All done!

So glad the amnio is behind me. It was not the worst thing I've ever done but if I never have to do it again that will be fine by me.

All in all, it happened just like a friend of mine said it would. My nerves were way worse than the actual procedure and it did not take long at all.

That said, I'm really not into physical procedures or pain. It was less than 10 years ago (in college) where I had to be physically put in a headlock to give blood at a doctors office if that tells you anything.

I've come around quite a bit obviously. At last count since last Thursday I've had two shots, four blood draws, and the amnio itself for a grand total of 7 needle sticks :(

If you look a few posts back I've even got battle scars to show for it!

I PASSED!

My gestational diabetes test :) Had I failed it truly was going to be the straw that broke the camels back because ice cream has been my saving grace. I'll worry about the consequences later until then I celebrate!!!!

Happy Memorial Day!

Don't forget to remember those who have served and continue to serve our country!

Review: The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

I've officially been added to the list of people who have read this book and think it is worth reading again and again. Normally, I just borrow books from the local library such as in this case but every so often if the book is good enough I'll buy it to read again.

This is one of those books.

Many times while I was reading the book, I'd come across points that really made me stop and think while at the same time applying them to my own life.

One of the lessons that stood out the most to me also happens to be one he references a few times throughout the book. The Brick Wall

The ultimate lesson of The Brick Wall is:

"Brick walls are there for a reason. They give us a chance to show how badly we want something."~ Randy Pausch

He goes back to this analogy a couple of times while reflecting on his life. Once was in reference to obtaining permission from the Deans at UVA to go to Disney on a sabbatical and the other was in reference to courting his wife Jai.

Neither of these examples are related to each other and they are a far throw from my own situation but that just shows that this analogy can be used in all of our lives to stretch across many situations.

At one other point he is reflecting on the story of the birth of his first child, Dylan. His birth was of the very complicated variation and many times things were very uncertain for both the life of the child and his wife.

He goes on to discuss how they handled things and even before reading this book he sums up pretty much how I try to think about our own situation with Megan Grace.

"Dylan's birth was a reminder to me of the roles we get to play in our own destinies. Jai and I could have made things worse by falling into pieces. She could have gotten so hysterical that she'd thrown herself into shock. I could have been so stricken that I'd have been no help in the operating room.

Through the whole ordeal I don't think we ever said to each other "This isn't fair." We just kept going. We recognized that there were things we could do that might help the outcome in positive ways...and we did them. Without saying it in words our attitude was, "Let's saddle up and ride." ~Randy Pausch

Enough said. I'm going to buy this book and read it again and again. Sooo many lessons to be learned that apply to so many of life's situations.

What a great book!

Isn't she lovely?

The result of one of the four times I was stuck with needles this past week. Actually, it didn't hurt but it sure looks like it.

30 Weeks

*Please excuse the no makeup, wet hair, just out of bed look. I had showered but things hadn't really progressed much farther as you can see*

How far along? 30 weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: Over 30 pounds!! That seems like such a big number but I will deal with it in a few months. My only concern right now is to feed Megan Grace whatever she wants when she wants it :)

Maternity clothes? Yep.

Stretch marks? There are some but not on my belly thankfully :)

Sleep: Can't complain (as I yawn while typing).

Best moment this week: Seeing my belly move for the first time ever!! What an exciting moment. It seems like she has gotten a lot more active even during the ultrasound this week so maybe Steve will get to actually feel her move soon.

Labor Signs: No, thank God.

Belly Button in or out? Working on coming out. It is soooo close to be all the way out and Steve is totally freaked out!

What I miss: Not getting winded so easily when I'm walking around. I sound like a chain smoker. Not good.

What I am looking forward to: Maternity pictures round 2 at the end of the week. Steve and Tonka will be more involved this time if all goes well.

Weekly Wisdom: When in need of sleep just sleep. Can you see the trend here?

Milestones: Honestly, 30 weeks was a "milestone" of sorts and I'm thrilled to be here but like with everything else it is kind of bittersweet. We don't know how long we have left with Megan Grace so that is weighing on me just a bit although I'm still doing pretty well.

I've looked at the ultrasound pictures from this week a hundred times and she is so cute to me. I know we will be so in love with her when we see her that it is going to be hard to let go. Right now I'm just hoping Steve gets to feel her move before we have to let her go. That is really my one last hope for this pregnancy.

