32 + 39

Tomorrow I will be 32 years old and 39 weeks pregnant. Hmm, when did all that happen? Normally, I like to celebrate my whole birthday week. Spoiled I know. But this time around I've barely put a thought into the day. Just another year. It could have to do with all the things going on. I'm praying for someone in the hospital, anxiously waiting on baby, busy with a couple of work projects, and keeping an eye on my lovable lab. They all take precedent over a birthday this time. Maybe hubs has something small planned up his sleeves. Hint hint!

One of my crushes… Anthropologie, sent a sweet note just for moi. A candle necklace and a little incentive to do a bit of shopping. Not that I needed any, but how thoughtful!

hospital bag

Umm, this could be one of the most boring posts ever, but hey… I'm in full on nesting mode. Yall will just have to excuse me for a while :)

So, I did it. I finally packed my hospital bag. Hubs has been nagging me for weeks, but it took having a serious, stop me in my tracks to double over, sort of faux contraction on Saturday to get my attention. And boy did it. I was working on the baby room. Actually, clearing out & de-cluttering would better describe the process. Baby will be spending the summer in my brother Will's old room so we've been putting away old video games, posters, frat t-shirts, and tons of cd's. Since he lives in NY, a lot of his stuff is still here. His room was like stepping back into highschool all over again. Sorry brother, but it's now babified with snuggly blankets and diaper pails. It's lookin' good I tell ya. Anyway, back to the bag. It's all packed up and just ready to be toted off to the hospital. Good thing too, cause I can only imagine hubs running around the house like a crazy man getting random items he thinks we'll need. Let's save him that stress please.

I looked at some lists on blogs like the stamford wife dear baby design mom and here's what made the cut : pj's * outfit for me to come home in * outfit for baby to come home in (little sack gown from a friend) * blanket for baby * socks * undies * nursing bra * ipod & speakers * headband * mothers special blend oil * robe * flip flops * magazine * phone charger * boppy * fancy shampoo + moroccan oil * toiletries

Hopefully this will suffice, but any tips from peeps out there are always welcome. Now if only I could just quit staring at the darn thing ever time time I walk by. Maybe it should go live in the closet as not to create any additional anxiety!

a little tingle

Ahh… short weeks are nice. I have been pretty consumed with Tenn Hens lately, but I'm kind of winding down on a few projects. And my body is definitely telling me to start taking it easy. Easier said than done. What started as mildly annoying has turned into seriously irritating. My fingers tingle all the time now. Apparently its from carpal tunnel and happens to lots of preggo people. At night I turn from one side to the other, with a big thud, when one hand falls asleep. I've had very few issues during this pregnancy so I'm really trying not to complain, but it's driving me batty. Getting mighty close though. Whoopee!

This pic is from 2 weeks ago and I'm a bit rounder by now for sure, but just for documentation sake… here is 36 weeks. I'll take some more this weekend and show you just how round we're talking about!



And something weighing heavily on my mind these days is Mr Cooper. He's having a very hard time and it's made us have some very intense conversations. Please send some good doggie love his way and I'll keep you updated on our big buddy.

pink or blue

So that we half know what we're doing when the big day arrives, hubs and I took a tour of the hospital last evening. I was less than overwhelmed, but it's sort of known as the baby hospital in town, so it's fine. No matter that it probably hasn't been updated since I was born there. Looks aren't everything. It didn't help that there was this painfully annoying couple making bad jokes the whole time. The woman had on white cargo shorts with green underwear. I mean, really? Ok, moving on from that horrible vision… the tour ended on a high note at the nursery. All the warm fuzzy feelings were restored in my body as we peered through the glass windows at all the babes. Wrapped up tight like baked potatoes. I can't believe we're going to have one of those! A girl or a boy? My instinct has said boy the whole time. And all the predictions from family and friends confirm that instinct, but what if it's a girl? My instincts have definitely been wrong before. Not that it really matters, because we will instantly love it.

A little hot potato of our very own. If we can dress it in either of these outfits I'll be a happy girl.

elias & grace

belly blessing

We've had countless events on Pontotoc Farm and except for my wedding, this one my take the cake. It was a mighty revival of sorts. The woman who married us is Rev. Becca Stevens and she is one of the most incredible women I've ever met. I don't even know how to describe what it is, but her spirit and way with words is like nothing I've experienced. At her church they have one yearly baptism on a farm somewhere is Middle Tennessee. This year they were looking for a new home and my parents were happy to help. About 100 people gathered next to the barn in a patch of shade. Folks were dressed for the heat and palm fans were waving steadily in the crowd. A lot of flushed cheeks were a glow, but as soon as Becca started her sermon, everyone was comforted by a slight breeze.






