Killing time...

Well, I am officially 47 minutes past my due date.

And I'm wide awake.

Not in labor, just awake. Willing labor to come.

My doctor is out of town, so no induction until he returns which isn't until Monday. So if MAK isn't here by then, we see Dr. D. on Monday and go from there.

So, what does one do when they have no baby but maternity leave has begun? I think lots of people do the last minute things like finish the nursery, pack bags, pre-register at the hospital, etc... All that has been done for quite some time. So, well...here is a rundown of what has kept me busy:

Monday: Kids went to school. I got my nails done (if you haven't tried the shellack you should - it is amazing), took TWO naps, and attempted a pinterest project that turned out awful. Made dinner, played with kids, went to bed.

Tuesday: Kids went to school. I got called into doctor's office for an NST. Came home. Took nap. Killed time by watching A Time to Kill (gets me EVERYtime. Free Carl Lee). Picked kids up, went to Pei Wei, drove to gymnastics (which was cancelled and I didn't know it, met Munsons for some DQ, trip to HobLob. Bed.

Wednesday: Kids at home! Played/watched Peter Pan in morning. Lunch. Naps. Aggie Baseball.

We met the Munson/Brown clan at the new Aggie baseball complex...it is gorgeous! Blue Bell sponsored the renovations and they did a very nice job. (Which was good since we played AWFUL). They have a play ground for all the kids and two sections of "lawn seats" for discounted prices.

Melinda, Radley, Annaliese, Caroline, Emersyn, Me, Brendon 

(Josh is taking pic and Cindy and Millie hadn't arrived yet)

Anna thought the Emmy needed help with the popcorn. I think it's cute how they treat Emmy like "the baby". 

Radley and Caroline were so excited about watching the game they took out an iPhone. (Which was quickly taken back)

It was a nice distraction in our day, but didn't last forever. 

Oh how my heart melts at times like these...

Emmy '32, Radley '30, Caroline '30, Annaliese '31

Today I had my weekly appointment - no change (seriously, how is this possible) and then came home and played with the kiddies until dinner, bath and bed. Now - well, now I am wide awake. 

So, I wait. And wait. And wait. 

Good thing I'm reminded by sweet kicks and small contractions that this is something worth waiting for. 

Super Siblings: The Interview

We interviewed the kids last night to get their thoughts/feelings on the impending arrival of MAK. (When that day EVER comes!) :) I got the idea from Cindy - she interviewed her girls before Millicent's arrival and they were so precious! Thanks for the idea, friend!

First up, Emersyn. This is priceless. She got camera shy! She wouldn't even say her name and if you have been around her for more than 3 seconds you know that she LOVES to let you know WHO Emmy is! :)

She never really answers her 3 questions...

Next up, the actor. Radley. He loves the camera and also providing us with in depth answers. 

They really are going to be SUPER SIBLINGS! 

40 weeks...

Me and MAK at 40 weeks....

I look/feel... Well, I am still miraculously able to wear all my rings (I just never have them on at the time of taking pics) and my feet are still skinny - so I guess I look pretty good. ;) I am much more belly this week than before but hey, I'm full term. 

Which brings me to how I "feel". I physically feel fine. I can get up and down, walk (took an hour walk this morning at 5am), play with kids, go to Target, etc. Sleeping is still not comfortable due to the hip/pelvic bone, but I "feel" good. 

It's the emotional feeling thing that has me crazy. I am a mixture of nerves, excitement, impatience, drama, sadness, fear, etc... I for the life of me cannot understand how I am still pregnant. :) And I know this sounds silly, but I was TEN whole days early with Emersyn; NINE with Rad. Easy labor, quick delivery, etc... Was it all too good to be true? Maybe. Or maybe Ryan and I were correct when we thought we were only 6 weeks along and the doctor told us 9. OMG... that means I have three more weeks (but then maybe I'd be 10 days early).

To make it "worse" my doctor is on spring break with his family, which means no chance of induction until the 19th or 20th. As I was throwing my pity party this morning, I informed Cindy that I would then claim that I waited 15 days after I was due. Like a good friend, she said ok. 

I also feel like I am disappointing "everyone". Which sounds silly even as I type it or when I say it out loud, but I do. Everyone keeps texting and emailing and facebooking (is that a word) to check on me and MAK, which I completely appreciate, but I feel like I am letting them down when I have no news. 

