Final thoughts on the day before...

I can honestly say I thought the day would never come...  In a way I feel like I have been pregnant forever, but then again it did fly by.  (I know, doesn't make any sense).  It has been a ride the last few months for sure.

I went from strict bed rest back in September, to moderate bed rest in late October, and then BACK to strict bed rest again 4 weeks ago.  So many people have said to me that once Holton is here I'll wish I was on bed rest...Ummmm WRONG.  I am so ready to GO and DO.  I can do sleep deprived all day long.  What I can't do is be in bed when I want to be up and around with my kids and Matt.  It's been difficult, but worth it.  I am so extremely thankful to have made it to MID-January!  Still blows my mind, and can make me so emotional when I stop and think about it.  Especially if we rewind to September and think about all the risks and possible scenarios were handed to me with my high blood pressure at only 20 weeks.  A premature baby was highly probable, and hospital bed rest was a constant threat.  Developing preeclampsia was also a big risk...which I never did develop.  I have no doubt in my mind that it was the faithful prayers of so many lifted up on my behalf that got us this far.  I mean really, I am now considered FULL term. 

I could not have made it these last few months without the most amazing husband that there ever was.  He has been so selfless, so patient, so 5 steps ahead of everything that needs to be done.  I just thought I loved him before...  I also could not have done it without one of the greatest friends that I have ever been blessed to have, Jennifer Pittard.  This sweet thing has taken my kids to & from preschool ever since we got back from Chicago.   (mind you she has 3 kids of her own).  She has saved my life over the last few months.  She has brought us so many meals, and has been a constant light in our lives.  We also have been blessed with the best life group there ever was, my mentoring mom's group has showered me with prayers, and my Tuesday Bible study girls are just the best things that I know.  Matt's parents also blessed us with a sweet lady to clean our house over the last few months---I have not cleaned a toilet since Sept.  Having a clean house when I couldn't do it on my own was one of the greatest gifts we could have ever received.  (worth the bed rest--almost.  HA!)

One BIG thing worth noting is that Matt has gone to the grocery store EVERY week, often with both kids in tow.  He has HEB down to a science.  Never has he complained.  When I call him a rock star, don't you for a second think I am exaggerating.  He is the most amazing man there ever was.

We have had some sweet 'lasts' as a family of 4.  We took the kids to The Rain Forest Cafe' on Saturday.  It's one of their favorites.  We just soaked them up as much as possible because we know that their lives are about to forever change.  Even though they are excited and over the moon to meet their baby brother, I am prepared for some 'shock' that will come along with this new addition.  Yesterday I kept Hudson home from school.  I just wanted both of them home with me for our 'last' Monday.  We vegged out in our pj's and then I took them to Chuck E. Cheese for lunch.  We had a great time together. 

So here we are on the eve of my sweet baby boy's arrival.  I am filled with so many emotions.  As I sit here and type this, I am look at my 'dancing belly' and cannot wait to see these little arms and legs that have been taking my breath away over the last few weeks.  I cannot wait to hear his cry for the first time.  I cannot wait to see his precious face.  Will he have a head full of hair like his big brother, or just a little like his sister?  Is he going to have blue eyes like Matt and Hud, or brown like Harp and I?  (I think they will be brown).  Is he going to favor his brother or sister or have a look all on his own?  Oh so many things are going thru my mind... 

I cannot wait to share in this experience with Matt again.  Experiencing the miracle life, your child's life, with the person you love most in this world---well, you can't put into words what happens in that moment.  I have dreamed of the moment that Hudson and Harper meet their baby brother for the first time.  I cannot wait to see their little faces as they finally get to hold him. One thing I am most excited about is tomorrow night when all of our guests leave when it'll be just Matt, Holton, and I.  After each of my babies were born this time always stands out to me as a moment I could freeze in time.  When everyone leaves, Matt will get up in the hospital bed with me and we will just marvel at this precious baby that God blessed us with.  We will unwrap this little bundle and look him all over, and just be in awe at how perfect he is.  --And I will fall in love with Matt Mullins, the daddy of my children, all over again.

Our family is in route to San Antonio right now.  I am so looking forward to them sharing in pure JOY of this occasion.  My bags are packed, the cameras are charged, the house is in tip top shape, big brother and big sister shirts are all laid out, and the alarm is set for 5:30.  We are ready to go meet our boy!  There is nothing like the anticipation of meeting your baby for the very first time.  I know my heart is going to burst with love and joy.  What a special day January 12, 2011 is.

Would you please keep us in your prayers tomorrow??  Thank you so much!

To my precious Holton,

Oh how you were loved and wanted before you were ever conceived.  We are so excited to finally meet you, sweet boy.  I cannot wait to see your face, to hold you, smell you, and kiss your sweet cheeks.  As I sit here on the last day that you are in my tummy, I want you to know how loved you are.  You are about to enter into one wild family (I am sure you have heard us by now).  You have a big brother who has the kindest, sweetest heart-who is the greatest big brother I know.  He is the goofiest guy, and I know he'll make you light up and laugh as he does with all of us.  I hope you two are life-long best friends.  You have a sister who is full of life and spunk.  I am certain you will get doted on by her, and will be her real life baby doll.  She loves her "baby Holton" already.  She has loved on you in my tummy this entire pregnancy.  One thing is for sure, you will be adored by her.  I hope you two are best friends.  And your daddy---I know one thing is true, your daddy will be your biggest fan, greatest encourager, and the kind of man that you can always look up to.  He is a man full of character and grace.  How he lights up now at the mention of your name.  You are so blessed to have 3 sets of grandparents who LOVE their grandchildren.  You have the best aunts & uncles EVER.  You have your cousin Camden, who I know will always be your best bud.  And me--while I am not perfect, one thing is for sure---You, my precious son, will be loved and prayed for everyday for the rest of my life.  You are joining a family that is full of love.  I know tomorrow after we finally see you that we will all wonder how we lived so long without you...You are the perfect fit to our family.

Being your mommy, along with Hudson and Harper, is the greatest joy of my heart.

We can't wait to finally meet you!  I love you!

Love, your Mommy