30 weeks

I really, really don't like sharing pictures of myself!  However, I realize that these pregnancy pictures are not actually of me... they are of a growing little miracle inside of me.  So, you are seeing... not me.... but my sweet baby girl growing.

My photographer is an 11-year old big brother, so while the fence may not look straight in these comparison pictures, I appreciate his patience with me.  I am sure there are other things he would rather be doing than taking pictures of his Mom.

As I write this post, I am actually 34 weeks along.  Only 6 weeks left to wait... 42 days... {Oh, yes, I am counting down!} It seems surreal that another little person will soon be joining our family.  The funny thing about the countdown is big sister Brianna.  You could probably ask her at any given moment how many days are left until her baby sister's due date, and she could answer correctly.  She is like a giddy girl counting down to her wedding date {but we won't think about that countdown for awhile!}

It is fun for me to watch my older three children (ages 11, 9, and 6) with other people's toddlers and babies. It has really hit me lately how good they are with little ones.  Anytime I babysit for a friend, it is a breeze. I'm not sure when I got here, but having these ages of children is a wonderful stage of motherhood.  So, while my two-year-old may still be a handful and a newborn on the way may seem daunting, my older three give me hope and serve as a great reminder that those more difficult, younger days pass way too quickly!

My oldest two boys and hubby go out on church visitation every Saturday morning (and I go with the ladies on Tuesdays), so I have decided that, from now on, those few quiet morning hours will now be "baking time" for 6-year old Brianna and I.  {Two-year old Micah will still be home, but we'll find something constructive for him to do... like banging pots and pans together while we work - Ha!}  I am looking forward to our first official date tomorrow morning, and I know Brianna is too.

Daughters are absolutely wonderful.  But you know what?  Sons are too!  Motherhood is truly a gift from the Lord, and I am grateful for the task the Lord has given me of rearing these amazing people who live under my roof and in my heart.