Birthdays, School, and sleepless nights

So much has gone on lately and I am just tired all over again thinking about it all. We recently got some concrete added on to make a larger back patio area. That took almost a week and now we have all this wonderful space! The only thing that is bugging me at the moment is that it feels like a disorganized bunch of space. We have been so busy with other things, that we haven't had much time to devote to fixing it back up. Some concrete got in the grass and other places that Zach has to fix. When? Who knows when we will have time to do the things we need to do around here. Zachary's birthday was a little over a week ago and I hope it was nice. We had a hospital tour that day and Marlee stayed with some friends for a couple of hours. The tour was interesting, but short. I was thankful for that though. I think we both were. We just wanted to get back to Marlee. We enjoy the time we have alone together, but once you have kids...sometimes it is more meaningful with them.

Marlee also started pre-school last week. It was exciting and overwhelming at the same time. We were able to stay with her the first two days. They were "transition" days. I guess it kind of cushioned the blow for us as well as for Marlee. When Friday came around, her first day alone all day, she cried and I cried. It will be great for her and she will realize that over time, but the realization of this new milestone was a little much for mama. Zach and I didn't know what to do with ourselves when she was gone at school that day. We drove around aimlessly talking about what time we needed to be heading back. We missed her! She had a good time, but as soon as she saw us again she started crying. The teacher let the parents come in because they didn't want anyone sad. Hopefully today will be ok. I just feel so sad when she is sad.

I feel like she has changed overnight! She is now sleeping in her bed again. She is more independent. She doesn't like when I help her get dressed. The three year old attitude has settled in quite comfortably in her. We have had more time outs, but that comes with all this growing up! She is still our sweet baby though. She still randomly says "I love you" all the time. Still loves hugs and kisses from mama and wants to be snuggled. So, there is still our baby in there and I know there always will be. It will just be in different forms as the years go by.

I kind of feel like this post sounds sad and depressing, but I promise it is not. Just reflection I suppose. I have lots of time to do that you see...I can't sleep at night most nights. I am soooo uncomfortable. My belly is HUGE!! Not to mention the millions of restroom trips per night. Oh well...to be expected. It will get worse as I get closer as well. Only 5 weeks until my due date, but I am hoping even for a week earlier. There are still some things we need to get ready for the baby and lots to do around the house, but I will do my best not to fill my plate too full in the coming weeks! I have had lots of practice contractions...even at regular intervals...so we are ready to do this! ( for the most part) Still concerned about the 40 minute drive to the hospital, but Zachary assures me we will be just fine. That is one thing I love about him and am truly blessed about. He has this uncanny way of soothing me and calming me down. I feel so at ease with him around. He is my rock and I'd be lost without him.

Here are some pics from the last week or so! till next time...