The Countdown Has Begun!

Well, D-Day is coming...quickly. 11 days! I get goosebumps every time I say that. When people out in public ask, "Oh, when are you due?" I get nervous...not a bad nervous, just giddy. I think all part of me is still in shock and completely clueless about what's in store for us these next few weeks. I don't think we have any idea how much our lives are truly about to change. We're about to have a baby. We're about to be parents. I'm still just blown away at the fact that God trusts Danny and I enough to make us parents. To give us the greatest responsibility we could ever ask for. I can't even put into words how thankful I am for that. 

At the same time, my head is still just spinning. So many questions are running through my head and my heart. Will I be able to adjust to her sleep schedule? Will I be able to make it on so little sleep? I know I will, but for some reason, that thought has just been lingering...probably because I love my sleep. However, as much as I love myself, I have a feeling I'm going to love my daughter a whole lot more. I cannot wait until the second I get to hold this sweet girl in my arms and kiss her perfect face. I hope that Danny will be able to get that moment on camera, because it's one that I would love to be able to look back at and cherish. I also want to be able to capture the moment when Danny first gets to hold his little girl. He is already 100% head over heels in love with her...and she's not even out of my tummy yet. I absolutely cannot wait to see what effect she has on him when she's in his arms. That thought gives me goosebumps. Thank you Lord for giving me such an incredible, loving husband and a truly perfect Dad for this little girl. Now I know no one is perfect...but Danny is pretty darn close. And I can gladly say that he is absolutely perfect for us. It brings tears to my eyes whenever I think about how incredibly blessed I am to have him in my life. 

Last night as we were going to bed, he told me I was his angel. I told him that he is about to have another little angel in his life. He then said something that I'll never forget--not because it was profound and mind-blowing, but because it was just such a special moment...and I know he truly meant it. He said, "Then I'll have a furry angel, a sweet baby angel, and a mommy angel. I'm a lucky guy." I love this man more than words can say.

Now back to the questions stirring in my noggin. Will we be able to give her the love she deserves? I pray every day we'll be able to do this. I hope that we have what it takes to makes her feel like the most special little girl--every single day of her life. I don't imagine that it will be even the slightest bit difficult to love this little girl, but I just hope we're able to give her more love than she could ever imagine. 

How will she adjust to life outside my belly? I imagine that life in the womb versus life outside the womb is a pretty drastic difference. Quite frankly, if I were a baby, I'd probably prefer life a mom's cozy, dark tummy. I'm just so curious to see how she will adjust to the change. Every baby is different, but we're hoping and praying for the best transition possible. Don't get me wrong, we know there are major adjustments in our very near future. We're prepared preparing to make those adjustments. We know it takes time...and patience. 

How will I do alone with the baby when dad goes back to work? The thought of Danny going back to work and my being left alone is slightly terrifying. But on a positive note, one thing I am so very thankful for is that Danny is getting three weeks of paternity leave. This is counted as vacation, it's strictly leave for the baby. And the best part--it's paid! Hallelujah! We've prayed for good news as far as time off is concerned, and we have been pleasantly surprised/blessed with this news. So now we'll have three full weeks together as a new little family. I'm so thankful that we will have time to learn the ropes together and spend time together, getting to wallow in the presence of our blessed little family. 

Will all those motherly instincts kick in when she's born? Just about everyone you talk to who has kids will say that you'll get those gut instincts immediately. I sure as heck hope I do! If for some reason they don't, I've got quite a few incredible women in my life who I'm sure would be more than happy to help me when I'm unsure. Here's to motherly instincts! :)

This past weekend, Danny and I went to see the Josh Abbot Band in concert at Lonestar Park. They are one of my very favorite bands and I've wanted to see them for quite some time...but when I heard that they were coming to LSP and that it was $5 admission, I figured it was an opportunity we couldn't pass up. Parking was free too! However, while we were waiting for the concert to start (we didn't know what time it was going to start, we only knew they were going to go on after the last race), we were absolutely blown away by the kids surrounding us. We were both completely baffled by these kids. Apparently, this was a highschool/first year of college reunion for the local high schools. There were kids between the ages of 16-20 everywhere. It was completely obvious that most of them were not legally able to drink...however, most of them were absolutely trashed...and in very little clothing. During this time, Danny and I began questioning ourselves and wondering how in the world we were going to raise Harper in a way that she would not carry herself the way these girls were. 

Once the concert actually started, things calmed down a little...but before it started, holy cow. Just listening to them and watching some of them broke my heart. I pray that we are able to raise a daughter with a strong moral compass and who has immense self-respect and pride. Not the kind of pride that makes her cocky or too confident in herself, but the kind of pride where she is proud of the woman she is and is confident in who she is as a person and as a child of God. 

One thing I am so incredibly thankful for is an easy pregnancy. Looking back, I could not have had a better pregnancy. I'm so thankful for that, especially because I know it's so rare. So many women struggle with one thing or another throughout their pregnancy. And other than the occasional dizziness, growing body, and expected discomforts--especially at 8 and a half months--it's been pleasant. Very pleasant and thoroughly enjoyable. 

And as ready as I am to meet this little girl that's been growing inside of me for the past 8 and a half months, I will really miss being pregnant. It's impossible to put into words how amazing it is to feel her move inside my tummy. That's what I will miss the most. I love being able to watch my stomach and see her move from the outside. It's so bizarre and so incredible at the same time. However, every time I find myself missing that feeling, I suppose I can wrap her in my arms and feel her that way too...I imagine that will be pretty fantastic as well. :)

While I have loved every second of being pregnant, there are some things I'm definitely looking forward to doing again--some might surprise you:

• Being able to reach my toenails to paint them.
• Not being out of breath all the time...especially walking from one room to the other--I feel like I just ran a marathon, and I can assure you, I did not.
• Being able to wear all my cute shoes. I love cute sandals and flats. That has been one thing I've missed the most throughout the past few months. For some reason, my feet started swelling pretty early in the pregnancy, so I was only able to wear two different pairs of sandals--and they were boring. So I can't wait to wear pretty shoes again. :) Although Danny might not be as excited about this...he mentioned the other day how great it was because this is the longest I've ever gone without buying a new pair of shoes. No worries D, I'll make up for it here before too long.
• Wearing normal clothes. As fantastic as the pants with big stretchy band are, it will be nice to wear regular clothes again. Who knows how long it will take me to get back into those clothes, but either way, I'll be ready when the time comes. Which brings me to the big surprise...
• Working out. Believe it or not, I'll be glad when I'm able to go to the gym for a good workout. I'll give you a few minutes to pick yourself up off the floor after that statement. Trust me, I never thought I would say that. However, I'm ready. I'm ready to start losing weight...lots of it.

Here are a couple random pictures...it's crazy to think that there will only be one more weekly picture. Wow, how time flies when you've got a baby cookin'!

Boppy cover I made. It's not perfect, but it works!

The little reading nook in the hallway on the way to Harper's room. 

I imagine many books will be read and stories told in this little nook. :)

Her bag all packed for the hospital. A little compulsive, maybe. 

Carseat cover--love it! 

Can't wait to put that sweet little girl in here. 

Tiny TOMS painted by a very talented, close family friend I grew up with. They are absolutely precious. It will be a while before HGM can wear them, but I'll just continue to obsess over them. :) Thank you, Micah Biddy! They will definitely be treasured.

33 Weeks

34 Weeks

35 Weeks

36 Weeks 

(No, there aren't twins in there, just one.)

37 Weeks