Pregnant and Barefoot

2.5 weeks to go.  Heck yeah!  I'm beyond done being pregnant.  BUT Kyle's exam is next Friday, so I have and am willing to hold on.  Also, just about everyone is telling me I'm not going to make it, so I kind of want to just to prove them wrong ;)

Anyway, the above pic is how I spend most of my days - barefoot.  I actually had to bend over slightly to take this picture.  I have about 3 pairs of nonsandals that fit my swollen, fat feet.  I can't wait to be able to fit into all the others.  Then again, maybe if I can't, I can just go buy new ones, right? 

Hmmmm...something to think about. 

I have a seriously cute maternity dress that I just bought from a second hand store.  It's GAP.  I got it for $18 with the tags still on.  It was orginally $60.  I really want to wear it, but all my cute shoes won't fit. 

It's not fair. 

My contractions are slowing down which I'm not sure whether to be happy or mad about.  I think I'm going to be happy about it since I'm having a c-section.  Who needs them, right?  I've already had a ton.  It's time for a break. 

I can't wait to hold my baby.  We're not any closer to picking a name.  We actually just added a few names to the list.  It's going to hard.   Hopefully, we see him and just know.  Leon loves to give my belly kisses (especially when he knows he is starting to push the limits - he's sly, I tell you) and also loves to do belly bumps.  It's pretty stinkin funny.  He's been going 100% - he's serioulsy a wild child right now.  He's going to be such a fun big brother.

Bubble Baths are Always the Best

Some little pointers for any of you ever wanting to do some bath time pictures:

• Make sure you get AS MUCH natural light as possible OR learn about white balance.  Bathrooms are known for their terrible florescent lighting which can make everything very yellowy and therefore unpleasing.  I'm lucky enough to have a great big window over our garden tub in our master bathroom where I did these pictures.  And please, oh please, turn off your flash!
• Use lots of bubbles.  I had just enough before I ran out.  You need to hide all those private areas, especially if you plan on posting or publishing ANY online.  Seriously - if it shows those private areas, then it can be considered child pornography even if that isn't your intention at all!
• Have fun and let your kid be a kid.  The best pictures come from when they are just enjoying themselves.  I did make suggestions to Leon like "put the bubbles on your face" and "can you go swimming"  and "no please DON'T get me" because of course I knew he would think it was SO funny if he did.  I laughed and squealed at every little thing he did and that's how I got so many good pictures of a little smiley boy looking right into the camera.
• Usually bath time pictures always look good in black and white, so give it a try.  It can also be a good cure if your pictures do have a yellow cast to them.

4 Weeks

(35 weeks)

I have a whopping 4 weeks left until I deliver.  The end of this pregnancy has been well...pretty miserable.  I'm finally starting to feel a bit better.  I feel like I can make a few more weeks.  About 5 weeks ago, I was measuring 6 weeks bigger than what I should.  Luckily it was nothing, but can you imagine what it felt like to be SO big SO early?  Yep.  You should see my stretch marks.  However, I'm catching up to my measurements which is good because it means that I'm not getting any bigger - at least, for now I'm not.  I've been having contractions for the last 2 months.  I can't fit into most of my clothing, including maternity clothing.  I think I have about 6 shirts that fit (which are starting to get a little small), 2 pairs of jeans and 5 pairs of sweats that fit out of my entire wardrobe.  Thank goodness for those sweats.  I wake up with swollen feet and hands.  What I'd do for a good pedicure and foot massage.  I've had no energy - you should see my house.  Things are getting better.  I'm finishing up the baby's room and starting to get a little more obessed with things getting done in the house.  My arms are wide open to that nesting instinct.  It can come whenever it pleases and stay for as long as it likes.

What has made it worse is that up until about 2 weeks ago, I was having irrational fear of having another baby.  I kept thinking "what if I don't want to hold the baby" or "how on earth am I going to take care of Leon and a baby" or "what if the baby blues are way worse this time - they were pretty bad with Leon"  or "can I really do this again?" and many others which, of course, I can't remember.  Thankfully, I've gotten way over that.  I can't wait to meet this little baby boy.  I can't wait to kiss him and hold him.  For heaven sakes - I even can't wait to nurse the kid ;)  I can't wait for Leon to be a big brother - to see his reaction to this baby.  I know everything will be okay.  I know I'll love this baby.  I'm so excited to have another little person in our family. 

So 4 weeks.  I can totally do another 4 weeks.  Let's just hope this kiddo can too.

Something New

Before we moved my photographer friend, Kim Davis, invited me over to try out her little studio setup.  I've never done anything with any sort of studio set up so was curious and decided to embrace the opportunity.  It was fun to try something new.  I don't think it's my style but it was good the have the experience - I've always wondered how'd I like it.  Leon was a total stinker so I didn't many good shots of him but here are a few somewhat successful ones:

It's so wonderful to have photography friends.  I miss them so much.  We always had a good time sharing our ideas and trying out new things with each other.

6 Years

Tomorrow, Kyle and I will be celebrating 6 years of marriage.  They've truly been the best 6 years ever. I love this man more than I ever have.  I'm so grateful and so blessed to have him as my best friend and husband.  I love you babe!

2005:  Our Wedding Day

2006: 6 months

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010