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

growing...

Happy Monday :o) I have been slacking on my belly shots, eek. Been very overwhelmed recently, this growing a baby is hard work! But very rewarding :o) Baby Maverick and I were showered with love last week in Atlanta, which I will indulge more about in my next post. It was a fabulous time and I was spoiled to be surrounded by many of my favorite people, a huge thanks to Ashley & Lindsey for throwing such an incredible event!

24 weeks~ pardon the frontal shot!

tubing down the Gunpowder River

25 weeks

26 weeks!

How Far Along?: 26 weeks

Total Weight Gain: I weighed 141 at my appointment last Monday, so minus my clothes, probably around 15 pounds

Any Baby Preparations? Thanks to the graciousness of my family and friends, Mav has soo many adorable goodies & necessities from the baby shower :o) I can't wait to get everything organized in his nursery! Matt & I ordered his stroller and infant car seat today, so with diapers and his little bassinet (portable Fisher Price Rock N Play, lol), we have the bases covered in case he comes early. My mind is at ease!

Clothing Situation: Empire waist dresses and workout clothes, or flowy shirts with my fitted maternity capris and shorts. 

Any Appointments? I had my delayed 24 week appointment last week, and won't go back again until July 16th. I do however have to go and drink the yummy sugary stuff and get my blood drawn to check for gestational diabetes  on Wednesday, I am dragging Matt with me, haha.

Bodily Changes: Little man is active! And belly is growing bigger each day. Its getting harder to lean over and do simple things, like cleaning/feeding cats/etc.

Sleep: It varies, some nights I will sleep so hard, and others I feel like I get up every hour to pee. Taking the good with the bad!

Best Moment(s) of the Week: Seeing my friends in Atlanta :o) And having 2 off days with Matt. It also melts my heart when Omaha or Ducky lie on my belly. They make bread of Maverick and it cracks me up!

Movement: At night when I lay down I swear he does cartwheels. But during the day while I am moving I think I have become accustomed to his stirrings, so I don't notice them as much

Food Cravings: Nothing really crazy still. I do indulge in sparkling water everyday :o)

Anything Making You Queasy? Brushing my tongue makes me gag, lol

Gender: BOY!!!

Mood: Tired. Overwhelmed. Emotional. Remaining positive but the littlest things push me over the edge.

Looking forward to: Resting this week and the west coast trip next week!

A Legacy

I have been prolonging this post since I returned from my trip, mulling over the perfect words to capture a woman of such beauty and integrity, grace and love. This incredible woman was my grandma :o) And yet all along I had found just the way to describe her, remember her, and honor her...and I'm thankful that they are not my own words. They are far greater, and have stood as a legacy for all women to strive for throughout the test of time. My grandma was, and always will be, the Proverbs 31 woman.

A wife of noble character who can find? 
    She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value. 
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands. 
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy. 
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

I can't tell you how many times I have read this chapter and studied this strong woman depicted in the bible. During the past week, this is what came to my mind as we celebrated her life, her essence, and her legacy. And what a ride she had :o) Maija was a woman that just exuded beauty and love, everyone around her couldn't help but be charmed by her accent, her demeanor, her jewels(!), and her genuine zest for life. She was a lover of all things wonderful...the arts, music, flowers, books, vibrant colors, fragrances, food, entertaining, traveling, shopping, her beloved family, friends, and pets. She was a creator, a lover, a chef, a fabulous hostess, an artist, a mother, a grandmother, aunt, a giver, and most importantly, a woman of God. Her faith was as strong as an ox, and carried her through the difficult times in her life that led her to be a woman of such beauty and strength. This is what emanated the most when you encountered her. Her love and trust in Him. And it was Him who carried her home. 

My grandma lived one of the most rich and full lives that could have been lived. And that is what we celebrated. Yes, the pain was there and it stung to think that we did not have her beauty and grace to surround us anymore. To lead us to be the best versions of ourselves. Her presence was heavily missed as we talked, laughed, cried, and held each other in her stunning home. Her home that resonates her beauty and love for life, each picture, painting, and artifact telling a story of her and my grandpa's journey. We were all comforted by Him in knowing that she was safe, she was no longer in pain, she was no longer suffering. She was so ready to go be with her precious Father, and we were so thankful to know that she went swiftly and in her own private, selfless way. When I got the call from my mom that she had gone to heaven, I literally breathed a sigh of relief. And I say that with the relief and peace that only God can bring in losing a loved one. After battling ALS for over a year, she was ready. And to say that she battled is an understatement. Although you are never truly ready to let go of someone that you love so dearly, we all knew that it was God's perfect timing. We had prayed for that perfect timing during the last few days. And He answered and continues to answer so many of our cries.

 

I miss her so much. It hurts to think about so I try not to. But I will never be able to look at something beautiful without thinking of her, so I better get used to it :o) There are so many things I could say, so many memories I could revisit, but this post would go on endlessly. I know she is shaking her finger at me right now as I tear up! She was always so strong. I'm sad that Maverick will not be able to meet her. But I am so thankful and fortunate for the time that we spent together, because every moment was beautifully orchestrated and perfectly special. 

I hope and pray that I can be half the woman that she was, and share in her rock solid faith. Throughout the pain, I am comforted in a way that can only be described as God's amazing grace. He is so faithful. Please pray for those who have loved and miss her dearly to continue to be comforted and covered with His peace. She is smiling down on us, and loving every second of being in heaven :o) I love you, Grandma. You live on in every good and perfect gift from above. 

give me strength to trust You more

Bless the lord oh my soul Oh my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before Oh my soul
I worship you holy name

The sun comes up Its a new day dawning
Its time to sing your song again
What ever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

Bless the lord oh my soul Oh my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before Oh my soul
I worship your holy name

You're rich in love and you're slow to anger
Your name is great and your heart is kind
For all your goodness i will keep on singing
10,000 reasons for my heart to find

Bless the lord oh my soul Oh my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before Oh my soul
I worship your holy name

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Soon my soul will sing your praise un-ending
10,000 years and there forever more

Bless the lord oh my soul Oh my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before Oh my soul
I worship your holy name Sing like never before
Oh my soul I worship your holy name

~10,000 Reasons, Matt Redman