Thirty-Six Weeks

For the past thirty weeks I have had a human being growing inside of me and it is one of the most amazing experiences ever and he's not even here yet. From the first month it seems there's more focus, by those I've come in contact with,  about the stages beyond pregnancy than the 9.5ish months themselves. I get that, but I also am savoring every moment of this little dude growing inside of me from the wicked morning sickness that endured for the first 3.5 months to presently feeling like I resemble a narwhale when I lie in bed to those moments when I feel his feet or hands kick against my stomach. Honestly, it's all so super awesome. 

I am beyond thankful for this stage in my life and I am looking forward to Jack's arrival, but still taking in these last few weeks as a gift. My feet look like inflatable pillows, my hands have me feeling as arthritic as my 94 year old grandmother and I am officially waddling from point a to point b and it is all a blessing I can never express the magnitude of my thankfulness.
Jack will be entering the world to a heap of love and goodness. Yay! 

Snow Days

Under normal circumstances I would not be feeling the love with yet another winter storm accompanied by cold temps, heaps of snow and two more days off of the school calendar. This week was the exception with my Dad and Gabe heading in Thursday night with snow making the ride to Philly a little more interesting than normal, but well worth it. We had 3.5 days of sledding, snowball fights, hot chocolate and movies on the couch. 

Having a few days with my dad away from the farm where there was time to chat, catch up 

and just be was really nice. It was also the first time that he has seen me since November and the baby belly has changed significantly since then. Next time we'll see each other will be when Jack has entered the world. 

Gabe was fascinated by Jack squirming and kicking up a storm as his hand pressed upon my belly. His laughter and beginning to realize his cousin will be here soon is nothing short of awesome. I love hearing him reference Jack with future nerf gun fights, fishing and all the fun things the three of them will be doing.

Temps hit a little above 50 today with snow melting a bit and a little taste of pre-spring hit the air. To think, as winter begins to fade it brings another day closer to Jack's arrival. It has been a beautiful 8+ months so far and although I am truly excited to meet the little dude, the beauty of each day of pregnancy is something I am savoring every moment of.