Dearest baby

Dear Baby LeRoy,

We can't wait for your arrival!

Your room is all ready- you have a soft crib, lots of fun toys to play with and the most adorable clothes to wear.

All we need is you!

You are severely hurting your moms sciatic nerve and causing lots of back pain, so if you wanted to arrive early, that would be alright by us. She is not supposed to be the one crawling to the bathroom!

We are counting down the days, and can't wait to see your beautiful smile.

We love you and haven't even met you,

Mom and Dad

look whose belly is bigger!

you're getting big!

i love you little princess!

out on the town!

Mom and baby had a fun day exploring Panama with Scott and Maggie.

We had some trouble getting around on the stairs and walked pretty slow,

but thankfully they didn't mind the pregnant waddle!

check out the preferred parking spot!

checking out the panama canal

scooter riding on the causeway.

who says preggos can't cruise in style?

36 and counting

Scott got back from Antigua on Friday and Maggie arrived at the same time from Florida.

We've been having a great time in Panama, and are getting closer and closer to the babys arrival.

36 weeks was yesterday- and the doctor said it was possible for her to come anytime after June 1 (37 weeks)!

Although that is early, there is a chance she could come, however as much as she likes to play, kick and roll around in my belly, I think she enjoys being in the womb!

not much longer until our family gets bigger!

can't wait to meet little princess LeRoy

there's a baby in there!

silliness

Right on track!

Yesterday baby and I had a monthly doctor appointment and everything looks great.

She is right on track and all of the tests are perfect.

She is about 4.5 pounds, and will continue to put on weight the final month.

I have another appointment in 2 weeks, and then after that I go to the doctor every week.

But the doctor said I can give birth anytime after June 1st (37 weeks)- so I should be prepared!

That means, I need to consider packing a hospital bag! :-)

Scott is FINALLY coming home today- along with his sister Maggie.

I am so excited to see him, it has been over a month. And it will be great to spend time with Maggie.

Although I am not as mobile as usual- a big belly and a pulled sciatic nerve make for one hobbly lady! But we can have fun, go out to dinners and enjoy the time together! I've just missed my kisses. Even Toby is so excited!

We are still thinking of names- although we have it narrowed to about... 10... we will get the list narrowed down and have a name for the princess shortly.

SO WHEN WILL SHE ARRIVE?!

The doctor is pretty set on June 22-

I would like her to come the 26th - my birthday- but that means she is in my belly longer!

Maybe June 20- Fathers Day-

WHO KNOWS!?!

Today is a great day,

we are so blessed,

life is so, so sweet!

xoxo

constant reminder

I am very sad that Scott is not here yet, and am hoping he arrives this coming weekend. Maggie (Scott's sister) is coming to visit on Friday, so I have some company and can help me prepare for baby. She is bringing some boxes of things from my baby shower in Florida, I can't wait!

I have missed my husband so very much and can't wait for him to get back! Baby misses him, too!

Running errands and talking on the phone,

I am pleasantly reminded that I am not alone.
Little tiny hands, a precious rounded knee,
pushing and twisting that no one can see.

Oh sweet child kicking up your heels,
it is our little secret that only I can feel.
I look forward to your birth,
when I can kiss your skin,
but for now I will just smile,
as I feel you play within.

Happy Birthday Little Buddy!

Today is Toby's 4th birthday, and what better way to celebrate for a maltese yorkie than some homemade puppy cheddar biscuit treats! (I even used eggs with food dye to add color!)

He loved them!

We definitely miss having Scott around to celebrate, but know that Toby will get extra hugs and walks when he gets back! He has been a lifesaver as a companion with Scott being gone. He is always by my side, and has a new love of resting his head on my tummy!

In baby news, she is kicking around like crazy and at 35 weeks, there are only

5 MORE WEEKS TO GO! woohoo!

She can't do summersaults anymore, but when she does move around, it is much more profound and noticeable. Her kidneys are fully developed and her liver can process waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete- now she's just going to spend the next couple of weeks putting on weight!

I had a bad thing happen yesterday, I pulled my sciatic nerve! OUCH OUCH OUCH! It is painful, and I called my doctor today to ask for help. She put me on antiinflamatory for the pain, so I am hoping that will help. It feels fine sitting or laying down, but walking is extremely painful. It may be from the extra pregnancy weight or from my stretches in the pool yesterday. I just hope it doesn't last too long!

Pain, pain, go away.

That's what labor is for!

here's a kick, there's a kick!

My feet are beginning to ache a bit and have noticed my fingers and toes becoming a bit more swollen. I was thinking I would not get these symptoms, but they have just crept up on me!

Little princess LeRoy is quickly growing and I can't wait to see at my next doctor appointment just how big she is! She is going to be the most beautiful, sweetest child in the world- and probably have a ton of energy! I have started getting more braxton hicks contractions, which is just another sign that her arrival is not too far away. ooh the bittersweet feeling inside of me...

come home!

