So - you would think I would be better able to keep up with a blog now, without an infant at home, but that doesn't seem to be the case. We have been keeping busy with projects around the house, some baby related, some -- well, lets just say Travis' "honey-do" list for himself better be wrapped up soon because Mommy's got a "Daddy-do" list that just keeps getting longer. We've also been trying to spend some time with friends and family so when junior arrives we can devote ourselves to him. It won't be long now. Less than three weeks in fact.
Yesterday marked the 36th week for us and it was celebrated with an evening of sitting around and finishing up the playpen. Somehow, without the directions (who prints this stuff on the bottom of the playpen pad???) we managed to get the whole thing together, now we just cross our fingers and hope the thing doesn't collapse. Personally I was wiped out from having the cerclage removed and the flurry of cleaning I did on Monday night, just in case the removal led to labor. It didn't. Looks like the baby is in this for the long haul - good news, but Mom is exhausted!!!
On September 12th we did our 2nd Hope and Hearts Run with most of the family and even some friends. This event honors Olivia and Julia. It isn't an easy thing to see so many families affected by infant and fetal loss, but it's heart-warming to know that people still care and want to help raise money to help other families. The event ended with a reading, reading of the names and a balloon release. My heart still yearns for my sweet baby girls, but I know that they have been watching over their baby brother and someday he'll know all about his angel sisters and how they sent him to us to help heal our hearts. We are blessed and comforted by having had all three of them in our lives and trust in God's plan for us.
On September 13th, my sisters and friends, Helen and Lisa threw a tailgating themed baby shower. It was a little overwhelming between the number of people (30+) and the temperature, but we survived and were left wondering if we needed to consider showering more often. I'm thinking that there was a change to the theme and it became a literal "shower" theme given all the wonderful bath towels and washcloths we received. No fear. We'll be sure and keep our baby clean and warm with the utmost gratitude for everyone's thoughtfulness.
So, as we look to these last few weeks of preparing for baby, we are also watching the leaves fall from the trees and know that the season is changing once again and with it, our lives. I will do my best to update everyone as soon as "Baby Bean/Weitgenant/Junior" arrives. Until then - God bless.
