finally!

Hello dear ones. I apologize for my absence! I have had this on my mind and heart for the past 3 months, and each time I go to write I have fallen short. I have wanted to anecdote each moment perfectly, capture each milestone adequately, and when it came down to it, I have just placed too high of expectations on my plate that I was discouraged before I even started. So here I am. Just writing whatever comes to my mind, because if I am going to continue to blog as a mommy, then I have learned that it is going to have to be while maximizing the little time that I have while my thoughts are gathered! (or are they ever really?!?) 

First off, I would life to thank you all endlessly for the love and support you have shown since Maverick has come into this world. We have been enveloped with our family and friends’ joy and it has made it all the more richer for us. I can not even put into words how incredible of a journey that it has already been thus far, and how much we love our little munchkin to pieces. It is again, the word as I had described often in pregnancy, surreal. He is the greatest blessing and the magnitude of the situation still impacts me daily in different ways. Perhaps the reason I haven’t been writing as much as I would have liked is that it has been so difficult for me to put my feelings into words. It has been amazing, and it has been tough. But above all, God is incredibly faithful and has brought me to this point, and continues to carry me through each wonderful day. 

I’m just going to write bullet points to simplify, aka sputter out my thoughts! Or else this will remain a word document and I will never post it due to my perfectionist tendencies :o)

• I now understand why each parent thinks that their child can do no wrong. I mean, just look at that baby face! When I look at Mav, I can not get over the fact that Matt and I created him out of our love for one another, and that God so graciously protected him and nurtured him within me for 9 months...and now he is here! Again, surreal! In the next paragraph nonetheless! 
• Mav is the cutest baby I have ever seen, and rightfully so, each parent feels this way about their own beautiful child :o) 
• “The mommy club” is an even more elite group than I could have ever imagined. I had thought that my 10+ years of nannying, my knowledge thanks to the Baby Sitters Club series (lol), and assisting my friends with their precious kiddos had prepared me for being a mom. It did in some ways, but ultimately nothing could have prepared me for this experience. I have realized that fellow mommies out there are the prized empathizers that understand what one goes through after the birth of a child. I don’t know what I would have done without my mom’s and girlfriend’s advice, support, and reassurance.
• With that being said, postpartum hormones are a DOOZIE. Phew. What they really should offer in hospitals is a course that prepares you for how you are going to feel post birth, and reassure you that you are absolutely not going INSANE! 
• My son lights up my world. 
• Men.Just.Don’t.Get.It. I say this with humor, but its true. As incredible as my husband has been (and he really has been *absolutely incredible*), men do not have our raging hormones or go through the process of carrying or birthing a child. It is desperately hard because you so want them to understand and relate, but its just like we can’t relate to having a stick down there to play with. They do their absolute best and I can attest that Matt has had to deal with some pretty intense emotions and behavior recently. He has been my rock and has done everything in his power to comfort me. But when it comes down to it, if you need to vent and need some solid reassurance, call your fellow mommy friends ;o)
• Despite everything I’ve said above, I do have the best husband ever ;o)
• To expand on postpartum craziness, to say that I have been overwhelmed is an understatement. After all of the excitement with the O’s post season, traveling, packing, moving, driving down the east coast, unpacking, adjusting to a new normal, trying to establish a routine (and still doing so), attempting to soak up every single moment of infancy/parenthood, and staying in contact/updating family and friends has been a lot. But most difficult of all is the discovery that my OCD cleanliness and organizational tendencies do not mesh well with our new bundle of joy. Nor does my old mindset/schedule of getting things accomplished in a day’s time. I am learning to throw all of my expectations out the window, or else I end up in a fit or fury and emotional wreck at the end of the day. 
• Maverick is an absolute angel. Great eater, great sleeper, makes the cutest faces ever. Even when he is fussy or cranky he is still freaking adorable. We are truly blessed.
• Women are superheroes. And the stronger sex. Sorry, guys. This is the truth. 
• Women also suffer from extreme guilt from being the stronger sex. Such a catch 22, right!?! I can’t tell you how guilty I have felt the past few months. Guilty for feeling like I’m not able to do enough, wondering if I’m making the right decisions, not doing enough for my husband, not doing enough for Mav, not being a good enough friend, not keeping the house clean enough, and then I feel guilty for feeling guilty! Gahhh.
• Social media/technology has been stressing me out. Too many facets and outlets to update and keep track of. Too many options and methods of self expression. Too many choices in general. What ever happened to just writing/talking? We suffer from an overly inundated society. I feel like it is so hard to get back to the basics. I am writing this while not connected to the internet, because if I was I would be too distracted to even type. 
• Add the holiday season/ads/shopping/rush on top of all of this and I have wanted to scream/throw a tantrum/cry/crawl inside a hole and pretend it doesn’t exist. And then I feel guilty for feeling this way during the beautiful holiday season. Hmm. 
• Sometimes I don’t know where my own brain is. Continuation of pregnancy brain but worse. I didn’t think it could get any worse! 
• what is my name...?!?! LOL.

