Baby Notes @ 21 Weeks

I realized that the blog is steadily becoming the place where I record thoughts, feelings & happenings in relation to our little guy, so here are some things I've been thinking about over the last week or so...

• Afternoon seems to be little man's favorite time to wake up & get moving. Everyday around 2:00 I feel him start jumping. I usually feel him a lot throughout the evening too, but the 2:00 hour is definitely his favorite at the moment.
• Craving of the moment: dairy. Ice cream, milk, cereal with LOTS of milk, anything in the diary category really - that's what I want. I've never been a big milk/cheese person before, (in fact I usually hate milk) but it's what I want lately. I've already gone though a lemon/vinegar/pickle phase where I guess I just wanted anything with a strong flavor - oh yeah, that included salsa too.
• I'm starting to get some back pain,which isn't so fun, but it's just one more sign to me that we're moving right along & my little guy is getting bigger. (Thinking about it that way makes it worth it, right? ;o)
• I'm super excited to meet our baby & probably just as excited to see John as a daddy. He's so awesome & I know he's going to be an amazing daddy!

I think that's enough words for one day, so here are some pics to finish it off: Here is the quilt my mom gave me for mother's day - I love the bright colors & I can't believe how quickly she made it!

Here's another blankie mom made - our little guy will have no shortage of soft blankies to snuggle with - thanks to my mom!

Here is my newest Willow Tree Angel. I wasn't expecting anything for Mother's day, so I was totally surprised when John/the baby gave me a gift & a card. The inside of the card has a sonogram pic saying "I can't wait to see you! Love, Your Baby Boy". John said he knew this angel was kind of a step ahead, but he also knew it is what we are both imagining right now - & he's right. I love it & of course I cried (cheesy, but true.)

Finally, here I am at the halfway point!

Clean Slate

I always love the first week of school because to me it represents a clean slate - for me, for my kiddos, for the school as a whole. I love having a fresh start. Maybe that's why Lamentations 3:22-23 are 2 of my favorite verses. Anyway, I had a great first week. I feel like my kids & I just clicked from Day 1. This is my 8th year teaching & it's interesting how classes always seem to have unique personalities. Some are silly, some are tough, some are 'too cool', some just want to be loved... I don't know how to describe this class's personality yet, but here's what I do know: I LOVE my class!!!!! They are so sweet & fun, and I can't wait to get to know them better this year. I know there will be challenges & times of stress, but I'm looking forward to the shared journey with my new little family!

Warning:This one's mushy.

So, I haven't posted anything 'real' lately & I guess it's because it's been so crazy. This has been a hard year & the past month has been the culmination of all the stress I've been feeling. The day after tomorrow is the science TAKS & I'm praying for my kiddos to do their best & not get freaked out. I really feel like they are going to do GREAT & I know they are ready for it, so if you think of us on Thursday, please say a quick prayer! On a more positive note, stressful times also make me realize how very blessed I am. I have an amazing husband who takes care of me, helps me, listens to me, loves me, and even does 'emergency' laundry loads of socks & undies when needed. In fact he's on the way home now with my P.F. Chang's to go (he doesn't even eat chinese food). Thanks, Baby! I also have a loving family that is so incredibly supportive. My Dad comes over once a month & takes me to dinner so we can enjoy some daddy/daughter time. My sister, Amy, & I talk more now than ever (except maybe when we were little & I followed her around 24/7). My brother, Matt & I hang out when we can & relate through texting, but hey - it works! My mom is always there - no matter what. It's pretty awesome to know that if I needed anything, she'd be there at the drop of a hat. Plus she loves me unconditionally, like only mommies can. Finally, I've got amazing friends. Friends who stock my freezer with Ben & Jerry's while I'm driving home after a hard day (thanks, MD!) Friends who will listen to me whine, cry, or just be silly for hours on end. Friends who encourage me & support me through it all. (Cue Michael W. Smith.) So, I guess this is turning into one big, cheesy, "I love you, Man!" speech, but hey, it's true. XXXOOO!