22(?) WEEKS

It's funny how much changes from the first pregnancy to the third. When I was pregnant with Asher, I started a whole blog for the sake of recording every little detail of it. But this time I can't even remember how many weeks along I am, or the name of my midwife {or is she a doctor?}, or where in the world my OB record book is that I'm supposed to take to every visit but don't, or how many pounds I've gained, or any of that stuff. Heck, some days I almost forget I'm pregnant. And you know what? It's okay. It's kind of a relief, actually. 

There was nothing like the thrill of being pregnant for the very first time. But it's also nice to be busy with the two boys I already have so that I'm not anxiously waiting, wondering, and worrying about this one. {Granted, I still worry a little knowing not every pregnancy ends with a baby in your arms.} But overall, I like being able to go about life without obsessing over every detail of this third little boy's arrival. I'm not even worried about the delivery! Not that I'm looking forward to it- a couple of months ago I was downright dreading it and seriously considering an epidural this time- but as far as who attends the delivery, I'm not stressing {so far, hahaha}. I was really blessed to get my preference and be able to deliver with the same midwife who administered all of my routine OB care for Asher and Silas. {See their birth stories here and here.} It's wonderful to be attended by someone you know and trust. But this time it will be one of the six-eight midwives or doctors who happens to be on rotation when the time comes. In other words, I have no clue who will be there. But again, that's okay. God is my Rock, Thane is my advocate, and my body is the one that will most likely be doing the work. So, midwife or doctor, natural or medicated, the baby will come according to His plan and His grace will cover the details. 

I can't help but think the verse that says that it is "for freedom [that] Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery" {Galatians 5:1}. It's so easy to lose sight of the freedom we have in Christ, especially in America where have "freedoms" coming out of our ears. But His freedoms are nothing like what the government gives. He has the power to free us from sin, worry, and the ever-nagging need to feel like we're in control. Those are the things that sneak into our lives and rob us of joy. It's admittedly hard to put total, unwavering trust in someone- anyone- else, and it's something I still fail at half of the time. But the pursuit of trusting the One who proves unfailingly trustworthy is so worthwhile. And in the times when I see myself letting go of what I would normally be in knots over, I give Him the praise.

Silas helped me roll my pant legs up, what a cutie. And one more thing, I cut my bangs! I should have waited to have them done professionally, but YouTube tutorials like this one make it possible to do a little spur of the moment hair cutting...

Have a great day, friends!

P.S. Still staying out of maternity clothes for the most part! Technically my pants don't button...but I can live with that.

OUTFIT DETAILS 
Top- J.Crew & it comes in Tall!
Jeans- Target {similar}

16 WEEKS

It's the epitome of girly, but posting A Dress I Never Wore was so much fun that I decided to do another outfit post. This might just have to become a regular thing.

So I have a goal for this pregnancy; wear as few maternity clothes as possible. Which really just means buy as little as possible/use what I already have and love for as long as possible. This might be my last pregnancy, and so I really don't want to put any more cash into maternity wear. It'll get harder towards the end, but between some oversized shirts I already own plus the maternity tops and pants I already have, I think it should be as easy goal to keep.

So, that being said, let me just say that whoever came up with the skinny legged sweat pant concept is a genius. I've had my eye on a pair like this for the last few months. The first two or three I tried on looked better on the hanger than on me, but when I found this celery green Reebok version I was sold. I was only 16 weeks pregnant in these photos, but it seems like the pounds are piling on fast this time and lot of my jeans are already uncomfortably tight- even with a Belly Band.

But these sweats are great because they get worn around the house on lazy days inside but they can also get dressed up with a button-up and some cute flats and not look totally ridiculous. For the record, Thane thinks they are totally ridiculous, but even if he's right, I don't care. Call it desperate-mom-of-two-plus-pregnant-with-another style, but these are all I want to wear! If money grew on trees I'd buy a pair in every color, they are that heavenly.

What about you guys? Anybody else been sporting the skinny sweat pant look?

Just in case I've convinced you to give the dressed up sweat pant look a try, here's where you can find it:

OUTFIT DETAILS
Chambray shirt- J.Crew {it comes in Tall sizing!}
Sweat pants- Reebok, from Dicks Sporting Goods
Leopard Flats- Similar

On a totally different note, I updated my testimony this week. Same story and same great God, just added a new graphic and introductory paragraph. Check it out!

A DRESS I NEVER WORE {PLUS OTHER FUN NEWS}

I was going through my closet the other day when I came across this dress. I first saw it months ago at the Gap when it was still full price, and at $69.95 I just couldn't justify buying it. But I kept my eye on it for a while, and one lucky day I walked into the store to see it on clearance for $16.99, plus another 40% off for a big promotional sale that was going on. Exciting, right?! Especially considering I almost never find a dress that I love. 

It's hard to make out the details from these photos, but the fabric is incredibly light and airy and is constructed with a subtle mix of knit and woven cotton that gives it a beautiful- almost bohemian- flair. {It's not the kind of thing I expound on much, but I truly love textiles. Everyone else in my college Textiles 300 class loathed it with a passion.} But anyway- fabric tangent over- right around the time I brought this dress home, the weather started to get cool. Then, before I knew it, it wasn't really dress weather anymore, and there it was hanging in my closet, tags still on. But in the spirit of redeeming the sad story of this loved-but-unworn piece of clothing, I wore it today! With a comfy warm sweater over top and a tall pair of boots, it's not so bad in the chilly weather.

But on a totally different topic {and getting to the real reason I got dressed up and got the camera out}, I have a little announcement. This isn't exactly new news, but since we haven't made it Facebook/social media official, here goes...

Yaaaaaay! Our newest family member is 16 weeks along and we're so thankful to God for our little deployment baby. He or she took us quite by surprise, but not always knowing what's right around the corner is what makes life such a thrill!