What 2012 Taught Me

Life gives you second chances because sometimes you aren't always ready the first time. 

RivertonProm '09

         I learned this lesson multiple times this year. The first time was with my husband. When I first met K. I didn't see us as 'long term material'. Yes, we did start dating officially in '11 but we got married this year&' I realized that despite our ups&' downs, through laughter&' tears, we were meant for each other. (This also happens to be a lesson I relearn on an almost daily basis.) If Kaleb hadn't given me a second chance, and vice versa, I wouldn't be as happy as I am today.

When Kaleb&' I first started dating again.

baby grae

Kaden&' I 

The second time I learned this lesson is because of baby Grae. As most of my readers know, he is my second baby. With my first, Kaden, I was in absolutely no place to be a mother. I couldn't even take care of myself&' so I asked my sister to adopt him. So when I found out Grae was coming, yes, I was very excited, but I was also very, VERY scared. There was this tiny little voice in the back of my head telling me, "You're going to fail again. You can't do this. Why do you think you can?" But thank goodness, I have this amazing support group, all of these people cheering me on&' standing beside me, shushing that little stupid voice. Yes, it still comes back&' yes, I am still scared. But I know I can do this. I know I was meant for it&' that this time around, I am beyond capable. It is a totally different situation all around&' it is going to be amazing.

Grae's 20 week Ultrasound Picture.

The next time I learned it was with family. And I mean ALL of my family-- the family I married into, the friends that I got to pick to be my family&' finally, the family that I was lucky enough to be adopted into. I realized that it was time to own up to mistakes, try to put the past behind me&' start my life over again, in all aspects. Family is all you'll have in the end&' I am so lucky that all my family, new&' old are in my life. I'm so grateful for them. Family matters most, even when they don't like me so much. I wouldn't be the person I am today without all of you in my life. 

You can't live your life for other people. 

This one is simple. I have a hard time of letting go of people, even if they're bad for me. But I'm learning, finally, that I can't make everyone happy. And God takes people out of your life for a reason. Think twice before chasing after them. Plus, life is SO much easier without all the drama! You can't enjoy the next chapter in your life if you keep rereading the last one. 

Don't let a bad memory ruin a great song... 

This one doesn't really need explaining&' it kind of goes hand in hand with my last lesson. I used to avoid certain songs because of the memories affiliated with them. But you know what? All those songs aren't only attached to a bad or painful memory, but also a lesson. I loved those songs once&' now when I listen to them, I smile fondly at the memory (no matter how bad or painful) &' then I enjoy the music. 

..and NEVER stop finding new music. 

Music is one of the best things in the world to me. I love when I find a new song that pulls me from the inside. Or when it takes me back to a memory, good or bad. It puts all my thoughts&' feelings out there. And that is the best kind of song to me. 

Springsteen - Eric Church

C'mon - Ke$ha

Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap

All Too Well - Taylor Swift

One More Night - Maroon5

Everything Is Gonna Be Alright - Joshua Radin

Blue Eyes - MIKA

God Gave Me You - Blake Shelton

Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen

Some Nights - Fun.

Exit Wounds - The Script

Take lots of pictures. 

april'12

footie jammies

People do have expiration dates. You will have bad days. Time passes way to fast. You're going to do really stupid things; those stupid things make great stories. You're going to want to remember now.

flaming gorge;summer'12

The little things. 
Laugh a little longer. Kiss a lot. Say I love you. Smile through the pain. Know that everything happens for a reason. Don't forget to say your prayers. Blog a lot. Don't be afraid to be you. Dance around in your underwear. Enjoy the sunset. Or the sunrise. Try something new. Take a chance. Treat yourself once in awhile. Sing at the top of your lungs. Forgive those who hurt you. Smile. Read lots of books. Speak your mind. Dance in the rain. Do something nice for a stranger. Don't be afraid to cry. Admit when you're wrong. Cherish your loved ones. Be more grateful, rather than hateful. Meditate (trust me on this one). And love. Love others, love those who have wronged you&' love yourself.

xo--E.Hunter

Dear Kaden

I found out you were coming to this world on a warm, breezy day in August of 2009. After sleeping all day long&' DESPISING the smell of chocolate, I realized that I might need to take a pregnancy test. Lo&' behold, 2 little pink lines. So, I took another. There was a plus sign.

I was pregnant.
I was going to be a mom.

Panic.
Excitement.
Nausea.
Joy.
Panic.
Love.

