It is crazy to me how unbelievably fast a newborn grows and changes from birth to this 7.5 week mark! Every day is entirely different from the previous and she discovers and learns something new each day. Every day is so precious to me to be there navigating her world with her and teaching her things as we go along. I feel so blessed to be able to be home with her, my dream come true. Literally I now have everything I have ever wanted – a loving and amazing husband that I love with everything I’ve got and a child who is so dear to me. I remember thinking even a few years ago that if I could just live to get married and have a child, then if I had to go I would be satisfied. Don’t get me wrong I have so much more I want to do and I would love to live to be an old woman, but you know what I mean. So that I don’t forget some of the precious moments and feelings I have felt thus far I wanted to take the time to make a note….
-I remember sitting mesmerized by the perfect, miniature face sleeping in the crook of my elbow, and weeping suddenly when I imagined her growing up and moving to college. Its crazy to start worrying about this brand new, tiny baby growing up and changing but it almost felt panicky. I would think that her first day and her first week is over, then the second week and I will never ever get the moments back. I was trying to “enjoy every moment” as people so redundantly reminded me, it almost felt overwhelming. I feel more calm about it now, but still want time to slow down to enjoy making memories.
-What people have said for years to me is true… you feel so differently about your own child than any other one you have ever met. You cannot love anyone any more, almost like your heart has been transplanted outside yourself- just like how I feel about Timothy, but different lol. It is a completely selfless and unconditional love. It is easy to put your self aside for your precious child.
-For the first week I would just cry when I looked at her and thought, “Wow God, thank you so much for trusting this little life with Timothy and I! She is perfect in every way! How did I deserve this?” I think it was partly the hormones but for the first two weeks I was an emotional rollercoaster. As friends and family came to visit and ask how it feels to be her mom, or even the nurse at the pediatrician’s office I would start trying to describe this amazing love and the feelings I had and uncontrollable tears would start pouring down my face. Anything and everything made me tear up but especially talking about my daughter. The feelings of love are so beautiful and so pure. Its really hard to put into words. She’s just so tiny, helpless and innocent that I don’t want anything in this world to harm her.
-I remember detecting that first authentic smile when she would look right at me or Timothy—a paycheck for eight weeks of unrequited, laborious love—and cheering like we’d just won the lottery. It makes a rainy day the most perfect sunny day of the year!

I have to begin by apologizing! Keira is 3 weeks old and I am just now posting! I think most of the followers have Facebook and saw our sweet girl already but those of you that haven’t….here is our gorgeous child! I am starting to feel a little more normal. Keira was born on December 10, 2011 at 3:40pm. She weighed 7 pounds 9 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. She was born during week 39. The day before her due date. After a very normal Friday for Timothy and I…since we both use to take Fridays off together, my water broke at about midnight. We had gone on a date, grocery shopping, watched Christmas With the Kranks, made homemade chicken noodle soup, etc. One funny fact is that someone told me eggplant is suppose to induce labor once you are full term, so that night when we went to Eddie Speghetti for dinner, I added some chicken, basil and eggplant to my stromboli. I guess it worked! I wasn’t completely sure my water had broke though since it wasn’t a major gush, it was discreet. I called the doctor on call and asked if I should come in and within a few minutes we figured out we should at least go in and have it checked out. After gathering ALL our bags (we didn’t use most of what I packed), we headed to the hospital. On the way there, my contractions began! We waited in the pre-op room for the doctor to come check me out and decide if we are staying or going back home. Sure enough after about an hour and a half of waiting she said I was 3 centimeters dilated and my water did in fact break. It was kind of surreal at that moment for me… I remember thinking, wow, this is really happening today! I was sooo ready though, I could barely stand waiting any longer to meet our girl. They moved us into our labor room and we called my Mom to come meet us at the hospital. The funny thing is she had a feeling I was going to go into labor that day, she said it earlier in the day. Long story short, after 10 hours of natural…once I was about 7 or 8 centimeters dilated I was SO tired and the pain was unbearable, I asked for the anesthesiologist to come to give me an epidural. Once that was done minutes later, I couldn’t even tell I was having contractions. It was the drug from Heaven! 4 hours later I started pushing, which lasted for over 2 hours….but finally Keira made her debut into this world and our lives are so enriched, so blessed! She is absolutely beautiful, perfect in every way! We thank God for entrusting us to be her parents, she has been such a wonderful baby! She even lets me get some good rest at night.

