Hayes Update!

This pregnancy has by far been my easiest compared to my previous 3.  (can you believe it?)?  There is no doubt in my mind that this is a straight blessing from the hand of God.  I was able to go and do whatever I pleased all summer long and kept my 3 entertained to the very best of my ability.  I am so thankful for the gift of this summer and the fun we had together.  I really enjoyed our summer so much.  I went back recently and read the blog post where I made the announcement that I was pregnant with #4.  I can't help but get teary.  I can so vividly think back to my fears and anxiety of what this pregnancy would be like, and what a gift to be able to say that this pregnancy has been a piece of cake.  Here we are at the end of August and I am not the least bit swollen.  My feet, ankles, hands---everything looks as it should.  I have NEVER ever gone past 25 weeks without having kankles (feet without ankles).  To think that I have endured the heat of the ENTIRE summer going, going, going and not swelling up---well, for me, that's huge.  I can also say that this pregnancy has flown by...who ever says that??  I know it is mainly due to the fact that I have 3 others keeping me so busy that I never have time to look at a calendar or keep track of my weeks.

Now I am not going to lie here---I am to the point now where I feel very, very pregnant.  I am exhausted, my back and joints hurt, those sweet little kicks have turn into painful jabs into my ribs & bladder, I am short of breath ALL the time, I go to the bathroom 800 times a day and night, I am HOT all the time---ALL the time, my heartburn is horrible & I am so sick of TUMS I could barf typing the word, I waddle like the best penguin you've ever seen, and have constant contractions----so yes, I have the normal aches and pains that come with any pregnancy in it's final weeks.  I can't say that I am miserable---because I am not.  I know this all part of it and after my pregnancy with Holton, I try to keep it all in perspective.  I'm thankful for these last weeks of my baby boy baking away where he needs to be.

It looks like we'll have us a baby no later than Sept 12-13ish if I don't go into labor before then...I'll know more after my apt next week.  I have started dilating (at a 2), softening, and he has dropped down---So no matter what in 2 weeks we'll be a family of 6.  Is it strange that I STILL cannot believe it???  I am so excited to meet our baby boy.  There is nothing like those last few weeks of being pregnant knowing you are finally about to meet your baby.  We are all excited and ready!!

This picture is probably one of my favorites.  Sweet Holton is such a cuddle bug, such a lap baby, loves to rock and cuddle up and read.  We have gotten pretty creative in how I rock him each night with this giant belly in between us, but he's a trooper and is like molding clay---will wad up in any which way.  It really is such a sweet time because I can see Hayes just kicking away, & I think about that I really am rocking, singing, and praying with both of my baby boys during that time.  Sweet, sweet moments.  My favorite is when he'll climb up in my lap and play with his cars on my belly.  We'll drive those cars all over the mountain.  You can see his little lips in the picture making the car sounds.  It's cute, cute, CUTE. 

That's about it for a Hayesie update.  All is well and we are thankful.  As ready as I am, I do hope he stays put a little longer.  I know this is where he needs to be right now.  We cannot wait to see his sweet face and hear his little cry.  Please keep us in your prayers and please pray for a healthy delivery and baby boy.  I'll keep you faithful readers updated!  Thank you!!!