28 weeks

At 28 weeks I am

So thankful for the many kicks and punches from this baby boy

Still experiencing a lot of pain and pressure

Fitting more comfortably in Blair's clothes than my own

Nesting like crazy

Taking it easy

Loving imagining Ava as a big sister

Over the moon about entering the third trimester!

Still very undecided about baby boy's name

Beginning to get his nursery together

Enjoying time as a mother of one and

dreaming of life as a mother of two

Sooo ready.

The Star

Too sweet a moment to keep to ourselves!

Betty the Faceless Snowman

Given that Ava has had very little excitement in her life lately (due to my constant need to take it easy), I decided to celebrate last nights two-inch snowfall here with Ava's very first snowman.  I squeezed into two pairs of maternity pants, barely zipped my coat and got down on my hands and knees in the name of making my girl happy.

Despite aching hips and a mid-frosty topple, we eventually completed Ava's first snowy friend.  Unfortunately, Ava didn't realize how long it took to actually construct a snowman.  When we finished, he got two hugs, the name "Betty" and then Ava was ready to come in for some hot cocoa.  By the time I made my way back out there to affix a face to our frosty, it had turned completely to ice!  Though his button-nose is m.i.a., he was at least donned with a hat and scarf for his photo shoot.  Though not the epic first-frosty moment I'd hoped to share with my daughter, it was still memorable and Ava has continued to love him from her warm perch at the kitchen window!

Now, thanks to you Betty, I will be laying down for the rest of the week.

O Christmas Tree

Each year we have been married, Blair and I have gone out to cut down a fresh frazer fir for our living room in December.  We've been through illnesses, pregnancies and baby-toting years, so each visit to the tree farm has looked a little bit different.  Even though this year I was huffing and puffing up hills in search of our perfect tree, it was by far my favorite as we got to watch Ava run gleefully through the lines of trees and savor every moment of this tradition.  This was the first year that she was really old enough to not only enjoy and understand what was taking place but to also do the whole trek on her own two feet--hurrah!

Ava squealed, "Mommy!  This one is Ava-sized!"

Our pick (and check out that central PA view!)

Merry almost Christmas from our family of 3 1/2!

A Miracle Baby

I believe God performs miracles every day.  In the last few weeks as I've gone from 22 to 24 to 26 weeks pregnant, I have been remembering and marveling at one of God's miracle creations.  Two years ago, my friend Melissa gave birth to her son Kyren at just 24 weeks gestation.  The story is remarkable and unfathomable but in the end God chose to bless this family with a precious and healthy baby boy.  I have been pouring over these pictures of baby Kyren and cannot believe that a boy just this size has been kicking around in me and making himself known.  I am praising God for saving and growing Kyren and for our healthy son as he grows in my womb during this 27th week.

 Kyren, born at 24 weeks gestation.

Getting to hold Kyren for the first time at a week old.

A perspective shot, Kyren with his Daddy

at one month old (28 weeks gestationally).

 4 weeks old

Kyren at two years old!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!