Keira Grace has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she’s over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which I’ll soon be able to test when I hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb. We are wondering what color our baby’s eyes will be? But, we may not be able to tell right away. If she’s born with brown eyes, they’ll likely stay brown. If she’s born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she’s 9 months old. That’s because a child’s irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she’s born, but they usually won’t get “lighter” or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.) Whatever color they are, I bet she is beautiful!

Only TWO weeks until her due date! I am so excited I can barely stand it! I’m working the last leg on my final audit. Everything is ready for our little girl on the home front. There really isn’t anything we need to do, just wait to meet her. I’ve gotten to the point where I’m so ready… I’m kinda achy and uncomfortable, so it really would be great. Plus, we had an awesome doctor’s appointment last Wednesday and our doctor said she already weighs about 7 pounds. I was 50% effaced and 1 centimeter dilated. Timothy and I keep talking to her and saying, “we are ready little Keira, come on out and play with us now!”. I got to see my best friend from high school, Chelsea, this weekend and I was really really excited to hear she is going to come visit in January to see our little girl… AND my Dad and Kathy, step-mom, said they are going to come about 2 weeks after she is born to meet her! We are going to have so much fun!!! Not to mention I haven’t seen my Dad and Kathy in over a year and a half so…lots to look forward to!!!

Psalm 5:12
For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

When I turned my life over to Christ, my life changed forever. He totally rocked my world. My life is so blessed beyond any words I can speak. I couldn’t say that, not even close over two years ago… before I decided to live my life for Jesus and follow His ways.

Its so exciting to me that if you are delighting in the Lord, totally enamored by Him and obedient to His word, you obtain His favor and protection! What a gift we have in Him when we wholeheartedly follow Jesus. This promise is amazing! The favor of the Lord on your life is indescribable. Totally unimaginable greatness poured down from heaven…uncontainable joy and satisfying contentment! Who doesn’t want that?!?!? We’re all looking for it but in most circumstances all in the wrong places… jobs, cars, relationships, etc.

There is nothing you could obtain in life more excellent than the favor of God. Let me encourage you that seeking after God and putting aside your own desires and ambitions is totally worth any sacrificing you must do to follow Him, because His favor is 100% better than the pleasure you will obtain by your own endeavors. I know in my life this has been absolutely true. I remember just before I made that decision and I was contemplating, it was extremely scary to give up living the way I knew. I realized that some people in my life wouldn’t understand my new life. I knew that I would be made fun of for my obedience to the Lord… but when that decision was made to follow Jesus I no longer cared and realized that it was much more important to me to follow truth. Up to the day when I made the decision that my ways of living aren’t working out and I was missing something in my life, when I made the decision right then to follow Jesus His favor came down into my life and it has rocked my world ever since! My life has never been so peaceful, full of love and contentment. There is no comparison from before Christ and after. If you don’t know Christ personally as I do, and you’d like to, please email me and I’ll tell you more about my experience (loribrown912@gmail.com) My life has never been the same since I became right with God and His favor has been poured onto my life. I want that for your life.

Real love is unfailing. It is not conditional and it does not end. Doesn’t keep track of wrongs. Always faithful. Doesn’t brag. Kind. Gentle. Slow to anger. Compassionate. Quick to forgive. Patient. Gracious. Isn’t jealous. Doesn’t seek her own. How priceless is Your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7

God defines love because He created it. He loved us first, before we were born. He passionately and crazily loves us. Even though we offend Him constantly. Love never fails because it is a choice. Luckily for me in my marriage it hasn’t been a difficult choice to love Timothy each day because he really loves me to the best of his ability as God would want him to. But there are many other people in my life that don’t always make the decision so simple. But at the end of the day we must love everyone all the time. I challenge you today to chose from your heart to love all you come in contact with. Because Your love is better than life, my lips will praise You. Psalm 63:3

