Are we there yet?

I'm so over hearing the following sayings:

"It will all be worth it in the end."

"You'll forget all about the past 9 months as soon as they hand you that baby."

"Wow...your pregnancy has really flown by."

"This lack of sleep is just mother nature's way of preparing you for when the baby arrives." ...followed by "honey, you should really be taking the time right now to rest and get some sleep."

I thought I would take a moment then to reminisce on the things that I am looking forward to the most with your arrival:

1.) not itching all over. The PUPPS has spread across my entire body and makes me itch like crazy.

2.) the swelling to go away. My feet, hands and legs are so swollen all of the time that my skin constantly feels tight and stretched. Couple this with itching and it's pretty impossible to sit still.

3.) Peeing every hour in the night. Your dad finally asked me "Do you just sit there or does something actually come out that often?" Believe it or not...something comes out every time! Where all of this pee comes from, I have no idea.

4.) Sleep. I think I remember what this is but it's been so long it's just a faint memory. Oh how I miss you.
5.) Besides seeing constant commercials on TV, I had no real idea of what acid reflux was. I do now. Nothing like waking up every hour with a burning sensation in your chest and throat. Even better when you wake up choking on acid that is coming up. I know this is graphic but it's reality. My attitude is, if I'm having to deal with it daily, you can stand to read about it.

6.) Bending and reaching without a) falling over b) pulling a muscle c) getting stuck. I can't wait to be able to reach my feet again and put my own shoes on.

7.) Restless leg syndrome. Again...add this to acid reflux, peeing nonstop, swelling and itching and we wonder why it annoys me when someone says I should be using this time to nap and rest.

8.) Walking down the hall without being left completely breathless. People still feel the need to ask, are you okay. Why are you breathless? "BECAUSE MY KID IS PLAYING CYMBALS WITH MY LUNGS! THANK YOU!"

Now having said all of that there is so much that I am actually going to really miss about being pregnant.

1.) Feeling you wiggle around. I love when you stick your little bottom out and it juts my tummy out. I lightly pat it until you put it back down.

2.) Having you with me all day. I love that I get to take you with me where ever I go to do whatever I do. I love never being apart from you.

3.) I love having you to myself. I know that sounds selfish, and I try to let Daddy feel as many wiggles, kicks and moves as possible. It's so fun though to just put my hand lightly on my belly and feel you move in response. It's like we can already communicate with each other. You tend to not perform for anyone else. That's my girl!

4.) Right now you are perfect. You are safe, healthy, happy and knowing nothing other than this environment.

Just a little over a month left love! We are rapidly trying to get ready for your arrival. Your dad is so anxious to see you and hold you. He thinks that he is actually more ready for you to be here than I am. He obviously hasn't read my listed mentioned above. :)

Keep baking little one. You have four more weeks to pack the pounds on and get those lungs working.

We love you so very very much!

Uncle Tommy

You are a lucky girl. You will grow up with an extra compassionate heart because of your Uncle Tommy. Not every little girl or boy is as lucky to have such a cool uncle. While he can get a little moody at times and doesn't always like to share his toys, you will always have a playmate with him regardless of how old you grow. He will always be there to fix your toys, take them apart and hopefully put them back together again. I hope these are your memories of Uncle Tom. I hope that you grow to tolerate his mood swings (we all have them) and may you always think he's saying "Fire You!" instead of what he is actually trying to convey. :) May you grow to tolerate his hugs even if he squeezes just a little too tight. I hope that you're okay being called "Baby" your entire life because you more than likely will not have another name as far as he is concerned. Will is in 2nd grade now, and we're still trying to convince Tommy to call him Will instead of Baby. We've had no such luck as of yet. I hope you always remember that no matter the outburst or behavior that Tommy occasionally displays, that you always think of him as a jolly giant. That's what he is. Tommy is going through a transitional phase right now, and we aren't quite sure were this journey will end, but I hope that you always hold compassion for him. I hope that you stand up for him if ever your friends don't understand him. I pray that you hold love in your heart for others like Tommy and for others that are different than you. Sometimes different is good. In fact, sometimes different is better. I pray that you always remember these things and think of him in this light.

Less than 6 weeks left little girl. I can't wait to hold and kiss you. Your presence is going to help heal several aching hearts right now. In a year full of turmoil in the Murray family, you are every one's ray of sunshine. Love you butterbean.

The fun continues...

So, I can't decide if you're already mad at me or if you are so eager to meet me that you are trying everything possible to arrive early. You aren't even here yet, and I'm already sensitive to you being mad at me..ugh..the power of a daughter.
This may be a bit gross, but I wanted to document anyway. Mamaw keeps saying that I'll forget about all of my "fun" pregnancy experiences once you're here, and I'll want another one. So, I'm documenting just in case I do forget...I'll still have this handy reminder.
Earlier this week I woke up with a rash on my lower belly. Now keep in mind I couldn't see it because I can't see anything below my giant belly, but it was there nonetheless. I figured it would go away, but a few days later and the wonderful thing has spread across my entire stomach (quite a large turf to cover) and spreading upward. So much fun! We went to the doctor yesterday, and I have what is call PUPPS. Yep..not the kind of cute little cuddly furry friends that we all love...nope...this is a large, itchy rash that will stay put (actually it could possibly spread) until your arrival. Again..super fun. We are half way through our birthing classes. I can't honestly say I've learned that much. We have our nursing class on the 1st. We'll see how it goes. To sum up my attitude...I love you very very much but am COMPLETELY ready for you to arrive and be done with the pregnancy part. Your room is coming along wonderfully. I think it may be the cutest nursery I've ever seen...several others agree with me too! :)
Love you little one!

Making progress....

We're working hard to get ready for you! You have an awesome mamaw who has been so helpful in painting and hanging wall paper in your room. I think it's looking pretty cute! Hope you like pink! Your dad and I put together your bed the other night. I mean Emmy and I sat and watched as your dad did everything. I think I did hand him a tool or two. :) He's quite the handy man. I love your bed and can't help but walking in there at least once a day and day dream of what it's going to look like when you're actually here and sleeping in it. I can't wait. Here are a few pictures of your room in progress.