"For I know the plans I have for you', declares the Lord..." Jeremiah 29:11

Saturday, July 27, 2013

(Crazy Busy) Week 26...


26 Weeks, 4 Days - this picture cracks me up! Ha!

What a crazy busy week! I am still trying to recoup from the go go go, but it was worth every minute. My adventure began on Wednesday evening with a flight from Orlando to Detroit and then on to Grand Rapids. I didn't get into GRR until almost midnight but was so excited to be greeted by my 2 favorite boys, my nephews, Jack and Owen. I seriously can't get enough of these 2. And I can still say that (honestly), even after our 11 hour drive from Michigan to Minnesota the following day. This trip is old hat for the boys, my sister and their 2 dogs but not one I would want to make while 6 months pregnant ever again. My back was sore, feet were swollen, I had a headache and felt achy all over. I even shed a few tears once we pulled into my parents' driveway. 

Owen
Jack
Cocoa and (part of) Boo
Friday, a group of us, including the bride to be (Katey), her friends, Maeve, Brianne and Brittney, our sister-in-law, Amanda, a friend of the family, Bri and my Mom all made our way to the Wedding Shoppe in St. Paul to go dress shopping for Katey. We had a ton of fun and she said Yes to the Dress after just trying on a few dresses. She was stunning in everything she tried on but we were all oohing and ahhing when she slipped into "the one". It's perfect and gorgeous and everything you would hope your wedding dress to be. We had lunch after and decided to cancel her second appointment for the day. With 4 of the 8 of us being pregnant, we spent the time we would have spent at the 2nd dress shop, at Babies-R-Us instead. A day full of wedding stuff and babies... doesn't get much better than that! 



After we returned from dress and baby shopping I met my Grandmother (Shirley) at the local Relay for Life to walk in honor of my Grandfather. He passed away from lung cancer a year ago on July 17th; I was so grateful to be a part of this evening in his memory. 



Saturday was my baby shower, hosted by my Mom, sister and friend Angie. It was so much fun to celebrate little Miss Brynlee and a pretty emotional day too. I feel so blessed to have the amazing friends and family that I do. All of which took time out of their busy summer schedules to join us for a morning of onesie decorating, lots of laughs, a few tears and some of Mom's home-cooking. (oh and some yummy cake that was almost too cute to cut into!) 

                                     


Diaper Cake made by Katey

Sunday, after church, we went to see my Grandmother (Gen) in the facility where she is currently living. She was so happy to have visitors and she finally got to "get her hands on that bump she's been praying for for so long". She made a quilt for Brynlee and although she would tell me it was made to be used (like all the others she's made); I think it just may have to be tucked away until she can understand just how special it is and how special the person who made it is to me. (she's kinda my favorite person in the whole universe!) It was another emotional day but yet another I am so very grateful for. 


Bright and early (4:30am), Monday morning, Katey and I headed to the airport. It is such a crazy feeling knowing, the next time I set foot in Minnesota, I'll be a Mom and have a little one in tow. (here I go crying again...) 


26 Week Update: 

How Far: 26 weeks, 4 days at the time of the picture with my nephews at the very top. Jack is supposed to be holding up a 2 and Owen is holding up a 6 (ironically, Jack is 2 and Owen is 6). There was actually a picture of us all posed the way we had intended but this one makes me laugh so I had to post it.

Gender & Name: I hope it's still a girl (as you can see she has a pretty good start on her wardrobe - courtesy [mostly] of Aunt Katey and Grandma Mary. I'd really hate to have to take all this back). Provided she is still a girl, her name is still Brynlee. 



Movement: She's still a little wiggle worm. One of these days, I hope she cooperates so I am able to get a quick video of it. I really don't know how woman can go without knowing their pregnant. I would be seriously concerned if my stomach moved the way it does due to indigestion! 

Sleep: Yes please! This week kicked my booty but the positive is I am having no trouble sleeping at all. 

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes! There is no more hiding this bump. I just hope my ever expanding belly, butt and thighs decide to disappear as quickly as they've made their appearance. :( 

Symptoms: Heartburn. Slowing fading energy. 

Aversions: After this weekend, I will NEVER eat Taco John's again! BLEH!!!!!!

Cravings: Fruit, Rootbeer, Sweets

Week 27 Projects: Ordering fabric for her bedding. More work on the nursery. Preparations for a garage sale that MUST happen SOON!!! 

Gen and Gen ;)























Friday, July 12, 2013

25 (almost) down (WHAT!?!?!) ... 15 to go!


