Thursday Morning

Here is my daughter and i yesterday afternoon. I thought you all would like to see how we are growing together so nicely! I must say that I am feeling a bit more uncomfortable, but it is all for a very good cause now isn't it? When ever I feel like getting down on myself for this awkward time I try and laugh at myself and stay positive. This has really helped me get over some of the more difficult adjustments to being in the later stages of pregnancy.

Health wise all seems well. I am a little low in Iron but I've not been good about taking my prenatal vits and so I'm trying to do that everyday now and of course eating more red meat. I still walk as much as my body will allow and hanging out with dear friends and family has been a tremendous source of encouragement for me. Also a few neighbors and I are starting a community garden which will be such a joy for me as long as I can hold out! I only have about 5 weeks left but I'm trying hard not to do the count down. I know this she will come when she is good and ready.

Beauty of Motherhood

Last night I finish a book that was sent to me by my loving mother. Written in 1911, the book Mother by Kathleen Norris shares a sweet tale of a young woman and her struggle with finding her place in the world. Born one of eight children, she watches her mother seemingly struggle through life raising and caring for so many lives. She finds this a waste of time and goes to persue her own dreams, but in the end realizes the greatest woman she knows has cared for her her whole life. Very refreshing! Here is my most favorite portion of the book...

"-there's something magnificent in a woman like your mother, who begins eight destinies instead of one! She doesn't strain and chafe to express herself through the medium of poetry or music or the stage, but she puts her whole splendid philosophy into her nursery-launches sound little bodies and minds that have their first growth cleanly and purely about her knees. Responsibility-that's what these other women are afraid of! But it seems to me there's no responsibility like that of decreeing that young lives simply shall not be. Why, what good is learning, or elegance of manner, or painfully acquired fitness of speech and taste and point of view, if you are not going to distill it into the growing world?"

Once Again

My friend from college came to visit me a few weeks ago. It was so much fun to have Maria come all the way from PA to visit us. We had some fun girl times and some quality time out doors hiking, and doing some minor sight seeing. We also had a wonderful night of home cooked Greek food! This brought me back to the little flat we shared while living in Athens Greece. We would cook a lot and have some really great conversations together. I am really thankful that she was able to take off time and come hang out with Scott and I.

Well in other news... I'm over 33 weeks into my pregnancy. People keep asking me how I'm feeling and I really have nothing to complain about ( at least not that I would want to share with you all!) No really, I'm doing wonderfully especially with the help from my husband Scott. I've also been blessed with wise counsel from the beautiful women the Lord has placed in my life. One thing my mother-in-law said to me the other day was really helpful. With all of her motherly wisdom (she raised five amazing children) she told me to just relax, have fun, and enjoy your baby. I thought...Oh yeah! this is going to be fun! I do get caught up in doing things right and to be reminded of this simple truth has been invaluable.

Scott's still working hard at work but finding time to help others with house projects and getting in some time for leisure. He is so excited about our baby coming soon. He keeps saying to me he just wants to know what she looks like and how much fun it will be to finally hold her. I know that my husband will be the best father. I can't wait to see him in action.