Pinch Me.

I'm now 32 weeks pregnant. 32 weeks, y'all!!!! And I still wake up every single morning and have to pinch myself. Every morning when I wake up and feel those little kicks, it takes my breath away. Every time I walk by the mirror and catch a glance of this growing belly, it's like it hits me all over again. This is happening. I am pregnant. We are expecting our second sweet baby. And I'm 32 weeks. Eight months. In my third trimester. It continues to blow me away each and every day.  

For so long we weren't sure we'd ever have a number two. And if we were so fortunate to be blessed with a second, we surely didn't know if we'd make it past 25 weeks and 4 days. But, here we are. Pregnant and thirty-two weeks. Tomorrow I have a doctor's appointment and we are supposed to schedule my c-section. How crazy and awesome is that?!?

It's been a while since I've updated this little space, so I thought I would post a few pictures and a few updates.

I took this picture the day I hit 26 weeks. This was a HUGE milestone for me. It was huge physically, mentally, and emotionally. At this point, I was the most pregnant I had ever been. Don't mind the my froggy PJ pants or the towel or towel rack or sink or MK's bathroom organizer hanging on the wall! Goodness.

28 weeks. The day I hit the third trimester. Huge milestone!

31 weeks. My family came to our house to celebrate the March birthdays since I'm not able to go anywhere. It was so nice to have everyone here and a reason to actually get dressed and put on make-up. The day before I took this picture, I spent the morning at the hospital being monitored because of contractions and some pressure. Everything checked out okay - thank goodness!! I think I'm actually feeling "normal" pregnancy symptoms - if there is such a thing. It's all brand new to me and with my history, it is all a little scary. 

Two days before I hit 32 weeks - month 8! Morgan Kate is on dance team this year and had her first competition Saturday. I wasn't able to go, but I did represent at home with my Dance Department Mom shirt! 

Of course there are days my back hurts and my stomach feels like it might burst. Yes, the shots I get each Monday are uncomfortable and I feel like a hormonal train wreck for about 24 hours afterward. Yes, it's hard to sleep and I have heartburn. And yes, there are days that sitting in this chair or being confined to this couch feels like torture. BUT, I'm pregnant. And that's all I've wanted for so long. This is a child I already love so much and will continue to love for the rest of my life. All of those other things - they're just temporary. So, I try not to complain and grumble. Sometimes I actually laugh about the heartburn and sleepless nights. It just another reminder that I'm pregnant and that I'm experiencing normal pregnancy symptoms. Not only did I have Morgan Kate early, but I missed a lot of the pregnancy symptoms. And while many people would say, "Awesome. Good for you. You are so lucky." I didn't feel that way. I wanted to get big. I wanted to be uncomfortable. I wanted anything that resembled a normal pregnancy. And this go round, I'm getting it. Such a blessing!

We have had such great support and encouragement during this time from my brothers and sisters-in-love, my extended family, our friends, and our coworkers. Prayers, calls, texts, emails, dinners, gift cards, goody baskets, transportation for MK. You name it, people have done it. It has helped more than people will ever know! And we are so, so grateful! 

This is not just something I'm experiencing or going through. It takes all of us. Every single day. Our days are quite different with mommy sitting in this chair. Bed rest with this pregnancy has been a big change and adjustment for all of us. 

MK is my constant reminder that this chair is nothing. Everyday in this chair means less time this baby may have to spend in the NICU. MK is already SO in love with this baby and already such a good big sister. She's been such a great helper. She loves to help me or do for me. She loves to kiss my belly and talk to "her baby". She writes stories and draws pictures about the baby every chance she gets.

Travis is my constant encourager and cheerleader. He reminds me daily that we can do this. He tells me all of the time that he's so proud of me. He celebrates every day that we are still pregnant. On the hard days, he listens to me and reassures me. And he does everything here at home. He's daddy and mommy. Yes, he gets tired, but he never complains. 

He's also my prison guard. Ha! Any time I try to get up or do something, even the smallest of things, he is there to enforce the law. And I'm thankful for that, too. Even if I give him those eyes sometimes. 

My parents have been a tremendous help. They come every Friday. Knowing that that will come on Friday really helps get me through the week. It's something I look forward to every day. They have painted, rearranged furniture, cooked my favorite meals, cleaned out closets, decorated the nursery, helped with MK and so much more. They have listened to me on my excited days and encouraged me on my days filled with fear. 

I honestly can't believe that we are down to single digit weeks left! SO, SO exciting!