Almost Here

Dear Sweet Connor,

This past Thursday we got to see your beautiful face again. We all packed into the dark room and waited for you to appear on the screen. Right before our very eyes your image came into view and the whole room became quiet. Everyone was in awe of how much you have grown and how clear it was to see your handsome little features. It was unanimous, you look like your daddy. Uncle Casey got to see the pictures and he thinks you look like me, I can see both. To be honest I am most looking forward to seeing your eyes. To hold you in my arms, look at your sweet face and stare into your eyes, I know I'll be hooked for life. We got to see glimpses of your personality during this sonogram and actually captured your adorable smile. There were a few times you certainly showed that you didn't like being poked and prodded, and cried, but then you went back to hands (and feet) in front of your face. You were clearly being stubborn and made it difficult to get pictures, but when you did move you made it worth it. I am in awe of your little mouth and it's perfect little cupid's bow. Daddy and I just can't wait to cover you with kisses!

I can't believe you're only 4 short weeks away. My body can believe it, but my brain can't. You are certainly making mommy uncomfortable. It's hard to breath, sleep, stand, sit, move....be. My belly is very sore, and you like to stick your little bottom right up and under my ribs. My sternum has now moved to make room for you, and that was a little painful. I had swollen feet for the first time yesterday and it was a little wake up call for me to take it easy. I spend a lot of time on the massaging recliner, and you love to move around as it vibrates. You also get the hiccups a few times everyday. I'm not sure you like them because you wiggle around to try to get comfortable everytime you have them. I try to rub my belly to help releave the discomfort you're experiencing. Daddy also rubs my belly when I'm sore and it always makes me feel better. I've been experiencing multiple contractions a day, and it only reminds me of how close you are to being here. We already love you so much, and can't wait to meet you.

Here is your little smile!! I already can't wait to figure out ways to make you smile for the rest of your life!

Just Like Tim

So, as Connor's arrival is growing ever closer, and our preparations for his arrival have gone into overtime, I am wondering more and more what this little guy is going to be like. I wonder what he is going to look like, what he is going to act like...is he going to be more into sports like me, or the arts like his mommy. Obviously I hope he is as into sports as I, so we may share that together. However, if my little boy grows up excelling in some sort of arts, I will support him in that venture as well. Of course, if that is the case, I feel sorry for him because at least until he is old enough to tell me, sports is the way we are going to go. As I write this, I am sitting on the couch watching the Dolphins play the Bills. Last night, I got to watch Liberty football beat Ball State. The entire time I sit here watching, I can't help but think that in a few short weeks, I will be able to sit here with Connor in my arms enjoying some football with my son. Sadly, it appears that this will not be the year that the Red Sox return to the World Series (which of course I cheer for every year but even more this year with Connor's arrival), but that is OK. I am already planning my Father-Son trip to Boston to catch a game at Fenway. I agree with Brad Paisley in his song "Anything Like Me" (which you can read below), no matter what my little buddy turns out to be like, this is going to be an adventure, one that I am more than willing to forge!




I remember sayin' I don't care either way
Just as long as he or she is healthy I'm ok
Then the doctor pointed to the corner of the screen
And said "Ya see that thing right there well you know what that means"
And I started wondering who he was going to be
And I thought heaven help us if he's anything like me

He'll probably climb a tree too tall and ride his bike too fast
End up every summer wearin something in a cast
He's gonna throw a ball and break some glass in a window down the street
He's gonna get in trouble oh he's gonna get in fights
Im gonna lose my temper and some sleep
It's safe to say that, I'm gonna get my payback, if he's anything like me

I can see him right now, knees all skinned up
With a magnifying glass tryin to melt the Tonka truck
Won't he be a sight with his football helmet on
That'll be his first love til his first love comes along
He'll get his heart broke by the time he's in his teens
And heaven help him if he's anything like me

He'll probably stay out too late and drive his car too fast
Get a speeding ticket he'll pay for mowing grass
He's gonna get caught skippin class and be grounded for a week
He's gonna get in trouble we're gonna get in fights
I'm gonna lose my temper and some sleep
It's safe to say that, I'm gonna get my payback, if he's anything like me

He's gonna love me and hate me along the way
Years are gonna fly by I already dread the day
He's gonna hug his momma he's gonna shake my hand
He's gonna act like he can't wait to leave
But as he drives out he'll cry his eyes out
If he's anything like me,
There's worse folks to be like,
Aw he'll be alright if he's anything like me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCLz2H6g6sg&feature=related

The Nursery

Every pregnant woman goes through it.......the NESTING STAGE!!! Yes, it almost strikes fear into the heart of men, but luckily I've got a guy who has lovingly shaken his head at me and then helped me the whole way. How could he not be excited about a Red Sox room? I am happy to say it actually went together pretty quickly. Tim and Casey spent a weekend painting and putting up the molding, then in went the new carpet, and pretty soon the furniture was in place. I can say with certainty that the most difficult and time consuming part was the beautiful crib set that my mom made. It was practically completed by the time of my shower, but of course I was waiting for all of the goodies that were yet to come. After the shower it looked like a tornado had passed through the room but thanks to that nesting instinct things were washed, sorted, and put in place to be used in 6 short weeks!!! The nursery is such a sweet little haven in our home. I enjoy spending quiet moments in there already, and I can't wait to have Connor here to enjoy it with. I don't think he has much of a choice of what team he's going to root for, and heaven forbid he favors soccer more than baseball! HAHA! We shall see what this little man has in store for us, I'm so excited!!