Did you know that you were specifically, precisely, uniquely and wonderfully created… yes YOU… you were created to love and know, on a personal level, the One who knitted you together in your mother’s womb. Well, if this is new news…. its 100% true. Have you ever felt no matter what you do, you feel like you haven’t found your one true purpose in life? Haven’t really felt satisfied with your existence….still searching for happiness or something greater? Better job won’t do it, new relationship won’t do it, bigger house won’t do it… only He can fill it.

It is because you were made and designed to be in a personal and passionate love relationship with Jesus. This may sound crazy but He came to earth and lived a perfect life and died for your wrongs so that you can go to heaven forever. We all know we have offended God at least once in our lives… which means we deserve to be punished by not going to heaven, we haven’t met His standard that qualifies. All you have to do is admit you have sinned against God, ask for sincere forgiveness and believe Jesus is the son of God. I did that and my life has been FOREVER changed. You know what, when each one of us are born we have a heart shaped void in us and we can’t fill it, only God can. If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior…. this is true for you and my prayer for you is that you have your void filled. Email me if you would like to pray together to get right with God. Who doesn’t want to be filled with joy and hope? Who doesn’t want to know for sure you are going to heaven? God madly loves you right where you’re at. All you have to do is believe and realize the way you are doing life isn’t working…. just think about it….

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

What the world tells us love is is the opposite of what God created love to be and of how He defines love in His word. The world tells us that we love until it isn’t convenient anymore, until our feelings are hurt or until we just don’t feel “in love” anymore. The world tells us that if disagreements arise or you aren’t happy with how things are then its normal to throw in the towel whether it be a friendship or marriage. God’s word tells us something beautifully different.

God’s word tells us that love keeps no record of wrongs. It forgives quickly and doesn’t bring it up again. Love always trusts and thinks the best of the other person. Love is not “I” centered but “us” centered. It thinks about how can I best bless the other person? Love is kind, even when the other person doesn’t treat you kind. Love is unconditional, like how God loves you no matter how much you mess up.

If you’re thinking that loving others God’s way sounds hard, that’s because it is impossible apart from God’s help but the rewards are well worth the investment!!

My new friend Natalie and I went on a hike in Pisgah National Forest on Saturday. It was a perfect day for a long hike, so she suggested we hike to John’s Rock. I have never done this trail before, so I had no idea what I was getting myself into. While we were just starting out, I asked her how far we were hiking and where does the trail go to. She pointed up to the top of a mountain where there was some rock. Needless to say, I was a little nervous that she would have no problem hiking it and I would be dying with each step upward. As it turns out, it wasn’t as hard as I thought, but I had such a ball talking with Natalie on the way up and back down. I’m looking forward to our next hike together with my dog Dolce. Enjoy some of the photos she took from the top!

For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless. Psalm 84:11

Today I am hoping that you know God as your sun and your shield. God is our sun. Just think about it, we cannot live without the sun. If its life-giving rays ever stopped we would utterly die… just like the sun, we would not survive one minute if it wasn’t for God. We are absolutely dependent on Him for everything. God is a shield for those who believe in Him. He protects us at all times, even when we don’t realize He is protecting us He is. He also protects us by being our refuge. He is referred to our strong tower in His word where we can run to in times of trouble. Isn’t He amazing?

God bestows favor and honor. Wow. I don’t know about you but I’m totally unworthy of favor or honor. As sinners, none of us can say we deserve either one of those things, but God is so full of grace His word tells us that he bestows it on us if we are believers in Him. I cannot even comprehend it, but I’m so grateful for it! I see His favor in my life everyday. The fact that I’ve been blessed with my marriage I truly cherish when I didn’t deserve it, was able to buy our first home as He blessed us with provision we didn’t have on our own and his daily grace when I mess up just proves that His hand of favor is over me. I see His favor in the everyday things like the fact that He has protected me from car accidents today, He has given me a job that provides needed income, He gives me great friends who encourage me in my walk and He lets me enjoy things like playing with my dog and taking a walk outside amongst the beautiful sky and bird’s songs… He truly doesn’t withhold any good thing to those who live for Him.

