Baby #3 - 27 weeks

I had a check up last week. Everything was great. I had to do my glucose test (where they check for gestational diabetes) and I passed it. I had to drink an orange flavor drink first thing in the morning, without eating anything. It's not that it's tastes so bad but it's just not good having to chug something like that, so early in the morning. But I did get good results, so it's over with now. :)

I saw Dr. Ryan today and I didn't really have any concerns or questions so my appointment lasted all of 5 minutes, maybe!!  He did measure my belly and I was measuring at 24 weeks. And Blake's heartbeat was in the 150's. So thankful that he and I are healthy. :)

A few days ago the girls and I looked up the information about the baby for this week. They enjoy watching or having me read the stats on what the baby is doing at each stage. At around 27 weeks they said that babies start to hear and make out sounds. It says to talk and sing to your baby on a regular basis. Oh, they loved that! Tonight at bed time, I was laying in the bed with them and the baby was moving. They both had their hands on my belly trying to be patient and wait for their brother to move. I told Avery that Blake was giving her a "high five" at one point. She really liked that! The girls both sang "You Are My Sunshine" and laughed and giggled as they felt him move. Avery kept saying that he was telling her that he was ready to come out and get a bath.

I have really enjoyed this pregnancy with the girls. They are so sweet! Most times I leave the house or kiss them goodbye, they almost always kiss my belly too. I can't wait to see them both as big sisters! Oh, the joy that my heart has for these kids of mine...so, so, so THANKFUL!!

We can't wait to meet you little Blake!

Kindergarten is over!

How does it happen?

Life passing you by in the blink of an eye?

I think one of my greatest "Aha moments" since having children is becoming so acutely aware of how fast life can go. I am continually struck by this fact every time I look at my girls growing and doing new things. I swear sometimes I put them to bed and the next morning they look like they are bigger to me (I've even told them both this on several occasions!).

So, why did I think Kindergarten would be any different? I think I blinked my eyes and I went from the first week of school, where I could barely pull my car out of the parking lot.... to the last week of school where I could barely pull out of the parking lot! Both for the same reasons, my baby girl, my first born was growing up!

Avery & Mrs. Mullis  - She received the "Happy Heart" award

I would watch her walk in to the building, practically skipping in every day, so independent and strong. So beautiful and carefree. During that first week of drop off, she would turn around and wave, to make sure mommy was okay. But by the end of the year, I don't think she even thought twice that I was still watching her. She was so excited to be there every day. What a blessing that was for me!

I wasn't prepared to cry the last week of kindergarten! I had no idea that I would feel such strong emotions at the end of the year. It was always the beginning that I dreaded. But the end was almost as heart wrenching.

Avery also received the "Model Student" award - CCS's highest student honor for each class

Oh, don't get me wrong, I am so thrilled, happy, thankful and blessed to know that she is a thriving, healthy, beautiful, independent child. God has blessed me beyond my measure with my Avery. But I look at her and already see all the years that have passed so quickly. In the blink of an eye it seems like she went from that fresh little newborn to a girl that is reading, growing, learning and challenging life.

Avery, you have amazed us this year! Mommy and Daddy constantly said how impressed we were with your determination to learn and your excitement to do so as well. We pray that your thirst for knowledge only deepens as you get older. We pray that you will always love school and show an eagerness to grow in new ways every year.

And as sad as it is for Mommy to send you on to 1st grade - knowing you will spend the majority of the day away from me, I couldn't be more proud of you! I am so pleased with the character and loving heart that you have shown to your friends and teachers this year. You are a one of a kind, a precious blessing! Remember what Mommy always says "God gave you that sweet heart of yours." Use it to honor and bring glory to your creator!

Last day of school

I love you forever!

Mother's Day 2012

Like every day of the rest of the year I was reminded very early this morning that I am beyond blessed! These two little angels bring so much joy to my life and I love them dearly. I love hearing their sweet footsteps creeping down the stairs and running around the corner to our room. It never fails that each morning they bring their sweet smiles and laughter with them. Thank you Lord for these sweet reminders of your love! 

This Mother's Day was also extra special being pregnant with our 3rd little baby. Being able to feel him move and roll in my belly today was another reminder of God's perfect timing. I can't wait to meet little Blake in a few months and introduce him to his beautiful big sisters!