I've been feeling LOTS of those feet or heels, fingers, and bony hiney moving around lately! Claire's actual due date is July 18th. but we are praying fervently for her to come early for lots of reasons:)
I wanted to take a few minutes to actually "blog" since I don't do much of that.
Some little "surprises" I've experienced during this pregnancy:
1. The incredible indigestion I've experienced! Some say that's a sign that she'll have lots of hair...we'll let you know.
2. My pre-pregnancy jeans...heck, my pre-pregnancy body!
3. Being out of breath trying to walk and carry on a conversation at the same time.
4. The anxiety I've experienced about becoming a mom. I've never been much of a worrier, but becoming a mom sure has brought that out in me!
5. My desire to make sure EVERYTHING is "ready" or neat and tidy around the house. I think most would consider this "nesting" and let me tell you how REAL it is!
6. My infatuation with watching "Jon and Kate plus 8". Kate is my inspiration because I think if she can do it having 6 three-year olds and 2 six-year olds (that's a set of sextuplets and twins-8 children in all!), then I can surely handle one!!
7. The crazy dreams! I dreamed it was Open House at school and all the parents showed up and I wasn't ready! My classroom was completely disorganized and I felt completely unprepared. I had to laugh and breathe a HUGE sigh of relief when I woke up and realized it was June!!
8. The incredible effort it takes to do little things like, say...MOVE!
9. Weird cravings...my first was apple juice and starbursts and now it's maple nut goodies.
10. The sheer excitement and joy that I'm currently experiencing over meeting and holding my daughter for the first time!
**Note: The only thing Jarrod is truly looking forward to is her "poopy diapers". So just kidding! This is the only thing he SAYS he won't do, but just between us, he changed Ethan's dirty diaper today! We're making progress:)
Some unexpected blessings I've experienced during this pregnancy:
1. The closeness between me and my husband.
2. The protectiveness he's displayed over making sure we are safe and as comfortable as possible. Case in point: He went to his mom's house in Rock Hill (about 30 minutes away) and thought to himself, "I'd better get home. Devin could go into labor and I need to be there".
3. His ability to put up with my mood swings and emotional breakdowns whenever and wherever they happen.
4. Our excitement over preparing for her, shopping for her, and decorating her nursery.
5. The sweet visions we have of smelling her and holding her and rocking her to sleep. Jarrod is already dreading the day she starts dating and heaven forbid, brings a boy home! I'll make sure to blog that day:) He is really looking forward to daddy/daughter dates!
6. The fear that I'll never get to hold my baby because my husband will want to keep her all to himself.
7. The excitement that our family and friends have shown us over the upcoming birth of our daughter.
8. The overwhelming support and love and gifts we've been given in celebration of Claire.
9. Eli's (our dog) "knowledge" that I'm pregnant. He is more gentle with me than he has ever been and won't jump on me at all. When he lays on my lap, he puts his paw up close to my belly. We've been taking him into Claire's room to get him accustomed to her room and smell by using baby lotion on a doll that we call Claire and now when we let him in the house, he walks straight to her room. We think he will be a very protective older brother!
10. The love I have for my nephew Ethan since he's come into the world and the incomprehensible feeling of how much I'll love Claire!
Devin at 37 weeks
Claire's Nursery: Final Stage
This gown is nearly 60 years old. It belonged to Claire's "Paw Paw Puddin' " until he so graciously gave it to us to use for Claire's christening. It is very special to us, and we can't wait to see Claire in it!
This is the belly cast that my sweet friend, Clara Reed, helped me make. It was painted by Clara and another friend, Leslie. I am so thankful to them for helping me to create such a sweet memory!
This gown is nearly 60 years old. It belonged to Claire's "Paw Paw Puddin' " until he so graciously gave it to us to use for Claire's christening. It is very special to us, and we can't wait to see Claire in it!
This is the belly cast that my sweet friend, Clara Reed, helped me make. It was painted by Clara and another friend, Leslie. I am so thankful to them for helping me to create such a sweet memory!
A sign my mom and dad bought for us. It is hanging above Claire's door in her nursery.