Tomorrow I'm going to finish packing for the hospital just in case Thursday's amnio causes earlier than expected labor. I've got a few more things to buy but other than that we know we do not have much longer.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers this week as we would really like a few more weeks with our daughter.

Thanks!

Our Sweet Little Girl

Just an added note: Her skull isn't missing it just looks that way because she was moving so much they couldn't get a better picture but I think this one looks great! We are so proud of our little girl. She just continues to fight and hang in there.

Love you Megan Grace!

Where We Stand

is a very confusing location right now. Yesterday, Steve and I spent from 7:45am until about 1pm with doctors only breaking quickly to grab a quick breakfast. This morning I returned to the office to have my glucose test done because for circus of reasons it did not happen yesterday. When I walked into my office to grab my chart they said to come back when I was done because my doctor wanted to see me sooo you can add another 2 hours to the time we spent with doctors yesterday for a grand total of about 7 hours!

The positive of all of this is we have a very muddy picture of where we are going as far as delivery etc.

Haha, let me be truthful....we know nothing. This weekend I will be packing my bags for the hospital though just in case because there are few minor complications that could cause and earlier delivery than we anticipated although the chance is still minimal.

Let's see:

1) Based on the ultrasound from yesterday I still have a condition called Placenta Previa. It's not a complete Previa though and my placenta is reallyclose to getting out of the way but if it does not a c/s is our only option. I'm not sure if I have mentioned this before but that is not ideal at all for Megan's condition.

2) We are finally going to go through with the amniocentesis. This has been much debated and thrown around but next Thursday I'm having it done after all. The reason the doctors have made the decision to take on the risk is because at delivery we only have one shot at getting the genetic samples they need. If it does not work for some reason we will not have 100% definitive answers that Megan Grace has OI Type II. Steve and I would then be in a tough situation in the future. The amnio will allow them to have a second chance at getting an accurate diagnosis so we are not left empty handed.

That said, this procedure alone could throw me into labor hence the reason I'm packing this weekend.

3) Then there is the wrench of all monkey wrenches. :drum roll please: My doctor just consulted her calendar and realized that on July 19th she is boarding a plane for France and will not return until AFTER my due date. Wow. This makes me sad in so many ways because she has been more than instrumental in keeping the pieces of this puzzle together along with myself and I'd be very sad not to have her there for Megan's birthday.

There is a small chance we could deliver before she leaves but we have to see if my body is favorable for an induction, if Megan Grace is head down, and if my placenta moves. All of this before July 18th. The only thing we can do is pray and hope the stars align even if it is in the 11th hour. If not, then on to Plan B.

She has a backup who I have not met although we have talked via phone once. She is aware of the situation and willing to step in if needed so that is good news.

Yesterday, we also met with the pediatrician who will be at the hospital to care for Megan Grace and keep her out of pain once she arrives. He was a very compassionate doctor who has been practicing for many years so I feel confident in his abilities. Many of the living children he handles have special needs in some way, shape, or form so he understands our perspective and is willing to do everything he can to make it easier on all of us.

Based on all of this we likely have between 1 week and 10 weeks left with Megan Grace. Hopefully, it is more like 5-6 weeks but only time will tell.......

What are you reading?

This weekend I've got some down time aka pool time :) What books have you read lately that you thought were good?

Happy Spring

Love,

Tonka

Happy 96th Birthday!

To my Great Grandma!!
She actually turned 96 on the 15th but we celebrated a few days before and now I'm a few days late posting. Oh well, she doesn't even know how to turn on a computer so she will never know :)

She is such an inspiration to have around! She is the mother of 6 wonderful children two of which are pictured with her below. Out of those six she has outlived two as well as my great grandfather who died long before I was ever born. She is strong, witty, beautiful, and I'm proud to be her great granddaughter.

Happy Birthday Grandma!!

This is my great grandma with my grandmother (middle) and her sister. Wonderful women!

She moves

Just now I was sitting here at my desk and looked down and for the very first time I could see my belly moving. It's like she was knocking from the inside. How fun!

For the past week or so I've been thinking she is getting a little bigger and maybe a little stronger. The movements I feel definitely aren't as strong as someone else as far along as me but they are getting easier to feel on both the outside and inside.

