Brooke

I just have to say Happy Birthday to my amazing mother-in-law. I apologize for not getting something in the mail to her, but I still want her to know that I love her! She is always willing to do anything for us, even come and take care of us after baby boy comes. She loves my children and spoils them endlessly. She is so supportive in everything we do. It feels like she thinks we can do no wrong, and that is very reassuring. Being in her family is one of the reasons I knew marrying Landon was the best decision I could make. I am beyond thankful to be a Cowan. Happy Birthday Brooke, know that I love you and appreciate you more than you know! And I can't wait to see you in a few weeks, you have no idea what a relief it is to know that you will be here to take care of us.

Lots of Love,

-Katie

p.s. I am sorry I don't have a more recent and clearer picture of you. We will have to remedy that when you come.

You Know Your BIG Pregnant When...

-if someone asks you if your having twins one more time, that someone might have to die

-you have a pile of things at the top/bottom of your stairs that you will eventually take down/up stairs

-you can no longer sit with your legs together at all

-your giant boobs are so overshadowed by your belly you feel like they are the smallest they have ever been

-not even your husbands biggest t-shirts fit you very well

-getting up off the floor should be considered an olympic event

-you have hurt yourself many times undershooting the size of your belly, luckily it hasn't left a mark

-everyone you meet is just sure the doctors are wrong on your due date

-you would have to fill your jacuzzi tub completely to cover your entire body

-you no longer fit in booths at most restaurants

-you have to find a parking spot with no other cars next to it, unless you want to deal with the humiliation of not being able to get out of your car

-nearly every woman you see gives you very sympathetic stares

-do I even have feet anymore?

Party Time

We had a fun party for the girls yesterday. Their birthday isn't until August 7 but let's be honest, that is cutting it a little close to baby time for me.

Jolie wanted an old school party with games and just playing so that is what we did. We filled our (tiny) backyard with a wading pool, slide, spray toys, water balloons, food, and 12 cute kids. Much fun was had by all. And now I am feeling like mother of the year for doing all that at 9 months pregnant. Way to go me! Anything for my girls.

Marina and Jolie

Lucy getting wet

playing games

"I'm cold" how is that even possible?

Cousin Naomi had her own pool

Princess cake

all the friends

sweets, Lucy's favorite part

gift from Grandma and Grandpa- spoiled girls!

Goodbye Friends

We had a goodbye party for our fun friends the Owsley's last night. It's no new thing for us to lose friends around here, but it still isn't fun! We are going to miss them. It will be good when kindergarten starts and Jolie can make some new girlfriends.

Isabelle, Grant, Lucy, Charlotte, and Jolie

Best Pals Charlotte, Jackson and Jolie

They both want to marry this boy. Can you blame them?

Lucy's pal Colin

Mmm, pizza

She has finally decided boys are okay after all.

On other news- the nesting has begun full force! The baby's room is more or less assembled, if not decorated. Today I threw away 3 garbage bags of toys from the girls' closet. It felt soooo good. A big thanks to Camille for helping me with that organizing project. Now I just need to get this boy here! We are so excited to meet him. 3-4 weeks left. Woohoo!!

Our Summer

This pretty much sums up what we have been up to this summer. Some marvel at me and my hugeness and the determination not to stop our favorite activity. Sure hauling the stuff can be a bit of a hassle but once we are there my children don't bother me for hours on end. They frolic, dig, jump, swim, bask, run, chase birds, find sand crabs, and get as filthy as possible. It doesn't get much better than that.

Sweet

Look how I found my girlies this morning.They love each other. And their blankies.

He Better Be One Fabulous Kid

When I look back on the last 8+ months I am reminded at how long/miserable it has been. And it seems the discomfort is only getting worse, well not worse than morning sickness. Who knew that sleeping could hurt so bad. I wake up each morning with my legs from my hips down in total agony. I have 3 pillows under my head, one between my thighs and one supporting my belly. Breathe Right Nasal Strips have been my best friends these last weeks. Getting up and down from the ground to play with my children is a creaky painful mess. Buying groceries and getting them up to my second floor kitchen is such a workout I can barely breath after. My body is so heavy, so awkward, so lumpy, I can hardly look at it. In fact, when I chance to see a glimpse of myself in a window or mirror I am shocked at what I see. I often don't even recognize myself. That can't be me! -I say. Not even my face is familiar. How's that for some serious complaining? Hey it's my blog and I'll cry if I want to.

Despite this I am not ready for the little guy to come. We still have to put his nursery together. We still have a bit of shopping to do. Lucky for me I am already feeling the nesting instinct setting in and I can't wait to get my hands on the organizing of his room. We are just waiting for someone to take our desk off our hands. It takes up most of the room.

Just about 5 weeks left. Hallelujah!

P.S. Thank heaven for watermelon. My ability to consume insane amounts of the stuff is almost certainly keeping the swelling to a minimum.

Family Baby Shower

My lovely Rasmussen family had a baby shower for me and my cousin Jenn who is also expecting a boy soon. Here are a few shots from the fun event. (I reserve the right to not show any shots of me due to the fact that this is my blog and they are incredibly unflattering.)

Lucy and Jenn's Kurt

Again

Jolie loved the balloons above all else

Naomi is such a doll

My Aunt Sandi's baby Piper

The kids had so much fun playing and talking about babies. Thanks everyone who was there and helped out. I got some darling things. I LOVE MY FAMILY!

The 4th

We had a great holiday weekend. We visited some great grandparent's houses to swim and eat. I had way too much fun enjoying the day (and the pools, feels heavenly to a monster body) to take any pictures. I did get a few of watching the fire works at my folks' house.

poor uncle Danny

Jolie loved the fireworks but Lucy was pretty scared, until Daddy covered her ears and held her close.

We also finally cleaned out the office so now we can get working on getting the baby's room together. I am relieved. I was getting worried it wouldn't get done. With about 6 weeks left and a big birthday party for two girlies to plan, it will come quickly! I guess that's a good thing.

My Girliest Girl

Conversation with Landon and Lucy this morning.

Lucy: Let's play fiwe fightows (fire fighters.)

Landon: Okay.

Lucy: You be the pwince (prince) fiwe fightow and I will be the pwincess (princess) fiwe fightow.