Grace is such an illogical characteristic of God. It doesn’t make sense. It is truly undeserved. It is more than I can fathom. I can’t possibly thank my Father in heaven enough for the grace He has shown me!

As it turns out I’m a sinner. You’re a sinner too. Before I became a Christian, it never occurred to me that was the case. I just thought, …well I’m a good person. I treat people nicely, I am good compared to this person or that person… surely I’ll go to heaven. Boy, was I severly mistaken. The fact that I thought that way for 24 years of my life scares me because that means probably many of the people I love think the same thing. ONLY by admitting I have sinned against God and asking for His forgiveness will we go to heaven. ONLY by God’s amazing grace does he pardon us from wronging Him.

Just think about it, we have all fallen short of perfection at least once… we’ve all lied before, we’ve all been dishonest in some capacity, we’ve all fallen short… we all need God’s grace. When you receive it, your life will never be the same. Receive it and your life will be forever changed.

I came across this paraphrase of Proverbs 31 as it might relate to women in 2011…. I thought it was really good and practical and something we can all strive to be like. I have to admit, I really do try to implement her character qualities and hard work ethic in my daily life, but this woman described is like super woman. I can’t do it all, but if you ever feel overworked or tired, it is encouraging to know that you need not be discouraged, because God is smiling and He is proud of all the good your do, there are eternal rewards. Even if you get no recognition from anyone here on earth, God recognizes it and takes note. Not one thing you do for others is He not well pleased. Ultimately we are doing these things for Him! What are your thoughts?

A quality woman is a found treasure and is better to have than all the world’s riches and fame.
Her husband gives her freedom to be all God created her to be and has no reason to doubt her commitment.
She respects him and supports who he is through every season of life.
She seeks out modest and durable clothing for her family and keeps it current and wearable.
She fills her pantry and refrigerator with a variety of nutritious foods.
She wakes with time to prepare breakfast and plan the day’s other meals and events.
She invests in time-saving tools and is able to give time to others.
She starts her day with a plan, confident in her ability to manage her household.
Her time and effort in meeting her family’s needs pays eternal rewards, and she works long hours.
She creates a home where all who enter are nourished, encouraged, and feel safe.
She doesn’t overextend herself in time or money and is able to give generously to those who need help.
She is prepared for whatever may come with appropriate clothing for her family, food in the pantry, and supplies on hand.
She dresses modestly and current.
She tends to, but doesn’t obsess about her appearance.
Her husband is able to pursue an honest career and have influence in his community.
She spends her money wisely, buying only what she needs and having surplus for others.
She is assertive in her role as home manager and is prepared for the future because her priorities are right.
When she speaks, she exudes wisdom and encouragement.
She commands a respect.
She knows her family’s business and won’t succumb to time-wasters.
Her children honor and obey her.
Her husband recognizes her for all that she is.
“Many women can do great things, but I wouldn’t want to do this life with anyone else.”
Charm is fleeting and youthful beauty is soon replaced with wrinkles and gray hair,
But a woman who loves God and others will be admired by all.
She is being all that God created her to be.
Celebrate and imitate her life!

Colossians 3:1-5
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”

