Gettin' bigger all the time...

So, as I previously mentioned, I'm pregnant with an absolutely beautiful and perfect baby girl who will make her appearance March 26th! When we found out that I was indeed knocked up, I hoped for a girl so that this could be my last pregnancy (I promised Romeo I'd try once more for a girl) - so - when Dr. Suiter said - "I think it's a Hadley Grace!" - I said - "THANK YOU JESUS! I DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS AGAIN!" For real. Totally legit.

This pregnancy has been much different than my first. Not many preterm contractions. Energy level is pretty decent...and all around...just better. One thing, however, that I didn't escape is that EVERYTHING has gotten bigger! Bigger emotions, bigger feet and hands, bigger belly, butt, face...you name it. It's been amazing to watch how I've grown.

When we first found out we were pregnant, I was happy. She was very much so planned and wanted and even prepared for...but a few days later, as I rocked Braxton to sleep...I began to weep uncontrollably. How in the world would I manage to love TWO babies? Braxton already had my heart bursting at the seams with joy, happiness, excitement, pride...how would it be possible for me to love another little person - THIS much?

To be honest...I didn't have answers. And I didn't have much peace. I just had to take a deep breath and say ready or not here we come...but...what I've noticed is that, Yes - my ring size has grown, my toes look like grapes that could be plucked, and I couldn't see my feet many months ago - I've indeed grown bigger. But, so has my heart. I definitely know that my love for my son hasn't diminished - he's such a remarkable little boy with the brightest eyes and biggest smile. No, my friend...my love has anything but diminished. So...my heart has simply grown. It's found a way to double it's capacity. So, now, as I hold my first precious gift from God in my arms, I no longer fret about loving another gift. I smile and tear up with joy thinking about how much love my arms are going to hold when I gather both of them in my arms, and how thankful I am that my heart has gotten bigger!

I'm not the best at this...

Introducing myself, that is. I never really know what to say - and am constantly fearful that I'll say too much or not enough. I guess that I could start by introducing the characters.

David - my adorable, loving, gentle, and sometimes clueless husband. He's a great sport about being the butt of my jokes and a champ at loving me like no one else ever could. Without a doubt - he's the one God made for me! And although sometimes, I'm sure, throughout the duration of this blog it won't seem like it...I DO, INDEED, love him endlessly.

Braxton - my perfectly adorable 20 month old baby son! His current interests are Yo Gabba Gabba (Yo Yo) and Wow Wow Wubzy (Wow Wow). He's the most perfect challenge God ever gave me - he's smart, funny, and 100% boy!

Hadley Grace - ETA March 26th! (Yeah, I know they'll only be 22 months apart...I'm not sure what I was thinking, either!)

Dad - My hero and best friend - my anchor and reminder of the strength that resides in me.

Mom - My beautiful friend whom I'm learning to appreciate more and more. The older I get the more I realize how I judge my success based on her.

There are also countless students and precious friends whom I'm sure will grace the posts.

About Me: I'm loud. I don't watch what I say or how I say it as carefully as I should. I like real people. I pride myself on seeing through the bull. I do my best to make my God proud...but am very aware that I have a long way to go. I love to cook, find strength in heart to heart conversations, and deal with stress through humor.

More to come later...I know you're all on the edge of your seats!