Happy Birthday!!!

To the soon-to-be UNCLE CJ :) 

I haven't kept up with birthday posts but my one and only brother deserves it.

17 was a fun year for me and something tells me he is enjoying it too, maybe a little too much :)

 How could he not with a smile like that?? Dangerous I tell you...

I miss him so much and was so glad when he came to visit us this winter.

He is so much more well rounded than some other teenage boys I've come across.

Funny, smart, social, caring, athletic, genuine. AND he always smells really good haha, something my sisters and I appreciate.

Matt and I have been able to visit and watch many of his athletic feats on the basketball and tennis courts. He and Matt have several on-going competitions in sports, killing zombies, and paint balling. I consider it a serious blessing that my husband and brother are such good friends. 

In my mind this is how I envision our age difference (and size difference). Senior Prom 2003. Ridiculous.

But I'll never let him forget that I will  always be the BIG sister. 

Whether as a chubby cheerleader on Halloween (waiting for the 4 inch growth spurt of 1996). 

Or as a 41 week pregnant lady typing a blog over her large belly:)

LOVE YOU CEEJ!!!

(p.s. I can't believe I'm 41 weeks pregnant. In a few days I will officially be pregnant almost a month longer than some friends with due dates close to mine who delivered early. Unbelievable. Send me some labor prayers, I'm so ready for the pain.)

I get it Tom Petty, I get it.

The waiting IS the hardest part! Ugghhhhhhh.

Okay let me start over. I have LOVED being pregnant. Seriously loved it every step of the way. I'm so proud of my body and how I've been able to stay active and healthy the whole way through. People have told me I'm one of the "lucky ones" since I've had a relatively easy time, but honestly (aside from serious complications) I think a lot of it is perspective. We REALLY wanted to start our family so I'd put up with just about anything! I've still had the pregnancy pains and symptoms, but anytime anything hurt or made me uncomfortable or sick I just reminded myself, "YOU'RE GROWING A HUMAN!! It's not going to be simple!" Yes it's challenging but it's also a privilege.

The doctor told me at one of my appointments I've been the 'shining star of pregnancy.' Sure, it's braggy to post that but it was such a compliment and it made me so happy! Any self esteem boost when you are feeling big and awkward is so appreciated.

 I was officially due YESTERDAY and while I've had a feeling all along that she was going to stay in a little longer, it was still kind of depressing to wake up this morning still pregnant. I really want to deliver naturally w/out an epidural and even though physically I still feel really good, it's mentally starting to wear on me. Just not knowing what to expect or when to expect it. I feel like I've been training 9 months for a sporting event that is going to be really hard--I just don't know when I start!

SO this morning I made Matt take me out to hike around at one of my favorite places, Tilden park.  The scenery is gorgeous, it was warm but breezy and a thick fog started to blow in on our way home. It really helped me get out of the frustrated mood I was in.

Anxious parents...

Are you ready yet little one?!! Because I am.

Hopefully any day (preferably minute) now:)...