Watch that bump grow!

Who shares pictures of their belly and draws attention to its growth? No one, unless they're crazy or pregnant (or both!), and then it's all the rage. I've been astounded by the expansion of my middle as our son continues to grow -he, by the way is due in ONE MONTH - so I thought I'd let you all be amazed too. Please excuse the occasional bathroom selfie: I normally turn up my nose at such things, but I can't help walking by the mirror and think, "Wow! I'm growing another human being!" and capturing that photographically. 

14 weeks

15 weeks  (by now I was feeling little popcorn flutters-so exciting!)

 

16 weeks

17 weeks

20 weeks : different pieces of clothing were starting to fit funny...

23 weeks: a very fun photo shoot with my mom. I love the pictures she took!

25 weeks: at a wedding with a friend who's just 2 weeks behind me with her first, a girl!



27 weeks: eww, another bathroom selfie. But look! I'm getting round.

28 weeks: I have literally lived in this workout shirt. It's now the only thing that really fits for my workouts. Thanks mom!

 

30 weeks: and this week...was when I went KA-POW! At least that's what it felt and looked like! But kindly notice, I still have ankles, not cankles, for which I am very thankful.

 

33 weeks: on the way to my baby shower. So many kind people who love our little man already!

34 weeks: I'm really only wearing maternity shirts, for fear that I'll stretch my other shirts

 

Last but not least: 35 weeks this past Saturday

 

I may be huge and getting huger...but it's all worth it! I can't wait to meet our little son.

The Shot Heard Round the World

As I mentioned in my last post, my twin came out for a business trip and a quick visit with us in July. It was such a treat! My family lives 23 hours (driving) or 2+ very expensive plane rides away, so it is a joy and rare treat when I get to see them. I should mention that this is not for lack of my sweet husband trying to scheme ways for us to get out there-but it's just a lot in a weekend.

 

 

Anyhow, it was, as always, a fantastic time with him. He and Eric get me laughing so hard it must leave the poor baby dizzy inside me! We played games, talked at length on serious subjects, quoted our favorite comedians, went for walks, church, and even a friend's surprise party.

 

 

On Saturday we decided to make the trip up to Lexington and Concord, the famous "beginning" of the Revolutionary war, at least in terms of fighting. John, Eric, and I all love history, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity.

 

We were surprised at how much there was to do and see. We could easily have spent more time there. Between 2 visitor centers, numerous houses open to tours, and 5+ miles of walking trails, it's easily a day trip.

 

In the background is one of the visitor centers: behind me as I was taking the picture was the famous North Bridge where the fighting began.

 

Oh-so-in-love!

 

American author Ralph Waldo Emerson lived here for a time.

 

Isn't he handsome? One of my best friends-and certainly my first!

 

I'm quick to feel warm these days, well into the 3rd trimester, but I'm pretty sure it was just a wonderful warm summer day, with deep blue skies punctuated by puffy clouds.

We spent a little time walking around downtown Concord as well. It was very picturesque!

 

When do I get to see family again, you may ask? Hopefully soon after the arrival of our Little Man, in just about 8 weeks! I can't wait!

A Few of My Favorite Things...

...from this July:

1) A special 4th of July weekend that included Eric's time off (yay!), walks, games, time with his family, a dinner guest, and an amazing fireworks show.

2) A visit from my wonderful twin John: how awesome that his business trip brought him right to this area!

3) The celebration of sister-in-law Julia's graduation with a cookout and time with friends: she's a beautiful and accomplished young lady who loves Jesus and serves others!

The lovely graduate with her mom and brother at the Boston marathon this spring.

4) A birthing class! Although some aspects were definitely "too much information," it was good to get the lowdown on late pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. It was nice to tour the maternity ward so both Eric and I could see where our son will (hopefully) be born, and just plain exciting to think it's not that long from now!

Can't wait until I can see this precious little face without an ultrasound!

5) A special overnight trip Providence RI, just the two of us. We decided to take the get away as a sort of "babymoon," since such an opportunity won't be so easy in the future. Also, our son is due right around our first anniversary, so we decided to celebrate now! It was very special. In fact, when the staff of the hotel heard why we'd come, they upgraded our room to a 1,200 sq. ft room on the 24th floor, and brought us sparkling wine (which neither of us could have!) and chocolate covered strawberries. We were blown away by their kindness, and thoroughly enjoyed the amazing view of the capitol building!

 What was special about your July?