39 weeks, and a letter to Judd

Today marks 39 weeks that I've been pregnant with my sweet unborn baby, Judd.

{Swollen much?}

But in reality, it feels like so much longer. Not only because let's face it, the last few weeks of a pregnancy are just rough, but because of the time spent trying, failing, and longing for a baby prior to conception.
We tried to get pregnant when Ava was about 18 months with no success. We took a break and started trying again shortly after that small break:) And finally after a few trying months and infertility meds, we were delighted to become pregnant with what would become our first son. Up until about 20 weeks I was still in disbelief that I was actually pregnant. Not sure why I was so skeptical and uneasy about it, but maybe it was because I had a feeling in the back of my mind that Ava would be our only child.
Funny how God has the plan all figured out.
Funny what happens when we let go and just trust Him.

On the eve before Judd's arrival, this sweet song from Rich Mullins comes to mind. We really are on the verge of a miracle. And I am so beyond excited to watch this miracle unfold!

Dear little Judd Richard,
As I anxiously await your arrival in less than 24 hours, so much is going through my head. What will you look like, what your first cry will sound like, will you be an alert little fellow or a sleepy one? Will you have your daddy's dimples and your mom's dark hair or will you look just like your big sister...
But it's also a bittersweet feeling to know that I will not feel your kicks and rolls and your sweet little booty poking out of my belly any more. I won't ever get this time back where we share this unique once upon a time bond, just you and mommy. I will surely miss this! And as silly as it is, I do worry/hope you are just as happy, warm, and comfortable here in what will be your new world, outside of my womb.
I am so excited to begin this new life as a family of four. So is your daddy and your sister! We have prayed for you for a very long time and I am just tickled to call you, Judd, my son. While I am so scared to raise a boy, mostly because it is such uncharted territory, I know that God has so much in store and will bless me beyond my wildest dreams.
I love you, sweet baby boy!

Thank you all for the prayers for me and this baby! We should see his sweet face sometime tomorrow around lunch time. We will keep you updated!

Judd {37 weeks} Full Term!

Sorry this is such a bad picture. It's from my phone and is extra blurry. Guess that kinda works in my favor, though. Haha!



37 weeks Size of baby: Size of a watermelon.
Maternity Clothes: Yes, if they still fit! I've gotten to the point where most of my shirts are too short. It's lovely. And jeans? No way! I opt for only yoga or stretchy pants these days. As seen in above picture.

Gender: it's a BOY! Judd Richard
Movement: All the time. And he feels SO BIG. The OB told me he would start to slow down in movement towards the end. Well, that hasn't happened yet. It is weird though because now when he moves his leg, he usually moves his arm at the same time so I'm seeing big movements from the top and bottom of my belly simultaneously. CRAZY! Sleep: Sleeping is getting not so fun. I am up to use the restroom at least 5 times a night and it is so hard to get out of my bed. I also have quite a few aches at night in my belly/lower abdomen. What I Miss: I miss being able to stand up and walk around without the pressure on my hips and bladder. Gravity really hates me right now. But I know this is short term and the pain is SO SO worth it!!  
 Cravings: No real cravings at this point. But I am trying to get in all the fatty foods now before it is all over. SO BAD!  Symptoms: Weight gain? hahaaha! I'm at the point where I gain my most weight. I have gained about 8 lbs in the past 6 weeks. But, that's just how I do it in my pregnancies. At least I didn't gain 30 like I did with Ava. I'll take the 8 any day over 30! Lower back ache after standing more than...oh...30 seconds? Just overall pressure from the baby being so low.  Best Moment this week: Dr. Howell said I am 1.5 cm dilated so I know the time is coming soon that I will be holding a precious baby boy in my arms. And I am SO EXCITED!!
 
 

The easiest Chicken Pot Pie recipe {ever}

Last night I wanted Chicken Pot Pie. Not the frozen kind. The homemade kind with a thick flaky biscuit crust!
But I also knew it had to be easy and require few steps & little prep as I am 2 weeks out of delivery day.
I found a recipe on allrecipes.com and it was so good I had to share!



Ingredients:
1 can cream of chick soup
1 can mixed veggies
1 can cubed chicken (I use Costco brand. It's the best in my opinion)
1 can pillsbury flat crescent roll
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 cup bisquick baking mix
1 tsp of butter

Directions:
-Preheat oven to 400
-Press crescent roll into a pie dish and add soup mix, can of veggies, and can of chicken.
-Add salt and pepper to taste.
-Mix milk, egg, and baking mix. Pour over chicken mixture.
-Bake for 25 minutes. Add a buttery spread on top and bake for 5 more minutes.

I served salad and buttered bread with ours. That's how Aaron likes his pot pie. It was so good and super easy!!!



Let me know if you try this and how you liked it. I'm sure this little number will stay with our dinner rotation during the winter months. Mmmmm.