When I think of us "LeRoys" I think of divine perfection.

I cannot imagine a better marriage, a more perfect combination of two people.

I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful and handsome husband, the most energetic dog, and a beautiful daughter on the way.

Everything is blissful, except I am going through major, MAJOR husband withdrawals.

Scott is busy working in Antigua and has been for the past three weeks.

I just found out it was going to be even longer.

I understand he is working and has a job to do, but we have never been apart this long.

(Nor would I want any couple to be apart for this amount of time. )

And also for the fact that I am 34 weeks pregnant, I sure could use my husband here. my companion. my best friend.

Toby just doesn't talk back to me the way Scott does.

It's also not as fun always eating by yourself- and having nobody else in the house to cook for.

But I have had no complaints from the dog- he seems to like everything I've been making!

I am thinking of the positive, and know that when Scott gets back he'll be able to be with me for awhile- and I hope and pray that I can spend my last pregnant month with him relaxing and preparing for the unquiet months ahead.

In the meantime, it's more popcorn, movies and random trips to the grocery store.

And thinking of names for our baby girl.

I can't help but miss that amazing man whom I am so fortunate to call my husband.

and future dad.

remembering the good times!

34 weeks

The princess is currently about the weight of a canteloupe. My belly sure feels like I am carrying a canteloupe!

Fatigue has started to hit me again- although not the I-can't-lift-my-head-first trimester tiredness, but just a lack of energy and I don't-want-to-move tiredness. It is different, but I have noticed my go-go-go energy slowly depleting. I can't wait for Scott to get back (I miss him SO much) so we can spend the last month relaxing and taking it easy, because we all know that it will be awhile before we get that chance!

Happy Mothers Day!

Mother's Day has always been a day where it was all about MOM. From the minute mom woke up, the day was about being with her and making her happy. I never understood how much she appreciated it until recently, and especially this year, with a baby inside, I can't wait for her to celebrate Mother's Day with me.

Mothers are so special, in so many ways, and both my mom, Michele, and Scott's mom, Becky are the two greatest moms in the world! I can't imagine my life without them and they are so important to me and Scott and have shaped who we are today. I hope to be as great of a mom to our daughter as they have been to both of us.

Mother's Day brings to mind

The thousands of things you did for me

that helped make me happier,

stronger and wiser,

because I had you as a role model.

I'm grateful for all the times

you healed my hurts

and calmed my fears,

so that I could face the world

feeling safe and secure.

I'm thankful for all you showed me

about how to love and give--

lessons that now bring

so many blessings to me

each and every day.

Your sacrifices and unselfishness

did not go unnoticed, Mom.

I admire you, I respect you,

I love you.

And I'm so glad you're my MOM!!

Happy Mother's Day!

33 weeks!

tick tock!

tick tock!

Time is counting down to June 21!

I am feeling good, just getting a bigger belly day by day.

No more of my usual sashaying, I now find myself waddling!

My energy is slowly disappearing and I can't go go go like I usually do!

We are still debating on baby girl names....

Scott is still away in Antigua, so me, baby and Toby have been staying busy around the house and getting the nursery ready. We can't wait for dad to get back- and for mom to get some back rubs! I treated myself to a massage yesterday and my shoulders are greatly thanking me today!

I have been going to prenatal yoga twice a week and LOVE it every time. I have been getting more prep in breathing and relaxing, although I think during labor all you can think is 'hurry UP!'

33 and a half weeks!

"Your dad and I, planned you from the start.

You, my dear child, were made straight from our hearts.

In a couple of weeks or so, I'll meet you, for the first time.

For you are the product, of your dad's love and mine."

One hot mama!

Yeah I'm hot and I know it! (haha)

Hot in the temperature way... my body temperature is always high, and a 20% metabolic rate increase during pregnancy isn't helping. ALSO, it is 'summer time' in Panama- and April is the hottest month of the year! I can't wait for a little breeze and it not to feel like 100 degrees outside!

Other than smokin' hot, I am feeling good.

I have been playing with baby, trying to determine which body part is where, especially when she leans on one side of my belly- like sometimes she will lean all on the left or sit really high up in my tummy.

Only 7 more weeks to go- I can't wait.

Scott is still gone working in Antigua and hopefully he will get back soon. I miss him, and so does baby, plus we need to really figure out a name! :-)

Baby is the size of a honeydew- hard to believe. I think ours is a bit smaller because there is no way there is a whole honeydew in my belly yet! But she probably weighs around 4 pounds, and will gain more. She is expected to grow up to a full inch this week alone (again, a little less due to her mommy's size!) and will soon be able to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. Her bones are hardening and she is beginnging to keep her eyes open while she is awake (although there isn't much to see in there!)

"Everything grows rounder and wider and weirder, and I sit here in the middle of it all and wonder who in the world you will turn out to be."