'Tis the Season

I am feeling very thankful for many things lately, which is why I love this time of the year so much.  While trying to keep a positive attitude about most things, it isn't always easy with so many places tugging at my heart.  It seems the past few weeks have been the utmost craziest, with hardly any time to breathe or to enjoy life much.  Today was a little different, making me slow down and realize what this season is always about.  Here is my list this year:

Baby Lawrence:  Who knew you could love someone so much when they are the just the size of a lemon?  I find myself getting emotional lateley (especially when praying) because I think that it is so neat that the only person who knows what Baby Lawrence is going to be is God.  He knew this little person when he created him/her and already knows so much about him/her.  It is overwhelming to think about how much love this tiny little creature has already received from friends and family members. I know that this time next year will be so extremely wonderful, being able to share our first holiday season together. 

Nick:  While I can give him a hard time sometimes, I don't know of another person who could put up with me all of the time and have a good time doing it.  He always puts me first, which is such an amazing trait.  Some of my favorite moments in life are simply doing nothing together.  I don't know what I did to deserve such an amazing person, but I sure am thankful :)

The Kane Family:  I can't imagine my life without them.  It is funny how God puts different people in your life for a reason, and He knew that I needed a true best friend.  Not many people have what Amie and I have, and I treasure that so very much.  I look up to her so much as a mom, and have so much to learn from her in the next year.  She is such a wonderful mom to our precious Cammie, who I love dearly.  Just thinking about the day she was born can bring tears to my eyes at any moment.  Seeing her grow so much every day brightens up my world :)

Penny Layne Lawrence:  Our first baby, the one who has gotten all of our attention for the past two and a half years.  I know she is going to be such a great big sister to our little one soon. 

Amazing Parents, Grandparents, and In-Laws:  I don't know how I am so lucky to have two amazing parents and four amazing grandparents.  I am blessed by their big hearts and excitedness over our newest addition.  Nick's parents are no exception to this, either.  They are so wonderful to us with every step in our lives, and for that I am extremely thankful. 

Family: The rest of our family is magnificent.  This kiddo is going to have some amazing aunts, uncles, great-aunts, great-uncles, and cousins.  The holiday season is wonderful because we get to see and spend time with some of them!

Wilson: Although this place can cause a little bit of stress at times, I wouldn't choose to work anywhere else.  I am so blessed to have a job in a place where kids are truly cared about, and co-workers are wonderful.  I have met so many great children over the past few years, and hope to stay there for a long time. 

Faith:  I have been a pretty religious person throughout my life, but have found myself praying a lot more lately... wonder why?! :)  This tiny little miracle growing and expanding inside of me has made me slow down (just a tad) at times for their sake and for mine.  For that, I am grateful.  While I am nowhere near where I would like to be in my walk with Him (is it ever enough?), I am trying hard to be the person that He wants me to be, whether it be at home, school, or church. 

A Comfortable Life:  I have been so blessed in life.  God has enabled me to use my talents to complete a job that I love, created a husband who provides for me, and a beautiful house to where I can call home.  While I try not to take these creature comforts for granted, it can be too easy at times to get so busy and not to acknowledge them.

I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving week! 

15 Weeks Already?

I had another doctor's appointment today with Dr. Wright.  We got to hear that sweet baby's heartbeat again.  Although it was strong, Dr. Wright said it seemed a little slow, so he is predicting a boy.  Of course, Nick started smiling really big when he said that.  We also get the best Christmas present EVER this year by finding out on December 12th who will be joining our little family.  We asked my mom and Nick's mom if they wanted to come with us, and they were both thrilled.  Since it is their first grandbaby, I think it makes it all the more special if it is a family occasion. 

Other points of the appointment were:  a three pound weight gain (my first weight gain of the pregnancy :)), and very good blood pressure.  I guess this means we will keep up our YMCA routine.  It has been working.  I hope to continue to run for as long as I can (even if it means running intervals or slowing down the pace), so that it won't be so hard for me to get back to it once the baby is born. 

Still not in any maternity clothes yet, which kind of makes me happy.  My pants are getting a little snug, but with the help of some friends (thanks Amie and Meghan!), I have some before and after clothes to wear that are just fine for now :)  So very excited to see what is to come in the next few weeks!

Official?!

I felt that yesterday, on Halloween, was the appropriate time to make it official on Facebook.  I had been getting a few questions here or there, and I wanted to be in charge, lol.  Plus, I got an e-mail that said the child was the size of a peach this week, which sounded official :)  Timing was right, I guess.  I do feel like time is going by a little quicker now.  We go back to the doctor to check on the munchkin in a little less than two weeks.  Other than a horrendous head cold (partnered with a sore throat and no voice on parent/teacher conference night), I have been feeling pretty good.  I hope to keep it up!