And ultimately - I'm just scared. Why isn't MAK here? Is something wrong? Will I go into labor? Will I have to be induced? C-section? Dr. Dawson even called to check on me from his ski trip and wanted me to go in yesterday to get the baby checked; he is also surprised that I'm still pregnant. Luckily MAK's heartbeat sounded good (138-163...which I thought was a little varied, but they said it was normal). No contractions and good movement. So. 

We wait. 

I'm craving... a baby. Seriously. There is literally nothing left to do. The car is even packed because if they would have seen any signs of distress yesterday I would have been induced immediately. I am seriously jonesing for this child. 

I am... already on maternity leave. It was all "planned" so perfectly that MAK would arrive the week of Spring Break...like a free week of leave. Ha! I did nothing the past two days. Nails. HobLob. Movies. Naps. That's it. The kids are home with me the rest of the week - maybe that will send me into labor. 

Ryan is... putting up with me as best as he can. 

Kids are... Radley is ready for the baby. He can tell that I am a little stressed so he has been SUPER helpful and sweet and cute. "Don't worry, Mommy, I'll bend down and get that "fer" you." Emersyn is a bit clingy, but also really motherly to her babies. We will see how she reacts. 

MAK is... stubborn. Pretty quiet throughout the day and then at night goes CRAZY! My belly was dancing and jumping all over the place last night. But that's it. No real contractions or anything. This kid better be cute. :)

We are... anxiously awaiting his/her arrival. We would love it if you would pray for MAKs health, my health, my sanity and understanding, and our faith to continue to be in Him. 

{no} labor pains...

Every morning for the past week I have sent the same text message to a few friends/family on my "call" list:

No labor.
No baby.

And every morning, I have been seriously surprised that I had to send this message. I mean who would have thought that with my THIRD child I would be pregnant the longest. I am nearing the official 40 week mark and I was 9 & 10 days early with Radley and Emersyn.

Now, I was grateful that MAK decided to wait to make his/her debut until after HFM left our house but I will admit that every day this week I said, "How is this possible?" to myself.

If you know me, you know that I am a planner. My strengths include achiever and activator meaning I like to start a project, finish a project and then check it off my list. And while, "having a baby" isn't really a "project" - being adaptable isn't really even in the top 15. And I'm pretty darn sure that nothing is going to happen this week.

And, well, I was pretty annoyed, outdone, and preturbed with this thought.

And then, well, and then I started to think about being pregnant.

MAKs movements are growing more subtle as the room in my belly grows smaller and I miss it. I find myself sitting still for extended periods of time just to feel the rolling that is taking place within my body. I crave the feeling of getting kicked to remind me of what a miracle I have been given.

A MIRACLE.

And I'm not saying that for dramatic effect. Pregnancy. Motherhood. The ability to carry a child. These are miracles. Divine gifts. And I have been given this gift three times. THREE times. Instead of rushing this to end, shouldn't I be on my knees saying thank you for letting it continue? I have "easy" pregnancies. No morning sickness; no discomfort; supportive husband; happy kids; normal(ish) weight gain. And as I hear about the stories that others experience during pregnancy (or read it via FB status complaints updates) I just want to reach out to them and scream, "BUT YOU HAVE A MIRACLE INSIDE OF YOU!!" Just enjoy it.

I never thought about NOT being able to have a baby. But in this season of my life I am somewhat familiar because of the stories of friends and acquaintances that surround me about the hard time that others have when trying to have a family.

I have learned over the past 4 years that I am not really in control of my life (shocker). Someone else has it all figured out for me. However, I don't really plan on being pregnant again. This is it. These last few days are my last few days to experience this gift, this miracle.

And when I think about that - I don't know if I want it to end.

But as I sit and type this from the glider in MAKs room, I am reminded of all the miracles that come next.

And once again, I pause to give thanks.

39 Weeks...

 Me and MAK at 39 weeks...

 

I look/feel... I think MAK has dropped so I look "ready". I feel pretty good considering this is the longest I have been pregnant! Who would have guessed the third kid would make use wait the longest? I am getting pretty anxious but I am "feeling" grateful that we made it through HFM without having to quarantine Mommy/Mak/Emmy. 

I'm craving... I don't know if I'm actually craving anything or if I have just decided that this is more than likely (like 97.6% sure) the last time I will be pregnant - so I better "live it up" while I can. In other words Katy and food are friends. 

 

I am... Ready! Seriously. Ready!!! 

Ryan is... Ready! (At least I think he is...)

Kids are... on the mend! Thankfully Radley has shown no signs of HFM and Emmy's blisters are going away rapidly. That keeps me motivated to "stay pregnant" but I am also anxious for them to meet their sibling!

