38 Weeks (and other reasons to celebrate)!

And just to compare -- here's that 32 week picture again:
Reason #1: I'm getting excited to have this baby! DH and Lillian come home at midnight tonight, so it looks like this little gal is going to at least wait for her daddy to be there before she arrives. It has actually been nice to have him gone, to have a reason to not be so desperate this week. Usually, I'm extra anxious, hoping for an early baby, timing contractions and crossing my fingers. But it's been nice to just relax and be patient. I see my doctor tomorrow and may even schedule an induction. Reason #2: My friend Alexis came over on Friday and cut everyone's hair -- she comes every couple of months. I've been feeling so tired of my hair and wanting a change. The last times I've felt like that, I've cut my hair short. I've always liked it, but DH hasn't. So this time, I had my hair straightened and got bangs! It's a big change for me -- I haven't had bangs since I was 12 years old. That was back when big poofs were in fashion -- see how lovely I look? Um, yeah . . . pictures like this are probably why I've steered clear of the whole "bangs" thing for twenty years. But, to Alexis' credit, I think I turned out MUCH less scary this time around: Reason #3: Today's my anniversary! And though I'm spending it apart from DH, I did pick these flowers for myself, then took a picture with my fun new camera lens that arrived in the mail this week, a present from DH. And though I wish DH was here to pick the flowers for me, I'm very happy with my new lens -- I'd pointed it out to him months ago as the next thing I wanted, and he remembered and had it sent just in time, without me even hinting about it. Isn't he great? Happy 13th Anniversary! Reason #4: On Tuesday, I celebrate 11 years of being a mom! Lillian has always been the perfect oldest child, and I'm so grateful that she was the one who eased me into this adventure called motherhood!
Lillian at one month old, with her cousins:
At age 3: at age 5: At age 6: at age 8: and almost 11: Happy Birthday Lillian!

Comments

Gin said…
I think your haircut looks fantastic. Those photos of Lillian are lovely!
Jacki said…
Happy anniversary! I'm excited about your new lens for you! What is it?
Have a great week! LOTS to celebrate.
Handsfullmom said…
Jacki -- it's this lens: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-1-8-Camera-Lens/dp/B00007E7JU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1272237110&sr=8-1

The Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8. It's a prime lens (doesn't zoom), but it's very fast and is giving me some great photos with very shallow depth of field.
Happy Anniversary!! And good luck over the next couple weeks. (Hopefully it will be shorter than that.) Your pictures are darling.
You are so amazing. I love reading your blog. I have to tell you that I fell for your April Fool's joke. I was out of town so I didn't read it until April 7th, so it didn't occur to me that it was a joke.
I hope all goes well in the next few weeks. I am sure it will, because you are so organized and you have taught your children how to help. Nevertheless, it is always busy after a new baby comes.
If you or your family ever travel near Cheyenne, we would love to meet you. Take care.
John said…
Congrats on the anniversary!!!! We will be 13 years in a little over a month, but I think you are younger than I am. We had our first baby 9 1/2 months after the wedding , though. So our oldest turned twelve a month ago. But with such a big family aren't you so glad you got a girl first!!! I love my babysitter. It is so nice to finally be able to go to the temple together every week.

You look good and you are almost there. Isn't it funny how 8 little kids will be easier than being pregnant another month. I guess it is good the end is so uncomfortable, otherwise it would be easier to keep that little one tucked safely inside.
Rachel Keppner said…
You look positively radiant! :-) Congrats on your anniversary, and on enduring through another week of pregnancy! ;-D
kacy faulconer said…
I love your bangs and meant to tell you in person--but I was too busy taking mental notes on your mudroom!
Anonymous said…
Such a beautiful family!

I'm 39 weeks on Friday and can't wait to meet my little girl!