Almost There

T-minus twelve days until expected delivery.  I can do this!  Just a few more days until school gets out.  Then I can finish final grades and focus on ALL of my attention on baby.  At 37 weeks I was completely closed.  At 38 weeks (this past Tuesday), I was 1cm dilated.  I've been feeling weird these last few days and more ready than ever.  I can feel my body getting prepared for Lily's big debut.

I'm soaking up these last few days of my quiet, boring life.  Mike and I feel like we're in limbo.  It's that same feeling we felt leading up to our wedding.  We were just ready to be married!!  And now, we're just ready for baby (so we think).  Enough planning and prepping.  "Let's just get this show on the road" type of attitude :)  Well, soon enough!  I know God's timing is perfect.

Jesus, help me to trust in you now more than ever before.  Be my rock and my fortress when the hard times come.  Thank you for your mercies that are new every morning!

Feeling Blessed

I'm sitting here in my newly renovated kitchen, at the island, with spruce candles lit all around me.  Sinatra is singing "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" in the background, and I'm feeling very blessed!

I would say there's a chill in the air, but by most people's standards 68 isn't chilly.  For Hawaii, that's close to frigid.  Now it's raining, and my hot chocolate in my nutcracker mug tastes better than ever.

This is the first time I've been able to really sit and reflect in my new home.  It's actually quite comfortable now, and I enjoy being here.  I've had such a busy few months since the start of school.  These few moments before church on a Sunday morning are precious to me.

I was feeling a bit under the weather this past week, and had to miss two days of school because of flu symptoms.  Other than the congestion and sinus stuff, I've felt ok since.  I still barely feel pregnant.  Baby is tucked VERY low, so regular clothes are starting to get a little uncomfortable.  I'll soon be investing in some comfortable skirts and modest elastic pants with no shame.

At 15 weeks, I still haven't really had any cravings other than the usual for me -- chocolate.  Mike says he's pretty sure it's not a pregnancy craving, and I think he's right :)  As far as typical pregnancy symptoms, I can't really complain.  Slight queasiness in the first trimester, and aversions to nasty smells.  I also have had a VERY strong gag reflex to just about anything in the mornings, but have only come close to throwing up a few times.

I know I still have 25 weeks to go, but pregnancy hasn't been bad at all.  Usually I forget I'm with child.  I'm barely showing.

Me and my stunnah shades :)  Hard to believe it's December, huh?

On another note, coaching soccer this season has been really fun!  Sometimes I ask myself why I decided to commit to it, but busy seasons come and go.  I'll remember this team for a long time.  Getting to know the girls has been awesome!  And even though we had a losing season, I was able to watch the girls grow individually and as team.  They came together from three different schools and got to know and trust each other quickly.  Here's just a sample of their quirkiness.

Practice - Bun Day Monday

End of season pool party at my house

Good times :)

Coaching solo while Rene' was in AK.  Under the lights at Kamehameha!

Last topic:  HOUSE

Since there's so much to talk about, I'll save that for a separate post.  

I'm so ready for our trip to Florida.  It will be a much needed break from school and wild children.  I'm ready to stand by my sister, Anna, as she commits herself as Steven's wife!  Only a few more weeks, sis!  

Love you, Anna!