We are... doing all the "prep work". Carseats - check. Baby room - check. Baby book - yeah, about that one. :) I think we are trying to mentally prep for our family of FIVE! How does one do that? 

MAK is... hanging in there. His/her movements have slowed down quite a bit the last two days... pretty quiet through out the day and then lots of movement at night. Painful movement, which is a good sign. 

Extra fun.... Just praying for healthy baby, smooth delivery (just like the first 2 please) and taking it day by day. I am a mixture of anxiousness and nerves!!!

MAKs Room: The BIG Reveal

**EDITED: If you are visiting from Kelly's Korner, then welcome to MAKs room!!! MAK has since become our sweet daughter, Landry, and this is her room. I knew that I wanted an "alphabet gallery wall" in her nursery and I loved how it turned out.**

And now I'm linking up with Andrea for Show and Tell Tuesday: You're FAVORITE room. 

Come see for yourself why I love this room so much!

This is the first wall you see when you open the door. This room has great lighting (according to SG) so I'm excited about all the fun NB pics that we will get to take! 

Cute hooks behind the door for bags - love that crowns are so trendy these days - very convenient for us.

Do you remember my "how to" post about the alphabet wall? Well,  isn't it FABULOUS! 

If MAK is a girl I plan on making some rosettes and other girly flair to glue to some of the frames.

(Turns out MAK was a girl - check out her newborn pics with this as a backdrop here.)

The whole wall....

Ryan's grandparent's bookshelf...

The same glider we used for Radley and Emersyn with a steal of a quilt I found on etsy.

Another shot of the shelves (that were also in both kids' nurseries)...

And the other side... 

{notice the L&A...still deciding on that name}

Dresser and medicine cabinet I got at HobLob for $15 (originally $120)

and also formerly in both kids nurseries ...

I just thought this was adorable so I splurged on it from RHBaby 

(and have since seen them everywhere)

And last but not least.....

the place where MAK will rest his/her sweet head (in another 4 months or so)...

Isn't it lovely? Just so understated and calm.

I.love.it.

Things to note:

1. I love MAKs room

2. Paint is cumberland fog satin finish Behr paint from Home Depot

3. All of the furniture was used in all 3 kids room

4. I am SOOOO glad my original gray-yellow-aqua room didn't work out because I LOVE this (and I can always use those colors somewhere else)

5. Project costs = less than $200 (alphabet wall, window, ragamuffin garland, bunting over bed, yarn letters)

6. Even with a fancy camera, I take an awful picture - sorry that all of these seem crooked and with all the great lighting you would think they would look better ;)

7. MAKs room was so much fun to put together - now I need a new project! :)

Hope you love it as much as we do!! 

And here is a glance at what the room looks like now. We converted it into a playroom and LOVE it!

A new kind of baby proofing...

I knew Ryan and I would do a good cleaning to our house the last few days before MAKs arrival. You know the usual, vacuum, dusting, mopping, laundry, etc... 

But as I have come to learn, my plans are seldomly the ones that pan out. The kids school had a huge break out of Hand Foot Mouth disease, so imagine how excited we were when Emersyn woke up this morning with a feet that looked like this... 

I had a break down with all the thoughts of me having MAK with a quarantined daughter that won't be able to even come to the hospital. I'm still pretty upset about the thought but at this point, there is nothing I can do about it except pray that she has a mild case and that the blisters go away soon. I'm also praying that MAK does NOT follow in Rad and Emmy's footsteps and decides to come right on time instead of early. 

In the mean time, we will be doing lots of disinfecting toys....

And walking around the house with this friend in our back pocket. 

Parenthood was supposed to be easy, right?

;)

38 Weeks...

Me and MAK at 38 weeks... 

 

I look/feel... Still pretty ok. Miracle of miracles all my rings still fit which means I am not swolled (whoop.) and I've been sleeping pretty well, too. It is much more difficult to get up and down from the ground which makes playing with the kids hard. I mean really playing and being engaged and pretending - I think if there was one thing I missed the most it's really just playing with them. 

I'm craving... back to nothing. I have been a completely boring pregnant lady. 

 

I am... feeling much less stressed. I have been able to get some home projects done and I'm feeling really good about being "ready" for MAK. Staying a little late at work this week to finish up some things for while I'm away and then it will be "smooth sailing", right? ;)

Ryan is... A great daddy and husband. I'm nervous about having 3 kids for sure - but I am extremely lucky to have him by my side. It may have taken him forever to paint furniture, but when it comes to NB duties - he is exemplary! 