When you hear the term “Sold Out” what do you think about? Per the Urban Dictionary to sell out is: One who betrays a cause for personal advancement. That isn’t what I’m going to talk about here…what I mean is to sell out the world for Jesus. What I’m talking about is resisting the temptation to call yourself a “Christian” but still act as though you are not. This type of individual would not be considered sold out, they would be considered someone who is double dipping or wears one mask on Sunday of holiness and another the other 6 days in the week. This type person goes to church when convenient, prays when you need a favor from God and lives life based on what feels good or what mood you are in. I believe God wants more from us than that. He is raising up a generation to live boldly for Him with all their being, trusting Him enough to declare your alligence to Him and renounce sin! When one has a deep relationship with the Creator of the universe, love runs so deep and causes every decision to be centered around your greatest Lover, Jesus. This type of sold out relationship with the Lord causes non-belivers to be very confused. They can’t make sense of it and want you to stay miserable with them. They will not understand. But I want to challenge you to go all the way and surrender your life to the One whom ALL blessings flow. It says in James 1:17 that “every good gift and perfect gift comes from above.” Receive His offer of grace, forgiveness and a clean slate. No matter where you are at, no matter how much damage or wrong you have done, Jesus wants to have a personal relationship with you, forgive you of all wrong and trade in your old life for an amazing, peaceful and joyful life with Him. Its not weird, its not a religion its simply a relationship with the One who died on the cross for your sins.

Today was a very productive day for the nursery project! My mom, grammy and I were on a mission. We started at a fabric store and we picked out material for the curtains and upholstery fabric to redo the glider cushions. Then we went to Lowe’s and got the bins for the changing table, hooks to hang the curtains, and paint to refinish the dresser and the foot stool. Then we headed to Michaels and got some cute ribbons that are green with white polka dots to tie onto the bins in the changing table. Lastly we ran by Babies R Us to get a changing table cover that is green with white polka dots. We found the green wooden box in my basement which I use to keep photos in and it happens to match really well, so we are putting all of Keira’s books in there and using it as a side table for nursing momma. The black and white bins you see on the floor are for toys, we need to find a one tier wooden shelf to slide them in…. see the pictures below for the results of our efforts. Its really starting to look like a nursery now! Next Saturday my sweet friend Cherie is refinishing the dresser and putting on some black and white knobs. Stay tuned

Our baby’s growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts her at just over a pound. Since she’s almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), she cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but her body is filling out proportionally and she’ll soon start to plump up. Her brain is also growing quickly now, and her taste buds are continuing to develop. Her lungs are developing “branches” of the respiratory “tree” as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help her air sacs inflate once she hits the outside world. Her skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

We had a very exciting week this week since Timothy was able to feel Keira kick! He was praying over me and Keira the other night and had his hand on my belly and as he was doing so she kicked! It was a precious moment! He is really starting to feel connected and attached to her too. I’ve been feeling great lately! I went to the gym last night and surprised myself with how much I could do! I went on the eliptical for 15 minutes and then did arm weight exercises.

Dresser Before – Beautiful gift from my mother-in-law, Janice. It is a gorgeous Pottery Barn Kids dresser! Wow!

Dresser After – My Mom found these perfect hand made wooden new knobs in the damask print to tie in with the bedding. It looks amazing!

In this picture I’m showing you the new “K” we hung that has a black ribbon with white polka dots and the new curtain we hung on black hooks. Mom, Grammy and I found the sheer white fabric at a fabric store and Grammy hemmed the fabric. Then yesterday my dear friend Cherie used her nifty laser level to install the hooks and Mom carefully draped the curtain and added a cute touch of a green ribbon that looks like a little green vine. I LOVE!

In this picture I’m showing you how we totally rearranged the nursery, added the curtain and the most amazing hand made butterfly mobile. I just adore this mobile. Thank goodness Cherie knows about installing things like these so it would be done properly. We used a butterfly hook with toggles that go up into the ceiling and come down so it is very secure up there, I was so worried about anything falling on our precious angel.

Last but certainly not least, this picture was a gift from my mother-in-law Janice that she found at a yard sale, however, when she found it it was in a red frame with a yellow matting. Cherie and my mom are so creative they gave me the idea to paint the frame and make a matte covering…so that is exactly what we did! Cherie used a spray paint for plastic on the frame, then I went to Michaels and found scrapbooking paper to cover the yellow matting with this black and white damask print paper and black card stock. What makes this the most special to me is these bible verses are so dear to me as an expecting Mommy and now Keira will be familiar with them too as they will be soon hanging in her room What a great find!

All this progress was such an incredible product of team work! I’m so thankful for all these amazing people that are helping me make this happen! Not too much left to do at this point… keep checking back for progress!

