sprinkled.

My sweet and beautiful friends hosted the most special Sprinkle for me and Baby Bryant last night. They treated me to dinner at Vino and gave me a generous Visa gift card to spend on our newest babe. It was the best night—girl time (and a glass of wine) was just what this tired and very pregnant mama needed.

I am so grateful for each of these ladies (and the ones who weren't able to make it), who always know how to make me and my babies feel so loved and celebrated. They're simply the best friends a girl could ask for and I am thankful I get to do life, especially motherhood, with them. 

lake martin.

John's parents rented a cabin on Lake Martin last weekend for a quick getaway. We didn't make it into town until Friday night, but had all day Saturday to enjoy the lake and spend time with our cousins. The kids spent most of their time snacking, swimming, fishing, feeding ducks, and playing baseball. They did not want to leave and neither did we! 

There's just something so relaxing about being at the lake. No make-up, nowhere to be, nothing pressing to do. We are going to have to do it again, soon!

long legs.

Little Miss Long Legs is looking so grown these days.

As of late: she loves to swim and pretend to be a mermaid. She tells most everyone "you're my best friend." However, if you slight her, she will quickly tell you that you are not her best friend. She also likes to tell me, "we're girls, Mommy." She still loves to sing and can memorize song lyrics after listening to the song only once or twice. She loves pasta. She is really excited about becoming a big sister and has made it clear that she wants a brother. When she blesses supper, she thanks God for everything within sight (fork, napkin, drink, table, etc.) and gets her feelings hurt if Brooks doesn't mention her (or Sybie and Coco) in his blessing. She loves to help me cook and is the best helper. She is silly and stubborn, needy and dramatic, but she gives the best hugs and we love her big. 

You're our one-of-a-kind, Annie, and we wouldn't have you any other way!

it's a girl.

My friend, Margot, had her baby yesterday! And…it's a GIRL! Precious Margaret Alice joined the Morrow clan and we could not be more thrilled for them.

I had my 36 week appointment this morning and was able to stop by for a visit afterward. Margot is a rockstar and Margaret could not be more beautiful. I am so thankful I get to do life with your mama, sweet girl. You are so loved!

last day of school.

Today was the last day of the school year at Covenant Day School. Brooks graduated from the 3's and Ann Bennett is moving on from the Transitional 2's. These babies of ours have grown and learned so much this year. We are so grateful for their school and sweet teachers, who loved, taught, and cared for our Brooks and AB so well. We are most thankful for the way they filled their hearts with Jesus.

Their teacher's sent home a first day of school picture and a last day of school picture along with their stats. Ann Bennett grew 2.5 inches and gained 2.8 pounds. 

Brooks grew 1.5 inches and gained 4 pounds!

Both kiddos will be attending 4 weeks of CDS' Summer Fun Program starting late June. Can't wait to see what they learn. I know they're going to have a blast!

final weeks.

It's hard to believe we are only 4 weeks (and some change) away from meeting our little babe. I want to say that this pregnancy has flown by, but it really hasn't. Maybe it's because I have been trying to savor each day I am privileged to carry this sweet life—every last drop of it—since it will most likely be my last. 

We are, for the most part, ready to welcome this baby. The car seat isn't installed, my bags aren't packed, and the nursery isn't complete, but clothes have been washed and put away, diapers have been purchased, and all baby gear is pieced and put together. Now, it's just a waiting game. 

At my 34 week appointment, my doctor checked me since I have been having regular contractions, lightening, and some serious cervical pain. I was 1.5 centimeters dilated, 50% effaced. Does this mean much to me? Not really, since I was dilated 3 centimeters with Ann Bennett for a month. Yet, I made it to 40 weeks, 5 days. However, I have a slight instinct that I am not going to make it to my due date this go around. Only God knows! 

I have been asked quite a lot lately what the gender is. When I tell strangers that we don't know, they all assume girl by the way I'm carrying. My gut instinct says boy, but I did have my first baby dream a few nights ago and we were delighted by a sweet blonde hair, green-eyed baby girl. 

Some things that I want to remember about this pregnancy: 

My biggest cravings have been blackberries and peanut butter anything. Odd, seeing that I don't typically like (or eat) peanut butter. 

I have gained a whopping 40 pounds, and while I can see it everywhere, the weight gain is mainly in my hips, rear, and thighs. 

For some reason, I cannot stay off of my back while sleeping, so I am waking many times throughout the night to get in a more comfortable position for me and baby. I also wake every night around 2:00 a.m. to use the restroom. 

This baby is my most active, to date. Always moving, always poking, always kicking. I am going to miss this the most…

I had John snap a few pictures of me and the kids for memory's sake. 95% of them were out of focus, but I will still cherish them always, as they remind me that there is so much beauty in the imperfect. And that this life, that motherhood, is messy and blurred, but full of love, light, joy, and hope. 

My precious child, you are so adored and loved already. You are the missing piece to our puzzle. We cannot wait to meet you, to hold you, to shower you with hugs, kisses, and love. You are such a gift—more precious than jewels. We will see you soon!

watermelon.

In case you were wondering, this is what you'd look like if you swallowed a watermelon. 

35 weeks down, 5 (ish) weeks to go!

mother's day.

I just love the fact that the kids' sweet school makes an effort to make Mom's feel loved by their littles on Mother's Day. What Brooks and Ann Bennett brought home made my heart pitter patter. 

Brooks' "All About My Mommy" was pretty spot on. My precious boy knows me all too well! 

He also made me the sweetest keychain with a heart thumbprint. I could gobble Annie up—those little handprints! 

She was spot on with her quesitonnaire, too! I guess I need to depart from the workout gear from time to time and wear more dresses...

We spent Mother's Day weekend at the lake. John and I had a wedding outside of Augusta on Saturday, but we got in some sunshine on Sunday before we headed back home.

Being with my Mom and my babies made for the best day. It was a happy Mother's Day, indeed.

community helper day.

Today was Community Helper Day at school for Brooks. He had wanted to be a policeman, so I ordered a costume off of Amazon that arrived without pants, nor the walkie talkie and had paint on the shirt…SO, our tried and true came to the rescue. 

Our sweet construction worker, so proud to be wearing Daddy's real hard hat and his ripped jeans. 

The cutest fourth generation in all the land! 

freedom.

This picture is really awful, but I wanted to post it any way because I adore these sweet couples, some of whom we had the honor of getting to know and love over the past year. This is our Freedom small group (missing a few) celebrating our last get together at the Wood's house.

John and I are so thankful for the curriculum this semester and the freedom we received alongside these wonderful people. All the glory to God! Can't wait to see some of them again in a few short weeks for our "Grillin' and Chillin'" summer small group. A big thank you to our fearless leaders, the McKenzies and the Deans who poured into and prayed over us for 14 weeks!

ab and her baby.

My girl is really into her "babies" lately. She loves them big. 

She is going to be the best big sister. 

pirate train.

This morning we set sail (or…rail) on the new Pirate Red Diamond Express Train ride at the zoo with our favorite friends.

We are thankful the rain held off. The kids had a blast!