Becca even wanted me to participate. I wish hubs had been there to witness, but he was still en route from coastal trip. The four pregnant women there all gathered up front for a blessing of the belly. Becca rubbed my feet & wrists in this citrus cinnamon scented oil. She crossed my forehead and then touched my belly while she said a small prayer. The sun was shining down and I felt this intense presence and sense of calm from within. It was quick, but the smells, warmth and her touch felt intoxicating. I hope I'll always remember that sensation and can't wait to tell the story to my baby.





Everyone then walked down the path to the river. The band played "Down to the River to Pray" which was very surreal. After the massive flood in Tennessee a few weeks ago, it was only right that we now gathered by the water with reverence. Babies and their parents got in the water and the Baptism was so sweet to watch. Mom & I looked at each other in wonder at what we were witnessing.

New life begins breaking through stone hearts by moving a grain of sand.

Flowers open from seeds watered in secret in the belly of the earth.
Love can grow in crannies between rocks that haven't been moved in years.
Sweet saxifrage, the rock breaker, blooms where other flowers can't see life.
Their pure white tatted blossoms cover hillsides on once barren limestone walls.
Faith should follow love and grow with such grace. - Becca Stevens

caffeine excuse

Out of milk and out of creamer. That's my excuse for driving to Starbucks this morning. Now I make a mean cup of coffee, not too strong & not too sweet, but it's glorious to have a steaming hot latte. Yes, it certainly got me off on the right foot. That and the Kentucky Derby is tomorrow. Unfortunately I won't be kicking back with a nice mint julep or two or three, but I love to watch the ponies run. So much preparation and time and money put into this two-minute race. And it's always such a thrill.

Last evening, hubs and I went to a small lecture at the Greenville Museum – part of their "Portrait of Greenville" exhibit. Three local architects and an urban planner gave their points of view on how the city has developed over time. At one point the moderator asked the native Greenvillians (is that right?) for a show of hands and only about 3 people raised theirs! It was all so interesting. If there are any local peeps out there I definitely recommend visiting the exhibit.

this is what I see when I look down…my big "moon" belly at 32 weeks today

And just one more little tidbit… my parents celebrated their 37th anniversary this week. Isn't that amazing? So many events and emotions you go through together. The person that really knows you the very best and loves ya just the same. Cheers to you momma & daddy-o… thanks for setting the bar mighty high.

twenty six weeks and counting

It's the question I get asked the most often lately. How many weeks along are you? I pause and think, trying to recount exactly where I am in this process. I realize it's not that hard, but weeks are tricky. Months are so much easier. Anyway, so now I am 26 weeks. And for those of you who are like me… that means I'm 6-1/2 months. Good gracious, that seems like a long time. But it's kind of this amazing time too. I've got this little butter bean just a cookin' away inside, waiting to arrive in June. We talk to each other and I rub my belly a lot. I've been listening to the Bob Marley station on Pandora this week and my instinct tells me the baby is digging it!

I don't think buddy appreciated this one bit, but he's awfully fun to play with.

Hubs is off for Spring Break this week. Too bad we're not heading to Cancun for some rowdy times with jello shots. Ahh, those were the days. Nope, we're all grown up (supposedly) and using the week for work and meetings. I'm looking forward to spending a little down time with friends. Happy weekend!

twenty and counting

It's been a rough week. Work really kicked my rear and had me waking up in the middle of the night stressed out and worrying over various projects. Not to mention this preggo heartburn is a major bummer. I've been popping Tums like they're goin' out of style. {note : I promise not to bore you to pieces too often with my annoying symptoms. It won't happen again. Maybe.} Anyway, I really struggle with leaving work alone at the end of the day. As much as I try, it never seems to happen. Paper, pantones, clients and fonts, oh my! There is always more to do and my pretty lil' computer is just sitting there... enticing me back over.

But on with some less stressful, really FUN news : my belly hit a pretty big milestone. We went to the doc this week and had the 20 week ultrasound. Yowza! That little "cashew" we last saw is growing. Now I realize it's supposed to be growing here, but seeing it is just so wild. We had to close our eyes at one point since we're not finding out if it's a boy or girl. Apparently we're in the minority because the nurse seemed shocked and said only a tiny percent of folks choose the surprise factor. Well, we're in that tiny percent so mums the word. So sorry, but it'll be one heck of a surprise on the big day. It still doesn't seem real sometimes.



The lights were dimmed and hubs kept squeezing my hand. We just watched in awe. Somehow everything seemed calm and bright for that moment and I finally felt at peace.