The Words I Would Say

I am a kid on Christmas morning. What time did I wake up? 4:12!!! I could not sleep. I could not turn my brain off. I am just too excited, and now a little anxious, about today. I know we will find out how you are both developing today and I hope and pray we continue to get nothing but wonderful news. On top of that, I feel like I am going to meet and know you just a little bit more today.

As I lay in bed, I tried to keep my brain occupied. I re-planned today's math lesson. I went over a mental checklist of the things we need to discuss during our planning meeting today. I thought about what I would do after 11:15 when my sub takes over (I decided Lowe's will be on the stop...I can grab some paint samples for your all's nursery! I also made the very critical decision to go to Chick-fil-A for lunch!).

And when all of that planning didn't work / ease my brain, I began to pray for you two. Why I didn't think of this earlier I don't know because I always find peace when talking to God. With one hand on my belly, the other on your sleeping daddy, and you two kicking away (I hope I woke you up this morning, and that this isn't a sign of things to come, you late nighters and early birds, but I think that's just wishful thinking!), I prayed so hard for you two. I prayed for you for today and your health, but I also prayed for you and your lives.

Just a few minutes later, my alarm finally went off, 5 AM, so I allowed myself to now get out of bed and get ready. While getting dressed, I heard a perfect song (one I had heard many times before). It was my prayer put into lyrics!

So, my precious Little Ones, "These are the words I would say..."

It's Three in the morning
and I'm still awake
so I picked up a pen and a page.
And I started writing
just what I'd say
if we were face to face

I'd tell you just what you mean to me
Tell you these simple truths

Be strong in the Lord and
never give up hope.
You're gonna do great things
I already know
God's got his hand on you so
don't live life in fear
forgive and forget
but don't forget why you're here
Take your time and pray
These are the words I would say

From one simple life to another
I will say
Come find peace in the Father

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, You're Only a Day Away!

Last night, as I lay in bed, I was absolutely giddy with excitement knowing our appointment is less than two days away. I don't know how in the world I'll ever fall asleep tonight! Since you can hear now, I did whisper a quiet prayer for you two last night, "tickled" you to sleep (by rubbing my belly), and sang you a soft lullaby. And as much as I loved that perfect little moment between the three of us, I cannot wait until you are in my arms and we share even more sweet moments like those!

Then, this morning I was awakened by something much better than an alarm clock. Today, I was awakened (right on time at 5:00...you must be learning your momma's schedule!) by some strong kicks from one of you precious babies. And for the first time ever, I even felt your kicks on the outside of my belly! I was so excited, I almost woke your daddy up (but I decided against it, no one wants a grumpy daddy!). So, no pressure, but we're hoping for good, strong kicks this evening too, Little Ones.

It seems like just yesterday, I was on the phone in the middle of July setting up my next four appointments. And while September 4th didn't seem unbearably far away, it did seem like we'd be waiting for awhile. It was then we were counting weeks down. And then the days, then the single digit days! And now, here I am counting down the HOURS until I know whether you are boys, girls, or both. And while I already love you more than I ever thought possible (oh dear, cue the hormonal pregnancy tears as I type this!), I know finding out what you are will make it that much more real. No matter what you are sweet miracles, know that you are loved. Your daddy and I have no real hopes or wishes for what we hear tomorrow, except that you are both healthy and doing well. We love you too much already to be hoping for boys, girls, or both. We just hope that you continue growing. We pray that you are perfect and healthy. And we pray that when you join us in this world you will learn to live life fully and love every moment of it -- the good and the bad

after school routine: reading you some of my favorites, in your room, on our reading bench!

 

Curran Twinkies Pool

Go vote!! Boys? Girls? Both? How much will they weigh? Length? Hair color? Eye color? Birthday and time?

