One year ago today.

(Taken with our phone)

These were taken one year ago today.

I was large and ready to be induced the next day.

I kept telling Greg how sorry I felt for forcing Lydia out

and while trying to fall asleep that night Lydia was moving like crazy.

I really thought she was trying to tell me "don't do it, I love it in here!  I'll come on my own time!"

Oh but my selfishness of wanting her here won out 

and I gladly admitted myself in the hospital the next morning.

Things I have learned.

Greg and I have some sneaky friends the Zanks who like to take a lot of pictures.

I was strolling through their photo albums one night from Minnesota

and found some very pregnant pictures of me.

Here are the things I have learned from looking at these pictures:

1.  Wear better supportive bras while pregnant.

2.  Never stand next to skinny non prego people in pictures.

3.  Do not wear nearly as tight clothing next pregnancy even if it is the middle of summer.

4.  Stay away from sneaky friends with cameras.

But thanks friends for the fun unexpected pictures!

My walking pace.

I was taking my normal route around the neighborhood today when I realized I finished five minutes faster than I did before I left for Minnesota.  And I felt really good about myself like I was really pushing hard fast walking or something.

Then I realized I was pregnant before leaving for the summer, and I walked very slow.  I was so slow at nine months Greg would have to wait for me to catch up.

I used to think I was giving Charlotte all this great exercise when we would go on our daily walks while pregnant.  But she was probably thinking,"Let's go big woman!"

The waiting game.

It's baby Simmons' due date today. No signs of labor whatsoever!
I guess I am left to play the waiting game and look at my cute glitter toes. (Thanks Tara).
And take Charlotte on yet ANOTHER walk and climb some more stairs.

Oh the perks...

Of being 39 1/2 weeks pregnant.

Getting prepared.

It was our third weekly doctor visit today, and only one more to go. Our baby is making very slow progress in each visit, but you never know when they are going to make their big debut right? At least that's what I keep telling myself.
To get prepared for celebration after labor and delivery Greg and I bought some sparkling french berry lemonade. Doesn't it look delish? I can't wait to drink some for a million different reasons.

Baby Simmons gets showered in St. Paul.

The wonderful wives I live out here with in St. Paul threw me and the baby a shower. These girls are so generous and thoughtful! I loved every minute of the shower. It was quite the party!

Tara was the ''hostess with the mostest'' planning out really AWESOME games to play. Really, they were!

Charlotte's buddy Pooka.

We received gifts that I loved, needed, and wanted!

I can't thank the girls out here enough!

30 days.

Wow. That's crazy sauce. But it's about time!

Glorious sun.

I thought I would share this random shot of part of the top of my belly on a warm sunny day because I think it's pretty neat looking. And I wish it was sunny today instead of raining like it is. It's sad.

It actually felt like summer.

Yesterday, was perfect summer weather because of the following reasons:

A. Charlotte frolicked around a water fountain.

B. Flowers were a bloomin' and lookin' pretty.

C. I got to wear a skirt.

D. My face has sprouted even more freckles from the wonderful sun.

E. And my hands were getting real chubby because of the heat while pregnant.

I was loving life. Now it is rainy all day and not warm one bit. I miss the desert weather in the summer that is Utah.

This is what...

31 weeks looks like! Yahoo!

Wordless Wednesday.

Our little egg.

Our little cooking "egg" decided to give a good kick for Greg to feel for the first time on Easter. It was so exciting!

Our Easter Sunday was filled with a baby blessing, teaching our Primary kids in church, and having Easter dinner with my family.

Our niece Emerson had a little Easter egg hunt in the front yard. Charlotte decided to help her.

We are so lucky Emerson not only likes, but loves our dog. Charlotte is always up in her grill.

They are starting to notice.

I work with children. Last week I had an great interaction about my growing belly with one child...

Seven year old: What is that? (Pointing towards my stomach)

Me: A tissue. (I was holding a tissue right in front of my stomach)

Seven year old: No! What is that?! (Again pointing to my stomach)

Me: Oh...that's a baby!

Seven year old: You are having a baby?! (Very confused and shocked look on his face) Oh I thought it was just food or somethin.'

Another seven year old speaks up: Ya I noticed too, but I wasn't gonna say anything because I was wondering if it was a food or a baby.

Me: Umm...well, yes that is a baby! Not food in there. Thanks for noticing, you are so smart.

I am now in my six month and can't wait to hear what the kids have to say to me in my 8th and 9th month. I am sure it will be good.

Wordless Wednesday

Our baby is revealed.

We went in for a 15 week ultrasound last night to sneak a peek at what our baby is!  My friend Jacey has a father who just happens to be an expert ultrasonographer and did the ultrasound for us.  Thanks again Jace!

We got about a million pictures of the baby and a video tape!  It was amazing to see the baby flipping around in there. And best of all the baby is healthy and growing perfectly!  It has fingers, feet, toes, kidneys, a heart, bladder, a spine, oh and little girl parts.

We are having a little girl!  Gregory and I are so excited to start preparing for this little girl to come.  She is also growing faster than my original due date and so my due date now is July 21st!

What did you get for Christmas?

Gregory got me...

Best Christmas present EVER!