Kids are... In the midst of a hand, foot, mouth disease break out at school. Awesome. I called my doctor and I'm not supposed to be around HFM, so GiGi is coming to watch the kids so that we can hopefully miss catching it. Fingers crossed and prayers appreciated! 

Radley is really ready for MAK to be here - he kisses my tummy every morning and every night and talks to the baby. Emmy is still clueless, BHH, but I think she is going to be a great big sister! 

 

MAK is... waiting to arrive. If he/she is anything like Radley and Emmy then we should be welcoming a baby into our world right around Monday!!!!!! 

We are... READY! 

And just for fun... we got a sneak peek of some of my maternity pics. Isn't this amazing?!?!? The one time in my life when a wide angle lens was welcomed!

Coming up....

What you've all been waiting for....

The BIG reveal.... 

MAKs room!!!

(I can't settle on what goes above the crib - I only have until Saturday to decide!!)

AHHHHHHH!

37 Weeks...

Me and MAK at 37 weeks...

I look/feel... like I'm about to have a baby soon! :) After a heavy/long work week, the swollen feet have begin to appear and I'm moving a bit slower. I'm waking up more in the night and I think my body is just prepping itself to meet this little one! Which is completely exciting and super scary all at once! 

I'm craving... wait for it. I had a HUGE craving last week...chicken fried steak. OMG - it was DEE-licious! I ate it all. Every last bite. And I MAY talk my husband into going and getting another one. Super glad this craving appeared in week 37 and not week 7!

I am... finishing up some work projects, getting lists ready for my colleagues that will be taking over my assignments, packing my office (our department will be moving back into a newly renovated student center while I am on leave - good timing, eh?) and just nesting around the house. 

Ryan is... finished with the furniture! Spoiler: MAK room pics coming soon

Kids are... At GiGi and Pops. I missed them from the moment they pulled out of the driveway but I am thankful for 48 hours of quiet time to get items taken care of around the house and really to spend with just Ryan. I kinda like that guy. 

MAK is... MOVING a lot still. My stomach is like  giant roller coaster all day. I have an appointment this afternoon so we will see if any progress is being made. 

We are... Ready to meet this littlest King. Aren't you?!?!

Petite Picassos...

Radley and Emersyn got to do a project for MAK this weekend, too. 

They created some personalized artwork just for the closet. 

Radley was very meticulous and wanted to get every inch of the canvas blue. 

I love the faces he makes when he concentrates. 

Emmy was a bit more sporadic with her work. I kept rotating the canvas so she would get all the corners. 

But then once she got to mix colors she didn't want to stop. I had to distract her to be finished because I was afraid the paint was never going to dry! 

Both kids had so much fun and Radley really loved that he got to contribute to MAKs space. Can you guess which one belongs to which kid?

Emmy... great use of motion. 

;)

Radley...notice the giant "R" (he thought we were hanging the other way). He wrote all the letters of his name throughout the picture - I thought that was adorable. And we wanted a heart on there, so I helped him draw one. 

MAK is a lucky little one to have such loving older siblings!

My {new} best-friends...

When I was 36 weeks preggers with Emmy I posted about my "pg besties".

I thought it would be fun to do a little comparison on what friends MAK has brought to my life. 

First. This lovely friend, Olive. 

Yep. The couch. This is where I sleep and have been sleeping since about week ummmm... 25 or so. I know, I know it sounds ridiculous but pregnancy causes my hips and pelvic bone to do some major weird stuff and it's just more comfortable. We don't exactly have the world's best mattress and the thought of rolling over is torturous. Not to fear, sometimes Ryan cuddles beside me until I kick him off, sometimes he makes a pallet right next to me on the floor, and others he sleeps on the other couch. He rarely sleeps in the bed alone. 

Big perk of winter pregnancy/new fashion trends = ADORABLE boots. I seriously live in like 4 pairs of pants and these shoes. I also have an awesome black pair that stays in my closet so the kids can't mess them up play with them. These stay in our shoe basket. 

This may be my favorite idea ever. Just a notebook with our own sections of what needs to be done for each person. Honey - dos, school projects, nursery stuff, birthday ideas, etc... 

The pillows are back. 

Seriously, invest in these. 

Stretchy. Pants. 

No explanation needed, right?

And while I do long for the days that little loves return to my life... 

If I'm not wearing boots then these are on my toes... 

And while this has nothing really to do with being pregnant. I rediscovered this little gem because I was too tired/lazy at night to go through the process of washing. OMG... I LOVE THIS STUFF!!

Maybe I'll be the next "Noxema girl".

Only 3 weeks to go until we meet MAK, but I think I may keep these besties around!