Baby Miracle A

Baby Miracle B

19 Weeks

Labor Day Weekend

This weekend marked the first holiday off from school of the school-year...but more importantly, it marked the last weekend of referring to you in general terms. In just a few short days, I will know whether you are precious boys, sweet girls, or one of each! I cannot believe it is almost here and cannot wait to find out!

We were busy preparing for you two this weekend, getting ready to start setting up your nursery and putting the finishing touches on the bookshelves. Grandpa Curran came over to help put the crown molding on the bookshelves. And while they were stunning before, these finishing touches just add to the "stunningness" of the shelves.

While the guys were downstairs, hard at work, Zsu Zsu and I were packing up the office. We had planned on this taking a few weeks, but turns out once we start something, we like to finish it! Except for the desk that needs to be moved out, your room is now empty and ready for decorating! (And by golly, I may just start this Thursday, since I'll know boys / girls / both on Wednesday!)

 

The afternoon wrapped up finally finding your nursery furniture too. Thanks to Great Grandma Ross, we were able to get a great deal on some beautiful furniture.

Well by now, I was completely wiped and exhausted, so I snuggled in for an afternoon nap. When I woke up, I was surprised to find ourselves in the middle of a huge thunderstorm, electricity out and all. So, we enjoyed a quiet early evening playing cards, reading, and grading papers.

By the time the storm ended, I was super hungry and we were still without power. So we headed out to grab a quick dinner. On our way out we realized just how bad the storm was...

Fortunately, the tree in the front yard was dead and we were going to cut it down soon anyway. The tree in the backyard has been one your dad has always loathed and always talked about cutting down. Mother Nature just decided to take some action for him. So while inconvenient that we have to deal with these trees right now, they both needed to go. And lucky for us, our free, monthly limb and branch pick-up service is for this Tuesday. So really, timing worked out okay. And even better, our fabulous neighbors were waiting for us to come out and start cutting them down. They knew I couldn't really help and began taking branches to the street for us.

As I sit here reflecting on our Saturday, I realize how blessed we are with such wonderful people in our lives. Everything we accomplished today was because of helping hands and people who gave up their Saturday for us. It was a busy and very productive day.

18 Weeks

We are now in the single day countdown!!!

Small Moments Amidst the Swirl

Now that I'm back to school, it has definitely taken some getting used to and adjusting. My body was completely wiped after the first day. In fact, I didn't even have the energy to put my PJs on and slept in my dress that night! The second day, was a little better, but I still needed a nap after school to make it through the day.

Seven school days in to teaching and I am doing much better! My body is adjusting and I no longer need a naptime! With the start of school, life has definitely gotten more hectic and I am trying to juggle more than before.

Some days, it is very easy to get caught up in the swirl of the work day. Today was one of those days:

• 6:30 - 7:25 I got ready for the school day in the quiet of my classroom
• Taught literacy from 7:25 - 10:00 until the kiddos headed to their Related Arts
• Went to a meeting from 10:00 - 11:15
• Taught science 11:15 - 12:00 until we went to lunch
• Finally had a moment to sit for lunch from 12:00 - 12:25
• Took the kiddos outside for recess 12:25 - 1:00
• Taught math 1:00 - 2:10
• Cleaned up the room, packed up, and sent the kiddos home 2:10-2:20
• Had another meeting to wrap up the first morning meeting that didn't get completed 2:20 - 3:15 (and still isn't quite complete!)
• Had to leave that meeting to go to a meeting with a parent 3:15 - 4:45

Finally, at 4:50 I could sit...in my car as I headed home! Sheesh. I was exhausted and ready to be home. But through the crazy swirl, there are small moments that remind me of the beauty in my life. As I sat with my kiddos today, teaching science, I felt you two moving around. And as I sat in my parent conference, you were moving like crazy (I like to think you were hinting at me that it was time to go!!). I love feeling the two of you, it reminds me of this miracle in my life. It reminds me of the bigger picture. It reminds me not to get so caught up in the swirl and to enjoy all that is wonderful in my life!