Happier Day. :) Growing Belly...

So, this has basically been my progression of growth from week 8 through week 29. It’s amazing to look at my belly and know that I’m growing a baby in there! It really is such a miracle, and quite an interesting way that God decided to bring to life into the world. :) I feel blessed and honored to have this tiny human in my tummy, soon to be in my arms! (But not TOO soon! He needs to stay in there and bake for at least 11 more weeks!)

Whiney blog post

This blog post is solely for the purpose of whining. I just need to put it out there that I am tired. I'm tired, sore, cranky, and emotional. Ya, I'm pregnant, but I hate that I use that as an excuse. But seriously, I think it's a legit one. My legs and back are so achy right now, I can't seem to get comfy. I'm thinking that tonight a hot bath and massage are on the schedule.

I'm just so shocked at how quickly my 2nd trimester energy and "feel-goodness" went away! It lasted for about a month and then BAM! GONE! Goodness gracious...this 3rd trimester fatigue has hit me like a ton of bricks. And then there's this nasty varicose vein that has plagued my upper thigh. It's been hurting for a month now and I just thought I had sore muscles from being more active, walking a lot, and squatting up and down to pick up the baby girl that I watch. Well, last night I discovered the vein. Ah, no wonder that part of my body aches every time I stand up and walk after sitting or lying down for a while.

Oh, and my lower back hurts. Bad. Wussy wussy me! I hate pain, and yet I'm adamant about having a natural, unmedicated childbirth. I figure if I psych myself up about it and have enough determination and support, then I can do it. Plus, that kind of pain has a great and wonderful reward at the end! My baby boy, out of my womb and into my arms. :) So don't tell me that I can't do it! I CAN. And, I'm not getting an episiotomy, I'd rather tear, thank you. After much research, tearing seems to be the best option.

Things That I Love

Aside from the obvious (at least, I HOPE it's obvious) - the Lord Jesus Christ, here is a list of some things that I simply love. They really are in no particular order, and some things I love far more than other things (such as my husband...), but you get the idea. :)

• Long, hard foot rubs. Wow. They are like heaven on earth. Thank God for a simply amazing husband who loves to serve me by giving me foot rubs - often!
• Fried eggs with Tillamook cheddar cheese and orange juice. Oh wow. Extreme yumminess and a MUST every single day as my second breakfast.
• A clean home. I love when my home is clean. I actually enjoy cleaning it, as well. (Except for when I let the messiness of it get out of hand, then it's just overwhelming!) This past week I have been really good at keeping it clean and it feels GOOD! When I put forth a better effort to pick up after myself and clean as I go, then Jordan does as well - and that is very nice, indeed! AND, when it's clean, it leaves me more time to do things like organize....
• My cats, especially Hosea. Is it okay that I play favorites?? I think so! I got him when from the pound when he was about 4 months old. He stole my heart. :) He's a big, selfish sweetheart of kitty and I simply adore him. I love picking him up and cradling him in my arms because he just lets me! He looks mad when I do it, but he doesn't ever put up a fight. 
• Sunshine. I NEED sunshine. My body CRAVES sunshine. I can't really say that today is sunny, but I know that the sun is up there...somewhere...above the high level of smog coverage. The warmth of the sun makes my bones, skin and heart happy. This is why I was meant to live at the coast in California and NOT in Fresno. Sorry Fresno, I do NOT love you.
• Babies. Need I say more?!?! Babies smell good. They are soft and cuddly. They feel amazing in your arms! I even like baby breath. And honestly, poopy diapers, spit up, drool, and crying don't bother me. I love their precious giggles and silly ways of moving around. I love babies.
• The baby growing in my tummy. He is not here yet, and I can't hold him for another 3 months, but I know that I already love him. I talk to him, I smile when I think about him, I tear up when I think about him a little too hard - haha. (Because I can't wait to see him and have him safely in my arms!) I love when he kicks me really hard because, even though it hurts at times, I know it means he is strong and healthy.
• Coffee. Is that bad? Hehe. I love coffee. I like how it smells and how it tastes. I really like Starbucks lattes and chai tea. I love sucking all the foam off the top before drinking my Starbucks coffee. I get Starbucks just a couple times a month because it is WAY TOO EXPENSIVE. I make my own coffee every morning and I love how it awakens my brain so that I can function for the rest of the day.
• My mommy and little sister - they make me laugh. :)
• My husband. DUH! What's not to love? He is the sweetest man I know! He treats me like a princess. He is calm and patient when I don't deserve it. When I don't feel well or am too tired to cook dinner or clean, he'll do it for me. I am totally spoiled by his awesomeness. He is SMART and dedicated to his studies and learning. He is PASSIONATE about JESUS and TRUTH. I love his brain. 
• Silk dark chocolate almond milk. Mmmmmm. So so so tasty!
• Showers. I take WAY too long of showers. I love having the hot water wash away my sleepiness and awaken my senses. I love the feeling of CLEAN!
• Country music and country dancing. I listen to the music every day and it makes me happy. :) The dancing I haven't done in quite sometime and I truly miss it! I miss two-stepping, cha chaing, waltzing, doing the barn dance, continental cowboy and of course SWING! I miss being swung around, twirled, and flipped in the air. :)

Those are just a FEW things that I love, or at least like very much so. There are MANY, MANY more things that I haven't put, but I need to get back to my Saturday chores. :) I thank God for blessing me with all of these things because without Him, I wouldn't have any of it, or at least it wouldn't be the same. I love that I have been redeemed from my sinful past and that God is continually sanctifying me. Boy, do I need all the help I can get!

HAPPY SATURDAY!