My pregnancy was very emotional. A lot was going on in that time period; I didn't really get to enjoy that time. It was a rollercoaster of emotions (and not just cause of the hormones!). I had my heart broken-- not just for me, but for you as well. I also broke a heart. I was so lost&' so confused, but one things stayed constant:

I needed you to have the very best life.

Before I knew it, May had rolled around&' I was counting the days to your arrival.

Finally, you were here. After a hard labor, a lot of tears&' finally overwhelming joy, you were here. You were mine. My perfect, precious baby boy. I had waited so long to meet you. You were perfect. You had his hair (exactly what I wanted) and my nose. You were so tall, your hands&' feet so big! I still, to this day, can't believe how beautiful you are. You were smiling on the day you were born. I stayed up all night, just staring at you. I couldn't wrap my head around you; how amazing. I believe in love at first sight because I'm a mom; because of you.

Please always know that I love you. And please know, that I tried. I wanted so badly to be your mommy, but I couldn't. I was in such a bad place. How could I possibly take care of you, when I couldn't even take care of myself? It wouldn't have been fair to you to drag you through my mess of a world.

So I did what I knew was best, what my heart was telling me: I decided to place you for adoption. And lucky for me, I knew the perfect people for you. Shannon&' Bryan. My sister&' her husband. They are the perfect fit for you. Shannon loved you so much from the day she found out you were coming&' I knew that there could simply not be a better choice. The day I asked her to adopt you, was one of the hardest days of my life. My heart was breaking.

Your parents agreed; they would love nothing more to add you to their darling family.

After that, I just... fell apart. I lost my way, I lost myself. I was hurting, but the most important thing in the world to me was that you were okay. And yes-- there was a lot of craziness in the time spanning to your adoption. And someday, you'll hear it all. All of the messiness, hear about the tears shed, the frustrations, and the happy times too.

It took me a long time, but I finally got myself to a place where I was healthy again. And you grew up so fast. You're so smart, so handsome, so funny. Everyone says you look like me, have little quirks like I do. I feel like I got all of that from you. You've taught me so much..

After 2 years, we got the news that the adoption could finally take place; what a bittersweet day that was. My heart broke again&' again as I signed those papers, but seeing you with your family, your amazing mom, sisters&' daddy, I knew that this was right. This was why you were sent to me.

I am so proud of the person you are becoming&' I hope someday you'll be proud of me too. I can't wait to keep watching you grow, hear about all the funny things you do. I am so blessed to have you in my life&' so grateful for your family.

I love you more than you will ever know, Kaden, my little burrito.

Love always,
     me.


Please like&' share my new Facebook page for adoption support-- 

www.facebook.com/BirthMotherFirstMother

merry&' bright..

Just a quick post to wish all my followers, stumble upon-ers&' stalkers a happy holiday season!

I hope that your holiday season is filled with love, laughter&' happily ever after.

xo - The Hunters

Our '12 Family Christmas Card

Welcome To The World

Well, he is here. My sweet, perfect, precious boy is FINALLY here. I know I'm a tiny bit late (c'mon, give me a break!) posting his birth story, but this is the first time I've been able to sit down at the computer&' type it out.

