Baby thoughts...

Can I just say that I enjoy rainy days?  Now if I lived in the Bahamas like a certain someone I know and it was raining every day for a week then it wouldn't be so fun. ;)  We really haven't had much rain here lately besides the out of nowhere major downpour on Memorial Day, during which we forgot the sun roof on our jeep was open.  Awesomeness.  

Call me crazy but I'm actually hoping and praying for a few rainy days right after our little one is born. Is that bad?  It's Ryan's busy season for work and if it's rainy then maybe he can have a little more time at home with us right after she's born. :)  

I know a lot of people getting married this summer....but isn't that true every summer?  I'm so thrilled for all of them and it makes me smile as I think back on my own wedding day and first days and weeks of being married.  Such sweet moments that you wish you could bottle up and revisit in person sometimes.   

Honeymooners!

I love Ryan's smile. :)

And to think that when we celebrate our second anniversary we will be holding a three month old in our arms. Also around that time, Lord willing, there will be another newborn babe in the family! :)  My sweet sissy in-law and her hubby have the opportunity to adopt a baby that's due October 1st!  We are all praying about this and trusting the Lord.  To be both excited and guarded is a tricky thing.  How wonderful it will be if our babies are only three months apart!  :)

I really cannot believe we're five weeks away (give or take a week or two) from seeing this wee babe that's been growing inside of me.  I'm not so much nervous about labor at this point.  I'm more unsure and worried that I won't be a good mommy and I won't know what to do.  I've never really considered myself to be naturally great with little kids or babies.  Give me a teenager and that's a different story.  I realize I probably won't be saying that when my daughter is a teenager.  haha.  Recently I had a timely and encouraging catch up with my friend Rachel, and she shared with me that when her little boy was born she was surprised at how she just stepped into her role as mommy and was able to do things she didn't think she could!  I know it will be that way for me too and I know it's different when it's your own kids. That being said....I cannot wait to see this little girl.  To hold her and love her and kiss her cheeks and to see my husband hold his baby girl. I'm thankful for the help and grace God gives, and I know I will gain a fresh appreciation for it in the coming months and years.  

At the baby shower both moms shared some words of wisdom that I never want to forget.  Shirlee spoke of the importance of raising our daughter in the Lord and I was reminded at church on Sunday that as a mom I will have such a unique opportunity and position to be the first to evangelize my children.  I pray for our little one, that she will come to know the Lord at a young age, and Ryan and I will be faithful to teach her about Him.   My mom reminded me to continue to cultivate my relationship with Ryan and the importance of keeping God first, then your spouse, and then your kids.  Easier said than done at times, I'm sure. I am so thankful for the example of my parents and that I never doubted their love for each other.

The baby room is almost done and it is perfect.  With the help of my mom after our first baby shower a couple weekends ago we got everything organized and put away. Ryan finished the dresser/changing table, and my MIL sewed the most adorable bumper pad cover and pillow for the glider.  The only big things left are getting the blinds and curtains hung and a few things up on the walls!  She'll be sleeping in our room for awhile after she's born but I wanted to have her room done before she comes so I don't have to worry about it later.  I'll post pictures soon of the whole room when it's done.  :)  

proud of his work. :)

eventually we're going to get some glass drawer pulls for the dresser

I love how it turned out!

I've been finalizing our birth plan.  I know some people would say "why have a birth plan?  it probably won't go the way you want it to go anyway, so why be disappointed when it doesn't?"  but my opinion is I'd rather have a plan of how I'd like things to go if there aren't any emergency situations that arise. Obviously I am going to do what's best and pray that I will hold my birth plan loosely if necessary.  I'm thankful for the information and education Ryan and I have been given regarding all the procedures surrounding birth.  I'm also thankful for the strong support system I have through my husband, doula and other family and friends that might be attending the birth.  My dear husband apparently has so much confidence in me that when asked by his sister if he was worried to see me in labor he said  "nah..she'll be fine!  she's going to pop that baby right out!".  Just like that.  Oh dear.  Thanks, babe. :)   While I'm fairly certain it won't go that way, I'm glad he'll be cheering me on.  In the end...how she arrives is how she arrives and I'm trusting God for that.  He has the perfect birth plan and it might be different than mine. :)

To end yet another lengthy post (because I can't seem to be consistent with my blogging) I will leave you with some cute quotes from the dad to be....

While laying quietly on the floor in baby girl's room he all of the sudden says "so...when is this baby gonna come?!?"  Um...excited much????  :)

"I can't wait until winter time so I can be on vacation with the baby!"  :)  Winter is slow season for him so he'll be home a lot more. 

"I can't wait until we have a kid so we can take her places!"  hahaha. 

While laying on the couch one night "If our baby was here right now do you think she'd be laying on my chest?"   

So sweet.  I love hearing him wonder and talk about her out loud.