36 Weeks | Baby Reyna

 At 36 weeks, sweet baby girl weighs close to 6 pounds and is about 18.5 inches long (size of romaine lettuce this week). She remains quite active and her kicks and movements have yet to get old. I love each of her dances and love that her and I get to share them together.

Though she shouldn't come for a couple more weeks, everything is pretty much ready for our little girl's arrival. Nursery is ready, clothes are washed, the car seat is all set up in the car. I'm thankful that all is taken care of early because I most definitely lack the energy to do much right now. After today, I only have 7 more work shifts & then it's due date week!

Sleeping is still my biggest challenge. As of this week, I can empathize with folks who struggle with restless leg syndrome. It's the strangest phenomenon & definitely frustrating when you're trying to relax and fall asleep. Bizarre. I'm still in awe of pregnancy and the fact that I'm growing a life inside of me. Seriously miraculous and such a gift. I'm also in disbelief that all of my organs will return to their proper locations. I guess that's all a part of the miracle!

We are both getting excited and ready to meet our daughter. Thank you, Lord, for another week of growth for our babe. 28 days to go!!

Beach Getaway

  The Oregon coast was calling my name. For numerous reasons: to celebrate the completion of Andrew's 3rd year of med school, to squeeze in one more getaway with my honey before baby, and to return to the place we were exactly one year prior processing and grieving our miscarriage. So, to the coast, we went...

We stayed at The Coho in Lincoln City. Being our 3rd time there, I guess it has become a special place for us. Nothing grand, but perfect for us. 

Andrew spoiled me and booked the "sunset sweet," which included prime beach views, a balcony, fireplace, and an amazing jacuzzi tub. He knows how much I like baths. It was quite the treat and so very thoughtful of him to book a little something special. 

 The weather was windy, but amazing for our stay. We especially enjoyed the pool to ourselves in the evening. Baby girl had her first swim and it felt so wonderful to float. I'm wishing I got on the pregnancy pool gig earlier. Maybe next pregnancy...

Andrew had to study for some of the trip, but I enjoyed this time to myself to reflect, journal, & pray.

 After a filling lunch at Mo's, we weren't hungry for a real dinner. Instead, we settled for splitting a personal watermelon, peaches, & nectarines over a movie. Can you tell I'm in a fruit craze right now? We then stayed up far too late into the morning finishing the second season of Dexter. We are hooked!

I'm so thankful for our little getaways.

35 Weeks | Baby Reyna

Reaching another big milestone in my book here at 35 weeks! This means that if I were to deliver today, baby girl has the potential to no longer go straight to the NICU. Praise God for health and wellness thus far. Our sweet girl should be about 5 and 1/4 pounds and over 18 inches long now. She's expected to really put on the fluff these last few weeks. 

To get all ready for baby, I have been tackling projects that have been on my mind for months on end. Thanks to my Mom's help, I'm feeling much more ready for our little one to arrive. It's kind of surreal to think that this pregnancy is nearing an end and that she'll be in our arms soon.

 Last week, I mentioned how much better sleep is going thanks to a prime pillow set up. Yeah.... that lasted a solid 2 or 3 nights. Sleeping has been quite rough this past week thanks to the lovely (and normal) heartburn and regurgitation fun, let alone the normal aches and pains. I move from bed, to recliner, to couch, to recliner, back to bed trying to get comfortable and get some sleep. I guess this is why most pregnant women get quite anxious to deliver toward the end. I'm not there yet. I'm just thankful she's still cooking and growing. And, I suppose it is great newborn practice. Five more weeks (35 days!!) to go...

Wisconsin Wedding Weekend | Jensen & Amanda

My little brother married the girl of his dreams a few weekends ago (May 23). Being thirty-one and half weeks pregnant, I wasn't sure that I was going to be able to make it all the way to Wisconsin, but boy am I glad I did! What a joy and gift to be present at such a momentous and special time. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful and spirit-filled. The whole weekend was simply splendid. Congratulations, Jensen & Amanda!

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Below is a smorgasbord of photos from the trip...  (mostly taken on the iPhone & mostly of our immediate and extended family)

 

Little Reid loves to wrestle and head bud. He & Granddad had a great time. 

Since so many family members traveled in for the big day, we had a fam BBQ at Jensen's place to kick off the weekend.

We lodged at the beautiful Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, WI.

Reception set up and Rehearsal day!

A family selfie break! A rare treat to have all 5 of us together.

My Aunt Rhonda and I set up the room below for the rehearsal dinner. Thankful for her help!

Then came wedding day! Jensen joined me for a morning walk. I'm so thankful for those sweet moments.

The Reception followed the ceremony. Amanda did a fantastic job coming up with the decorations and so many DIY projects. I was also incredibly impressed and proud of Jensen's groomsmen the entire weekend. They were incredibly helpful, positive, respectful, and demonstrated true friendship. Great work, boys!

The next morning, we all had travel days back to our respective homes. It was so good to see all of the cousins and family members and most importantly, I'm thrilled to have a new sister-in-law! Welcome to the family, Amanda!

Bye bye waves from Reid!