But before I get to that, I just want to take a moment to express how truly grateful I am to all of my family&' friends. All I really wanted for my baby boy is unconditional love&' he has that&' more. It overwhelms me when I think about (and see) it. He is so blessed&' so lucky to have each&' everyone of you in his world. I hope that he grows up seeing himself in all of your eyes&' seeing how loved he is. Thank you, thank you, thank you all so much.

~~~~~

December 5, 2012 was a chilly, breezy morning. The husband&' I were up&' on our way to the hospital bright&' early. 

heading to the hospital.

We were admitted into Labor&' Delivery, did the usual run down (allergies, etc.) &'then waited for my doctor.

 Once he arrived, they decided to see if they could get my water to break. Unfortunately, that didn't work&' my doctor gave orders to start the Pitocin to get things moving (my body doesn't cooperate during labor). Right as he left the room, about  my water broke. 

We were in for the long haul. 

So the nurse did her thing (checked to make sure it was actually my water, hooked up my IV, etc.) &'we were on our way&' playing the waiting game. 

Just watching contractions..

...and waiting....

...and waiting..

We made our phone calls&' waited some more. 

Of course the nurse came in to check blood pressure&' such, but she was struggling with keeping a heart monitor on Graeson. (My baby boy HATED the monitors. He kicks them off, wiggles away, ANYTHING he can do to get away from them.) Unfortunately, that wasn't okay, since they absolutely had to watch his heart rate because of the Pitocin. We had had him on a monitor for quite sometime, but of course he moved again&' we had to resort to an internal fetal monitor. 

I was progressing slowly, but at a satisfactory rate, so now we had to wait some more. I did pretty well with contractions until I was dilated to about a 4.5&' that's when I started struggling. 

My original birth plan had stated that I wanted minimal pain killers&' that I didn't want a epidural unless I requested. Because of that, I was placed on Fetanyl for a short time. (They can't give you the pain killer after a 7 because it can hurt the baby at that point.) The nurse informed me that since my water had broken, I could get an epidural at any time, if I chose too. Close to 2:00 or so, 5cm dilated, I opted for it. 

(Just a little side note -- For anyone that knows my husband, he is absolutely terrified of needles. When I say terrified, I mean TERRIFIED. Clammy hands, looses all color in his face, almost passes out, type deal. He had the option to let my mom be in the room with me when I got the epidural, but he was determined to be there with me. Pale face&' all. He did AMAZING.)

I am NOT going to talk about my epidural. It was not a good experience for me&' I'm leaving it at that. 

I had family stop in&' out through out the day to check up on my well being&' such (which I greatly appreciate; as much as I love my husband&' watching hours of 'Four Weddings' &'answering the question 'What would you rate your pain at right now?' I really needed normal conversation.)

terrible photo of me; jussssttt waiting.

Maybe an hour or so after my epidural, they decided to turn off my Pitocin because with every contraction, Graeson's heart rate would drop. They needed to give him some time to rest&' of course make sure he was okay. They also put me on some oxygen, just to help my system out a little bit. 

Once they felt okay with Grae's heart rate&' such, they turned back on my Pitocin&' I seemed to progress quickly after that. In just a few short hours, I progressed from a 7 to a 9. At about 8:25, we made our phone calls/text messages&' the nurses started setting up&' called my doctor. My nurse decided to wait another half hour or so, just to let my body do it's thing so labor wouldn't be as hard as it could be. 

As 9:20 rolled around, my doctor had arrived&' I was ready to push. We said our 'I love you' s to our family members&' they left to go wait for the good news. 

Finally, after a little more than an hour of pushing, at 10:34pm,

Graeson David Hunter
10.34pm
7 pounds 14 ounces; 20.5 inches long.

 my baby boy was here. They placed my baby boy on my chest&' I couldn't believe how perfect this moment was. Kaleb&' I were both sobbing&' so thrilled. Kaleb did an amazing job, holding my hand (and my leg) coaching me through every contraction&' reminding me how much he loved me. I only asked him to stop talking once! That should say a lot! Hahah. He cut Graeson's cord&' couldn't stop marveling at how beautiful our baby boy was.  

They double checked Graeson to make sure he was healthy&' such, took his weight, length (7lbs 14oz. and 20.5 inches long) &' all of those tests they do. They had to call in respiratory support because he wasn't breathing as well as they would have liked, but he was just fine; he's just not a loud baby!

Once we were sure that Grae was okay&' such, the proud father made his was out to go tell everyone that Graeson was FINALLY here. I heard all of their excited cries from the delivery room&' my heart just swelled. They made their way in the room&' immediately started oohing&' ahhing at this amazing miracle. Tears&' laughter&' hugs filled the room as everyone congratulated us. 

The Hunter family has grown by two feet. 

I never realized how much I loved your father... Until I saw how much he loved you.

first bath. I am not a happy boy.

