35 Weeks

Only five weeks (or less!) left. Can't believe it. My appointment this week was another good one, still measuring right on. Since he has gotten bigger in the past couple weeks, he doesn't have as much room to maneuver. But he still manages to finds some for his acrobatic moves. They literally take my breath away now that they are so forceful. And I feel a foot in my ribs here and there--a strange sensation I must say.



Week 35: A hefty honeydew! He tips the scale around 5 1/4 lbs and measures over 18 inches.

National Marriage Week Feb. 7th-14th

This week is National Marriage Week, a week dedicated to celebrating commitment, building stronger marriages, reducing the divorce rate, and improving family life.

This makes me reflect on my own marriage. I can't believe we will have been married for 2 years this spring. I feel like we have already grown so much together, and I look forward to what our future holds. It will only get better I think.

I am so thankful to have a husband who first loves God and allows nothing to become more important to him. And the fact that he loves me despite all of my faults, which are many, is pretty incredible. It is humbling that he loves me where I am right now as a person, but at the same time encourages me to grow and become more like Christ daily.

I am thankful that he provides for me and soon for our baby too. He goes to work everyday without complaining, while I get to stay at home removed from the pressures of a career. I love that he desires for me to be a stay at home wife and mommy to raise our children.

Even the small things mean so much. Complimenting my cooking or an outfit, seeking to find out how I am doing, calling me throughout his workday, and setting aside time for me daily means the world. And most importantly, helping me put my snow boots on while I am pregnant.

The list goes on and on...

It is an honor to be married to you, Grant ♥

The Nursery

I finally have pictures for you of the completed nursery! It was pretty fun (and a lot of work) sewing the pillows, bedding, and diaper changing pad, but my favorite is the crib mobile I made, isn't just a cute little touch? We were fortunate to find some sweet deals along the way, so we were able to do it ALL under $150! Yes, that includes the crib, furniture, decorations, and fabric!

I have already been sitting in there while crocheting or reading (okay...and daydreaming), and it feels pretty soothing. I am hopeful it will have the same effect at 3 a.m. with a screaming, hungry baby!

Week 33: Pineapple. He's proportioned like one when it comes to weight, about 4 lbs. and is over 17 inches long.

Speaking of pineapple. It used to be my favorite fruit...until pregnancy. It just hasn't sounded or tasted good to me. My new favorite? ORANGES. I used to hate oranges. Now sometimes I eat 3 or 4 a day. I have heard a lot of pretty strange pregnancy cravings...but I'm happy mine is simply oranges :)

18 Things You Can Get Rid of Today

I have been on an organizational and cleaning frenzy for a couple months now and trying to get it done before the baby comes (see Deep Cleansing Action post). I felt like I had gotten down to the nitty gritty, until I read this article. I found 10 more areas of junk out of the 18 listed that I can get rid of. Thought I'd share the list and link below, so you too can be more clutter free! It feels great.



1. Kitchen Utensils
2. Coffee Mugs
3. Plastic Containers
4. Little-Used Kitchen Stuff
5. Vases
6. Food
7. Spices
8. Receipts
9. Magazines
10. Mail
11. Unread Books
12. Clothes
13. Kids' Clothes
14. Kids' Artwork
15. Electronics
16. Linens
17. Medicine
18. Toys

You can read the full 18 Things You Can Get Rid of Today article for more ideas!

32 Weeks

My 32 week appointment was pretty neat. Along with the heartbeat, I got to hear him have a case of the hiccups-so cute! My midwife mapped out his position inside of me, so no more body part guessing game during his kicking. I was right though, those visible little bulges I see are little feet poking out. :) And thankfully, his position is ideal for labor-head down! You may not be able to tell much difference from 2 weeks ago in my bump, but I assure you, the scale says otherwise.

Week 32: A large jicama! I had no clue what this was and couldn't find it in the store for a visual, but it's like a turnip. This week he weighs nearly 4 lbs and measures almost 17 inches.

Nursery is almost done-just a few touches left. Pictures to come!

Answers in Genesis

The past couple of days we attended two sessions at an Answers in Genesis conference. I had heard of the organization, but had no real exposure to it. The speaker and president, Ken Ham, was amazing and really sparked my interest on the subject. The messages reminded me just how humanistitc our world is today and why it is so important for us as Christians to uphold the authority of God's word and the truth of creation. I left feeling challenged to be able to defend my faith in an environment so hostile to God, and I know I need to study the Bible a lot more to be able to do so adequately. I am also interested in reading some of his books, so if you have read the Answers in Genesis books and have recommendations, please let me know.

There are some great articles on their website where I have been a frequent visitor recently. If you have time, check them out.

Pointing to the Creator

What They Know Is a Myth

Calling for Reformation

We serve an awesome Creator!

For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:13-14

Week 31: He weighs as much as four naval oranges, approximately 3.3 lbs. His length is over 16 inches head to toe.

Springfield

We just had a wonderful time visiting my parents in Springfield this weekend. The trip included some mad scrabble games, a little baby shopping, getting stuffed with amazing food, a tour of the city, visiting their church, and celebrating Bob's birthday. Oh, and of course Grant competing with other drivers on the way home :) It was SO good to see my parents. I only wish it would have lasted longer. Glad Aaron and Jen were able to go with us too!

30 Weeks

I had my 30 week appointment yesterday. My midwife said everything looks great and I'm measuring right where I need to be. Now I am on the 2 week plan meaning I will be going every 2 weeks until delivery instead of once a month. I'm happy about this, because I could hardly wait another 4 weeks to hear the heartbeat again-I absolutely love that part!

The produce item of the week is a regular head of cabbage. He weighs about 3 lbs and will be packing on the weight in the weeks ahead.