A Few Things

Here are two pics of my favorite girls at a corn maze in McDonough. Cameron (left) called me to tell me that she will be Cruella Deville for Halloween and Callie (right) will be a Dalmatian puppy. How cute will that be! During our phone conversation, which happened to be my 29th birthday, Cameron informed me that I am "as old as the dinosaurs." That's one way to put it. Love those girls!

I'm officially 9 1/2 months along now and have 2 weeks to go. We are so excited for baby Parker to make his grand entrance! When will it be?

On a different note, I've been reflecting on a few things this week and it amazes me how you can heal from things that deeply affect your life - sometimes without evening realizing it. October 7th marked one year since I had a miscarriage. I honestly thought I'd never get over that experience. But yesterday, as I worked in the yard, I realized that the date had passed and it hadn't even crossed my mind. I am both happy and sad by that realization. Each day brings healing and happiness.

I am so looking forward to the new chapter in my life - becoming a Mom! Jim and I will mark 6 years of marriage in February (11 years together) and we are absolutely ecstatic to become parents to this baby boy!

Pics to come. . .

What Makes Me Smile

My niece Cameron called me last night to tell me that she got saved at church and asked Jesus to "be in her heart." I literally cried. She is such a doll and I am so proud of her. She turns 4 years old on Monday. She told me that when Parker "comes out" he can get saved too - and I can play with her again.

L to R: Brooke's parents, Nick holding Callie, Brooke with Cameron, my parents

Her 8-month-old sister Callie also brings a huge smile to my face. Just seeing her sweet face and funny expressions can brighten up anyone's day!

Hospital Woes

I spent Monday night in the hospital with contractions 2-3 minutes apart. Luckily they were able to get everything under control and stop the contractions and ease the pain.

Even though they were just "Braxton Hicks" contractions, I feel like I now have a better idea of just what I'm in for in about 7-8 weeks. And all I can say is I'm in trouble - Oh my goodness! Apparently I was having back labor and it literally felt like someone was stabbing me in the back with a knife. Thank the Lord for pain medication.

Now if we can just keep Baby Parker in the oven for a few more weeks!

Nesting Nut

The urge to nest has officially kicked in. Today, for instance, I felt the urge to clean and organize my tupperware cabinet(s). It wasn't that I wanted to - I felt like I absolutely HAD to do it. I "had" to find the matching lids and stack everything by size.

In the past few days, I've also organized my pantry, junk drawer, three closets, my cleaning supplies and household goods under the sink, my scrapbook materials, Parker's closet and my basement junk room.

Maybe I should just become a maid or professional organizer. I hope this urge ends soon or Jim gives me a paycheck.

Tupperware containers - before

Tupperware cabinet organized

Pantry

(still needs some work but wow what a difference)

New Wheels

Jim and I take pride in being fiscally responsible. Or frugal. Hell, we're cheap. I challenge myself to save money and spend less. Half of Parker's furniture and baby goods have been discovered at thrift stores, yard sales (or are hand-me-downs) and I'm perfectly content with that.

But, I'm glad to say that I broke down yesterday and bought a newer car that would better serve my duties as new mom. It's not a giant SUV - like my mother insisted I would need - but it is something more to my size and I was able to pay cash for it! It's a 2006 Honda Accord. I can't wait to take it to my dad for a good wax and detailing!

Here are two pics of my new ride:

Random Thoughts

My pregnant brain is all over the place. My thoughts wonder day and night. Here are two things that are especially on my mind this morning.

* There is absolutely NO way that a woman could go 9+ months and not know that she is pregnant. She knows!
I’ve been watching the I-didn’t-know-I-was-knocked-up show on TV and want to believe those women, but I just can’t. Not a day goes by that I don’t know for a fact that a living, breathing, kickboxing thing is inside my stomach – aching to come out on most days. People who don’t even know me know I am pregnant because you can literally see my stomach moving and contorting from across the room. It is sick. It is in my dreams each night. That little foot or elbow that is jutting out from my skin haunts me. I feel bad admitting that I am not ooh-ing and aww-ing over the fact that my little guy is doing Yoga in my belly, but I just find it to be bizarre and freaky.

* I am so proud of myself for not freaking out when I see celebrities in person.
The inner me wants to scream and jump up and down and act like a total idiot. In the past three months, Jim and I have seen 3 “celebrities.” Granted, Jim didn’t know who any of them were and looked at me like I was crazy because I spotted them from a mile away and chatted his ear off about them for the rest of the day. This past Sunday, we were cruising through Atlantic Station, when I spotted Vivica Fox! Of course I am screaming in the car and Jim is repeating, “Who? Who?” I had to come home and Google her so he could figure out who she is! But, I didn’t show out and jump out of the car to bum rush her. Hell who am I kidding? I can’t even run anymore with this giant gut in the way.

7 Months Along

I love getting together with my girlfriends from Griffin, especially now that several of them have babies (or are having babies) and we can talk about pregnancy, babies, kids and everything in between. You can only talk about certain things with your close friends. Sometimes it is just nice to vent.

Michelle, Katie, Hayley and I hosted a baby shower for our friend Julie over the weekend and we had a great time. I can't help but cringe when I see the picture of myself all pregnant and fat. I'm just counting down the weeks (only 11 more to go) before I can start to lose some of this weight.