I cannot begin to explain the overwhelming love I have for this little boy. I want to thank the amazing staff at Riverton Hospital for taking such good care of us during our stay, and again, thank you to all the family&' friends that are standing beside us, supporting&' loving us. 

Graeson is a week&' five days old&' everyday I love him more&' more. Each day, I get to see more of his darling, feisty personality&' every day, I can't believe how perfect he is. 

I am so blessed. 

xo-- 

The Hunter family.  

!!!!!!

O.K. no need to freak out, but in just a few short (really slow, draaaggggiiinnngggg) days, our baby boy will be here!

I can't believe it!(: I'm so excited for our little family to start, for serious! This has been a really long pregnancy (almost the whole year) and I am ready to be D O N E.

I'm excited for the future&' all that it holds for us. This next year is going to be the best EVER.

xo

o n e WEEK

Today I had my last prenatal appointment; the next appointment I have will be for my induction!

...unless of course, BabyG decides to show up before then! (Oh, please oh, please oh, please oh, please!)

I feel like I've been pregnant FOREVER! I'm just so ready to meet my baby boy!

All our bags are packed, we're registered at L&D, family phone tree has been set up&' is waiting anxiously, cameras are charged, and our excitement is overflowing!

These next few days (or this whole week, rather) will probably be the longest of my fluffing life!

Cross your fingers&' say your prayers for us!

If I Knew Then..

Dear 16 to 18 Year Old Self--

For starters, BRACE YOURSELF. These few years are going to be REALLY REALLY hard. You're going to get your heart broken more than once (and not just by that boy you love.) and you're going to be really stupid and make some big BIG mistakes.

Don't blame yourself for everything. That person you trusted&' made your whole world fall apart for awhile? What he did is NOT your fault. And it's gonna hurt like hell for a long long time. You're going to get angry&' I mean REALLY angry. It's going to turn your world upside down&' make those dark nights seem even darker, but hold on. It will get better. Not right away, or a week later, but it really will. Always talk about it. And remember to survive. You're not the victim of this story.

Due to the aforementioned douche bag, you're going to be a pretty big b*tch to your family. And it's going to happen a lot. DON'T. Just don't. You need to remember that they are hurting too&' they need you to be supportive&' loving right back. They're too good for you pretty much all the time&' there is going to come a point when you'll get an emotional b*tchslap&' realize that. But you can try&' avoid it.

That boy that you're POSITIVE you're going to marry? WRONG. He's actually a pretty big jerk, just like your mom said (even though you'll probably never admit it to her.) Don't go back to him. Just DON'T. You're going to meet another (you'll actually meet a few, but there are three that are very very important) boy that will pick you up, dust you off&' love you unconditionally. He'll turn your world upside down (in a good way) and he'll show you just how strong you can be.

[He's going to break your heart&' you'll break his, but please, bear with me. He's really really important. And he's not a bad guy, even though you'll think he is for a little while.]

The second boy I mentioned? Yeah, that's the one you'll marry. Yes, yes, I know. He'll drive you MAD. He'll make you so angry sometimes, you just want to punch him in the throat. But that craziness he gives you? You're going to end up loving it. So stick with it, okay? His awkwardness is actually going to become your most favorite thing about him. Give him a bit more credit, okay? I promise, it is all worth it. Second chances were made for a reason. (This applies to more than you know.)

There's one more boy that's worth mentioning.. You already know him&' you're actually really good friends with him (for now..) He's going to hurt you big time, break you down, destroy you for a little bit. But one of the most important things in your life is going to happen because of him. So I can't say avoid him. Because the situation that comes of that is going to replace your wishbone, with a backbone. It will just take some time. And a lot of tears. Just know that you can do it. And you'll be okay. I promise.

You're going to make some AMAZING friends&' some not so amazing ones. But they will all help you get where you're going.

There is going to be a moment in time when you (and some of those friends I mentioned earlier) are going to SCREW UP BIG TIME.  But this screw up is going to be part of you starting over. It will involve a lot of yelling, a lot of fighting with family&' a lot of emotional turmoil. I would say avoid this situation, but it taught you A LOT.

Try&' laugh more than you cry. It helps with the healing. And please please PLEASE know, that you're going to have bad days. You're going to say things you wish you hadn't. And you're going to do some REALLY stupid things.

You're going to hurt people. And people are going to hurt you. And you're going to have a couple break downs. But during those break downs, you'll learn something about yourself, something those people that have always been on your side were always telling you--

You are strong. You are going to be great. You are loved. 

Just keep your head up, crazy girl. You're going to get through these years, albeit, a little shaken, a little bruised... But you've got so many good things ahead of you. I know this warning seems a little on the 'doomsday' side, but you'll be okay. Everything will work out in the end. 

