubs again, growing old together. I wanna love him my whole life.

I got the most thoughtful care package in the mail from my dear friend, Victoria. My very first Mother's Day present! Victoria is Rosie's mom, Jessie's BFF from Florida. And she's Carter's mom, Eli's soon-to-be BFF, when he is born in August! It has been the best gift getting to share this journey of becoming a momma with her. She is the biggest blessing (no preggo pun intended). I am a better woman, wife, and I know I will be a better mom because of this precious friendship.

Check out her blog for baby bump pics and Bobo updates here!

My actual very first Mother's Day present from Eli was a complete shock! First, it was a few days early. Second, when did Eli have a chance to make such a sweet purchase? His pops made sure he got it right-- with his birthstone and everything! Love these beauties!

Love these beauties too! Eli has no idea what he's in for. Happy Mom Day to Milee & Mimi!

And here's a picture of Jessie getting a bath. Just because.

Hope you hugged your momma and have an beautiful week!

39 Weeks

"The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." Job 33:4

A 39 weeks post….why not?

I know these recent updates might be a little much for some of you just wanting the big highlights, but I'm liking having a way to document our days before baby. There is something so special in knowing it's just the two of you for only such a short time. We're trying to make the most of it!

Eli is about the size of a mini-watermelon. He is probably somewhere around 7 pounds. 

This past weekend was another great one. We went on a few shorter walks. One was at Cottonwood Park, just a small park on post right down the street from our house. Hubs was off work a little early again on Friday, so we walked the sidewalks and a small trail down by the river. Jessie and Andrew went exploring along the bank where there is still some thin snow and mud. Jessie totally fell in a puddle through thin ice at one point- it was only a little one up to her chest- but I think it was a little chilly ha! She got to sprint and fetch sticks to warm up after, which was alright with her for sure. She LOVES these family hikes and gets so excited when she sees our boots coming out of the closet!

That was date night. We went to see Heaven is for Real. Hubs was the one who suggested it; I thought it was going to be way too cheesy. It was a little, but it was definitely a much better movie than I expected. I would definitely recommend it. I would also recommend the tree hugger pizza at FireTap that we enjoyed afterwards.

Sunday, we went to the gym for a workout, but after lunch, we went on another walk because it was just too pretty outside to stay in. Hubs had put us in a lottery for a plot in a community garden about two blocks from our house. It doesn't open til May 15th. We can't wait to get a wagon and plant some veggies soon! Right across the street is a small open field and privacy hill where Hubs had Jessie do her wind sprints. She slept almost the whole rest of the day.

That night we felt our first earthquake. Alaska has them often, mostly in places outside of Anchorage. The effects are felt here, but we hadn't noticed any of them until then. A handful of earthquakes happened when I lived in Los Angeles, but I never really felt any of those either. This one registered at 4.9 only 40 miles away, so we had a good rumble. We could hear it, and it shook our stuff a little. Pretty crazy!

Yesterday, I made a big time commissary run (military talk for grocery). I felt like it was a good time to stock up in case Eli decides it's time to join us. I've been buying more house supplies for a few weeks now, but this time I bought quite a bit more food for freezer meals and fast, easy dinners. 

I'm still feeling great besides the normal, minor aches. The baby dome has definitely dropped, even though it's hard to tell in pictures. My waddle is in full force. I'm eating pineapple (I've eaten four in the past week or so. Yes, four entire pineapple), taking Evening Primrose Oil, drinking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, taking long walks, sitting on the exercise ball, doing workouts and stretches to help maintain the muscles used in L&D and recovery, and, most importantly, I'm resting as much as I can. They did check me at the last doctor's appointment a week ago, and I was 50% effaced and 2 cm dilated. Before you get too excited, know that it's totally normal to progress that way and stay there for two to three weeks. It just means we are right on schedule. There are no other signs of labor, but my body is getting ready for it, and I'm glad to know things are moving in the right direction! I'm doing most everything to stay relaxed and calm to work with the natural process, so if you have bad news or a negative attitude, call someone else or wait a few weeks! 

Hubs has already filled out the paperwork for his 10-day paternity leave that will start when Eli gets here. His boss has been amazing and accommodating already in getting Hubs ready at work to take the time off. Hubs even cleaned the car again and vacuumed the whole house to get ready! 

This week, I'm doing some light cleaning, but mostly reading and relaxing. Hubs has a day trip for work on Wednesday. I have my weekly doctor appointment on Thursday. Then, we get to enjoy a four-day weekend! I'm so excited he has Friday and Monday off. Then Tuesday is Eli's due date. I can't believe he will be here anytime. And I really can't think of anything else that we need to get done before he comes. We are ready when you are, little man!

So, sometimes, I just go in the man cave (aka Eli's nursery) to look around or move a few things here and there, but really just to soak it all in-- that there is going to be a tiny person living in there. Well, I walked in a few days ago to discover that, apparently, I'm not the only one. Eli's bear got a new accessory, I see. Eli is so blessed to have such a proud Pop. Nothing is cuter than a husband waiting so excitedly for his son! (Except maybe him watching him wait on his little girl, but I don't know anything about all that yet. Maybe next time!)

Please continue praying with us. God is still preparing the three of us for each other. 

We can't wait to participate with Him in the process of bringing Eli into this world!

38 Weeks, 3 days

To make up for not getting a picture on my last post...

Or...