Touched through Toes

My dear friend offered to give me a pedicure this week. At 9 months pregnant this gesture was more than much appreciated. She soaked them and scrubbed them and painted them a shiny red. =) I have never felt more blessed by a friend. Now when I go to the hospital this week and have lots of visitors, I won't be embarrassed of my feet! Thank you, thank you Bojana!

With this ring I thee wed...

Lately my fingers have been swelling up (along with my right foot and ankle). I never take off my wedding ring so I have been sliding it on my pinky when my fingers get all fat and puffy.

Well yesterday 2 girlfriends of mine invited me out to the dollar movies. Half way through Water for Elephants I realize there is no ring on any of my fingers! When the movie was over we started searching by cell phone light and found it in the bottom of my purse! All that buttery popcorn greased my pinky right up and it must have slipped off while rummaging through my bag. SOOO thankful we found it. I really thought I was going to have to go home and tell David the sad news.

Sunshine + Watermelons + Family = 4th of July

We got to spend the 4th with family this year! It felt so perfect to sweat in the brutal July sun while eating watermelons, jumping through sprinklers, and touring the sites of Chattanooga with Andy, Jess, and the girls. Nina Kate is missing her two cousins and has been repeatedly asking for "Besy, Besy."

Day 1 Went swimming. Had a cookout and ate homemade ice cream thanks to our kind & sharing neighbors.

Day 2 We went to the children's museum. Followed by free treats and water sprinklers. Ate at Lupi's pizza pies. Naptime & Chinese takeout.

Day 3 we played in the water fountains at coolidge park. Ate Good Dog hotdogs and fries. Walked the bridge and drove up Lookout Mountain and checked out Point Park.

Day 4 Donuts and Bye Bye

Day 3 playing in the water fountains at Coolidge

Day 2 cooling off in a sprinkler in front of the museum eating free cake, ice cream, and watermelon
Day 2 Betsy sliding in the children's museum
Day 2 Mollie and Nina Kate playing in the water zone at the museum.

July 14th or Sooner??

Went to the doc today. Everything looks good and baby boy should be here by around 8am on July 14th... or before! Just one more full week, just one more doc visit, just one more Friday night...

^{Proverbs 16:9}

In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the LORD establishes their steps.

There is a lot of uncertainty in our near future. But isn't that always the case? Each day is a gift. Each moment precious. Money is unreliable. Health is temporary. I thank God for all the amazing gifts he has given us. As a new day breaks tomorrow with the sun's rise I must remember that I am not in control. I will try to embrace all I have been given and humbly remember that none of it is "mine." Lord forgive me for all the moments I have been ruled by self confidence, greed, or pride. I am excited to see what steps and plans you will establish for us next.

^{Proverbs 16:3}

Commit to the LORD whatever you do,

and he will establish your plans.

Baby Boys Everywhere!

My best friend from high school had her baby boy last night! He is a healthy 8lbs 8 oz. Close to Nina's 8lbs 10. =) I can't help but just be overjoyed for her! Wish I could go to Cali to see her and her little Adler first hand. One of my best girlfriends from college had her baby boy Eli less then 2 weeks ago. My two mom friends here in Chatt had their baby boys, Caleb and Filip, this summer as well. And now it's my turn! My neighbor directly across from me will follow shortly after. Are there any new girls out there??

Ps~ Thanks to all who gave a prayer on our behalf after my Tears post. Nina took 2 naps yesterday (she still only slept for 45 minutes and woke up crying, but she went down easily which was such a blessing to me and hopefully for her too!). And this morning she went down and is currently in a slumber. =)

Tears

I cried yesterday for the first time in months, maybe even the first time in a year. I mean a good old fashioned Kristen cry were I just keep breathing in and can't seem to let any air out. I think it scared David and confused him thoroughly.

Why the breakdown? Everything is about to change. There will be a baby in this house in 2 1/2 weeks or less. A BOY baby. My girl baby who I've adored and loved is turning into a toddler. She is testing her waters, started hitting this week, runs away when she is called for, and goes limp when you try to pick her up. I'm not ready to tackle this new stage at 9 months pregnant, but I don't imagine I will be much more ready with a baby sized incision in my belly, little sleep, and a new infant to figure out. Nina hasn't been napping well and I feel a sense of guilt that I'm not correctly providing her need of rest. I don't know how to help her get better daytime sleep, it has been going on for weeks now, and I miss my time during naps. And I miss her waking up happy from naps. I am also not packed for the hospital, baby boy's nursery is a disaster zone, i have many unfinished projects laying around...

HOWEVER I am excited. I know I want this new addition to our family. I can't wait to meet him. I'm excited to watch Nina learn to love and share life with another. Siblings are great blessings. I am so thankful for my family. My loving husband. My sweet, healthy, and growingly independent daughter, and for my patient heavenly Father who oversees this chaotic and beautiful family.