The waiting.

Waiting for my babies to be born is not easy. I admit, it was easier with the first two. This time, however, I was certain that #3 would make his or her arrival well before my due date. I just knew it. Yeah, that just about sums up my "mother's intuition"! Ha! I had not been nervous about the arrival of #3 because I had planned everything out. I have meals ready, my pantry is stocked, the essentials are loaded up on, and I had plenty of help lined up... but it all hinged on #3 coming a bit early, at least on time. As my plans began to unravel so did I.. just a bit. I called the midwife to ask about scheduling an induction, but that isn't a possibility at this point so I have been forced to take a step back and think about who is in control of this whole thing in the first place. It's not me, surprise, surprise. I have wrestled with scripture, knowing that it says that we can ask for anything and it will be given to us, but Jesus also says "not my will but Yours be done". Yesterday it was as if I found a place for my heart to rest:

"Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, surely I have a delightful inheritance."

Psalm 16:5-6

I am not in control, but God is. Not only is he in control, but my lot is secure and so is my unborn child's. I was resting in knowing that I had help lined up for 6 weeks, but that is not God's plan this time around and his boundary lines for this pregnancy have fallen in pleasant places. I can smile at the future (Prov 31) because I rest in God's plan, not my own planning. Hallelujah.

40 Weeks and a few pictures of my cuties.

On my due date.

Probably the grouchiest pregnant woman I know. I'm working on it.

And because I can't just leave you with a picture of preggo the grouch, here are a couple of pics of my sweeties.

Moses likes to help Sarah walk. "Sarah! Hold my hand, Sarah!!"

Family Fun.

This morning we went to Berg Park. It's a great place. We fed the ducks, went for a nice walk (come on labor!), and then the kids played in the water.

Ready to go!

Sissy and Papa, looking at the ducks.

Moses really loves feeding the ducks.

Sweet little blue eyed girl.

Lawsie.

The kids favorite part! The water area!

Busted. This is definitely not allowed. Eww.

This was Sarah's first time at the water area since she figured out walking.

She had a blast!

Friends.

More and more often I find these two off playing by themselves. Reading books, playing cars, rolling balls back and forth. It is so much fun to watch their friendship develop, and to see how sweet and thoughtful Moses is to his sassy little sister. She really lucked out in the big brother department. He didn't do too shabby, either.

When Sarah wakes up.

This little sweetie is just happy to be alive. She just chit chats with her toys until I come to get her.

"Hey Mama!"

"Hmm. What toy should I talk to next?"

"I think dolly needs this blanket.."

"Or this one..."

"No, this one is for Mama."

Such a precious little thing.

Preparing for Baby: Breastfeeding Addition

Breastfeeding and I have had our differences. Oh man. It was the hardest thing I had ever done next to birthing my son. Oh the pain, the agony, the moral conflict! I'm not kidding, either! When Sarah came along I had a few tricks up my sleeve to make those first few weeks easier, and now that we are waiting on #3 to make his or her arrival I feel pretty confident. Not that I don't think anything will go wrong or that there will be no bumps in the road, but I just know what to do this go around. Here are a few things I like to have on hand:

My boppy. Oh man, I love this thing. Not just for feedings, either!

If there are any Duggar's fans out there you may have seen Michelle using one of these to feed her babies. She just straps this thing on and walks around feeding the baby. Pretty amazing. They run about $35, but I scored one at Goodwill for $2.99. I'm excited to try it out.

Oh Soothies, how I love thee. They are so wonderful for those early days when you're so sore. AND, if you keep a glass of ice water nearby you can just stick these to the outside of your glass while you feed and when you put them back on it is sweet relief!

My wonderful lactation consultant gave me some of these. If you have any cracking or bleeding you can use these Medela Hydro Gel's. Kinda like Soothies, but these actually help you heal. Same kinda thing they use on burn victims, believe it or not.

Ah, my pump. This isn't a necessity, but I sure love mine! I have the Medela Pump in Style.

Dr. Jack Newman's All Purpose Nipple Ointment

Homies. If you have never heard of this stuff, listen up! This is my ace in the hole. I'm not kidding. I asked for the RX from my midwife before the baby was even born this time so I could have it in my bag at the hospital. It treats inflammation, yeast, and bacteria. If you are dealing with yeast, they can even up the amount of Miconazole in it to 3 or 4%. You can read all about it HERE.

Be prepared for your doctor or midwife to have never heard of this stuff, and I have even had to tell the pharmacy how to make it. Honestly, I can not recommend this stuff enough for those first two weeks! Also, your insurance may not cover it. Last time I had to dish out $35 for the stuff and it was worth every single penny and more!

Some other things I like to have on hand are nursing pads, a ton of different nursing tank tops and of course the number to a fabulous lactation consultant! If you life in my area and need an awesome LC (that is FREE no less!) just ask!

Happy Monday!

38 weeks

Waiting, waiting, waiting...