We were able to keep the full size bed in the room for guests, or for late night feedings!!

My Great-Grandmother's rocking chair was recovered for it's special new place in his nursery. Here you can see the Red Sox crib set as well.

Red Sox rocking chair, lamp, and shelf!! What a happy room!

33 weeks!!!!

We cannot wait to meet our little Connor. It has certainly been an interesting week in this household, and it just makes us look forward to his arrival even more. Doors close, and life moves on, and we know that the Lord is in control. We gain perspective in many different ways, and priorities are made clear. We are about to have a little boy that we will love and protect no matter what happens. It is a blessing to be married to Tim who is a constant strong hold, sounding board, and source of discernment. He is a man after God's own heart and I know he will set an amazing example for Connor. Connor will not be lacking for love and attention by any means, we already have an overflow of that in our lives and for that we give praise!! We're all ready for you Connor!

Back to School Blues

It has happened.....school has started! The moment I dreaded all summer long has become a reality and I am back to work. I'm blaming the hormones for crying Sunday night just thinking about it. Don't get me wrong, I'm beyond thankful to have a good job, but this has just been a terrific summer and I didn't want it to end. Waking up at my leisure, and taking as long as I need to get things done is such a luxury. Here we are not even through the first week and I'm completely exhausted. Do you think I can take a nap during my planning hour?

I do have many things to celebrate though. My incredible husband, who has been working very very hard these past 18 months, completed his Masters Degree in Business through Liberty University. His last day was Friday and he is now enjoying his new found freedom. Since his completion we have taken a Babymoon, he's played golf, and he's going hunting this weekend. Talk about a guy who's ready to get out and about!!! He deserves every minute of it, he's earned it. There are great things on the horizon and an MBA will only help him get there. What's great is he will be "walking" with Casey this coming May at LU. How special will that be? It's incredible how the Lord works things out.

As for the Babymoon, Tim and I had a fabulous weekend. With him finishing, and me about to begin school, he thought it was the perfect time to just get away one last time before Connor gets here. We stayed on the executive level at the Hilton in Naples and loved every indulgent minute of it. What could be better than great quality time together? We enjoyed hors d'oeuvres every evening at 5, and woke up to a delicious continental breakfast. Our big dinner out was to Shula's for amazing steaks. We had a gift card, and then once arriving at the hotel we received $10 off and then a coupon for free appetizers....um, we ate well!!! Connor enjoyed the filet mignon!! That'a boy! The hotel even offered a complimentary shuttle service to the beach where they provided for us beach chairs, towels, and a cooler with bottled water. We were in heaven!!! Now can you understand why Sunday night was so tragic? Back to reality.

One more highlight of being in the Ft. Myers area was meeting up with Grant and Renee. Renee is starting to really cultivate her passion for photography and suggested we do a little photo shoot. The four of us met up early Sunday morning, before it was too hot, and proceeded to have a great time. I remember more laughter than picture taking, but Renee continued to click away while we all enjoyed our time together. She captured some wonderful shots of Tim, the belly, and I and that's what's up at the top. I'm so blessed to have such great artistic documentation of this period in my life. Contact her if you're on the West Coast!

Another exciting moment from this weekend was the birth of baby Nathaniel Rainer!! You know, this is going to be one of Connor's very best friends. Sarah had her baby early Saturday morning and I just couldn't wait to meet this handsome little guy. Tim and I got to visit with the Rainer's Tuesday night and I was in awe of how precious Nathaniel is. It was a special moment to hold Nathaniel resting on my belly, and feel Connor moving around beneath him. When Nathaniel would twitch or move, Connor would do a similar twitch in response. It was a little surreal, and of course it meant they already like each other! haha! What a beautiful loving family they make. Tim and I are lucky to have them as friends!

So, it's back to school, back to the grind, back to the middle schoolers. I'm sure I can handle it just with a little more exhaustion than usual. I do have more classes, filled with more students, this year, but I know I will survive. I just keep telling myself "7 more weeks, you can do it".

