38 1/2 weeks

Yes, we will still be hopeful and cross our fingers that we won't complete this week :) We have a doctor's appointment tomorrow at 38 weeks 5 days and maybe, just maybe that will be enough to encourage this little girl to come on out! We are all so anxious to hold her!

We have had a blast this past week getting ready for little Emersyn. Mom has been in town since last Tuesday and we have been making all kinds of fun goodies for sweet girl. She has a beautiful array of monogrammed onesies and matching hair bows and baby legs. She will definitely be a well dressed little diva! This past weekend my sweet, precious husband surprised me with a day of shopping and spending time together. I absolutely love Christmas and have been begging for a Christmas tree for about a month now- yes, I will put one up in September if I'm having a bad enough day and need some cheer :) We went Saturday and found a beautiful, tall, perfect Christmas tree. Lance, then, pulled out all of my boxes of Christmas decor and helped us add lights and ornaments to the tree. I absolutely love nothing more than sitting here with all the Christmas lights on and Christmas music in the background- speaking of, I have Josh Groban's Christmas album on my ipod and Elf packed in our hospital bag to help keep my mind off labor. That is how much I love Christmas! Emersyn's pretty pink tree with Barbie ornaments is up and ready in her room, as well. When I was a little girl, my mom had a tradition that she would give me a new Barbie ornament and the holiday collectible Barbie doll every year. Our sweet Emersyn has now inherited this collection and we will be expanding it on her behalf :) 

I have been thinking a lot this week about how thankful I am for so many things. Yes, I will have my Christmas tree up on Thanksgiving and we may eat off Christmas china, but I still love the holiday and the thoughts it encourages. I am so thankful for my precious husband who is going to make the most amazing dad for little Emersyn. He is so in love with this little girl, it is adorable to listen to him talk to my belly every evening when he gets home from work. He cried the first time we saw her and found out we were having a baby girl, I can't wait to see his face when he sees Emersyn for the first time and I can't wait to watch their relationship grow over the years- we will definitely have a daddy's girl on our hands!
Speaking of daddies, I am so very thankful for my sweet daddy and my precious mom. They always go over and beyond to show my brother, myself, and Lance how much they love us. Anything we have uttered that we would like for Emersyn, they show up with immediately so giddy and excited for this little girl. My sweet mama has been sitting in the floor soaking my feet and painting my toes because I've had a very uncomfortable day- and that's not uncommon for her to do. They have always been the greatest parents and I pray one day Emersyn looks back and can say the same thing about Lance and myself.
I have been reminded again this week of how very thankful I am for my sweet baby brother. Growing up, he was a thorn in my side, but since we have been grown he has become one of my best friends. He is one person who can always make me laugh and bring a smile to my face. He is the funniest person I know and has the sweetest heart. I am so thankful for this little stinker and the joy he brings to my life. 
About 4 years ago, I welcomed the sweetest little puppy into my life that made me the happiest person. Then, after Lance and I got married we increased our puppy babies by little BoJackson. These silly little boys are too much fun and so sweet. They are spoiled rotten and we wouldn't have it any other way. They love to run, play, and chase squirrels and cats. They love to play with their box of toys and snuggle close to anyone who is napping. 
I am also so thankful for my sweet friends. I have the absolute best group of friends in the world. Some, I have known since daycare, others for less than 5 years and love them all deeply. Thank you all for being so wonderful! 
Last for now, but certainly not least, I am forever thankful for the little blessing in my belly. I have always wanted a little girl- even when my mom was pregnant with Luke (we didn't know it was a Luke), I would pray for a sister (I love him to death now, but we had an adjustment period :) ) When I was a little girl, I would carry my baby dolls around and couldn't wait to be a real mommy with a real baby girl. For a few years, the thought of having a child terrified me, but once I met Lance and knew I had found my soul mate, the fears subsided and I was ready for a sweet baby girl. Even when we found out we were expecting, we were both shocked and surprised, and I knew immediately we had a little Emersyn baking :) At our ultrasound to find out what the baby was, it confirmed the greatest gift of my life. Maybe another reason why this wait is killing me :) Emersyn Ruth, one day when/if you read this, I hope you already know what a precious gift you are to your mommy and daddy. I have been ready and waiting to meet you my whole life!

Now that we have everything ready for this little girl, all of the Christmas decorations up, and everyone anxious and ready I think it is the perfect time for Miss Emersyn to make her appearance :) I already can't sleep at night, so it's not like I can catch up. I am convinced Emersyn is trying to find her way out but she has inherited mine and my sweet mother's sense of direction and is lost! She moves so much and punches so hard all day long, poor girl has to be feeling a little cramped in there! Mommy is pretty miserable most days and starving all the time. I have been having a lot of back pain and cramping, maybe that is a sign she is close. Lance asks every morning how I am feeling, I always reply with a crabby "I'm not miserable, in pain, and experiencing labor!" I've never welcomed pain so much in my life, I think a lot of it is the challenge ahead. I am very competitive (mostly with myself) and love to see how hard and far I can push myself- possibly why I am still doing intense exercise at 9 1/2 months pregnant? :) I love it, though, and can't wait to have my own labor story. Of course, we need a little girl to help with that- please Emersyn, when you are ready, don't hesitate to come meet mommy and daddy :) We love you, our sweet angel.