1 week to go......

Two big sisters just counting the days until they can give proper hugs and kisses.......

3 weeks to go.....

I've begun the serious countdown now. My body is ready to stop being pregnant, but my brain isn't ready to accept the intensity of caring for a newborn. He's so much easier where he is now...
My local friends had a party for me called a Blessing Way or a Mother Blessing. It's a Navajo tradition that honors the mother's journey through pregnancy in preparation for birth. It was amazing (thanks Jenn and Andie!) and made me feel like the most powerful woman on earth. The rituals consisted of energy cleansing, foot bath and massage, decorating my belly with henna for good luck, offering a bead for a labor necklace for me and a bead for a birth bracelet for the baby, and everyone brought a meal to fill my freezer. The women who were here are wearing a string around their wrists at this very moment to remind them to send me positive energy during the remainder of my pregnancy, and they have all agreed to light a candle when I go into labor to continue sending their support until the baby is born. I feel so grateful to be included in such a wonderful circle of women. And for all of my long distance friends....I lit a candle during the party in honor of all of you who continue to send your love and support across the miles. Thanks!

Fun in the Sun

I don't know about the rest of you, but we're trying to cram in as much fun as possible before summer is done. These are our latest outings......

Ben is trying match my pregnancy weight gain by taking the kids out for ice cream every night.
Liv and auntie during our camping trip to the Uintah Mtns.

It's not a coincidence that the pool is located next to the raspberry and blackberry bushes. When they finish picking (or eating rather) berries, they are purple and in definite need of a wash.

Beus Park:

Kiki and Grandpa camping in the Uintah's.

LAGOON: