Happy New Year and Baby Update!

We have had Christmas part two with Papa and Gammie this week! I like drawing out Christmas for two weeks! I am sure the kids do as well! Noah got a really fun sand scooper and a diego bowling game and Madeline was a diva in her new bracelet, necklace, bows, shoes and slippers! She also got some kitchen supplies. The kids adore their Papa and Gammie. Madeline is obsessed with Papa and he can do no wrong!! I am pleading for them to stay! Monday will be so lonely. I have enjoyed having my mom here as well as the Lovekamps. We are truly blessed to have such great parents and grandparents in our children's lives.

I won't be too lonely for they will all be back in 3 weeks! I am scheduled to go in the night of January 26 and be induced the next morning, 1/27! I had guessed the 26th would be the date, so I am glad to have an idea of when baby 3 is coming. I always have trouble getting a bed in the hospital because I am considered an "elective induction". So I easily get bumped! I have been induced with Noah (because he was late) and Madeline one week early(bc Noah was SO big). I am a fan of wheeling in my suitcase and declaring that I am here to have my baby. Though I would love to be able to experience the whole water breaking, having contractions in the night, hurrying to the hospital experience. However, I am sure I won't be that lucky! Oh well....and there will NOT be a "maybe next time" for us!

I am feeling good for the most part and just ready to be able to bend over and get my shoes on with no effort. I have had lots of braxton hicks this time around and laugh at the idea of going into labor on my own. For this time we are not are ready as usual. We are so excited to find out what the sex of the baby is! Noah seems pretty excited, his vote being for a boy! I fear for sweet Madeline because she has no idea she is about to get a roommate! With all the parents here these two weeks we have been able to get a lot done. I basically have wanted to get through Christmas and then tackle "getting ready for baby". I am proud to say that closets are cleaned out, boy and girl clothes are down from the attic, car seat and all baby paraphernalia are also down from the attic. Joe and Papa have sanded the crib and just need to paint it today. We moved the dresser around in Madeline's room and all is missing is the finished crib. Seeing all this stuff last night made the reality set it even more. Like I said, we are excited but I am nervous!! I am looking forward to the new life of a baby and welcoming a little person into our family, but anxious with how it will all mix with life with the other two! Most days I feel like I am barely hanging on! The wonderful thing is that our God is gracious and will meet my needs. It will be Him alone who sustains me. I'll keep you posted! I am on an every week visit with the ob already! Time has flown by! Happy New Year to all. May God be gracious and real to you this year in a fresh way.