Out Of It....

I am 35 weeks pregnant now and completely out of it. Very uncomfortable, super tired, but WAY excited to meet our girl!! :)

I had Emma at 37 weeks and Brody at 38 weeks and so I am feeling all the stress and anticipation that comes during the final weeks of pregnancy. I am trying to be organized since I am also preparing for the Christmas festivities, homeschooling Emma, running my business, etc.

I feel super anxious about meeting this baby... And now that I know what it feels like to deliver a baby without drugs, a little nervous about that too. OUCH. But I've done it before and I can do it again. I just hope that she doesn't weigh nearly 9 lbs. like her brother did.

Below are a few pics that our friend John (who also happen to be a photographer) took about 3 weeks ago. How much bigger will the belly get??

Bikini Baby Bump?

I've decided not to get a maternity bathing suit.

I went last night with my sis and realized that there are only 2 months left of summer and I'm not big enough for a big old maternity tankini.  Plus, I don't want to spend the money on something I'll never wear again.  

So, I guess I'll rock the bikini preg with a tank over it or something.  I did it with Emma (minus the tank, but I was in shape and 10 lbs. lighter then).  I wasn't pregnant during the summer with Brody, but did have him May 2008 and wore a really cute one piece for the first time in years (which is too big now).

Here is Nicole Richie....what do you think of pregnant women in bikini's?

HELP!!!

**Updated to add:  The cereal is Kellogg's Cracklin' Oat Bran.  I called my sis who has a memory like a steel trap and she remembered correctly, of course!  But some of you who left comments also guessed correctly!  Thanks!!! :)**

Last night I was craving this certain cereal SO badly.  The only thing is, I have no idea what its called and thats where you will hopefully come in.

Description: It is a granola/oats type cereal but not clusters of granola.  It is dark brown and shaped like a college-type font O (kind of squared and boxy).  That is all that is in the cereal, no flakes, no berries, no apple cinnamon flavors.  Just this college-font shaped O.  Its sweet and pretty rich.

Does anyone have any idea what I'm talking about??  I've gone to 3 stores trying to find this cereal and have had no luck (I thought Trader Joe's carried it, but sent my husband to search for it there...planning on going back myself JIC he missed it).  

If the correct cereal is named a reward may be in order!

Fast Food: My Enemy

One thing I HATE about pregnancy:

fast food cravings!  

This always happens to me during the first trimester.  I smell that charbroiled smell as I pass Carl's Jr. on my way to Wal-Mart, or the sauteed onions as I pass In N Out on my way to...wherever.  You get it.

So today I enjoyed my last double-double animal style and will now commit to NOT indulge in fast food...well at least not more than once a week.  I think that's reasonable.

So.... off I go on my two-mile walk.  Honk if you pass me and the cutest dog in the world, Molly, who just got groomed today. :)

Update

I have been really slacking on here.  

I'm exhausted.

But I have news:  We heard from baby Faith's social worker that she will be moving Friday. Her 2 year old sister is also in foster care and they think it would be best to have the girls together until reunification with their birth mother can happen.  Although we are sad to see her go, we agree with her social workers decision. 

I have 2 sisters and there is nothing like the bond we share.

I have my last mom-visit on Thursday and then we will drop Faith off at her new home on Friday.  I am in the process of making a little scrap-book for her this week with pictures of her and of us and little stories about how she has been as a baby these past 10 weeks.

This experience has been the most exhausting, challenging, and rewarding thing we as a couple have ever taken on.  It caused so much self-examination and we are better because of it.  

********

I am now 8 weeks pregnant and starting to show already (but have managed to not break out the maternity clothes...yet).  For the most part I feel good.  I am tired and feel sick from time to time, but other than that I feel like myself.  

My first doctors appointment is on June 22 and I'm expecting to have an ultra sound done to date the pregnancy, but am certain that I'm right on.  

I had a dream the night before last that we were at an appointment and our midwife told us we were having twins, a boy and a girl.  HA!  That would be hilarious but completely fitting of our crazy lives. :)

We have decided not to find out if we are having a boy or a girl.  Since we have one of each we figured we'd keep it a surprise.  A few of our friends did this recently with their thirds and it was fun to guess and see the outcome.  

Unless we are having twins....then we will HAVE to know!  ;-D

*******

Pics of Brody's first birthday party will be up soon!!!  He was such a cutie and loved his birthday cake! 

Also, our friends John and Taryn, took his 1 year pictures and I need to post those as well!  SO stinkin' cute!  

And, Mark's birthday was last week and yes, we have more pics!!!!  Ahhh!  I need an assistant! :)

Hope you all are well!!!!  

-Alison

Here Comes #3...or is it #4??

That's right....

We're expecting our third baby!!!!!!!

After a week and a half of what I thought might be the swine flu (just kidding), Mark and I found out on Mother's Day that I am pregnant (how fitting, huh...Mother's Day of all days)!  

SHOCK is an understatement.

No, we were not trying.  Yes, we are thrilled!   

Did I mention SHOCKED?

But we gladly accept the blessings the Lord sends our way and we are very excited!

I am only 4 1/2 weeks and we're due sometime in January.  I considered not announcing until 12 weeks because of a previous miscarriage, but we figure the more people that know the more people who can be praying for us!  :)

So thank you in advance for any prayers you send our way!!!

-Alison