Predictions

We've applied sunscreen and donned hats every day this week - this third week of March. With temperatures in the mid-eighties, Anna and I picnicked, lounged at "the beach" (quotes are necessary given the nature of the sand and water at the Brighton watering hole), played at the park, searched for bugs and flowers, and explored a lot. I've adjusted quite quickly to the hot weather, happily slipping on my flip flops and shorts every morning. I happen to have more warm-weather maternity clothes, so I'm hoping the cooler temps to come don't stick around too long.

Cooking together - a nightly occurrence. Anna is really into helping out in the kitchen right now. 

 Picnic faces...

 At "the beach" with a very red, hot face! When you grow up (at least part of the time) near Lake Michigan, the dirt/gravel sand just doesn't quite live up to your expectations. But, Anna LOVED it anyway.

 This water was ice cold. It hurt my legs when I walked in it. She did not care.

It's been such a blessing to have the sunlight this week, the green grass and yellow daffodils popping up everywhere. The cards, e-mails, text messages, and phone calls from friends and family sending prayers and positive thoughts have also lifted my spirits every day. These things, as well as conversations with my high risk OB and my midwife, have me feeling more hopeful than I did a few days ago. I expected as much. My process is predictable. And, while there are still many risks for this baby and so much that is NOT predictable, I'm trying to stay present and focus on the fact that right now, at this moment, the baby is doing just fine.

I'm also keeping myself busy, taking full advantage of the second trimester energy shift. Beyond the usual daily activities of living, I've been sewing skirts for Betsy's daughters, meeting with "deck guys" about fixing our deck, designing our family photo wall for the upstairs hallway, Pinning nursery ideas, pondering paint colors, selecting and then throwing out boy names, and planning. 

Anna has been in on the name game as well. She's into silly names like Bath or crazy words I cannot even pronounce. Along with the silly comes a very tender side of Anna when discussing her little brother. Every day, Anna wants to snuggle and talk to the baby. She'll tell him good morning or good night, whisper some things I cannot hear, and then she adds, "We'll see you in August!" (I may, at some point, have suggested saying that, hoping that the affirmation itself has some power). No matter where the words come from, it's precious, and the love she has for this little guy fills my heart. I hope her prediction is right...while I can't wait to meet our little guy, I hope we don't see him until August.