Despite all of this, my son has the ability to completely put everything in perspective and focus my attention on what is truly important. God also has been redirecting my priorities and shining light on what really matters. Such big life lessons and paradigm shifts taking place each day. And all that I can say is that He has been graciously providing me with the strength to handle anything placed our paths, because Lord knows I couldn’t do it on my own :o) 

I hope my bullet points weren’t overwhelming. Or all of my overwhelming statements, lol. Here’s to writing more and not feeling guilty if for some reason I don’t. Because the most important thing I have learned as a mommy is living in the moment. Soaking it all in and not feeling like you need to call/text/take a picture/post on facebook/blog about it/etc to make it more memorable. If you happen to do so along the way, then that is bonus. But for now I am going to turn off my computer, snuggle on the couch with my boys, and savor the moment. Love yall. 

Maverick Luther Wieters

He is here! 

(and Mommy is finally posting!)

September 28th, 2012

5:11 AM

8 pounds, 2 ounces

21 1/4 inches long 

pure.heavenly.bliss

our first family picture :o)

my sweet boys 

wee little Mav

39...

Still only 1-2 cm dilated. 75% effaced...as of Wednesday's appointment for 39 weeks. Lovers...I am ready. Never have I anticipated a *birthday* so much in my life! Maybe it is the pure anticipation, and maybe I will feel much more at ease when Matt gets home tonight. I am so excited to see him and be together as a family. These past 10 days have lingered and I am ready to have my calming, supportive, and peaceful hubby at my side :o) I go in tomorrow to see my doctor since she was out of town last week, and check if I am dilated any further. We have an induction appointment scheduled for bright and early Thursday morning, which is the big due date. My thoughts about this have vacillated, as I have always wanted to go into labor naturally. But the reality of Matt possibly not being here when he arrives is a very scary thought, so we are trying to maximize our time together if possible. Thank God for modern medicine and its advances. I am truly praying that he will want to make an early debut on his own before Thursday, but if not, we will go in with the goal of having a baby that day! Please pray for His timing and hand over this situation...He ultimately knows what is best for us and Maverick. 

My mom and I have been having a great time together the past week, eating yummy food, running errands, watching a lot of baseball, driving each other crazy in our little ways :o) She has been such a huge help with Millie and keeping the house up to my insanely clean standards, the never-ending battle of us versus a "German Shedder," lol. I am so thankful to have her here! 

I will keep you all posted my dears...hopefully he will be here soon! Thinking of all of you each day and missing you all very much. Lots of love :o) xoxo

Worth the Wait

"For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently" ~Romans 8:24-25

Oh, how ironic and perfect is God's timing! My devotional today was called "Worth the Wait" and it is certainly what I needed. As well as my sweet neighbor who stopped me yesterday and handed me a prayer book for expecting parents, telling me that she and her husband have been praying for us everyday and little babe's arrival. I was so touched. These little encounters, as well as everyone's caring texts, calls, and thoughts, have been so comforting. I can not thank you enough! I have been quite emotional recently with the realization that he could be making his debut at any moment. Matt left for a 10 day road trip on Thursday, the first week being on the west coast...and I was not prepared for what I would feel.  It was very difficult to say goodbye, thinking of all of the possibilities that could happen over a week and a half span. Needless to say I am a control freak, and these last few weeks have made me feel anything but in control! Fortunately He is, the creator of the universe and the One who has been protecting and molding Maverick for 9 months :o) And that is awe-inspiring.

Matt and I went to my 38 week appointment last Wednesday, and my nurse said that she felt like she wasn't going to see me next week...I told her to be quiet! I am praying that her intuition is false, and that Matt can get back on the east coast if anything is going to happen. Heck, I could be worrying for nothing and he could be late! The rampant emotions! My doctor did say I was about 2 cm dilated, so we will see. I have felt him really low recently, almost as if I were to sneeze and he could fall out. If only it were that easy!?! Haha. 

Carli was able to fly up and be with me for the past few days, which was just what I needed to get my mind off of things :o) We relaxed, lounged, ate lots of yummy food, and got our nails and toesies done!  I think I drove her crazy with my nuances, but nothing she hasn't encountered for the past 13+ years ;o)  I am watching the game right now (hubs just hit his 20th home run, woohoo!) and waiting to go pick up my mom tonight, which I am so excited about. There is nothing like having your mommy take care of you :o) I can't wait to share everything with her that is about to happen...I have a feeling I am about to get even more emotional, in a good way. So much excitement, anticipation, and joy is flowing through me...even though I have been worried/anxious about timing and missing Matt. All of the positive trumps the negative, hands down. The bottom line...I can't wait for my husband and I to hold our little miracle. I am trying to imagine things and get teary eyed just thinking about it. The finish line is so close, its actually tangible. I feel unworthy of this immense blessing, God is so good. :o)

37 weeks 

38 weeks

How Far Along?: 38 weeks
Total Weight Gain: 26 smackaroos
Any Baby Preparations? I hope I have everything...lol. If not--oh well, we'll go get it! There are a few last minute things I want get to put in my hospital bag, which my mom and I will go grab this week. Carli and I busted out my breast pump and familiarized ourselves with this workings, it was quite comical ;D
Clothing Situation: Same dresses, workout clothes.
Any Appointments? 39 week on Wednesday, my mom will be able to come with! My doctor is ironically going to Boston for vacation and going to our game Friday night while she is there, lol. So I will see another doctor in the practice, but one all of my girlfriends have gone to in the past. 
Bodily Changes: Getting fairly uncomfortable, still manageable, but he is so darn strong! Little guy is kicking me in the ribs and when he moves around it hurts. I feel like he is very low and I hope I'm not hurting his neck when I bend over! 

