into the woods.

Into the woods we go, again! The last time was to celebrate our anniversary, this time it was to celebrate Mother's Day!

John's parent's grabbed the kids on Saturday to spend the night so I had the entire day to rest. John took me shopping, we wandered around Leaf & Petal, and capped off the day with to-go from Gianmarco's and a movie. It really was the best day. But, I couldn't wait to see my babies and spend the day with them on Sunday.

These days are the best days and I am so thankful to be their mama. 

motherhood.

Motherhood changes you. It molds you. It challenges you, working your body and heart to the bone. Motherhood becomes you, filling the empty parts of yourself that you didn't even know existed. It consumes your entire being.

Motherhood is my greatest calling. And these three are my greatest gifts.

all about my mommy.

One of my favorite things about Mother's Day is getting these from school...

They never disappoint!

full lap, full heart.

Full lap, full heart!

mommy sweetheart tea.

This morning was extra special for me. The kindergarten students treated their mamas to a "Mommy Sweetheart Tea." I must say, I had the sweetest time with my sweetest boy.

We danced, dined, and he sang his little heart out. 

I surely felt celebrated and loved! 

self-timer.

Sometimes, you gotta set the self-timer and get in front of the lens with your babies.

Well, with two of them. I sure do wish my big buddy wasn't at school when we took these. 

Ann Bennett had a lot of fun hitting the shutter on the camera, which moved it, losing focus and a perfectly lined up frame, but I couldn't love these, and her budding heart for photography, more.

These shots definitely encourage me to set up the self-timer more often, especially when the light is that good!

be merry.

Last night, Mary Charles hosted our 2nd annual "Favorite Things" gift exchange and it was so much fun! 

We ate, drank, and were merry. I'm so thankful for this sweet group of friends!

mama.

This past Sunday was Mother's Day, so my girlfriends and I decided to treat ourselves to lunch and drinks on Friday afternoon while the kids were in school. It was the perfect start to the weekend!

When Brooks and Ann Bennett came home from school they gave me their "All About My Mommy" questionnaires. My heart could explode! 

On Sunday we went to church then had lunch at the Bryants. 

It really was the best day and ended with me feeling so thankful for my mama, my calling as a mama and the grace that God gives me that carries me through my days. What a privilege it is to love my children (although imperfectly) and be loved perfectly by my Savior! 

TP.

This week was, what I like to call, TP—tearful and prayerful. I was pushed and I was tested and as I laid in bed last night I was feeling very broken. John was out of town for four days, Ann Bennett regressed in her potty training (if you can even call it that—she is trained!), and Camp was sick, running a fever for five days straight…with life thrown on top of that. As hard as weeks like this are, they always show me my need for our Savior and for that I am thankful. It's when I'm empty, that I am able to be filled with His grace and love, restored and redeemed. I honestly learned a lot about where my heart was these past few days. And I am ashamed to admit it wasn't pretty. Today, I start year 33, and I am grateful to be starting it with a fresh perspective and a healed heart. God, let's do this. || And to the three little loves who left me undone this week, you're always worth it. This life with you and your daddy is everything I could have ever dreamed of and more.

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!