Checklist

Sometimes I amaze myself at how Type A I've become. I LOVE lists of any kind and love making lists of my lists - I may need therapy.

I can finally say that the agenda of things to do before Cade's arrival is almost complete which makes this OCD mama very happy.

The room has been done for quite some time, but now. . .

- all the sweet, teeny-tiny clothes are washed, hung, and put away (I LOVE this sight in my laundry room. . . it's been too long!)

- blankets, burpcloths, bibs, etc. have been washed as well and tucked neatly in his dresser

- diaper bag is packed for the hospital

- I finally picked out the "coming home" outfit :)

- Pack-n-Play is assembled in our room complete with napper, changer, diapers, and wipes

- My bag is ready except for the last minute essentials

- New pajamas have been bought for the hospital stay :)

- Nursing bras, cover, etc. have been taken out of storage and washed

- Car seat and stroller have been cleaned. . . thank the Lord they didn't expire until May 2012!

- Thank you notes have been written (now to actually mail them)

- Cole's Big Brother gift from Cade has been bought and wrapped

- Big Brother/Little Brother shirts have been purchased and are ready for hospital picture snapping

- Easter basket goodies have been bought awaiting the Bunny's arrival

- Easter outfits for the boys have been purchased

- Easter/spring crafts are on their way from Oriental Trading to occupy my sweet four year old when Mommy needs a quick idea or break :)

- Plumbing has been fixed and new kitchen/bathroom faucets installed. Amazing what a little 'deadline' will do to get things moving!

- All bedroom closets have been organized, deep cleaning done, sheets/pillows washed, etc.

- Weeds have been pulled, shrubs trimmed, lawn seeded - let's just say the hubby has been nesting too!

- Vehicles have been cleaned; both inside and out

- Groceries have been purchased and freezer meals have been made

- Haircuts are complete

- All April bills have been paid

- MOPS duties have been delegated for the remainder of the year

- Meal sign-ups are being planned (praise the Lord for sweet friends and family!)

- Gifts have been bought and wrapped for upcoming showers and birthdays

Whew!

I could go on and on, trying to get every last detail complete; BUT I'm not so naive to think that just because a list is coming to an end that everything will be peachy when we bring our new blessing home. I know that there will be trials, adjustments, and probably a few tears as we transition from 3-4. Hmmm. . . maybe I could make a list about that. . .

Big Brother Class

Cole likes to visit the hospital. Actually, he LOVES it. He's been to a few doctor visits with us and is the life of the office. . . the nurses beg me to bring him and are disappointed if he's not there :) He calls Dr. Piper (my OB/Gyn) Dr. "Peter" (hey, Peter Piper. . . who can blame him?) and always thanks her for delivering him. Hilarious boy!

He loved watching the ultrasound of Cade, listening to the heartbeat numerous times on the doppler, and using the tape measure to make sure Cade was growing on track. He also got to watch Mommy be brave as I got a shot (didn't know that was coming!) to counteract my Rh negative self. Yep. . . the boy thoroughly enjoys Baptist.

Now if I could just get him as excited about HIS doctor visits. . . hmmm. . .

A few months ago, I found out through a friend that most hospitals in our area offered special classes for Big Brothers and Sisters - to - Be. Don't know how I missed it, but Michael and I both knew we wanted to take Cole, and knew that he would love it. We signed up for Saturday, April 2 and had a BLAST!

At the beginning of the 1 hr. class, all the boys and girls sat in the floor with Daddy (or other caregiver. . . mamas wouldn't be able to get up!) and a nurse began to talk about babies. How they will look (size, weight, umbilical cord, etc.), eat, etc. Mrs. Jill did a GREAT job and kept all the kiddos very engaged. Being his social self, Cole answered most questions and was proud to announce that he weighed 40 lbs. when he was born - news to this mommy! :)

The kiddos were asked to bring a doll or stuffed animal from home to practice changing a diaper. Cole brought a teddy bear and surprised us both with his diapering skills. I was also impressed at how much Michael remembered - I'm gonna have TWO great helpers!

After the 'talking' time, apple juice/water was given and we watched a short video about new babies. We then took the tour of the L&D room, postpartum room, and nursery. Many kiddos were distracted or disinterested, but Cole hung on to every word that Mrs. Amy said. It was PRECIOUS! He wanted to know all about the equipment and was especially interested in what shows were available to watch on the TV. Love. this. boy!

Of course my favorite part of our morning was the nursery. So many sweet miracles to behold! Michael and I said they looked like little glow worms all in a row. Although there were just a few present, the hospital was actually FULL with 40-50 babies that weekend. Thanks to the storm (the drop in barometric pressure really does cause water to break and labor to begin - who knew?!) the doctors and nurses had a BUSY few days :)

We are so glad that we took Cole and hopefully prepared him a little for Cade's arrival. We also enjoyed the one-on-one time with our precious boy and can't wait to see him interact with our new blessing. He's going to be such a fantastic big brother!

