Pumpkin Patch

Fall definitely tops my favorite season list. My love of anything with pumpkin flavoring, the splashes of my absolute favorite color (orange) everywhere, sleeping with the windows open at night, apple cider in the mornings, the constant scent of camp fire in the air, and the sweet opportunity to bundle up in a soft sweater and snuggle my boys are only a few of the reasons why. 

Into the maze we go!

This morning we took our first trip to a pumpkin patch since we dragged sweet 8-week-old Preston to Sweetberry Farms in Marble Falls 2 years ago. At that point, we literally had to use the pumpkins to prop him up into a sitting position-this year, he was using the pumpkins as hurdles. (Slight exaggeration) No clue why we missed the boat last year, but I was sure not going to miss this opportunity to squeeze in some more memory-making as a family of 3 before it's too late!

Oh this isn't too "scawy" after all!

We were the first arrivals, surprise surprise, but that didn't seem to bother Preston. (We are still in the "mine" phase at the moment, you see.) It was just the right size, with a hay-bale maze, and as soon as we made it past the scare crows that were "too scawy," we had some fun! Thank you to my precious husband for humoring his wife and son.

"Happy Punkin"

"Uhwuh way"

Wait up, mommy!

Oh, how I love Fall.

Dear Preston

Sweet Preston,

When I think about how much I love you, my heart bursts, and my eyes are likely to well up. I can't possibly imagine life without you, and yet, you've only been in our lives for 2 short years. Stuart and I must be the luckiest parents on earth, and I am thankful for you beyond words. I honestly don't know what I did to deserve you. In fact, I know I don't. That is why I want to give you every opportunity to thrive, explore, learn, love, and even make mistakes, that will shape who you are and who you will become.

Your favorite sayings right now are, "Try again," "Preston do it," and "One more time," which illustrate your growing independence. Almost every single day I get a report from your teachers telling me how much you warm their hearts when you exclaim, "Hey Monica! What's goin' on?" Or how impressed they are when you are laying on the changing table pointing out the letters, correctly, and in order, of the "Artist of the Month" displayed on the bulletin board. This month it is, "L-O-I-S,  E-H-L-E-R-T." Or how about when you announce the day of the week before Mr. Shippey even says it on the morning announcements? (Really? you can do that?) I am constantly amazed, and throughout even the "off" days, I can look into your baby blues or glance at your sweet profile and be content.

Lately, you've been much more attentive to my growing belly, your baby sister "Kenneny," and you even want to rub my back when I'm putting you down to sleep. I told your dad that as good as his back rubs are, nothing is as relaxing as your sweet touches on my arm at night or the gentle kisses you give my tummy. You are the best son for us and the best big brother for Kennedy. I can't thank you enough for the joy you have brought into our lives.

As long as I'm living my baby you'll be,

Mommy

Baby K's Nursery

I recently saw another Facebook post from a friend (who just had her baby by the way), proclaiming, "The nursery's ready! You can come now baby!" Well, it seemed to work for her....;-)

I must say, it was both fun and strange to re-imagine this room as a little girl's nursery!

Loving the custom bedding I ordered from Etsy

Thanks to mom for the new custom ottoman slipcover! I am impressed!

And thanks to Stuart for painstakingly painting around the tree!

Could this be it?!

Hanging in there? Yes, exactly.

I am currently 38 1/2 weeks along, and it's hard to believe that our daughter will be here so soon. Technically, any day now, and the mind games are driving me crazy! Every little cramp (and there have been a lot of them), makes me think, "Early labor sign? Could this be it?" Every trek up the hallway at Barton Creek insights those ever-so-pleasant Braxton Hicks contractions that once again make me think, "Early labor sign? Could this be it?" Or what about the 20 times a day I stand up, and I swear her sweet little body cannot possibly grow any larger inside of mine, or her head reach any lower when I think, "Early labor sign? Could this be it?" It's exhausting! Much to my dismay, however, at my 38 week appointment, doc said I was still the same as I was at 37. Of course, my ever-so-sweet-and-supportive husband is always there to lend me a hand and a shoulder to cry on, assuring me that her health is what's important, and she is definitely one healthy and active little girl.

Laura (Denbar) and I are exactly 1 week apart, her due date the week before mine, and the texts between the 2 of us are frequent. "Anything yet?" "NO!" Ahhh, trying so hard to cherish these last few moments as a family of three, but I constantly find myself thinking, "Could this be it?"

School is keeping me plenty busy, though, and I am so thankful to be able to work amongst friends. My co-workers and classroom parents threw me a baby shower last week that was truly over the top. Everyone was invited: current students, former students, staff, their children, family, you name it. There was an amazing turnout, and I felt overwhelmed with love and support. Yet another one of the many blessings of being a teacher. You have a new batch of kiddos every single year to "fill your bucket"-as we like to say. 

Counting. My. Blessings. 

School Shower-Waterloo Ice House Friday, October 19th