Showered With Love

"Children are one third of our population and all of our future. "

This past weekend was a momentous occasion in my life. Many of the dearest women in my life came together for a beautiful brunch and showered little Connor with many gifts and blessings. The Baby Shower that my mom spearheaded surpassed my wildest expectations. I'm truly touched by the way my friends came together and each had a special part of this sweet day. I know that my mom lost many hours of sleep over this amazing event, and I will never be able to thank her enough. Even Casey and Tim were there to lend a hand. I saw in an instant the payoff of months of planning, and I was immediately humbled by the experience. From the table settings that were decorated with the prettiest centerpieces and the most beautiful China, to the amazing spread of food that was so lovingly prepared, each corner of the room was filled with a special touch. I am still moved by how wonderful it all was.

It was amazing the outpouring of generosity that came in the form of gifts for little Connor. As each person came the pile of beautifully wrapped presents grew. After a touching Devotional time it was time to eat. There was enough food for double the amount of guests, and we are still eating all of the goodies. It was very quickly time to open presents and that was a great endeavor. Connor received so many wonderful things that I can't wait to use and dress him in. The presents ranged from things for the nursery to adorable little outfits. Many items were related to the Red Sox nusery theme, and Tim was beyond thrilled when he saw them all. Some things were lovingly made for Connor like blankets, layette's, and my mom even quilted his entire crib bedding. These are such special things that he will have for the rest of his life. Anecdotally there were no bottles in the bunch of goodies. Not to worry we are set with everything else we could possibly want and need, and then some.

Tim and I are beyond grateful to the outpouring of love and generosity that was shown on Saturday for our little boy. We are so excited to bring Connor home, and have him meet all of these special people we have in our lives. He is so lucky to be so surrounded by love and support.

A picture of one of the centerpieces and the beautiful cups and saucers that were at each place setting.

The super yummy spread!!

Mom, Kaitlyn, and I (here I'm 30 weeks) with some of the gifts.

With one of the very special Red Sox gifts, this one sent by Aunt Carol.

The quilt that mom made that goes with the entirely hand made crib set. Very special!

Some of the special ladies that were at the shower.

The back of our car. No it didn't all fit, yes I'm still sorting through it all, and yes the thank you cards are done!!!

What an amazing Baby Shower it was. I am so lucky I sometimes have to pinch myself.

A Shorter Countdown

Tomorrow marks 30 weeks. This weekend signifies 2 months left. The tightness in my belly informs me that I will be meeting little Connor very shortly. Is summer really over? Am I really going back to school? How did it all go by so quickly? I am in awe that very soon I will be holding my precious little baby.

One thing that makes it even more real is the anticipation of Connor's upcoming Baby Shower. (Am I really at that stage in my life? How incredible.) I'm looking forward to seeing all of my loved ones and having some relaxing and fun girl time. My biggest struggle recently has been staying away from peeking at my registries. Why is that such a pull? It is such a temptation, and I really do want to be surprised, but every once in a while I feel a tug to go and wander around on those particular websites. I think I've been a pretty good girl about it though. I'm excited to see who purchased what, and be able to think about that person when we use that gift. I am so thankful to have such wonderful friends and family who are so giving and thoughtful.

Another big temptation happens at mom's house. I know there are all sorts of surprises tucked in corners of certain rooms and I so desperately want to go on a treasure hunt. Yes, I was one of those children who enjoyed shaking the wrapped presents under the Christmas tree and trying to guess what everything was. Somehow I would beg enough and we would be allowed to open one present on Christmas Eve, just to satisfy my intense curiosity. As I have grown up, I now enjoy the thrill of the surprise more than the guessing game I used to play, and I've done well to stay put in the living room at mom's house so as not to stumble upon all the goodies. Right now, I'm super excited to see the bedding mom has made for Connor's Crib. I got to participate in the picking of the fabric, but that was the last I saw of the project, and I just cannot wait to see it, I know it will be incredible.

I am just beyond thankful to all of the girls, and my mom, who have been working so hard to bring the Shower together. I am so thankful for the ladies who are coming, and I already miss those who won't be able to make it. It's only two days away and I know it will be fabulous. Connor is so blessed to have such wonderful women in his life already, and I'm so excited that he will meeting them soon.

Maternity Pics

What a fun day yesterday was!!! I drove down to Coral Gables to meet up with my friend Anthony, his wife Magda, and their gorgeous little girl Autumn, to pick up some baby items they are so graciously letting me borrow. I only got lost a little bit on the trip, but that's just par for the course when driving around Miami. It was so wonderful to see them and visit, and they made it even more special by putting together a little photoshoot. To be honest, I'm a little self conscious about this changing body of mine, but I am so thrilled by how these turned out. Anthony is truly talented and I love his little family!!! Here are some of the shots he got, he's still working on putting more up, so I'll add little by little.

On my way out the door yesterday I noticed a HUGE box on my front porch that FedEx had dropped off. I lugged it inside and decided to wait until Tim was home to open it. Low and behold it was the stroller I wanted!!! My sweet dad, grandma and grandpa purchased it for little Connor and Tim and I put it together as soon as was humanly possible!! We love it. Thank you guys!