Sleep: The other night I only woke up/peed twice, which was revolutionary. Lets hope for more of those sound nights before he arrives.
Best Moment(s) of the Week: Spending time with Matt, seeing Carli and my mom :o)
Movement: He is very active at night still, and at random bouts in the day. Someone is practicing swinging the umbilical cord like Daddy swings a bat...thats all that I can picture when I see his limbs protruding from my abdomen!
Food Cravings: Been indulging in desserts :o)
Anything Making You Queasy? Thinking that I could go into labor and Matt would not make it back in time for the birth. 
Gender: boy boy boy!
Mood: EAGER!!!
Looking forward to: Matt being back on the east coast, and God's perfect timing :o)

Love yall, will keep you posted with any updates! I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend, lots of xoxo :D

Chillin

Hi lovies! I hope that everyone had a relaxing and fun Labor day weekend :o) I made a last minute decision (or rather Matt did for me, lol) to ride the train up with the team to NYC for the weekend series. Needless to say I've been a little antsy at home while he has been on the road, contemplating if anything were to happen and being alone. Traffic had also become absolutely terrible in Baltimore because of the Grand Prix taking place downtown, and momma needed a little break from the furbabies- even though I missed all of them terribly while I was away. Such a double edged sword! I am so thankful I was able to go because Matt and I had some quality time together, 2 nights out on the town to enjoy dinner and we were able to see Rock of Ages on Broadway-- which was amazing! The show was hysterical and if you are a fan of 80s music you will be in heaven like I was! It was Matt's first theater experience and I think he had a great time :o) He also indulged in his first Shake Shack order, yum. I was permitted to have a few bites, lol. I also got to see a dear friend from high school that I hadn't seen since our teenage years, which was an awesome treat! 

In baby news, we had our 36 week appointment last Wednesday, which meant *ultrasound*! We got to see our little munchkin and it was magical. He is still a boy, which Matt is pleased with, haha. We also found out that his head circumference is measuring greater than the 98th percentile...pretty much off the charts. This was a little alarming to me as I try to wrap my brain around the fact that his giant head has to descend through my lady bits...hmm. I do blame the hubby because I do not have a big head! Our doctor reassured us that these are all estimates and not to worry...but still! As far as weight they estimate that he is already 6.5 pounds, which is average (55th percentile). If he puts on the half pound a week and I go full term, we are looking at an 8.5 pounder, joy. As long as he is healthy! I just hope my pelvis is big enough ;D It was exciting to learn some details of our little man, as it makes it that much more real that he will be here shortly. Matt was grinning from ear to ear! I go in tomorrow for 37 weeks and they will check to see if I have dilated at all. So we shall see!

35 weeks, sorry for blur

36 weeks

Other than those highlights, things have been pretty slow around the Wieters house. I've been trying to get some functions organized with promoting the Orioles Pet Calendar and BARCS Olympic Pet Challenge at the shelter, coordinating a baby shower for another sweet wife on the team, keep up with the house & ever growing needs of my 3 furry children, all while feeling like I can't think clearly and am physically going to pop. Thankfully my belly button is still intact, and if it remains that way until Mav is here, I'm going to throw a party! That was my one big fear that I am thankful hasn't come to fruition. Been watching a lot of baseball, and the political happenings with the election. Its been exciting to meet some new player's wives that we have acquired through moves, although its also been bittersweet with other moves in our organization. All I can say is that despite my numerous relocations as a military brat and dealing with the "loss" (in location) of close friends, its ironic that I didn't choose a new lifestyle that minimized that. Change is inevitable, in essence it has always been my normal-- but it just plain hurts sometimes. I'm so excited for friends' new opportunities and blessings in store, but its hard not to see them on a regular basis. Its hard on everyone. The silver lining is that baseball, like the military, is a small world. We often rejoin friends on other teams, run into each other during visiting homestands, spring training, and off season trips. Those day in day out season grinds will always remain fond memories :o) I am so thankful for the dear friends and sisters in Christ that I have made on our baseball journey thus far...sometimes I just get a little selfish and want all of my favorite people to still surround me! Instead they are given the opportunity to shine their lights in other cities and touch others the way they have touched me. I miss them all dearly, just like I miss all of my friends that are scattered across the nation. What is fun is that I always have an excuse to travel to visit loved ones! 

Sorry for such a long paragraph! lol. I will leave you with this last picture that sums up a lot of what I have been doing lately, or rather, trying to when Millie isn't pawing the door to go on a walk. Mr. Omaha has been quite the comforter, as he always is, but it is funny how strongly he makes his affection known. Especially when Matt is out of town...he becomes man of the house :o) I don't know what I would do without my little snuggle bunny...I hope he isn't mad at momma for having another little man to snuggle with soon. Praying that all of the babies adjust well to their new brother, and take him under their wing. They will provide him with lots of entertainment to come! xoxo

1 month to go...