She may be very sick but she is hanging in there :)

Every Morning and Afternoon

On my way to and from the place I like to call work I wish I had my camera and I think about how I need to write this post. Every day. This has been going on for months so I decided today was the day to at least get the post out of the way.

The area we live in is nothing but farm land with houses dropped sporadically here and there and we love it!

The only downfall is when you actually need to go somewhere to get something you must have a plan because there is no such thing as a quick trip to the store. I can't imagine if we had to do that on a horse and buggy like in the old days. Every so often though we even have people "cruise" through our neighborhood on horseback. It's awesome!

Lately, I've come across a few things I really wished I had my camera to capture.

A few weeks ago as I was driving to work I noticed what looked to be a horse the only problem was he looked as if he had gotten out of the fence. I stopped in the road because he was running up and down the fence along side the road taunting the horses still in the fence. The only problem was I was scared he was going to run out in front of me so I stopped on the road which was beside the fence to be sure I didn't harh him. The horse was between my car and the fence and he just sat there and looked at me. He was big and beautiful and seemed to be having quite a fun time harrassing the other horses still stuck in the fence so I left him alone and off to work I went.

Over the weekend, my husband and I were driving in the other direction to the store and it appears the goats have multiplied. There were like 10 little itty bitty goats in the fence. So.freakin.cute! Seriously, I need to drive over just to get a picture.

These are just two of the beautiful pieces of scenery I see on a daily basis. These don't include the rolling farmland perfectly prepared for growing season. It's beautiful each and every day and we love it!

The Generosity Factor

Last Monday at the Junior League Annual Dinner to close out the year our new President gave her first official speech. In her speech, she referenced this book.

Over the weekend, I picked it up from the library and from start to finish I think it to me and hour and a half to read. The story itself will probably follow me around for a lifetime though because I really believe in the main premise behind the underlying moral.

It is a good yet quick read that just might change how you view life. For me, it simply reinforced my how I try to live my life for others it could be a real eye opener.

Enjoy!

29 Weeks

How far along? 29 weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: About 17 pounds and counting :)

Maternity clothes? Yep.

Stretch marks? There are some but not on my belly thankfully :)

Sleep: Sleep itself is fine. The problem appears to be that I can't get enough no matter how much I get. The exhaustion is constant and it is kicking my butt. Just now I put my head down on my desk and asleep I went :(

Best moment this week: Two Mondays in a row I've managed to explain in public that Megan Grace is not going to survive. The two ladies who asked about my pregnancy meant well they just had no idea so I explained the Cliff's Notes version of the story. No tears were shed :) This is progress because when we first got this diagnosis I honestly had no idea how I would ever make it through one of those moments but I did it!!

Labor Signs: No, thank God.

Belly Button in or out? Working on coming out. It has a few more weeks though.

What I miss: Not feeling so exhausted all.day.long.

What I am looking forward to: Sleeping A LOT!

Weekly Wisdom: When in need of sleep just sleep. Can you see the trend here?

Milestones: Getting through the dreaded explanation scenario. It really was a fear of mine but I'm pretty good at it. I'm so proud that I've overcome that obstacle because I remember it being one of the first questions I asked my friend Stacy the first time we spoke on the phone.

P.S. Aren't you guys just thrilled that I learned how to use the linky button? I'm so proud of myself!!

Saying Goodbye To Another Wonderful Year of Junior League

*Note to self: Lose the four extra chins*

And what a wonderful year it was!

Ladies, thank you all for another great year! Last night, as I was sitting at the dinner listening to all of the speakers my mind wandered as I gazed around the room. It simply amazes me each time I'm surrounding by my fellow JLG peers because never in my life have I ever been in the presence of so many other accomplished, intelligent, and beautiful women as the group we have in Greensboro.

It is such a wonderful feeling and it has always been more than my mind can fathom. My husband has been the recipient of numerous calls from me while on the way home from meetings where I'm just gushing about how grateful I am to be a part of such a special organization and I thank you all for that.

Last night as said my goodbyes I got a little teary. I'm going to miss you all over the course of our break but I'm already looking forward to next year. I'm certain that next year is going to be my best year in the league yet and I'm glad I'll be there to share it with all of you wonderful women.

The reason I'm looking forward to next year with such enthusiasm is because I'm not only working on the Signature Project (The JLG Autism Project) but the Chairperson of that project was last nights recipient of the Kathleen Price Bryan Award.

