Week 39

There’s something about having a spring baby that just seems right. Spring is full of so much hope. Granted, in Alaska it's the ugliest time of the year. There’s still snow on the ground but not the white fluffy kind. It’s the hard crusty stuff that, as it melts, reveals all the layers of dirt and sand hiding underneath. Any road that is unpaved is turned into a pot-holed muddy mess and cars are covered in dust. But regardless of all the brown it is still such a happy time of year. After a long dark winter the return of the sun is enough to make anyone smile. The temperatures slowly rise and the ground gradually reappears. All this brings the hope of new life. Soon little buds will form on the trees and green grass will start popping up. Flowers will bloom and we will get to experience another kind of natural beauty that God has created for our delight.

That is why it seems so perfect to be having our first baby this time of year. I’m filled with the hope and anticipation of new life and a new chapter in our story. This baby will be born soon and as he grows and blossoms we are going to experience some of the most profound joy that life has to offer. And when he grows strong enough and the hiking trails have melted and sprouted green I’m going to share with him one of my favorite parts of Alaska. I can’t wait. I’ve pictured taking him hiking, camping and walking on the beach more times than I can count. My hope is that he loves the outdoors as much as his father and I do. I hope that in these woods he will discover all sorts of things. I hope he discovers new aspects of who God is. I hope he discovers what it means to reap the rewards of hard work. To form friendships and strengthen family bonds. To breath fresh air and to stop and smell the roses (er…um, fireweed).

The anticipation is killing me. I can’t wait to hold my baby boy in my arms. I can’t wait to see his father hold him. I can’t wait to introduce him to everyone and to see the love they too have for him. 

Here's to hoping this will be my last pregnancy post!

Happy Spring everyone!!!

-K

Week 38

When I pulled up this picture to edit it I was surprised that I don't look bigger. I feel huge. Whale is kind of what comes to mind.  Especially as I struggle to flop from one side to the other during the night. I've reached a point where comfortable is no longer in my vocabulary and I really am not sure how much more my body can take.

But regardless of how I may feel chances are this baby is going to bake for a couple more weeks, maybe more (praying that's not the case.) But I guess the longer he stays in there the stronger he will be. So bake on little buddy. I guess it's just more opportunity for me to lay around and rest.

I continue to have braxton hicks contractions all throughout the day. And they're getting stronger. Gearing up for the real deal.

Our baby boy still moves constantly but his movements are much smaller and less energetic. A sign that he's probably feeling as squished as I am feeling stretched.

I think my nesting stage has mostly passed. I've lost my motivation to deep clean and organize. Which means that there are going to be a few things left undone. But I'm okay with that. I have a feeling it's going to seem less significant once he's here.

Only a few more days until grandparents begin arriving. Starting with my mom. I'm so excited. It will make it feel like something is happening beyond just waiting.

I'm going to call it good for now and go rest. Happy Sunday!

-K

Week 36 - Happy Easter!

I think this baby was trying to make his escape during church this morning. I don't think I have ever felt him move that much. It made for a very uncomfortable hour but even so it is still fun to feel him squirm and kick. 

Happy Easter everyone!!!

-K

A few photos

Ruger and I have spent some time at the beach lately. It's starting to melt and give some hope of spring. 

Two weeks ago the ladies threw a baby shower for me. 

Here are the ladies hard at work prepping food. These are their serious faces

At the party they wrote notes on diapers for me as little pick-me-ups during late night changings. Can't wait to read them!

 Baby got some awesome gifts. Including a handmade sweater my mom sent from Idaho. Wonderful surprise!

Cupcake decorating fun!

The food was delicious and the company was wonderful. 

It was a great party that left me feeling incredibly blessed! 

On a beautiful day later that week we flew out to a nearby lake and met up with one of Steve's friends who was ice fishing with his son.

The dog got some much needed play time

No fish but it was a nice relaxing day

I like this guy a lot. 

We also went to Anchorage for a little getaway and to pick up some baby items we still needed.

We skied Kincaid trails. And by ski I mean scoot. That's about all I could do anyways.

After an hour I was so exhausted that I had to walk down one of the steeper hills to avoid falling. Made me feel quite pathetic

A couple shots of the bump

I think these were my last few adventures before the baby's arrival. I can't seem to muster up the energy to do much these days. Soon I will be posting pictures of our little man. Can't wait to meet him!

-K

35 weeks

The countdown is on. Baby Staton is due exactly one month from today. There are so many things left on my to do list but I'm caring less and less. I'm ready. Well, mostly ready. My bag is halfway packed so hopefully he will wait until that's finished to make his appearance. 

He still moves as much as ever, which gets less comfortable the bigger he gets. I think his energy level inside the womb is giving us a hint as to what kind of two year old he will be. Makes me want to go take a nap.

35 weeks - notice the preggo hand. My engagement ring is now on a chain around my neck.  

The last couple days I've reorganized my bookshelves, did major dusting, scrubbed my floors, washed some baseboards and walls and started packing for d-day. Nesting is a fantastic motivator for deep cleaning. It's too bad that the reason a woman gets the nesting bug is the same reason that she has limited energy and mobility making it extremely difficult to make much progress. At least that's been my experience. Guess I will just have to settle for what progress I can make.

For now I'm going to ignore the mess and continue enjoying my sabbath day. Bring on the couch.

-K

Week 34

Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone!!!!

Week 33

Just a picture today. I have lots of pictures to post and write about but don't have time right now. Thought I'd better get a 33 week picture up since tomorrow I will be 34 weeks.

So here it is. 33 weeks but measuring at 36 weeks. Big baby or just big mama? We will have to wait and see.