YIPPEEEE! Do we really only have 4 weeks left!?! SO CRAZY! I'm praying that little man doesn't make me wait longer by wanting to bake in the oven a few extra days, lol. Especially since all of my friends have had their babies early recently, literally~ all of them! At least 3 weeks early! I won't try to hide my sarcasm when I say that either...haha. And then Snooki had her baby...I officially feel like the last person pregnant! C'mon Mav :o)

We have had a nice week at home since I last wrote. Matt got home at 4:30 AM on Wednesday night which meant my sleepy baby had to get his rest on Thursday morning. Aka half of our off day was gone but that is the baseball life. He had gotten hit by a ball the night before which had me pretty worried, but we went to get precautionary X-rays and there were no breaks, praise God! Just a pretty nasty bruise between his collar bone and shoulder. We oodled at Ikea for a bit (huge since Matt doesn't really like Ikea, lol. But I did get him some meatballs!), took Millie to the park, and enjoyed dinner at one of our favorite places, Jack's Bistro. Then we snuggled on the couch and watched The Hunger Games, which was awesome but nothing beats the book :o) I've really been trying to just soak up the time that we have together these next few weeks, because pretty soon it will be not just "us." As excited as we are for our precious little one to get here, it will definitely be a huge life change and I want Matt to know that he will always be my main man. Help me remember that ladies in the next few months! ;o)

Friday afternoon I met Sarah for lunch in PA, which was a wonderful time. I love catching up with dear friends! She just got a new kitty to keep her other kitty company, and boy is he a cutie. I can't wait to meet him at some point soon! Friday night was a lazy night on the couch, Saturday we visited with Matt's family and I went to the game that night (rare appearances lately, lol), and then yesterday was a very wet day. The game was delayed almost 3 hours and I was miserably hoping they would just cancel it, since if they did play it would have been just a ridiculously long day. Thankfully they did, which is always a Godsend! I can probably count on one hand how many games have been canceled in Matt's career. We got to enjoy another night at home together, ordering takeout and lounging on the couch watching the rain. We thought the rain had stopped and we pounced on the opportunity to take Millie out on a quick walk together, in which Matt urged me to bring an umbrella. I'm thankful he did because we got 2 blocks away and it started to downpour. It was a pretty funny sight, all 3 of us huddled under the umbrella beneath a big tree! We tried to wait it out but ended up walking home in the mess, poor Millie hates getting wet. She pouted on her bed for the rest of the night, haha.

GO O's!!! We just won our first game against the White Sox...this season has been so exciting! So proud of the hubbs and all of the guys. It is so inspiring to see their teamwork, drive, and the incredible fan support. Although I have been enjoying a lot more games from the couch, they are still as thrilling! No matter what happens the rest of the year, they have worked their tails off and made Baltimore proud. For the first time in 15 years we have a winning record. Praying for continued health, morale, and spirits as we head into this final stretch. Likewise with the end of our pregnancy! Life is a marathon, not a sprint...here's to that last push of strength and endurance to the finish line.

Hoping everyone had a wonderful weekend, missing you all and sending lots of love!

Bump updates

31 weeks

32 weeks

33 weeks

34 weeks

How Far Along?: 34 weeks
Total Weight Gain: 24 pounds as of last 8/13
Any Baby Preparations? Thanks to all of my amazing baseball girlies, yes! Maverick got so many beautiful and practical goodies at his shower last week. Everything was so special :o) I have also been washing his blankies, onesies, burp cloths, and anything else that he will use right away. I must say that I will never forget folding that first load of washed baby clothes, Matt helped me and said, "I thought your clothes were hard to fold!" Lol. It was surreal to see my big strong hubby fold shirts the size of his hands :o)
Clothing Situation: I ordered some medium shorts and capris from Under Armour so that I can have some belly room! Mainly still long, stretchy tank tops and workout clothes with dresses mixed in.
Any Appointments? We go for my 36 week appointment and ultrasound next Wednesday, the 29th. I am verrry excited about this because we will be able to see him for the first time since 18 weeks! And also see how he is positioned. My doctor said she wouldn't check if I was dilated unless I am contracting like crazy, but perhaps we will gauge how big he is measuring/have some clue about what to expect the next month. I will go every week after the 29th!
Bodily Changes: Well, I can't see my hoohaa, lol. I have just been feeling very big and have majorly slowed down in all facets of life, walking, rising, etc. I have to position a blanket or pillow under the bump when I'm lying on my side for support. I've also been having Braxton Hicks multiple times a day. Oh the joys of the last few weeks...I am wanting him out of my belly!
Sleep: Depends on the night. And when Millie wakes up/Omaha cries. I already wake up to 3 needy babies!
Best Moment(s) of the Week: Maverick's baby shower, seeing Daniele & Emily, having Kristen here to keep me company while Matt was out of town!
Movement: Someone is NOT slowing down like the books say he is supposed to. Apparently I am to feel him less since he is "running out of room" to move but I think he is already being a rebel in utero. Mav is a wiggle worm/dancing fanatic. I especially enjoy when he hits my sciatic nerve, lady parts, lungs, or tries to emerge from my belly button. Daddy says he is antsy like Mommy, thanks Daddy.
Food Cravings: Still no crazy cravings. I can't eat as much which stinks.
Anything Making You Queasy? Just the videos they show in my Childbirth Education class, or being in a hospital in general. Should be a fun birthing experience! lol
Gender: BOY!!!
Mood: Excited, eager, anxious, happy, crazy, scatter brained, missing Matt.
Looking forward to: Matt being home, our appointment Wednesday, and anytime I get to catch up with friends!

