37 weeks! WE DID IT!

So this was the goal! Baby and I have made it to 37 weeks! YEAH! I'm still pregnant! Okay--so now, this baby should have all the essentials to be healthy. Whew--what a relief! So--my doctor's appointment is tomorrow morning, and he's asked to strip my membranes. I'm not a nurse or a doctor--so I don't know what all goes into that or exactly what that means, but since I've already begun dialating--I'm guessing this might be the last week I'll be pregnant! I'm anxious to lay on my tummy again. I'm anxious to move around the kitchen freely--without bumping into everything--or being unable to reach the cupboards because my tummy is in the way. I'm anxious to feel thin again! Of course, it always takes me a good 6 months to fight off the weight, but I'm ready to get started! Life is good. :-)

A week with Granny Jo, Natalie and Jeff...

WOW! My work is a lot easier when shared with my mother!! My mother--the hardest worker I've ever seen in my life--makes my chores look simple! I was hoping this baby would decide to be born while she was here, but it looks like I'm going to have to do this on my own. Truth be known--I want this little boy to bake until he's good and ready. I'm just a little (a lot)apprehensive about having a newborn--three other children to care for--a husband in the middle of his 3rd year law school finals and bar--and a house and laundry to keep up with. Boy oh boy! WISH ME LUCK!!

We've had a lot of fun with Natalie and Jeff here, too. Natalie (my 9 year old sister) is Mariah's best friend, and they play from the break of dawn until beditime. Jeff has kept Cody and Blakester busy with nerf-gun wars and video games. Jeff is the best entertainer because he enjoys the boys toys as much as they do!!

If you couldn't tell from our pictures, Hunter and I are a little (a lot) bedraggled. With papers due for law school, with church callings to keep up with, with a ton of irregular contractions (pre-term labor), and family visiting--we've been pretty worn out!! My mother finally convinced me to prepare for this delivery. Hunter took me to the hospital last night, and we were able to sign papers and see what I'll be in for when I really go into labor. It was a nice getaway.

As busy as we are--we're enjoying life. :-)

Family Easter Egg Dying

Just to get a headstart on Easter, we dyed Easter eggs for our family activity. The kids came up with some ingenious designs! Great fun!

Cody turns 5 years old!

35 WEEKS ALONG!!

So, I have officially hit 35 weeks! I'm feeling it, too!! My pregnancy clothes don't even fit me anymore!! Pretty sad! My belly is pushin' out farther every day! My due date is April 19th. Let's see how far I get with this little guy! I'm hoping to carry at least until 37 weeks. We'll keep you all posted.

St. Patrick Day Fun--Neighborhood Bocci Ball

What a great St. Patrick's Day! We began the day with a birthday breakfast for Michelle. SO FUN! Then, we took the kids to the Topeka Parade. Next, the Johnston kiddos were dropped off so Brent and Michelle could get a night away. We played Bocci (sp?) Ball with all the neighborhood kids, ate popcorn while watching Backyardigans and had a fabulous time!! However, I'm POOPED! I passed the 35 week mark for my pregnancy on Sunday--so every activity takes a lot more energy than I can muster!! It was so wonderful spending the day with friends and family. Yeah for holidays!