ann bennett bryant.

Introducing the newest blessing to our family, Miss Ann Bennett Bryant.

Captured our hearts on August 17th at 11:19 a.m., weighing 8 pounds, 21.5 inches long. We are head over heels in love with our precious baby GIRL!

swollen.

First things first: I'm still pregnant. Very pregnant. I can't get enough of almond butter and jelly sandwiches, most of my maternity shirts no longer cover the bump appropriately, I'm nauseous, and I'm not sleeping thanks to a squished bladder and crazy dreams. It is August 15th. I was due on the 12th. So yeah, I'm still pregnant. And my feet are as swollen as ever.

Deep breath.

There are moments when I get overwhelmed by feelings of failure. I compare myself to others who go into labor on their own and wonder why my body isn't capable? I feel frustrated because I clean the house, do the laundry and stock the fridge hoping that "today is the day!", only having to repeat and repeat again...and again. As each day passes and my scheduled induction draws near, it's with tears in my eyes and broken dreams of going into labor on my own, that I remind myself that God is in control, that his timing is ever so perfect, and that this baby's birthday is already written in His book. And I find rest and peace in knowing that. That is, until I see the surprised look of the employees at the grocery store, wondering why I'm still pregnant or get asked by a stranger when I'm due and get a not so encouraging response when I tell them that my due date came and went. Needless to say, this past week has been somewhat of an emotional rollercoaster and I'm trying to keep my head up, clinging to God's promises and sovereignty.

At my appointment on Monday afternoon, I had not progressed any since my last visit a week prior. I was still 3 centimeters dilated, head at -2 station. I had an ultrasound and everything looked great, other than the high amount of amniotic fluid (no real cause for concern). I also had a non stress test that showed that baby's heart rate was normal and that I was having contractions about 12 minutes apart. 

Dr. Stradtman took a look at her schedule and set my induction for the 18th at 6:00 am. So, if baby is a no-show, which I'm thinking may be the case seeing that walking, eggplant and spicy food, two trips to the chiropractor and an induction massage with acupressure couldn't get things moving, then we will be holding our fashionably late babe in our arms on Monday!

slumber party.

I am 39 weeks, 2 days today and eager to meet our little one. We are finally ready—the house is at a stopping point (we still have a few projects to complete, but the subs are no longer tracking dirt throughout the house and the port-a-potty has been hauled off), bags are packed, the car seat is installed, and we are stocked up on teensy diapers. I have marked everything off of my to-do list: prenatal massage, manicure/pedicure, get car washed, have house professionally cleaned, charge camera, stock fridge, last minute errands, and date night.

And speaking of date night, it was long-overdue and so refreshing. John and I wanted to spend an evening together without feeling rushed to get home to a sitter, so Brooks had his first slumber party on Friday night with Shug and Pops! From the pictures we got throughout the evening, it looked like our sweet boy had a blast.

Unfortunately our busy man took a spill on Saturday leaving him and mommy shaken up and in tears. B is really into running these days (and likes to tell you that he's running when he's running) and ran tripped and fell into the trim around our shower. Luckily, it didn't result in a trip to the emergency room.


He also busted his lip open yesterday.

...just in time for pictures with baby brother or sister!

Geez, I love that precious Harry Potter. Or Frankenstein?

Anywhooo, If I don't go into labor by Monday, I'll have an ultrasound that afternoon and we will go from there. I have had some serious cramping and contractions over the last couple of days, but no dice. I'm praying that I go into labor on my own within the next week, but we shall see!