August fun

Hello lovies! Its been a hot minute, lol. I am drafting this in Pages in attempt to write without the distraction of the internet...since my recent struggle has been trying to get 10 things done at once, which results in not getting anything done, and not being able to remember what I was trying to do in the first place! Ah the joys of pregnancy! 

It has been an eventful past 2.5 weeks, and I figured the best way to recap would be a bullet list :o) Since I last wrote...

• got to spend some time at home (FL!) with my mom baby shopping and doing girly things before Matt got in town to play the Rays. We successfully relocated the daybed into another room and set up the crib, and laid out the rug that I had ordered offline for the nursery. Thank God for moms!
• I am officially out of Invisalign (woohoo! no more orthodontic appliances!) 
• We were thankful to stay at the house and enjoy an off-day together, in which we shopped for half of the day for a dresser and rocker for the nursery, and came back empty handed. Matt. Was. Miserable. To say the least, lol. He has declared himself out of the planning process for Mav’s room. The rest of the day we spend lounging in the pool, enjoyed the sunset on Siesta, and grabbed some yummy Italian for dinner. I hope I redeemed myself due to the latter part!
• Relaxed and enjoyed the Vinoy...the food, the pool, St. Pete, and a Rays game thrown in. It was great to see my family and have them at the hotel with us :o)
• Karla’s Bridal Shower was on Sunday at the original Columbia restaurant in Ybor City...and it was a fabulous time! It was a gorgeous private room and the food was killer, as well as the company of my besties! I got to spend the rest of the day with Carli, Karla and Kelly at the Savery townhouse, snuggling on the bed and loving on the animals, just our style :o)

• My flight was delayed 6 hours home due to maintenance issues, but I got a future voucher and safely made it to Baltimore! Glad it was my last flight for a long time. 
• After crashing at 4 am, I woke up to Millie’s poop (explosive diarrhea) and pee on the carpet in the living room. Fabulous. When it rains it pours, right?!?! lol.
• Was thankful to have Matt home to help, somewhat, even though they went into a 14 inning game that night...sheer exhaustion. 
• I had my first Childbirth Education class at the hospital on Wednesday night, in which I was the only woman without a partner/significant other. Can I get an amen baseball/military wifeys!?! It was a grand time.
• Took Ducky to a specialist for his kidney issues, dragged Matt with me since I can’t make rational decisions as of late. Thankfully everything has come back normal with the exception of blood in his urine (still), but we are hoping he just has chronic inflammation and this is normal for him since he does not display any abnormal symptoms. Now we tackle the question of whether to run more tests (ultrasounds, etc) that he has already had done to see if there are new issues. I hate putting my baby through tests!
• Had a Wives Suite night at the field on Friday, it was so fun to catch up with all the ladies in the comfort of the indoors with free drinks and grub...my way to watch a game!
• Abby’s 3rd Birthday Party was Saturday morning at Port Discovery, can’t believe little Abigail Grace is 3! Liz and Jim had her party their last year and it was crazy to see how much the kiddos had grown in a year. And even more insane to think that in a little over a year we will be throwing Maverick’s 1st birthday party! 

• The game that night didn’t start until 10:15 due to weather delays...how fabulous!! Another late night for the Wieters house, and daddy able to help out a lot at home, not. 
• Sunday Funday= Tim McGraw/Kenny Chesney concert! And we got to see our beloved Tatums! We took a party bus from the field after the game down to FedEx field in DC. Although I was Sober Sally, it was an all around blast. Great friends, watching our men let loose and have a good time, mommas were able to let loose without kiddos, awesome music, Tim McGraw is a hottie, free food, multiple soda waters with lime from the bar, we got to go backstage!, dancing, the list goes on and on! Even the bus ride back was eventful considering there were poles...it was just hilarious. A great time had by all. 

• Monday we paid for it. Even though we got back by 1 AM, we were wiped out from our country music high, lol. And especially this prego momma! Thankfully Matt had off and we were able to sleep in, before going baby mode with my 34 week appointment and a private infant CPR/handling class back at home. We grabbed chinese at our local spot and Matt was asleep on the couch again at 8:30, haha. We had a very low key night to say the least.
• My high continued on Tuesday when I was able to see Emily and Hadley! We had dinner over at Liz’s with the kiddos and walked to get ice cream along the harbor. It was a great girls night, just what we needed!
• Wednesday was so very special, my O’s ladies hosted a shower for Maverick at a fabulous local restaurant, Lebanese Taverna. They know me too well for picking a yummy ethnic place! Everything was perfect, down to the personalized M n M’s that said “baby boy” and “Maverick” :o) I am so thankful to have such incredible friends and an amazing baseball family. I will have to post later with all of the details :o)

Phew, sorry for the regurgitation! Matt left for Detroit yesterday, so I have been getting things done at home, washing baby clothes, catching up on emails, etc. And eagerly awaiting the arrival of Kristen tomorrow night! She is coming to visit for a few days and I am so looking forward to just lounging around with her and catching up. I told her that I have slowed down a bit, lol. I am officially 34 weeks...6 weeks to go! I can’t believe it. I will post tomorrow with recent belly shots! Hope everyone is having a great Friday night. Sending lots of love from our couch in Baltimore :o) xoxo

T-minus 9 weeks!