I have no doubt at first things may be hard because the next JL year starts shortly after Megan Grace is supposed to arrive however I'm comforted knowing I'll be in the midst of a very supportive group of women. On top of that, I find it very ironic that when I entered my placement requests for next year it was either a few days or weeks before we found out about Megan's condition. My top two picks were The Autism Project or The Family Support Network (which is setup to assist families with babies in NICU).

God was there every step of the way and he knew what the path ahead looked like before I ever dreamed I'd be going down it. Despite the news we received I'm welcoming this project with open arms. Last night I addressed this very issue and my response was "I'm excited about the project even more now than I was before because I feel like I can offer a unique perspective to the group" and I meant every word.

Being part of such a great group of women and working on such a worthwhile project next year makes me proud to be Megan Grace's Mommy each and every day. Thank you for being the fabulous women that you are and I hope to see you all again very soon :)

I NEED THIS!

http://www.cakespy.com/2009/04/grilled-cheesecake-sweet-take-on.html

FYI: If someone can teach me how to make this a link without all the mess. I'd be forever grateful :) Also, if you could send this to my house that would be even better!

Books

As I've said before in this blog I love to read. My husband thinks I'm nuts because I could literally spend hours in the library or any bookstore.

Ever since I was small it has been one of my favorite things. It is something I've always hoped to pass down to my children hence the reason that I even read to Megan Grace fairly regularly. You can never read too many books and you can never read all the books that have been written. So much to read and learn!!

In a previous post, I had mentioned the book Losing Malcolm. I'm done with it and it was a great book written by a mother who lost her child and her journey through grief. I'll be posting a full review in the future so be on the lookout for that post.

The reason for today's post surrounding books is to bring your attention to another book that has been shared with me a couple of times now. Our genetic counselor in Baltimore originally shared it with us but just yesterday a friend told me she read it while in Jamaica (yes, you can hate her) and said it was really good.

The book is called Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult. Based on what I've read and been told the main character has OI Type III which is the same condition Megan Grace has only hers is very clearly more severe.

My reason for sharing this information with you is 1) She is a very good writer 2) This book may help you understand more clearly what we are dealing with if you are curious and want to read a good book at the same time.

The friend who read it commented on my blog post a few posts back about balance and I've talked to her since she commented. It seems it really helped her see the situation through our eyes in a way.

I'm looking forward to reading the book and thought I would pass it along. Along the same lines, I've also reserved Resilience by Elizabeth Edwards and hope to read it soon as well. She has been through a lot and is still trudging through so I'm interested to see things from her perspective.

Have a great week!

Dear Megan Grace,

Thank you for the sweet Mother's Day card you and Daddy gave to me yesterday! We enjoyed a wonderful day together and I'm glad we got to spend it with you this year during your short time with us.


The morning started off with Daddy giving me the card from the two of you after I had eaten breakfast. Then we all headed to the Mother's Day service at church. It was a very good and you even kicked a little so you must have enjoyed it as well.

The preacher discussed many things surrounding motherhood however there was one item that really made me think. He discussed making sure all Mom's show their children Faith not just by taking them to church on a regular basis but actually in practice each day.

This really hit home for me because each day that I wake up and go about my day I'm exhibiting my Faith for the plan God has in store for you. We do not know why he has chosen us to be your parents or why he wants to call you home shortly after you are born but we trust in His plan and that comforts us each day.

The pastor also talked about this in context of showing strength and grace vs. weakness and fear to our children. Before he ever got to the point of this portion of his sermon I knew where it was going because it is a topic I've thought about a lot since we have known about your condition.

For me personally (your Mom), it feels like I'm letting you down when I let my fear and weakness show because that means I'm straying from believing His plan for you. We never imagined we would be giving you back to God however he has a plan and we can't let our own selfish emotions get in the way of focusing on that for too long. The only way for us to "make sense" of the situation is to keep our focus on the big picture which is the plans he has for our family including you and that comforts me each day.

After church we headed home to pick up your big brother Tonka before going to another town to visit with family and eat some good food. It was a beautiful afternoon and everyone was glad to see us.

You are so loved Megan Grace and everyone is going to be sad to see you go to Heaven but please know we will never forget you. Once you get to Heaven you will be forever healed and all those little broken bones will be fixed. What a wonderful feeling!

