bittersweet.

Here I am, in the last week of pregnancy, and my, it is so bittersweet.

Sweet in that my body is just about at maximum capacity. Sweet in that I will appreciate sleeping comfortably, wearing regular clothes, not aching everywhere and getting myself back in shape. Sweet in that my hair will hopefully not continue to fall out in chunks, my face won't be all crazy different shades and my ankles and feet won't look like baked potatoes.

But bittersweet, still. Bittersweet in that this is most likely my last time being pregnant. That I will no longer feel the sweet flutters in the early weeks or strong kicks as the baby continues to grow. Bittersweet in that I won't be the only one in the world bonded with a sweet baby who hasn't made his appearance into the world yet. Bittersweet in that I won't have the excitement of seeing the lines on a stick and sharing the joy that a new little person will soon be joining our family. And bittersweet in that I won't have my belly to rub, knowing a beautiful blessing is growing inside of me.

It's a crazy feeling, really. All the emotion, the smiles and excitement, the joy, the fears and anxiety. The worrying, the praying, the longing to hold and see that sweet face for the first time. No experience is quite like it. I have emotions I wish I could bottle up and save forever. The anticipation. The love. Even some of the funny glances I get when walking around looking like I am about to pop.

And then the day comes. The day you meet them. And you are so fully, deeply in love. The wait is over. They are here. Another one of God's precious angels has emerged into our world. For a family to love. To cherish. To raise.

And all at once, there it is again. That feeling. The bittersweet cycle continues. Time goes too fast. They grow up too quickly. The days may be long, but the years are short. They change right in front of us with each passing moment. Time is fleeting. Little ones are learning and changing. And we long for one more time to rock them to sleep. To hold them. To sing "Jesus loves me." To make them laugh and hold them close when they cry. To make sure they know they are loved with every shred of our being.

Bittersweet. It's all so bittersweet.

Happy Birthday, Uncle Jake!

Happy Birthday to our Uncle Jake! We love you!

Cheers to you!

Monday.

It has been a busy few days around here, with even busier days to follow. It seems I have been in a whirlwind of cleaning the most random things (nesting), hosting parties and get togethers as a dear friend is moving away this week, enjoying afternoons spent playing outside, soaking in sweet moments with Saylor as the time draws close to meeting her little brother, and trying to finish up the few remaining things around the house.

Our sweet neighbors and dear friends are moving to Atlanta this week and we are so sad to see them go.

The ladies in the neighborhood got together Friday night and went out to celebrate with just the girls. Saturday night, we hosted the families at our house to bid them farewell. Barron Family, you will be missed!

Sunday was spent napping and playing outside. The time change is a little more tricky with little ones. We all seemed a bit more exhausted than usual, so early bed times and long naps it was. I did manage to sneak in a few moments of cleaning here and there, as nesting can really take a hold of you the week before delivery. 

Speaking of delivery, we have just 10 more days to go and I really cannot believe it. 10 days! 10 days? Where has the time gone? I have Baker's bag packed and ready to go and have mine semi-packed, just in case he decides to make his appearance sooner. 

I have finished up my Beth Moore "James" Bible study, and wow, what a blessing it was. I have done 5 or 6 of her studies, but this one was just so powerful and seemed to deliver just what I needed. A mix of conviction, strength and fulfillment of the soul. I read her blog this morning, and she closed with this... "Keep walking the thing out. Jesus is worthy of it." Amen sister.

Happy Monday, friends. Have an extra cup of coffee this morning (I know I will, as this time change is making for a tough monday!).