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

10 Years Already?!

The one and only picture of the night-hope others got more! (34 1/2 weeks)

 See, there I go again-another post title with a question mark at the end. I can't hardly believe it's been 10 years since nervously walking across that stage at the Erwin Center, accepting that diploma, and tossing my cap in the air. Time has literally flown by, and I was excited to get that first Facebook notice about our impending high school reunion.

Some people would give anything to go back to their college days-freedom from mom & dad, living-it-up in the sorority house, and classes 2 days a week. But for me? High school was where it was at. Those were definitely my glory days. I can still smell the scent of the Westlake Commons-stained after years of senior pranks. The scratchy polyester of my cheerleading uniform is forever engrained in my memory, and just thinking about the roaring crowds at the sporting events makes my heart pump. Despite the awkward teenage insecurities, I was on top of the world, and alongside my lifelong friends, we were pretty much invincible. Nevertheless, don't confuse my WHS affinity for a yearning to go back. I wouldn't change my life at the moment for anything. However, as a native Austinite, life as a "Westlake High-Schooler" was what we all looked forward to growing up-and it didn't disappoint.

It's funny the fantasies I always had about what my 10 year reunion would be like: months of dieting and exercise, mixed with nervous anticipation and anxiety, culminating in a day of prepping and pampering (possibly a few cocktails) with my girlfriends, and finally, entering into a "streamered" and "disco-balled" gym, DJ in the background. The reality? I have pretty much been doing the complete opposite of dieting and prepping for our reunion for the passed 8 months, and yesterday was spent chasing after my toddler, taking him to get his haircut, and deciding on an outfit 10 minutes before Mimi came over the babysit. I have to say, it was perfect.

Stuart and I arrived at Abel's on the Lake greeted by close to 100 of my former friends and classmates (not including their spouses). Yes, there were a couple of awkward should-we-shake-hands-or-hug-or-even-acknowledge-each-other moments, but aside from that, it was 3 hours of catching up and a LOT of belly rubbing. The funny part was, everyone looked the same-aside from a few pregnant bellies. I thoroughly enjoyed sipping on my Shirley Temples, seeing some of my oldest and best friends, especially my cheerleading girls: Tracy, Mel, Lindsey, Kristyn :), watching the boys go crazy over the UT vs. OSU game on the big screen (Joey & Robbie-I'm talking to you), and just getting the chance to get out of the house with my sweet husband (he was a trooper). In the end, numb toes and all (heels are my nemesis), I was so glad we went, and I look forward to rekindling friendships, striking up new ones, and "prepping" for our 20 year reunion!