25 Weeks 1 Day

25 Week Update:


How Far: 25 Weeks, 1 Day (at time of photo)

Baby Size: 13.5 inches, 1.5 pounds (the size of a rutabaga - I will be googling this because I have no idea what a rutabaga looks like)

Gender & Name: As far as I know she is still a girl. Although, I have been told several stories recently, of friends or family members that know someone who thought they were having a girl until they actually gave birth. If that's the case with us, this little boy is going to wear pink like the strong man he will one day be! Her name is still Brynlee Dahl this week. ;) 

Movement: Not only am I feeling her kicks, punches, twists and turns; I am pretty sure I also felt hiccups last night. I just love feeling any movement (no matter how uncomfortable and even if it sends me running for the bathroom). I kind of wonder if I'll be sad after she is here and I don't feel her in my belly all day every day. It has definitely been a constant reminder of God's miracles and how blessed we are. 

Sleep: Some days are better than others. This week hasn't been so bad, which I can attribute to having a sick puppy who hasn't felt like going out 2-3 times in the middle of the night.

Maternity Clothes: Clearly (as you can see in the picture) there is no avoiding maternity clothes any longer. The stretchier the better. Jersey material dresses are my best friend right now and will continue to be for the next 3-4 months, I have a feeling. 

Symptoms: Round ligament pain... ugh! Stretching and expanding skin and muscles has also been a bit annoying. Shortness of breath is a common morning occurrence and it's getting more and more difficult to lean forward. Cozart better brush up on his toenail painting!

Aversions: nothing really

Cravings: Still sweets but mainly fruit

What I am looking forward to in the week to come: Going home to Minnesota!! It's going to be a jam packed 4 days but I am so excited for every minute of it! I am flying to Michigan to drive with my sister and 2 nephews to Minnesota on Thursday. 10 hours in the car with a 2 year old, a 6 year old and a pregnant lady... My sister could use your prayers! Friday we are wedding dress shopping with my sister! I didn't get to dress shop with my Mom and sister so I am super excited to get to experience this with Katey, my Mom, my sister-in-law Amanda and Katey's best friends. Friday evening, I am walking in the Relay for Life with my Grandma Dahl in memory of my Grandfather. Saturday, my Mom, sister and one of my best friends are throwing me a baby shower. And Sunday, I hope to spend the day with my Grandma who recently moved to an assisted living facility. Busy busy busy but I can't wait!!!

Today I am going to leave you with a picture that was taken at a wedding Cozart and I attended 2 weeks ago. I love this picture not because I think it's a better picture of us than another but because after it was taken is when it hit me that we are going to be someone's parents! 

Brynlee's Daddy & Mommy ;)


  

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Happy 4th of July....


23 Weeks 6 Days

23 Week Update:


How Far: 23 Weeks, 6 Days (at time of photo)

Baby Size: 11 inches long and just over a pound (the size of a mango)

Gender & Name: Still a girl as far as we know! ;) Her name is.... Brynlee Dahl Lawrence (her middle name has changed a few times so don't be surprised if it changes again. Dahl is my maiden name.)

Movement: She's still a little dancing queen and apparently she thinks 10:30-11:00pm is the best time to bust-a-move! Which also just so happens to be when I've just fallen asleep and not yet in a deep enough sleep to stay asleep. A taste of what's to come I guess. 

Sleep: Falling asleep doesn't seem to be a problem... staying asleep on the other hand.... not possible. I wake up either to let the dogs out, because Brynlee is dancing around and sometimes, for no reason whatsoever, I just find myself wide awake.

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes, I finally broke down and bought a few dresses, a pair of pants and a couple shirts. Pants, shorts or anything with stiff elastic... no bueno! I'm ok in for about 30 minutes then I can't stand anything on my belly. Looks like I will be wearing dresses for the next few months. 

Symptoms: My energy level seems to have taken a nose dive but I don't blame it completely on being pregnant. The Florida heat and humidity always kicks my butt and it has been very hot and humid this year!

Aversions: none

Cravings: Root beer, fruit, anything sweet.

Week 23 Preparations: Registry finished! Cozart did a fantastic job going through his office. We found a smaller desk to replace the enormous one he has now. (Yay!) The old desk has been listed to sell. The fabric swatches came for Brynlee's bedding, crib ruffle, bumper, etc. My Mom is going to make it all so we will be deciding on fabric while I'm in Minnesota in 2 weeks. Next week: (Hopefully), the monster desk will be sold and our new joint office will be completely put together. 

Best Moment of This Week: Celebrating my Birthday with the thought of having this precious little girl here for my next birthday!