Slugs & Snails & Puppy Dog Tails

Where do some women get the energy to say "being pregnant is one of the best times of your life"? Honestly, this is some SERIOUSLY trying stuff. (Forgive me for not always being perky & bubbly, but let's be real here.) I am thankful that Jude has been really good to me so far. He is growing right where he is supposed to, I've maintained my health, and it's been an all around "easy" pregnancy. That beig said- it still completely sucks. The constant heart burn, the major back pain, the lack of sleep. Growing a little bean is hard work! I really try my hardest to celebrate in the tiny victories; I know it's good for me, my boy, and my husband to maintain a positive attitude. The first time we saw him, heard his heart beat, picked out clothes, found out his gender, the little kicks and flutters in my tummy--THESE are the moments that make all of the misery worth it. And Caleb has been a constant light & support. He has already done so much around the house in preparation for the mancub, including, but most certainly not limited to: knocking down a wall and putting up French doors, painting the nursery, catering to my needs and rubbing my aching back, sanding down and repainting old pieces for the nursery. He is honestly one of the most amazing and selfless people I have ever met and I am beyond thankful that this man is the father of my son.

He recently booked us a camping trip because he thought it would be fun to get out one more time before our whole world changed. He was right! We just got home today from our trip to Donner Lake Memorial Park. We tent camped for 3 days, brought the dogs and some friends, and it was just what my soul needed. We had three failed air mattresses, so the first night was really rough (especially since I can't sleep on my back or stomach). I think I got a solid 2 hours of sleep, and he 4. But we woke up and kept trucking because that's what you do! We went into town and got another air mattress, and the second night was a lot smoother. Full-nights-sleep. Either way, sleep or no sleep, being in the heart of nature is something that can not be replaced. There is no tv or technology to distract you from really savoring it all and truly enjoying the people you are with. I missed that. I missed the silence. We are so accustomed to a constant glowing screen or the humming background noise of a tv, that we forget to just, be. Even though my back was killing me, and I was covered in dust, and smelled like a firepit- that is one moment I will be able to look back at and say that for those few days, I actually "enjoyed being pregnant."

We came home today, and the dogs were just as plum tuckered out as we were. They immediately for comfortable and passed out on the red persian style rug in our family room. Caleb and I each took long, much needed showers and washed away any last bit of campsite from our pores. We picked our places on our overstuffed furniture and, just like the dogs, passed out, truly happy. I can not wait for my sweet boy to be at an age where he will enjoy and remember weekends like this. I hope we never forget to share these important "little thing" trips with him, and teach him of the things in life that are most important. Love, relationships, nature. I hope he makes the best of life, and takes time to appreciate the little things. I hope he isn't afraid to explore, and catch snakes, and make mud pies. These are the things that children should love, not always having to watch tv or video games.

Thinking of the wonderful little boy he is going to be, I drew up this illustration to have printed for his nursery, a true testament to little boys: