Two-thirds of the way there...

To all who read this (all six of you): What follows are many thoughts in this mom's head, stored up for far too long and now written out so that they might not be forgotten.  Fair warning - some thoughts might seem more random than others, but such is the state of affairs in the ol' hormonal brain these days!  Read on at your own risk...

Baby boy,

You are a most unexpected surprise.  I admit that I am still having trouble grasping the fact that you're on the way - even though it's quite evident that you are, indeed, on your way.  Your dad and I are in the midst of trying to figure out how to do your room arrangement, along with your brothers', and I think we've got a good idea of where you'll be spending many of your sleeping hours once you move out of our room (and first, out of me...).  We haven't purchased anything for you just yet - unless you consider the mini-van as a purchase for you!  It became a bit of a necessity after we realized our cars would not be near big enough to accommodate three car seats.  Let's just say that you will be riding in spacious style from day one.  Your oldest brother Caleb is getting very excited about your arrival - most likely because it means he will be moving to a "new" room.  Logan, bless his heart, doesn't have a clue how his little life will be changing in three months.  His only connection with you at the moment is to continually push my "be-bo" (belly button) as it is already sticking out quite obviously these days!

When I think of your presence in this family, I am filled with a mix of emotions.  I'm excited to see who you are - what and who you look like, what your personality will be, how you'll interact with your big brothers, if you'll be a good sleeper and eater, if you'll be a happy little guy, what your name will be, and so much more.  I'm nervous - I wonder how in the world I will be able to devote individual time and love to all three of you boys, how we'll ever get anything done, if we'll ever make it to church (or anywhere else) on time once you're here ... especially since I feel like so many things get done at a "surface level" as it is now.  To say I was in shock after learning we were expecting you is quite the understatement - I'm still not sure if it's completely worn off.  However, the shock is gradually being replaced with anticipation, and all the excitement and nerves that are associated with expecting something big.  (But baby boy, please don't take that "big" statement literally...)

Some things that are different while expecting you compared to when I was expecting your brothers:  

• I have a MAJOR sweet tooth that has gotten worse with each pregnancy!  Chocolate, cake, cookies, Dr. Pepper, cheesecake, dirt cake, any and all things cake, ice cream to a lesser degree - I can't seem to stay away from these things.  This might prove to be quite unfortunate, as I will go for my official glucose test in two weeks to see if I have gestational diabetes again (I had it with Caleb).  It's already proven to be quite unfortunate to my behind...I just try not to look back there too much right now.  In that respect, maybe it will be a good thing if I have diabetes with you - you will force me to stay away from the sweets a bit more!  Will you have a sweet tooth?
• My legs are taking a beating this time.  I started getting a few spider veins in my left ankle about two weeks before Caleb was born, and then some popped up behind my left knee while I was pregnant with Logan.  This time, baby boy, they are all up and down that left leg.  And oh, do they hurt some days!  I am wearing compression hose on the 'bad days' and they do bring a bit of relief - but it's definitely a trade-off.  The throbbing is decreased, but the heat factor is increased.  They make me sweat!  And itch!  Hopefully once you're here the spider and varicose veins will go away - or at least get much better.
• I'm certainly more tired.  I think keeping up with your energetic brothers might have something to do with that, but I feel like I'm always operating at about a 60% energy level.  Naptime is a very important time of day - please take note of that! :)
• I got "big" really quick with you.  Let's just say that I can no longer see my toes when I stand up straight.

Baby boy, some day you might be interested to know some things that I am praying for you.  Many of these things are also what I prayed (and continue to pray) for your brothers.  We worship and follow after an awesome God, and He is certainly faithful to us even when we fall short.  He has chosen for your dad and I to be your parents, and while I might question how He thinks we're ready for you...obviously He does.  So, here's some of the items your dad and I bring before Him daily:

• That you will be a peaceful child.
• That you will grow to be a strong, gentle, wise, caring man.
• That you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior at a very young age, and never waver in your decision for the rest of your life.
• That your dad and I will have His wisdom in raising and loving you - loving you for who YOU are, in your own unique ways.
• That your future wife will be raised in a loving Christian home, and that she will also decide to follow Christ at a young age and never waver in her decision as well.  (That might seem odd that I am praying that before you are ever born... In fact, your dad and I started praying for our childrens' future spouses before we even decided to have kids!)
• That you will have a certain drive in order to do as well as you can at all you set out to do - school, sports, music, anything it might be.  That you will not give up easily.
• That your peers will think highly of you, and be drawn to you - that you will leave good impressions on them, pointing them to Christ, and being a good friend.
• That you will have an amazing relationship not only with your dad and myself, but certainly with your brothers.
• That you will have one awesome childhood - and life, for that matter.

I hope you've enjoyed taking a peek at some of my thoughts while I've been expecting you.  I have a feeling that one day both you and I will have to chuckle a bit over this little collection of words.

You are loved, son.  Now be nice to your momma. :)  I'll see you in a few months.

Too much preciousness...is that even a word?

These have got to be some of the most precious newborn clothes and outfits ever.  I love the simplicity and the hand-made touch to all of them.  (Plus the photography is so sweet...)  I just wish I knew where the actual shirts and pants came from, because 'g3' could possibly have a similar little outfit of his own to wear home!

These are all made by a sweet little company called Tiny Sprouts.  I just had to share in some of this cuteness... Enjoy.

Beatin' the heat...

Summertime is certainly here!  We've enjoyed a few evenings in the backyard over the last couple of weeks, playing in the sprinklers and blowing bubbles (or playing "I Spy" with the bubble wands... in this case Caleb was spying my little eye through the camera lens - or so he said!).  This summer is already shaping up to be a very HOT one in south Texas, and it's not even technically summer just yet!  We are expecting highs in the upper 90's for this coming week, and heat indices over the century mark.

I think it might be time for my boys to experience the joys that are homemade popsicles.

Maybe that will lure Logan away from the porch and pooch to stay in the water a bit more!

Thankful Thursday, 5-28...

Hello again!

It's been a while since I've done a Thankful Thursday.  Life has a way of getting busy, and somehow my days slip away without me realizing how fast they're going.

How are you?

My little guys are actually taking a nap at the same time today, so it's a great chance for me to do as the word art says and REFLECT on this crazy life and record several items of which to be thankful.  Here we go:

• Ryan's actuary exam is DONE for now!  He took it on May 15, and he will not find out the results until sometime in July.  He felt really good about it this time!  It's like a huge weight has been lifted off his back.  As for myself, I am thankful to have him 'back' on the weekends - no more studying non-stop for a while, at least.  The next exam is in November, and we're hopeful that he can pass them both and be ever-so-close to being done for GOOD with these exams and having his Actuary designation!  (We just might have to celebrate with a little party at that time...)
• Caleb is about 90% potty trained during the day!  I'd say we still have about 1 or 2 accidents per week at this point, but he's come a loooong way since we started this process a month and a half ago.  I'm so proud of him!
• Logan is learning and saying more and more words, even if we're the only ones who understand him at the moment.  It's always amazing to watch your children explore a new skill and try it out.  He is 18 months old today - I can't believe it!
• Becca's mom Marilyn had her first dose of chemotherapy last night, and so far is feeling well today.  I'm thankful that she's not dealing with major side effects (yet) and truly hope it continues.  Please continue to keep her in your prayers...
• Simple things in life sometimes bring the greatest joy at times!  I 'discovered' a granola bar at our local grocery store earlier this week, where you can "make your own" granola mix.  I had so much fun putting it all together, and I've had even more fun eating it since then!  It's oh-so-good over yogurt.  How could I have forgotten about this until now?
• Strange as it may sound, I'm thankful for one more opportunity to choose a name for a certain little boy.  Ryan and I aren't very close at deciding on a name, and we're not in a rush, either.  I enjoy the process - looking at names, finding out their meanings and origins, seeing how it looks and sounds with our last name, and seeing which names Ryan likes and which ones he instantly vetoes.  Right now we've got 7 or 8 names in the running, so it will certainly be a while before one has been decided upon.  To me, it's like a present that is slowly being unwrapped - I know that God already knows this baby's name, and I like to think that He enjoys watching us discover what it is.

What are some things you're thankful for this week?  I know some of you do this already, but if you'd like to list out some current blessings you're enjoying on your blog, please let me know in a comment!  Often I find that what others are thankful for, I am as well - I just hadn't realized it yet!

At any rate, I hope you are able to enjoy everyday blessings - big and small!

Brush'em brush'em brush'em...

Caleb went to the dentist for the very first time today - and I must say, he did AWESOME!!  He held his mouth open like a champ for his teeth to be polished to the prettiest pearly white, and he wasn't even afraid of the dentist's tools poking around in his mouth.

Can I just say that is an answered prayer to this girl who has a slight phobia when it comes to dentists?  I tried so hard to not allow my fear of the dentist to translate onto my son.  We 'talked it up' for several days beforehand, and Caleb did great.  Whew!!!

The best thing?  NO CAVITIES!!  Let's hope it continues!!

For more pics, go HERE.  Yes, the dentist and the hygenists all had to comment about me bringing my big ol' camera... :)  All in the name of documentation, folks!

Memorial Day...

We spent a lovely morning and early afternoon with my folks down in Kemah, TX, along the boardwalk.  We rode rides, laughed, played, got a bit sweaty... and made a few memories along the way.  (For more pictures of the day, go HERE.)

Even in our fun, we did not forget why we were able to 'get away' on a Monday, and we are so thankful to the men and women who have served in the military, both past and present.  Thank you to family members and friends who have sacrificed time at home where it's 'safe' so that we can be 'safe'.  

I think of several members of my family who have served or are currently serving:  Grandpa White (Navy), Grandpa Marshall (Air Force), several great-uncles (esp. Uncle Dean and Uncle Gib), Aunt De (Navy), cousin Jerrica (Navy).  Ryan also has family members who have or have been in the armed forces, like cousins Katherine (and husband Ryan, Army), Skipper, and Cary.  We honor you as well.  I also think of friends like Shawn Campbell (Marines), my best friend Kelli's husband, who has been over to Iraq more than once to protect our freedom and help to generate it for others.  

Freedom certainly isn't free, and we thank you - as well as the many, many others who have given life or limb - for protecting, preserving, and promoting it.

Highs and Lows...

A couple of quick things...

-- A few posts back, I mentioned my friend's mom, "M", who had recently been diagnosed with cancer.  Here's a bit more to that story:  "M" is my sister-in-law Becca's mom, Marilyn.  Yesterday the doctors consulted with her, and let her know it is Stage 4 cancer because it has also been found in her bones.  The only course of treatment is to do chemo -- 6 to 8 rounds, with 3 weeks between each round.  Please pray for this family.

-- Go to my friend Allison's blog for some really cool news!!  Alli and I went to high school and college together, and she and her husband Andy have two little boys who are about a year older than each of mine. We've had some laughs over things like potty training and other 'boy things' in general.  (She also makes and decorates amazing cakes.)  Anyhow, this blog is about their journey to adopting .... well, I'll let you click over for all the details!  It's a fabulous reminder that God is certainly a God of details!