Week 27

Family Photos 2010

Our latest pictures by Laura Stern Photography.

The last one is a belly pic of Laura and I and the new babes about to join the family tribe. We are due less than 3 weeks apart, and her son will be the first cousin on Jim's side of the fam! Woo hoo!

Week 26

Week 25

Week 24

click photo to be able to read text.

Walk to 40 Weeks

I know it has been FOREVER since I have blogged. I suppose the burning passion to write has dimmed quite a bit and with how full life is, sometimes I just can't justify spending any time blogging. I kind of have to choose between that and other hobbies or relaxation time.

Speaking of hobbies, you all know I digital scrapbook, and when I came across this idea off a friend's blog of a way to document a pregnancy, I thought I would really like it. It's called the Walk to 40 Weeks, with the main focus to take a front and side picture of the growing belly and to write the little nugget a note every week. I have added a few "scrapbooking elements" to my final compositions. I didn't start until after week 20 because prior to that, there's not really much belly to document. :)

Here are the first three weeks of pics I took. I wish I had a nice camera or a talented photographer, or both perhaps, that could capture us every week, but alas, the little Cybershot point-and-shoot will have to suffice. Thank God for photoshop.

What's that? You're expecting?

As I sit here finishing my late night taco bell, I just had to post about our big news. I figured since Jim announced it this weekend at church, most people know now, but even if you didn't, you'd probably know soon by looking at me because the weight gain has begun. Thanks in part, I'm sure, to more than a few late night Taco Bell runs....and Hostess Cherry Pies....and cheesy rotel dip....and donuts....

So anyway, baby # 4 is on the way, expected to make their arrival on none other than Christmas Day. Can you believe that? My kids are something with these due dates, I tell you! M was born on her due date (June 25th), and J was due and born on 9/11. E, of course, had to make her own special entrance into the world 12 days late, but now this 4th one is seriously Dec. 25. I hope they don't hate us too much for forever ruining their birthday (I hear from December birthday people that it's the worst). Oh well, they will be loved and cared for and that's all that matters. We always find ways to make our kiddos feel special.

So yeah, that's our news. I'm officially 9 weeks, 1 day, along today (I think). I really didn't even feel any symptoms for the first 6 weeks, and then have had some nausea since then (but usually only from 3-9 pm). I've also been taking regular afternoon naps to keep up my energy. It truly is amazing how the woman's body starts to change pretty much immediately after conception. You haven't even gained a pound yet, but somehow your shape changes and you feel fat. I still had about 10 pounds that I wanted to lose after having J that I will have to contend with after this pregnancy. Hopefully, I will keep the promise I made to myself to really get in shape after this one...I will need to be in peak performance to keep up with this brood of mine!

In other news, I can not WAIT for the kids' school to be done with and to have some fun family time this summer. I'm ready for blueberries, and summer nights, fireworks, late night ice cream, dips in the pool, etc. We have some weekend events planned with the kids, and a stay-cation, and Jim and I will get away for almost a week in July (before I get too enormous) and have a summer respite together. Bring on the lemonade!

Now all I need is a white painted porch and a lazy-day swing!