You'll learn to forgive people, even if they're not sorry. And you're not done messing up. But you'll learn, slowly but surely. And you're going to hurt some really important people-- when you get the chance to make things better, grab it. 

You can't start the next chapter of your life, if you keep rereading the last one. 

Love always,

Your 21 year old self.

The BEST Is Yet To Come

There are so many exciting things coming up in the future, from little things to big things! 

I'm trying to stay focused on all the great things that are going to happen&' ignore that annoying little voice in my head that always tries to tear me down. It's hard, but I know that a lot of that little voice is fueled by my roller coaster hormones. But lucky me, I have the most fantastic, best support system ever&' it just keeps getting better.

Anyway, I thought I'd just post a few of the exciting things that I'm looking forward too, from the little things that don't seem very important, to the big. 

-I'm excited for my hubby to get off work! I miss him!

-the bubble bath I'm taking tomorrow(:

-I get to see all my Logan friends for my baby shower down that way [NOTEtoSELF: post blog about my Salt Lake shower!] 

-Rumor has it that it's going to be snowing in a day or two! 

-I get to see my mommy&' sisters on Tuesday(:

-Even though it's not my favorite holiday [I don't like turkey, or green bean casserole, or stuffing, or big meals, actually] I'm excited for Thanksgiving because I get to see a lot of family. 

-in 12 days, it will be K&' I's four month anniversary! 

-tomorrow I will be 36 weeks pregnant! Almost dooonnnne! 

-Next Friday I have a doctors appointment to see how things are progressing with BabyG&' I can't wait to see!

-also next Friday, K&' I will FINALLY have phones again! Yay for contact with the outside wooorrrllld! 

-the lights downtown!

-Christmas! 

-And FINALLY-- The most EXCITING thing coming up-- 

BABY GRAESON! I can't wait to meet him&' there is a VERY VERY long line right behind me. This sweet baby boy of mine is already so loved, it overwhelms my heart with love. 

 xo-- E.Hunter

Worth A Thousand Words

With only 48

[just an estimate!]

 days to go until my due date, I still feel like there is so much to do, but not enough time!

I had a doctors appointment today&' things went great. Graeson is starting to even out in his measurements [only measuring one week big now!]

&' has as strong a heartbeat as ever. His darling personality is already shining through as the pregnancy progresses. He is feisty! For example--

BabyGrae's long legs

he will stretch out his long legs&' since he

[and I]

are running out of room, it REALLY hurts me. I love feeling him move, but sometimes the pain gets to be too much. He stretches out, and I'll start massaging where his foot

[or hand, elbow, knee, etc.]

is pressing hard, to get him to relax a little bit, and he kicks back twice as hard. It always makes me laugh. 

he LOVES his daddy so much already. Kaleb works nights

[from two until 11 five nights a week] 

and so we go without talking too him. When Kaleb walks in the room at night, Graeson shifts towards Kaleb's voice, and starts kicking, stretching&' wiggling his little heart out. 

he is very much a night owl

[and I think his daddy's work schedule is partially accountable for that]

being so so active as soon as I settle down for the night. 

holding on tight to the umbilical cord(:

It is amazing how much you can love someone you haven't even met yet. My heart swells just thinking about my baby boy. I can't wait to meet him

[and neither can his BIG family!] 

There are so many people waiting to meet him&' we can't wait until next year, when we can do so many exciting, fun things with him. We are all looking forward to the future! 

my sweet sisters in law

On another note, the in-laws& I went to the pumpkin patch today, so C. could pick out his pumpkin

[he has a great idea, I can't wait to see how it looks when he's all done!]

I'll post some pictures of our fun afternoon! 

Next year, we can bring BabyG. with us! 

smoochin'

xo- E.Hunter

Octoburrr

I have simply been DYING for Autumn to be here.
One, because I'm pregnant and summer and I are going through a nasty divorce.
And two, because it's my most favorite time of year.

I live for big sweaters, cute boots, hot cocoa &' cozy nights. 

Even though October just started, it's already been a pretty hectic month for us. We've got a lot going on (doctors appointments are more frequent now, baby shower, and figuring things out financially) so far. I just try and stay calm, and happy, because really, it's the thing I know how to do best. 

I keep getting distracted from this blog though, since I'm currently making dinner-- which in turn makes me starving. I'm making Ritz cracker chicken (poppy seed chicken) tonight! Yum! You can find the recipe here. I changed the recipe a little though. I added an extra half can of cream of chicken soup to the sauce (I LOVE extra sauce) and I put a Mexican blend cheese in it as well. I'm also serving it over rotini noodles. I can't wait to try it! 

In other exciting news, I am 31 weeks today; only 9 weeks left! I can't believe the time went by so fast, and to think, soon I'll be saying that about Grae growing up! The idea makes me get a tiny bit choked up. There is still so much to do before he gets here. 