Head to heels, Keira now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn’t much more than an average rutabaga, but she’s beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she’ll start to look more and more like a newborn. She’s also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you’d now be able to discern its color and texture.

This week I’ve been waking up several times in the night for bathroom breaks, but unlike usual, unable to go back to sleep for at least an hour. I’ve gone in the other room to read and after a while I’m sleepy again and can go back to bed. This is so strange for me since I’ve never ever had trouble going to sleep, I’m usually the type that once my head hits the pillow I’m out. Is this practice for night time feedings? lol

The nursery project continues, although, nearing completion! Today Mom and I went to Rug & Home to find the perfect rug for the room and we found this beautiful shaggy, soft, green rug that brings out the accent of green. I absolutely love it! I’m so thankful for my Mom who worked so hard at her new job to buy this for me. I’m a very blessed daughter! Also, today my friend Cherie came over and put together the white shelf/cabinet that Timothy and I got at IKEA a few weeks ago. I just love the black bins because it will fit Keira’s books and toys. I really feel that this finished the room. The only things left are the cushion that is being upholstered for the glider, my wall picture collage I’m working on to go above the changing table and Cherie has just finished painting a little green rocker and a green nursing stool! Stay tuned for more decorating fun!

Wow! Tonight at our bible study Rob & Cherie gave me their shower gift today because they had it made and couldn’t barely stand to wait until Saturday. It was so so cute! They had this gorgeous black and white glider cushion made where Keira and I will be spending lots of time together It is absolutely beautiful and am sooo thankful for their special gift!! Thank you sooo much Rob & Cherie… See pics above, I posted a before and after the cushion.

Keira is growing rapidly now. This week she weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is getting bigger to accommodate her growing brain – which is busy developing billions of neurons. Every day, about 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in my baby’s skeleton, which is now hardening. With this rapid growth, it’s no surprise that you baby’s nutritional needs reach their peak during this trimester.

We had soooo much fun with Meriah yesterday taking maternity photos at Carl Sandburg’s park in Flat Rock. I couldn’t believe she already had a few teasers to show me until she finished them later on. (If you want to see the pictures a little bigger, just click on the picture you want to see above). If you ever need photos… she is your girl. Her website is www.mozingophotography.com. We are soo pleased with her work that she has done our engagement photos, wedding and now maternity! Not only is she amazing at what she does, she is a dear friend and love her so much.

This week has been really great in pregnancy. No complaints and loving life. My friend Caroline Skinner threw the most beautiful baby shower for me on Saturday and could not believe how blessed we were by our friends and family!!! I will post pictures tomorrow from the shower!

By now, Keira weighs approximately 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in my uterus. I’m suppose to be gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to our baby. In fact, she’ll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb.

This week, I’ve been feeling bigger than ever… but still feeling pretty good over all! I have had trouble sleeping at night. Last night I woke up at 2am with restless legs syndrom and didn’t get back in bed until 3am. I’ve been taking so many baths lately trying to get comfortable and relax. We are very excited that next week we have a 4D ultrasound on Wednesday. Also, I think we have found our pediatrician, but I am having a meeting with him in two weeks to go over some questions I have. I’m pretty much done with her collage for the wall in her room with white frames, just need to hang them We are thinking on November 1st, we will start doing the last few things we need to get done before her arrival such as get car seat bases installed at the fire station, pack our hospital bags, make meals and put in the freezer, etc. Sometimes it just hits me, whoa, I’m going to be a Mommy soon. It really is a dream come true, sometimes its hard to imagine what it really is going to be like. I know I’m going to love holding her, dressing her up with cute dresses and hair bows. I’ve recently gotten very into crocheting and already have made her about 4 hats with different colored flowers to clip on them Its so relaxing! I guess I’ve found a new hobby!

Like I mentioned in my last blog post, I’ve really gotten into crocheting Keira little hats. I’m not sure when they will fit her as some are larger than others This is a huge step for me though since prior to these I’d never followed a pattern before, I had only done scarfs. I’ll share more as I make them!