Next Mother's Day will be bittersweet but we really enjoyed having you here with us yesterday. Thank you for coming into our life even for this short while because you have truly left a mark forever.

Love you,

Mommy, Daddy, and your big brother Tonka

28 Weeks

How far along? 28 weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: About 17 pounds and counting :)

Maternity clothes? Yep.

Stretch marks? There are some but not on my belly thankfully :)

Sleep: It's going. Last night was better than the night before when was I was up hourly due to sugar overload from a birthday party earlier in the evening. Overall, last night was good minus the hour my allergies had me up sneezing my head off. Oh, the fact that I can still *kinda* sleep on belly is pretty awesome as well!

Best moment this week: Spending Mother's Day with Megan Grace. We didn't take any pictures which was not the highlight of my day but just knowing she was here and moving around was good enough for me.

Labor Signs: No, thank God.

Belly Button in or out? Working on coming out. It has a few more weeks though.

What I miss: Having more time to relax especially now that I need it! Ok, in all actuality I do but I have a hard time just sitting down and doing nothing. Must work on that.


What I am looking forward to: Getting some of my maternity pictures framed to hang in Megan's room.

Weekly Wisdom: Try not to get too wrapped up in the hormones of pregnancy. They are difficult to manage some days but you just have to keep reminding yourself that this too shall pass.

Milestones: Attending the Mother's Day service at church. It was bittersweet but overall I was pretty joyful. Not sure how I'll feel about it next year but this year I stayed pretty focused on the fact that she is still with us.

Will there be a balance?

I've been thinking a lot over the last few days and I'm having issues with how to handle all of this once it happens.

This whole situation has always been grouped into phases in my brain from the beginning:

Phase 1: Getting through the rest of my pregnancy
Phase 2: Delivery and the immediate time afterwards
Phase 3: Life after Megan Grace

I'm working on Phase 1. Honestly, I'll say so far it has not been bad. We are almost prepared for her arrival as far as "doing" things go such as the doctors, buying things, figuring out who can support us and who can't. Emotionally, I'm not sure you can really be "ready" but I'm doing as much as I can including going to therapy. On top of all of this, I'm trying to cherish every moment with Megan Grace because I know the weeks are winding down as quickly as they began.

Phase 2 is the part that scares me the most. First, there will be delivery in a hospital. Did I mention I've never spent a single night in a hospital in my life? Luckily, with everything else on my mind this is really the least of my worries unless I have to have a c/s at which point things may go downhill quickly.

Then meeting Megan Grace and likely saying goodbye in a matter of minutes. This will be bittersweet. I'm not sure if I've said this in this blog. Many people will probably not understand when I say this but I'm not hoping for a miracle. Sure, I'll be thrilled if there is a miracle and she is healed but in her condition (which is very poor) I'm not hoping she lives because her quality of life will be very low if at all. One of the things that has crossed my mind many times since we found out in April just how bad her condition is currently is how much pain she might be experiencing. This is one thing I'm glad she will be able to leave behind when she goes to God. We will enjoy every moment we are given with her while she is here but I'll be a little relieved once I know she is pain free although that is when I will finally have to deal with her being gone.

The days and early weeks after will be tough not only because we will finally be able to deal with the loss but the hormone crash is not going to be pleasant. Those first few weeks as much as I hate it I'm probably not going to be "living". When I think back to the time after we found this out I existed in sort of a zombie state and I don't really like it but I think it is how our body protects us from the pain.

This is where I'm torn. Most likely I'm going to deliver in early July. It will be warm and football season will be just around the corner. I really don't want to miss out on all this but I also want to make sure I grieve the loss of our daughter and not just tuck it away to deal with later. How is all of that going to work?

How do you reconcile moving on with your life while honoring the memory of a daughter you love and cherish so very deeply? It has to happen at some point but how do you decide when, how, etc? The time of year when she is going to arrive is one of my favorite times and I don't want to miss out but I also don't want to feel like I'm just forgetting about her. It's a difficult concept to grasp for me right now and I'm not sure how to answer.

A wise person who has been here told me not to worry about tomorrow and it would all take care of itself and it will. The impatient person I am gets agitated with so much uncertainty. One would think I would have given up on that by now right? Not so much apparently.

