Off my feet...

About a week ago my back really started aching. Since I am carrying around a very wiggly little boy who has accounted for a 18lb weight gain so far, I figured that was normal. As the day progressed it got worse! I tried to nap and rest, warm bath & stretch, but nothing helped. The next day i woke to awful pain! I mean worse than labor ( i had epidurals- ha).

I got into the chiropractor at 230 but by that time I could barely walk without wincing. Ayla had to get Leah's shoes and socks on for me which caused a serious amount of emotions. I felt so proud to see her stepping up, she seems so mature. But the simple fact I couldn't do it made me sooo sad. My job is a stay at home mom. It's my job to care for my kids! I couldn't dress them, wipe a tush, empty dishwasher, or cook lunch without being in pain. It was depressing.

Meanwhile at the chiro, I was nervous. I hadnt gone through this pregnancy. I was worried about it increasing my contractions I was having or changing his position ( head down). She assured me I was safe. But then she told me I needed to rest w ice every 20 mins, if possible, for two days. I began to bawl. It was all so overwhelming! First, I could do minimal for my kids now I won't be able to do anything!

Well, I obviously made it, but not without a lot of encouragement from friends and help from family! By Sunday I felt human again and was able to get some chores done around the house. I seriously sat on the floor to load my washing machine one day! My heart totally goes out to mamas who live with chronic or long term pain or back problems!

The hubs had to go out of state one more time before the baby arrives so off he left. I mean I was feeling better...that is til the storms on Sunday! I carried both girls down to basement in case of serious weather. I threw my back out again! Sheesh! Thankfully, I am already back on the mend! Just praying for no more surprises before we meet Abram!

On a different note, I am starving nonstop but nothing sounds good & my abdomen has doubled in size overnight! Ha
Hopefully post a belly pic soon...

I Love...

I love that my 2 yr old pretends to nurse her baby dolls.

I love that my husband no matter how stressed at work does not take it out on me or the kids.

I love super hot bubble baths. Like where you get all pink & wrinkly.

I love that my oldest wants to snuggle with me all the time.

I love boots even though watching me put them on is like watching a Chris Farley skit.

I love to dance. Everywhere. With my kids, with my team, at the studio, with my hubs, in the car.

I love feeling Abram beat me up from the inside and know I will miss having an excuse to potty so frequently.

I love dressing my girls alike. Hopefully they won't hate me for this later.

I love my friends and their generosity.

I love the security in knowing my Heavenly Father will always listen and always love me.

I love blogging, though it usually gets neglected.

I love being a stay at home mom even though the days are long & hard. I miss being a nurse but there is a season for everything.

I love cooking, baking, and eating a lot.

What a day....

This weekend was quite the whirlwind. 1:30 am I was awoke by the sounds of a very sick husband. We don't need to go any further right? So... I was up. Unfortunately, if this prego wakes up (for whatever reason) it takes a long time to get back to sleep.

Long story short, I went to the couch for a not-so-restfull 3 hrs then to Leah's bed for 1 hr of sleep while a 2 yr old rubbed my arm. The thing is once my kids (and prob yours) are awake we they are AWAKE! I love that they don't need to stretch or pee or brush their teeth. They are just at it. Mama, not so much this morning!

The plan for the day included a cheesecake date with friends, Ay's bff's bday party & the bball game. But, from the moment I woke up I was already planning on how to get out of ALL of it. And Jeff was quarentined. period.

My mother-in-law called to pick up the girls to give me a break, but after several texts to reschedule my "cheesecake date" I was beginning to get the feeling I was not getting out of it. My last text just said, "you're coming. we'll pick you up. dress nice."

So now I wanted to cry because my friends obviously think I will wear my sweats on our date.

I gave myself 20 mins to "dress nice" aka whatever is cute, that fits, and is clean. I was limited.
I was picked up and on my way.

Anyone, seeing where this is going?

We show up for our "cheesecake" which actually ended up being the most fantastic, sweetest surprise I've ever had! Two of my great friends pulled together a little surprise shower for Abram-- and I gave them such a hard time!!

I wanted to cry for my nap, then ended up crying because I felt so blessed! I feel so blessed that so many friends and family got together to love on our little man even before he is here with us.

I wish I had pics to document this, but clearly was unprepared. Jen- send them my way so I can brag on your awesomeness even more :)

Preparations

There have been a lot of preparations for little man's arrival. I'm 33 weeks today! It's starting to hit me how close we are and how things are going to be different. I thankfully hired a sitter to be able to do a major decor shopping excursion on Monday. It's definitely different decorating for a little man than for my girls. But I think I'm gonna love this nursery though!

A little sneak peak of the progress so far...
He obviously has a name. Some of you probably already have caught me on the streets or gabbed with others. I totally left u hanging! I apologize!

Abram Jeffrey (letters for his room drying)

I've had to prepare myself to enter the world of mommy- hood to a boy. It seems so odd. Though perfectly wonderful. I've had to think about things I say like "us girls" and start saing " the kids". We've been talking to Leah about talking & touching softly. If anyone knows Leah this is important. She is a strong, rough chick with a big heart. When lil man is ready to roughhouse he will def had a match!

Not to mention this old lady's body is doing its own prepping with lots of contractions especially at night plus my belly is becoming more jolly lately! I guess I will have to take a picture for proof of that later.

Amongst all the preparations I have started my dance season in full swing. I travel every other weekend up until Abram's arrival. We pray for our newest babe to continue to grow strong and the girls to be ready for the big change. God is good.

Snow Day

Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

A little break

After Christmas Jeff's office usually takes a little break to prepare for the next year. I love this! He had to work a few days, but for the most part Daddy was ours. We slept in, played games, cleaned, painted babe's nursery/closet/molding, had our first attempted sleepover, and visited with lots of family. Oh- and test drove vans HAHA

New years day belly 31 wks 4 days

Christmas 2011

I feel so very blessed to be able to provide a Christmas like this for our kids. Wonderful memories!
Here's a photo explosion of highlights....

Christmas belly 29wks 4 days

Our fave present this year... baby Melanie :)

Happy New Year!

Im not much of a resolution-kind-of-girl, but I do promise to catch up from our holidays and adventures soon. Hope everyone had a wonderful end of the year and I pray for a safe & happy 2012 to you all!!