30 weeks! The single digit countdown begins...!

How Far Along?: 31 weeks

Total Weight Gain: 20 smackaroos! I am only weighing myself at appointments, glad not to have a scale!

Any Baby Preparations?: Starting to really feel the reality of him coming, my mind is going into major nesting mode although I can't physically nest. I've been trying to really include Matt with reading material and we are having one of the ladies from the hospital come do a private at home class on an upcoming off day, which I'm looking forward to doing together :o) I also signed up for the Childbirth Education class which will meet once a week for the month of August. Hopefully I don't regret this decision...lol. Ordered a beautiful rug and a simple crib for the nursery in FL, can't wait to see them in person!

Clothing Situation: Since I have been home and been a hermit mostly, workout clothes and dresses. And only really wearing sports bras. Oh yes, and whenever I can I have on Matt's boxers, because they are so comfy and breezy! It has been so hot here. 

Any Appointments? Have my 31/32 week on Monday, going every 2 weeks now...crazy!

Bodily Changes: These 2 words might be the end of me...pubic symphysis. It is *not* fun. I was just experiencing pain/discomfort previously when I tried to run. Well, now it is almost all the time and incredibly worse when I do any physical activity. Sitting is uncomfortable. Laying down with a pillow in between my legs is uncomfortable. Getting in and out of bed is uncomfortable. WAH! I am coming to the realization that the rest of this pregnancy is going to be pretty sedentary. I've tried everything that I can think of that wouldn't aggravate it-- yoga, swimming, weight lifting, and it all does. Looks like my exercise will be walking Millie!

Sleep: If I'm really tired, which seems like all the time now, I will sleep soundly. But I still get up all the time to pee. And can't get comfortable. Thankfully we got a big fan in our room which has helped with the heat. Poor Matt hears me grunt all night as I switch from side to side!

Best Moment(s) of the Week: Talking with dear friends on the phone :o) And having Matt home! Our neighbors also had a really fun surprise 30th birthday party/Olympic kickoff last night. I love our street and all of the people on it!

Movement: Maverick is getting STRONG and BIG! His jolts occasionally take my breath away. He can literally move my entire belly. I have seen feet, limbs, fists move across my stomach, it is the coolest thing ever. I always tell Matt that he gets very active during the games (we have been watching a lot on the couch recently). Its like he is cheering for daddy, or wanting him to come home!

Food Cravings: carbs, desserts, sweet indulgences, lol. 

Anything Making You Queasy? the heat. 

Gender: BOY!!!

Mood: disoriented, crazy, emotional, scatterbrained, lethargic... anxious to meet my precious little boy!

Looking forward to: seeing my family and friends next week, Karla's bridal shower, Tim McGraw & Kenny Chesney concert on the 12th, Daniele & Tara coming in town, and my sweet baseball girlies throwing Mav's shower on the 15th! Its going to be a fun month!

I hope that everyone is having a great weekend...miss you all and love you lots! xoxo

Love, Ria

God of this City

Today I am thankful for...

- lazy, rainy days
- lunch with sweet Jess
- Matt's boxers that don't squish Maverick
- surprise visits from neighborhood cats
- restful sleep
- technology to talk to the hubbs while he is on the road
- opportunities for growth
- the Baltimore community
- amazing neighbors and their adorable kiddos
- bubble tea :o)
- new adventures for friends
- the power of prayer
- baby kicks
- seeing little feet and limbs
- snuggling with my boys
- candy/chocolate/desserts
- God's comfort and hand over loved ones' lives
- our neighborhood
- water
- volunteer callings
- voicemails :o)
- pictures that capture 1000 words
- the bunny that lives on our street
- perseverance
- curling up with a good book
- having the windows open
- looking at beautiful things

I met with the Director of the BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter) yesterday, who has become a treasured friend. This woman is tough as nails, yet has the most gentle spirit. I could go on and on about her story and how she tirelessly works day in and day out for the innocent animals of Baltimore and their rights. Or you could just read about her revolution here, since it does such a better job than me trying to restate it! We always have the best time in her office just catching up, brainstorming, laughing, and sometimes crying. Every time that I go to the shelter I am affected on a another level emotionally, and I've been to a lot of shelters. Its an indescribable situation unless you witness it firsthand. I also often feel this way as I drive through the streets of Baltimore. A sense of hopelessness. Despair. Why, God? Wanting to wipe the slate clean and start over. Searching for a solution to the problem. How can one person help? Life is hard. Reality is tough. We need hope.

As I was driving home from the shelter, my mom told me about the Colorado shootings. I was in shock, and yet it seems that this is becoming a norm for our country to hear this type of news. My heart began to sink. And then I heard this song on the radio.