Anyways, this is where I am today. Not sad, not happy, just at a crossroads with everything I've said. It will all work out I just have to think through it ahead of time to make it all make sense.

Tonka's Favorites

A few of my favorites

Dear Megan Grace,

Hey little girl! Mommy, Daddy, and Tonka enjoyed our trip to the beach with you this weekend. The weather really could not have been better for such a special family trip.

On Friday, we started driving down since it is about a four hour trip and we were meeting your aunt, uncle, and two nephews at your great grandparents condo.

On the way down the funniest thing occurred. Mommy went into Chick Fil A to get dinner since you were hungry and really happen to love Chick Fil A.

While I was in there I went to the bathroom and as I walked in there were two little girls about 7ish with their pants down giggling in one of the stalls. It appeared they were trying to share the handicapped stall but could not decide who should go first. Ultimately, I think one of the little girl had to "go" rather badly so she won the battle.

Mommy just smiled and ducked into the stall next to them. While in the stall, I heard one of the little girls exclaim "ewwww, you've got poops and it stinks".

I'll say that Mommy and Daddy got a good laugh out of this. We also had to wonder for a minute if that is something you would be doing if you were going to be here in a few years. It was a very bittersweet moment but I just wanted you to know I think about you all the time when I see other little girls no matter how old they are and wonder what you will be like as you grow up in Heaven.

We love you very much Megan Grace and can't wait to meet you!

Love,

Mommy, Daddy, and your furry brother Tonka

Such a Simple Gesture

Yesterday we met up with a friend of mine at the beach. It was good to see her and the weather could not have been better for our photo shoot.

She is the fabulous photographer who took the photos posted earlier today. She is also a great friend who has faced a lot of loss in her life over the years and continues to rise above it with her wonderful spirit each day.

So many things made our day memorable yesterday but one of them was the most benign of moments when it happened yet I have a feeling it will be a moment I carry with me for years to come.

As she got in the car with me, she handed me a book titled "Losing Malcolm" by a local writer named Carol Henderson. I'm 67 pages into the book and am already looking forward to going home and reading more. This is not what has me captivated. It's the writer story, both in the book and in her life now, that has touched me in a profound way.

This morning I did a simple Google search for her. I'm in awe of what this woman has accomplished. Her book alone I'm sure would have been sufficient but she is much more than that. She has continued to live her life after the loss of her son many years ago and become a very successful writer and coach.

This impresses me because this is the type of person I want people to see as I walk through this now and for years to come. Megan Grace will never be forgotten however I don't want her death to be the end of my life as well.

I want to live now more than ever so she can be proud of her Mommy when we meet again one day in Heaven. I want her to be proud of me for being strong and "making lemonade when life handed me lemons" rather than disappointed because her Mommy was weak and gave up in the face of adversity.

To my friend Megan, my little girl Megan Grace, and Carol Henderson thank you all for touching my life in such a way that it will never be the same!

Because he has been neglected

27 Weeks!

How far along? 27 weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: About 17 pounds and counting :)

Maternity clothes? Yep, although the shirt in the picture above is a regular shirt in a size larger than my regular size. The way they make clothes now gives you more options than just the maternity section luckily.

Stretch marks? There are some but not on my belly thankfully :)

Sleep: Last night it was a wonderful 11 hours. I'm guessing the beach took a lot out of me because I was in bed at 7pm last night. I felt great when I woke up this morning though.

Best moment this week: Our weekend at the beach with family, seeing our nephew win his soccer game, and the wonderful maternity photo shoot with a great friend.

Movement: About the same. She just doesn't move much and when she does move its "different" than what I think most people feel. It is rare to actually feel kicks and jabs due to her condition. Its' normally a constant rolling feeling if she is moving.

Gender: Our little girl, Megan Grace.

Labor Signs: No, thank God.

Belly Button in or out? Working on coming out. It has a few more weeks though.

What I miss: Relaxing at the beach. It was tough leaving yesterday because it was so beautiful!

What I am looking forward to: I'll go short term on this one :) Counting down the hours until lunch today because I'm starving.

Weekly Wisdom: Take lots and lots of pictures and continue to smile even through the rain. I'm actually having a wonderful time just living right now despite all we have going on. It made me smile when I realized it yesterday :)

Milestones: Hitting the third trimester and still feeling great overall. Hopefully that trend will continue until I deliver.