#89 - wow - we're in the 80s now!

89 Days to go...

Morning Little One! We're getting closer and closer to you getting here...

You know what I pray for you? I pray you have at least one good friend in every stage of your life.

I think it's so important that you have quality friends - friends you can count on - even if its just a two or three other people.

I've been blessed to have women in my life at every stage that have impacted me.

Shauna was my best friend growing up. We had similar morals and both of our parent's were pretty strict. It really helped us to stay on the same course through high school. We're still friends to this day!

Me and Shauna

Also in high school, I made friends with other women that are still dear to my heart. Ashley is baking a baby boy for you. She is one friend that doesn't make excuses and makes efforts to work at our friendship. Sometimes it can be hard to get together, but she always finds time for me.


Then I went to college...I wasn't sure what to expect. Then, God blessed me with Christi. She lived down the hall from me at Chitwood (oh - college!) and then we were roommates the rest of the time. Chappy is the kind of person who is always reaching out to me and makes the effort to call every couple of weeks, email me and plan dinners to see one another. She's a LOYAL friend and I am so thankful for her. She's also baking a boyfriend for you...man...you'll have your pick of cuties!

Me and Chap

After college I wondered if I would make more friends or if the few I had would be it for life.

Then, God blessed me with Adeline. Now, Adeline and I haven't been friends for very long - maybe 4 years. But, we have a great time every time we're together. She ALSO has a little boy for you - Luke is over 4 months old now - but it's cool if you like older men :-) I am always so thankful for her when she makes the effort to meet up - and she does it like it's no big deal - when I know toting around a baby is hard work.

Adeline and Luke

I thought God was done...then he introduced me to Mel and Stacy. Mel is mommy to Jonah and his Daddy is one of Craig's best buds. She is so centered and focused but is also so much fun. She's the kind of person you can sit down and have a deep conversation with but also laugh, and laugh, and laugh with.

Mel and Jonah

Stacy...oh where to begin with Stacy...she's my soul sister. Seriously - we were cut from the same cloth. We're brash and sarcastic and there's always laughter when we're together. She's also a friend that I can count on - no matter what. I don't doubt for a second that God placed her in my life because He knew at that time we needed each other's friendship. She is mommy to Charleigh - your soon to be BFF...

Me and Stacy...and Charleigh's in her belly!

Charleigh

Then med school happened - and I met a cast of characters that I know will play recurring roles in my life. Zahra, Sonia, Lauren....funny young women but hearts as pure as they come.

Nicole - my sweet friend who is always honest, always praying for us, and if she lived in Texas, I know she'd be someone we'd see everyday!

me and Nicole

Then there's Jamie...my crazy (like mentally crazy) friend...I say mentally crazy because we are both ridiculous. We are both mental cases and WE KNOW it! She's my friend who I KNOW won't ever judge me, will laugh with me, eat lots of meals with me, work out til we work off those meals, procrastinate with me, pray with me and pray for me.

me and Jamie

See how God works Little One? See how beautifully He mapped out my life and placed those women when I needed them the most. I can't wait to see who He places in your path and who will become a part of your heart. For now sweet girl..keep on growing!

#90

We took Step I today.

Little One, I love nothing more than feeling you squirm and kick. It reminds me of the blessing I'm carrying and the fact that you're growing and getting stronger.

So, I'm not going to be upset at the fact that you felt like kicking at 3:00AM the night before the exam. Normally, I shift positions and you'll stop. But last night, I think you could feel the nervous energy and you thought it was morning time. So, we were up - you kicking and me thinking and smiling as your little foot rammed itself into my ribs :-)

Since I only got a few hours of sleep, I was tired the moment I walked into the testing center. I only had a half cup of coffee because I didn't want to be jittery since I was already nervous. It didn't do much but it did help a bit.

Your kicks were life savers. I was so tired and every time I would start to feel my eyes droop, you'd kick. When I didn't know an answer and needed to guess, I'd think in my head ok - "A, B, C, D, or E".....I'd go through each choice and if you kicked on a certain letter, that's what I'd choose. If I was torn between a couple of choices and really couldn't pick I'd go with my gut...and almost every time I thought of an answer, you'd kick!!

I walked away knowing I didn't do well. But I walked away knowing that whatever God's will for the test has already been determined...so for that...I am grateful!

When you're much older, you'll realize life is tough and you'll be faced with tough choices and be taken down paths you'd never thought you'd go on. You'll be surprised at where God will lead you, look back on an experience and see the true purpose of the moment, and look forward with uncertainty the future promises but the certainty of God's promises for the future.

So, another milestone reached for us - you, me and Daddy - we've moved past this point in my medical school career. Now, we wait and see where God takes us next. For the first time in a long time, I'm filled with peace at where God wants me and know He'll show me what he wants of me next.

Thanks for being there for me today, sweet Baby! I couldn't have done it without you!

Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."

so now...we wait

#91

Today marks the beginning of my 3rd trimester...

Wowee...

I have to admit there are moments where I think to myself "There is no way in heck I can be a mother...."

Then I look down at my gigantic belly and think...."Too late!!!"

How in the world Little One am I going to be a mom when I don't feel very grown up myself. I really hope and pray that I can be the mom you need and deserve but sometimes think I'm going to fail miserably.