Here is Keira Grace on her 3D ultrasound – 33 Weeks!!! Only 7 More Weeks and we get to hold you and love you in person!!!

Observations from the scan:
-she has her daddy’s lips
-she has cute chubby cheeks
-she has quite the little personality already, sticking out her tongue in one of the pictures at us
-she loves to cuddle up with her hands against her face

Just for fun I thought I’d show you what I’ve been working on these days! I’ve been making these winter headbands and selling them to my Mom’s friends … My Mom gave me the idea to make these because she reminded me that she bought me a pink one last winter and they are super cute! So I found a pattern online on ravelry.com.

PS Sorry there was not a Baby Bump post this week for 34 weeks. I was sick with an awful cold all week and out of work and didn’t look presentable for pictures! lol

Our baby girl doesn’t have much room to maneuver now that she’s over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew). Because it’s so snug in my womb, she isn’t doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks remains about the same. Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete – she’ll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

We are really getting down to the wire now! 5 weeks to go and Keira will join our little family! I’m still wondering how Dolce our labradoodle is going to take this. We have been getting our “nest” ready lately by making lists of what to pack for the bags for the hospital, putting together all her stuff like pack and play, monitor, bouncy seat, etc., cleaning, washing her clothes, writing the birth plan, and getting the car seat installed this week. It may sound weird, but I’m still in shock I’m actually going to have a baby… its really hard to wrap your mind around. BUT we are beyond thrilled! We have her little going home outfit ready with a cute pink bow headband and pink fuzzy jacket to go over it. I was really sick with the flu last week and missed a lot of work, but this week I’m feeling pretty good! I even made it to the gym last night! I really got some strange stares, like what the heck are you doing here! One guy that always has a comment for me said, “oh boy, don’t do anything strenous here, we don’t need you to go into labor!”. What a charmer I proceeded to go workout in the ladies area lol.

Keira Grace is gaining about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She’s shedding most of the downy hair that covered her body, as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Next week, our baby will be considered “full-term”. She’s in a head-down position and ready to go…now we just wait!

Side note….wanted to point out how we are spelling her name…lots and lots of people are already spelling her name wrong! Poor girl… it is KEIra… not KIEra.

We are ready for our little one to make her appearance. I can’t think of anything we really need before she arrives… last minute items we probably will get is a bottle warmer and a baby book. I started a scrapbook when we found out we were pregnant but I want to have a baby book too, to record all the little details. Timothy went to Jacksonville, Florida last weekend for church business so I was so relieved when he got home safe. I was a little worried I’d go into labor with him gone, but he did promise if I did he would get on the next plane I’ve been feeling pretty good overall, just a bit uncomfortable with heart burn or hot flashes while at work. I have one last audit I’m working on at work before I will be done so I’m buckling in to get it completed. Its getting ever more uncofortable to sit at the computer for 8 hours a day…. I am feeling extremely blessed by the Lord that He has provided a way for me to be a stay at home mommy, my dream come true!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We don’t have every detail figured out, but we “walk by faith, not by sight”.

The picture this week is a bit silly, but had to take it to show Keira one day. Timothy and I get a kick out of it how my belly has become an excellent shelf. Excited to meet our girl!!

I’ve been having fun making headbands! Thought I’d post my most recent creations

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

I find that when I am feeling discouraged or down, the best way to turn things around is to change my thought process and to start thinking about things I’m thankful for. This is something we can do all year long, but thought its especially appropriate this week with Thanksgiving only 2 days away! Giving thanks IN all circumstances, not FOR all circumstances is the key I’ll list 5 things I’m thankful for…then its your turn!

1) I’m thankful for Jesus who saved me and gave me a greater purpose to live and love.
2) I’m thankful for my husband who is the most grace oriented person I know and loves me with all his heart.
3) I’m thankful for our baby girl who will be joining our little family soon. Our little miracle!
4) I’m thankful for family who supports us and are there for us in all areas of our life.
5) I’m thankful for a church family who is authentic and is committed to getting out the Good News.