It is one of my favorites, and it immediately put things in perspective. Every time I hear it, it calms my soul. It helps me remember who is in control, and what we can do to help the situation. We can pray. We can follow His callings in our lives. We can use our gifts and talents to help others, whatever they may be. I feel so fortunate to be in two different cities each year. I thank God for placing us in both of these places, and giving us the opportunity to impact other's lives for good. To bring hope, or simply to bring a smile to someone else's face. If there is one thing that I have learned in life, it is that you are always placed somewhere for a reason :o) Despite the tragedies of this world, let us always be reminded of who holds the universe, and always keep looking up. 

...Greater things have yet to come, and greater things are still to be done in this city. Greater things have yet to come, and greater things are still to be done here. There is no one like our God. 

bumps & blessings

27 weeks, in Seattle

28 weeks, in Kansas City

28 weeks, in Baltimore

Maverick is getting bigger! The big 3-0 tomorrow :o) Today was a wonderful day. Although it reached the mid 100's in temperature, we managed to stay cool. Liz and I took a trip up to the "country" with Abby and Levi to visit Christina and the boys. We had a relaxing afternoon full of kiddo's laughter, yummy food, and catching up. It was great to just spend time together and help one another out while the guys are on the road. I admire all of my girlfriends with little ones so much, it is hard being a single parent for the majority of the time during the season. Strong women and strong kids, that is for sure!

When I got home I had some little blessings awaiting my return. My sweet hubby sent me flowers! I got teary eyed as I read the card :o) I opened the sweetest note from Lindsey in the mail (I absolutely adore snail mail :D), and the crazy surprise was a Tiffany's box...a silver spoon for Maverick sent by the owner of our rental from last year. It never fails to amaze me how God seems to place certain things in our lives when we least expect them. How incredible that these precious gifts arrived just when I had been feeling down...He is awesome! And His timing is always perfect. I just had to take a picture to share, even Ducky is enjoying the flowers :o) I hope everyone had a good hump day, love you all! xoxo

Trusting

Hello beautiful ones! I hope that everyone is having a great week :o) Matt and I got back last Wednesday night after a memorable time in Kansas City. It was a blessed time that we were fortunate to share with 2 of his teammates aka our extended baseball family. Since we have returned I have been catching up on 2 weeks of dirty laundry, loving on my babies that got back on Friday afternoon (the house was SO empty without them), and fallen back into the grind of accomplishing tasks. But fear not, I have been resting! I had my 29 week appointment and all is well, Mav is measuring right where he is supposed to be. Hallelujah that I am not anemic or a gestational diabetic! The doctor did tell me to cool it and stay put for a while, due to the amount of traveling I've been doing and some recent episodes :o( I swallowed this hard, but I know it is the best for my body and babe.  I am very upset because I had been planning on going to my dear friend's welcome home party this weekend after she returned home from her tour in Afghanistan. I am so thankful that she is safe and sound and able to rest and relax with her wonderful family...but I wish more than anything that I could teleport myself to NY and join in on the festivities. Lots of hugs, Jackie. I am there on the couch with you in spirit! :o)

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the past few weeks...

*loved* Pike Place Market...and the essence of Seattle

Matt and I exploring

View from the Seattle Duck Tour...hehe

dinner to celebrate the 4th of July...'Merica!

Kauffman Stadium...beautiful ceremonies in Kansas City

Audie, Liz & I...before the Red Carpet Parade :o)

I can never get him to keep on his uniform for a picture, but this smile will suffice :o)

This is a little blurry, but the babies sure had fun and bonded at Grandma & Grandpa Wieters' house!

I labeled this post "trusting" because I have been having to do a lot of it lately. One of the biggest struggles in my life is "letting go and letting God"...and that is exactly what He has been calling me to do. My days recently have been filled with feelings of frustration and I don't know why.  I've been easily overwhelmed, filled with conflicting emotions, and just plain exhausted. (Maybe this is normal for pregnancy?!? I don't want to scare anyone! lol) Its been a struggle for me to remain positive, and then I feel terribly guilty because I have no rational reason for feeling these things. I know that I am beyond blessed and have an incredible husband, family, and support group of loving friends. And above all I have a loving and patient Father who has led me safely to where I am today and who is with me at every moment. I feel like Satan has been attacking my spirit, and gosh darnit I am tired of it! Ultimately I know that He is in control, and that He has a plan for every emotion that I feel. Maybe I have been experiencing these things because I need to draw nearer to Him (isn't it always funny how God works :D). Meditating on scripture, staying in the word, and even writing this out has been helpful, but I still ask for your prayers. I feel selfish even asking, but please pray for His calming presence right now. And for me to draw nearer to Him each minute of the day, because He is the only source of continual peace and strength. 

For some unforeseen reason, I seem to not be able to relinquish control over all of the petty nuances in life...I know it is particularly annoying to Matt and those who know my control freak self! I pray that Maverick will help bring clarity and perspective to what really matters. And that all of the little things will fall by the wayside. Not that I am putting all of my spiritual-improvement hopes on my little man, but you know what I mean :o) God will guide me to become the woman and mother than I am supposed to be, and I can't wait to see what He has in store. 