I have this preconceived picture of how a mom should be - as usual - unrealistic expectations.

It's going to be a tough adjustment for the three of us but Daddy and I are going to do whatever it takes to do what's best for you.

Just know we'll make mistakes but we'll do our best to make your adjustment into our little family of two the most comfortable as possible.

Holy Moly...I'm going to be a mom...

#92 - I am ridiculous - I cried writing this post

92 Days to go

Last night, Daddy took me on a date. We went and saw "I Love You, Man" and ate at Studio Movie Grill.

Now that you're coming, we try not to spend a lot of money on dining out and other things. But, Daddy and I know how important it is to have a strong marriage so that when you get here, we can be examples of how a relationship SHOULD be.

I hate the thought that many years from now, you'll experience heartbreak. I can't shield you from the pain of break-ups or the disappointments of knowing the one you "like" doesn't "like" you back. Don't listen to Daddy when he says you can't date until you're 30 years old...he's just being a Dad.

You'll also break some hearts - come on- how could you NOT - you're gonna be a looker! But, the heart that I'm most worried about hurting - is yours....

It's a while away - but I think about those moments that I've had - and all I want to do is protect you from any of that pain. But, you'll be stronger for it and hopefully Daddy and I can set an example for you of what a relationship SHOULD be. I hope your expectations of the man you deserve are set sky high because you should never settle for anything less than what God intended for you to have.

So - for now - I'm just going to enjoy the fact that the only man in your life is Daddy. But, know sweet Baby, that I'll be here for those tough moments with a box of tissue, a good chick-flick and a tub of Haagen Daaz when that Ba$t@rd breaks your heart...

#93

93 Days to go...

Did you know Little One that you already have two brothers and sisters? Well - they are mine and Daddy's 4 legged fur babies.

I'm sure you've heard me sing songs to Keiser (your big brother) and Daisy (your big sister). When we listen to your heart beat on my fetal heart monitor, every time they come by and sniff my belly, your heart rate goes up! It's so cool....bonding with the siblings already!

We go on walks with Daddy every night when he comes home from work. Keiser and Daisy love walking and it's helped me to stay in a little bit of shape since I can't really do much at the gym.

They are good guard dogs too - even though they look fluffy and sweet - they watch over us and are very good at deterring strangers at the door.

They are so important to us and want to make sure they stay a part of our family when you arrive. Of course, sweet baby, you are our #1 priority. With my allergies, it is a concern for Daddy and I that you may have some allergies to our fur babies. BUT, that's one of the reasons we bought this house for you, it has a hospital grade air filtration system. Clean air is a must and we have an awesome vacuum especially for pet hair. Daddy and I have already discussed that if you do have allergies, we'll tear up all the carpet in our house and put down wood floors so you and the puppies can live together! A bit extreme? We don't think so!

So, for the about 5 years it's been me, Daddy, Keiser and Daisy...now we're just waiting on you to make our family complete!

Anxiously waiting your arrival

Sentinels guarding your room

#94

94 Days to go....

I am super emotional, Little One...as you've probably already experienced. I'm sure you sit my belly and ask yourself

"Why is she crying again?!?"

"Why does she keep poking me...doesn't she understand I need my beauty sleep?!?"

"Wait a second, she was laughing with Daddy a few minutes ago and now she's crying...again!"

Oh Baby, I wish I could blame my hormones on the crazy, emotions I've had but I'm sad to say that I am just a very emotional person. I tend to make decisions based on how I feel and don't really think things through.

Daddy, on the other hand, is opposite of me. He doesn't say much...but I'm sure you've heard him say to you "Sorry, Baby....I know Mommy keeps poking you and won't let you sleep."

He's even keel and really thinks about things before making a decision. He doesn't let his emotions get in the way and really things things through. Daddy just goes with the flow...

Now, I pray you get the laid-back attitude of Daddy but I also hope you get the passion I have for so many things. I am a hopeless romantic with ideal views of a lot of things while Daddy is realistic but shows his love to me in very sweet, thoughtful ways.

I try to imagine who you'll be like, what kind of person you're becoming, the personality that God created for you...it's all very overwhelming...but I know that you're being created JUST how you SHOULD BE!!

#95

95 Days to go...

I hope Little One that Daddy and I are able to give you the opportunities to travel. We plan on taking you everywhere we possibly can. We want you to see the world, experience different cultures, try different foods, explore places outside of home.

Daddy and I already have our first trip planned with you. We plan on going to Washington, D.C. when you're over a year old. You'll get to fly on a plane to Lubbock, TX to watch the Red Raiders play. An Alaskan cruise is already in your future for your Abuela and Abuelo's 50th wedding anniversary. We'll take you to San Francisco to visit your great grandfather. When you get older I want to take a trip to New York and have you experience the Rockettes, visit the American Girl store....

When you get much older, I hope to take you to the Philippines and see where Mommy came from. It is such an eye opening experience and you'll be thankful that God brought your Tatay and Nana to the U.S. so that I could have a better future.

There is so much to see and Daddy and I have been blessed to see a lot of the world. But, we are so excited that we'll get to share our future travels with you.