Humbled

Humbled. That's how I feel right now.
It's amazing to me how generous and supportive so many people in our life have been throughout this pregnancy. Matthew and I just got home from a baby shower that Drew's work threw for us. The generosity of these people is amazing... and it just adds to the generosity and support that we've already received from so many other people throughout this pregnancy journey (even with the few stressors we've had to deal with along the way!) They ordered pizza from Louisa's, and fancy cupcakes from Metro Market. Then showered us with so many wonderful gifts for Will - and even a few for Matthew too! They bought us our fancy pack n play that I wanted, the "must-have" space saver high chair, a couple cute outfits, baby towels & washcloths, designer baby socks (that apparently you can only order online according to Jenny... heehee), feeding necessities, and my personal favorite - his very own sock monkey (I've always wanted to own one of those!).
These people did not have to do this... but they did. Not because they had to, but because they genuinely wanted too - and that feels so wonderful. Another reason why I feel so incredibly blessed.... I frickin' love my life and how it has turned out. Like I've said before, maybe once you go through the tough stuff, and experience true happiness, is when you can genuinely be greatful for all that you have and not take things for granted. I try not too. Life's too short.
In other news... I had my 36 weeks doctor appointment today, and I'm at 1 cm. dilated and 50% effaced. Not too horrible, but I'd be lying if I wasn't a tad disappointed that I wasn't dilated more. However, I do know that it hardly means anything, and that I could go into labor at any point, since I am considered "favorable for delivery". My doctor also estimated his size right now to be about 5 to 5.5 pounds, putting him at 7 or 7.5 pounds by my due date - so he won't be huge! A nice average sized baby, just like me and his Daddy.
That's it for now... I think I'm needing to go put my feet up with some ice water now...

Two years ago (yesterday)...

...I married my very best friend. Drew and I celebrated our 2 year wedding anniversary yesterday. It was most likely our last night alone for at least 2-3 months (until I can part with my infant!). Matthew had a sleepover at my sisters so Drew and I could really focus on each other. After dinner we caught ourselves pondering, "Well, what do we do? We never have this much free time together!" We spent the rest of the night watching the sunset by the Milwaukee River, going for a drive, watching a movie and cuddling on the couch. Very relaxing, and just what the two of us needed to do together.

I can't believe how fast those past two years have gone. We talked about how much has happened in these last two years.... and yes, we have been busy. And it's not looking like it's not going to slow down anytime soon. Although, we are greatful, for all the many blessings we have been given (especially in the past year). And we know that we've worked really hard to be "happily married". Marriage is tough, but SO worth it. I've been on the other side, and it's so much better to work hard at something and reap those benefits and share a life with someone who truly loves me and takes care of me. I feel loved. I feel taken care of. I feel happy. What more could I ask for...?

...A healthy baby boy that's due to make his arrival in about 4.5 weeks! Come on Will! We're all so excited to meet you and make our family a family of 4! Here's the lastest picture of me and my belly... I take weekly pictures of myself to see how I progress. (I feel like I look larger in the picture than I really do!)

It's about that time...

I'm almost 34 weeks. Isn't this about the time where most pregnant women start to really complain? Ok, now I remember why... Please, please, please, just bare with me for a few moments as I complain. I promise I won't do it again, because I AM that greatful Mama and I have countless reasons to be thankful for the many gifts that God has given me this year.

Have I mentioned that I get up to pee AT LEAST 5 to 6 times per night. And that when I lie on my left side and straighten my left leg I get this horrible cramp in my butt cheek and leg (so then I switch sides.... again.) And that usually when I lie down to go to sleep, my heart starts racing for some reason, which then prompts Baby Will to start kicking and moving (and yes, "Alien Belly" has arrived). And it doesn't matter if the air conditioning is on at night, I am roasting hot. Like, sweating hot even when my hubby is huddled up in the sheet because he's "cold". And not to mention how I feel like my feet and hands are like balloons ready to pop when I wake up in the morning. Thank you, Summer of 2010, for being one of the hottest, muggiest and buggiest we've had in a LONG time.
OK, my vent is over.... I should say that I LOVE my pregnant belly, even though it's getting so uncomfortable... here's why:

My cousin's husband, Brandon, is fantastic at taking pictures, and he took some shots of us the day after my baby shower - on the hottest day of the year - yes, we were really hot, and I got stung by a bee on my foot! Needless to say, the pictures are worth a thousand words.... they make me smile everytime I look at them. Even though I'm getting to that really uncomfortable point... there's no where else I'd rather be than right here.