Also, I am now taking bets on when he will make his debut. My mother has already put hers in! 

If you read my blog, please comment and let me know what day you think he'll be here, how much he will weigh and how long he will be. These guesses are going in his baby book. 

Thanks for putting up with my rambling, and my not making any sense. 

I hope everyone has an amazing weekend. 

xo--

E.Hunter

When you're down to nothing...

God is up to something. 

That is what it on repeat in my head today. It has been one of those emotionally draining, hide under the covers type of day, and I am just trying to stay positive. Every once in awhile, life throws you one of those ridiculous curve balls that throws your whole world off balance, shakes your faith, and leaves you frustrated to the point of tears, and you just have to take a deep breath, and take baby steps.

I'm not going to go into details about it, but I just needed to rant and rave a little bit. My sweet husband is quite torn up about the situation, and I just keep telling him that things happen, and we can't let it tear us down. It doesn't matter what happened, but it does matter how we stay strong, and work together, and get through it. We'll look back on this crazy year and laugh.

Luckily for us, we have these blessing in our lives that keep us smiling, even when we want to cry. The first, our support system-- yes, Thunder Buddy, that means you too. I don't know where we would be if C. & J. didn't keep giving us positive feedback and unconditional love throughout all of this, even when they are having their own struggles. My mother has been incredible, always willing to lend an ear, and rant about the people I rant about. Mine, and Kaleb's best friends, always willing to just say, "Oh no, that sucks." and let us talk their ear off, or just ignore things for awhile and just pretend we're all doing okay.

And the second, our sweet baby boy. Grae has a way of making us laugh no matter what. Today, I think he could sense that we were frustrated and feeling down, and Kaleb started pushing on my tummy, asking him to move, and kick for him. Graeson responded like a champ and started kicking Kaleb (probably out of annoyance, really) and making Kaleb "chase" him around my tummy. Kaleb would start pushing on one area of my tummy where Grae was, and he would move away from him, and this kept going until he seemed to get annoyed and would kick hard at Daddy. Hahah, I told Kaleb that Grae would remember that and probably hurl all over him whenever he could.

God has really blessed me with all these amazing people, a healthy pregnancy, and a little more sanity than I am used too. I know if I focus on all the good in my life, the crazy won't be as bad as it seems. This is just a little bump in the road, and I have to believe that it will be worth it in the end.


I hope everyone has a good week, and don't forget to focus on the good things, and not to overlook the small ones.

xo.

e i g h t y n i n e d a y s

Does this pregnancy make me look fat? 

Hahah, that's the question that I keep asking Kaleb. His response? "No. You look babyful." Kaleb is so excited about my ever growing bump, he shows it off to all of his friends, and on occasion, his family. We are almost to the final stretch--

THIRD TRIMESTER! 

Now is the time to start getting all of the final things put together-- birthing plans, baby bedding, hospital bag,  baby shower invites, stocking up on diapers and wipes, birthing and breastfeeding classes, budget plans-- all of it. It is crazy to think that he will be here so soon! 

The best part is, everything is starting to fall into place. Kaleb starts his new job on Monday, we've picked an apartment (we just need to do all the paperwork& such in about a month, when we'll have money), and then we can get all settled in. 

I know that none of this would be possible without our amazing support system; Grae is going to have so much love in his life, it just makes my heart swell. He is coming into such a great family, and I can't wait for everyone to meet him. 

WHAT GRAE IS UP TOO

(at 27 weeks)

This week, BabyG is almost 2 pounds (the size of an average cauliflower) and about 14.5 inches long, when his legs are extended. He can open and close his eyes, and may respond to the light that filters through the womb! His lungs are still developing, which has brought on a LOT of those sweet baby hiccups. His brain is developing like crazy, and it is highly active now. 

Graeson is usually awake and kicking when I'm first up in the morning, and settles down  the majority of the afternoon. By the time I lay down for bed, baby is up and ready to play! 

HOW I'M FEELING

My heartburn is in full swing lately, mostly in the evening. My back is starting to kill me, and I've begun to feel a few Braxton Hicks contractions. I'm starting to think more and more about the future, down to the way I want our apartment to be set up, though I'm pretty sure it's not full blown nesting. 

My appetite is CRAZY. I can be starving, eat an awesome meal, and an hour or two later, I'm starving again. 

I'm drinking milk like it's going out of style, and I can't get enough Oreo's! Don't even worry that I would KILL for some eggnog! 

WHAT I'M THINKING

I was so ready to be done with the pregnancy, but now that it's cooling down, it's not so bad! I do want to meet BabyG so so bad, but I know we still have quite a bit of getting ready to do! So I'm going to continue to enjoy the kicks, rolls, punches and hiccups while we get everything ready for him!

xo--E. Hunter