"Do not worry about tomorrow! This is not a suggestion, but a command. I divided time into days and nights, so that you would have manageable portions of life to handle. *My grace is sufficient for you*, but its sufficiency is for only one day at a time. When you worry about the future, you heap day upon day of troubles onto your weak frame. You stagger under this heavy load, which I never intended you to carry. Throw off this oppressive burden with one quick thrust of trust. Anxious thoughts meander about and crisscross in your brain, but trusting Me brings you directly into My Presence. As you thus affirm your faith, shackles of worry fall off instantly. Enjoy my Presence continually by trusting Me at ALL times."  ~Matthew 6:34; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 62:8

~Jesus Calling by Sarah Young~

We made it!

We made it...to the third trimester! I can't believe that little Mav has been cooking for 28 weeks (heehee), and I praise God that I have had such a healthy and relatively easy pregnancy thus far. It is a huge gift that both Matt and I are so grateful for. With that said, I am relinquishing my guard.

I. AM. so. very. TIRED.

There, I said it, lol. I am no longer indefatigable, and am quickly realizing that my pre-baby travel schedule/daily approach to life is not meshing well with Maverick's growing routine. Never have I felt like I needed to literally sit down while walking a short distance in order to ease my body. Or so desperately desire to lay down and put my feet up because it is too uncomfortable to sit. Or not be able to think about next week's (or the next day for that matter) activities because it feels like my brain is going to explode. And all of this has happened so quickly, or maybe it has been a slow decline and I have just been so busy this past month that I didn't have time to realize it. But its here. Its the elephant in the room as I continue to TRY and complete my daily tasks and book travel arrangements and fly everywhere that I want to be. And the elephant is yelling at me to STOP, lol.

I think that I have been on an airplane more these past few weeks than I have been at home, and perhaps that has contributed mainly to this feeling of helplessness/exhaustion. I LOVE traveling and visiting family and friends, it is one of my life passions. And to have that not be an easy task is very challenging for me to swallow. I don't know if I thought I was an exception to the rule of pregnancy, where I wouldn't get fatigued and have to sacrifice my ways of doing things, but God is teaching me otherwise. Its like every force of nature is coaxing me to slow down, rest, sleep, and take it easy...none of which comes easy to me! I am so used to being on the go, go, go, getting things done, crossing off the to-do list, planning for future events, and now my body and brain feel like mush. I guess it is nature's way of prepping for the baby to come into this world and forcing mommy to take it easy before life gets even more crazier, lol. Don't even hold me to this post when I write back in 4 months and say that I am REALLY tired from lack of sleep because of a newborn, haha. But at least then my body will have completed its task as an incubator/vessel of life. Then I will just supply nourishment for the next how many months, but that is supplementary :o)

I have had such an amazing time these past few weeks-- Atlanta again for Lindsey's beautiful engagement shower, Seattle- where I indulged in bubble tea everyday, Vietnamese pho, endless seafood, and cool weather...I can't wait to post pictures! Right now I am in LA, which has been the perfect temperature accompanied by sunshine, Matt and I were able to go to dinner for the 4th of July, I have seen family and friends at games, and relaxed at the pool. Sunday we will head to Kansas City for the All-Star game, which is a huge blessing and honor. My amazing in-laws have taken our furbabies for the 2 weeks we will have been away, and although I miss them dearly, they are having a great time at grandma & grandpa's :o) I will post pictures of them as well enjoying themselves, and it will be in a future post since it just wouldn't be normal for me to post pictures in the present tense!

I hope that everyone had a festive and relaxing 4th of July. Missing you all and praying for each of you. Sending lots of love from my slowing down body and mind, lol. But it is worth it for baby Maverick! He is getting bigger and stronger each day which is all that matters :o) Just don't crack on me when I have to sit down after walking for 15 minutes, remember that I was a Division 1 athlete! Waaay back in the day ;D xoxoxo

Baby love

Hello from California! I wanted to post some much loved pictures from baby Maverick's first shower in Atlanta :o) It truly was an incredible day, filled with many of my favorite people, yummy food, treats, laughter and joy. Many thanks to everyone that was able to come and celebrate, I can't say how much it meant to me to have everyone I cherish in one room together :o) For those special ones who weren't able to make it, your presence was very missed! Here are some shots from that beautiful day.

 Amazing knitted baby blocks made by Ashley's mom, go GT!

Adorable diaper cake and yummy treats make my Ashley & David

The beautiful hostesses, Lindsey & Ashley!

My incredible sister and Mom :o)

My besties from HS, Karla & Carli :o)

with one of the most amazing moms I know :o) & her beautiful daughter!

my sweet friends from college

the hot Grandmas!

opening the heartfelt gifts, Thank you so much to all!

I wish I could have gotten a few shots of the awesome private room we had the party in, it was at a charming European bistro and had eclectic, bohemian, lounge written all over it :o) Just my cup of tea! Fresh flowers adorned the wooden tables and local art hung on the walls. The food was also divine, everything was so perfect. A huge thanks again to Ashley & Lindsey for throwing such a gorgeous shower! Maverick says thank you to everyone as well :o) Lots of love, xoxo