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.