Celebrating Cade Elias

Yesterday was so much FUN and filled with abundant joy. My sweet sis-in-law, Laura, along with a few other ladies hosted a baby shower where friends and family celebrated the life of sweet Cade with us. Not only were we materially blessed with things for our little one, but the words of affirmation and God's will spoken and written over his life were such a treasure to behold.

Cade, I pray you realize, both present and future, how much you are loved! We can't wait for you to join our family!

Sweet decorations (mantle with all my preggo pics, washcloth lollipops, hanging pom-poms, balloons, candles. . . it was all so cute!)

DELICIOUS brunch and cake made by my aunt

Hostesses

My grandmother, Mom G, and I

My mom and I

Michael's mom, Phyllis, and I

Cole opening a few 'Big Brother' gifts :)

I had all the guests sign a framed matte instead of signing a guest book - wish I would've done this with Cole!

Abundantly blessed!

A HUGE thank you to all that celebrated with us. . . we treasure your thoughtfulness towards our family and covet your prayers as we transition from three to four in just a few short weeks!

Anticipation

excitement, fear, nervousness, joy, anxiety. . . the list could go on and on of the emotions I feel each day as Cade's arrival draws near. On one hand, I CAN'T WAIT to meet this precious gift, hold him in my arms, and shower him with love, hugs, and kisses. On the other hand, I'm scared silly at what life with two little ones will be like. Questions of "Will I manage my time well (will I actually have time to manage??), "Will Cole feel loved enough?", "Am I really ready?" seem to plague my thoughts and try to creep their way into my heart (not to mention anxiety of the delivery itself. . . oh dear. . .).

Through prayer, God's Word, and the encouragement of AMAZING friends, I'm learning daily to cast these thoughts and Satan's attacks of my spirit at the feet of Jesus and realize that I can't do this alone. I know I'm going to lean more than ever on the grace and strength of an Almighty God and that He alone is faithful to provide all that I need. So thankful that I can approach the throne of peace and find comfort, joy and rest. What a beautiful Savior we serve!

Drawing Near!

33 weeks and counting!

At our doctor visit last Thursday, I measured 35 weeks and had gained 7 lbs. Let's just say that Cade is really growing and I've really blossomed (love the way my nurse phrased that). Our next checkup is Tuesday, March 15 - depending on how I measure then, we'll begin talks of early labor, etc. How exciting!

Cade's heartbeat was strong and we're both in great health. Such a praise!

Evening at the "Beach"

After a fun filled day of MOPS, lunch at the park with friends, and a nap (not for me. . . sigh. . .) Michael and I thought it was the perfect evening to head to Lock 3 access which Cole calls the 'little beach'.

Every spring when the temperatures rise, we venture less than a mile to the shore of Old Hickory to let Cole play and search for treasures in the sand. Take away the Dupont factory on the skyline and the view is actually quite nice. The beach faces west which is perfect for capturing a beautiful sunset (as I did here last year). Unfortunately, the clouds covered the sun for this visit, but fun was had nonetheless.

Cade's first visit to the 'little beach'

31 weeks. . .

Success!

I must say that Operation Cade's Room this past week was a complete success! After painting, the sexiest handyman ever (aka my sweet hubby) put together the crib and dresser set - which we LOVE (thanks Papa and Gigi!).

I added the bedding, curtains, and we brought in Cole's rocker/ottoman from his room. I LOVE the way it's all coming together. It makes me long for Cade even more!

Soon, we'll add a rug, lamp, wall art, storage baskets, and a few other decor items. April will be here before we know it!

Mission Possible

This week was designated 'Operation Cade's Room' as we (okay. . . mostly I) wanted to prime, paint, assemble furniture, and organize his sweet new space. What can I say? Third trimester hormones are raging and I'm in full-force nesting mode :)

Monday was errand day and I began painting on Tuesday. Michael had previously primed our cranberry red walls, so I had a beautiful blank canvas to create my sweet boy's new palette. I chose to do a two-tone wall using a light sky blue and hot chocolate brown - LOVE the way it's turned out so far!

Before - the "Red Room" as Cole liked to call it :)

After - Beginning transformation!

Today, Michael (with help from a certain little boy) is assembling Cade's crib and dresser/changer which both have an espresso finish.

After it's up, I'll begin decorating with bedding attire and filling drawers with onesies, sleepers, and other baby goodies. Wall art and accessories come next. . . I can't wait to see how it all comes together!