27 week pregnancy picture

I thought I would never do this. I've seen oodles of pregnancy photos posted online. Some of my friends even post a new picture every week, creating an album showing the progression of their growing belly. They are usually first time moms. It's the sort of thing that I probably would have done when I was a first time mom, if I had thought of it. Certainly, if there had been a Facebook community to share it with, I'd have been much more likely to do it.

But, now, I'm nearly 40. This is my 7th baby. I'm already overweight, so there isn't such a distinct "bump" to document and it all seems sort of silly to me.

All of that said, I did see an opportunity today to take a shot to commemorate this child's growth in our family. We measured everyone else to see how tall they've gotten, why not measure this baby too? While the kids were playing at the local Science Center, I stepped into the phosphorescence booth to "capture" my shadow.

So, without further ado, here it is. My first pregnancy photo.

My Funny Family

I often struggle to think of things to blog about, but today my family provided me with so much material that I'm a bit overwhelmed.

First, my five year old spent most of the morning wearing a black witch's hat from the costume box... and nothing else. I could give you a whole list of reasons why that family member is not pictured here, but I'll just let you use your imagination.

Then, my husband went to Goodwill and bought this shirt.

There are so many things that I could say, but it really speaks for itself. I suggested that he wear it every day. He let me take this picture and then he changed out of it. He totally bought this for my benefit.

Then, my daughter showed up in this shirt.

You hamburger cows? I asked.
Yes. Eating the cow is kinder than being a vegetarian and eating all the cows food.

Again, so many things I can say, but I'll just let that one speak for itself too.

Then, this child who has not had a hair cut of any more than a trim in years...

Asked me to cut off all of her hair...
                               and make her look like this?

So, I did...

And, now she looks like this...

She feels adorable and it's really cute on her. I'll miss her long hair...
Now, both my girls have short, short hair, so it will be years before I get to do a french braid or princess knot... but, I suppose it's a sign they are growing up.

Men, Messes and Roofing

Our move was initially delayed due to storm damage, but now we have been here for over a month. Each day, I tackle a new project... it might be catching up the laundry, unpacking a stack of boxes or really getting that bathroom clean - I mean like sterile, I might deliver my baby in here clean, but I'm not nesting yet and that's not what this post is about.

I've looked out my bedroom window every day since we've been here and lusted after my neighbor's immaculate yard. Ours is filled with large logs, tree limbs, busted siding, boards filled with nails and other miscellaneous trash. It's depressing.

Today, I watched a group of four or five men change all that, well, almost all that.

They worked quickly and quietly, each knowing what to do next. In under 8 hours, they had stripped the damaged area of the garage, reframed the entire corner, cleared the roof and reshingled it.

I'm praying that they will be back tomorrow to finish up the siding, clean up the mess and we will finally have a garage to store our outdoor toys.
We were so inspired by the efficiency of their work, that after they left, we went out and cleaned off the patio.

It's been hard to be patient as we've waited for the work to begin, but their progress today gave me hope. We are so excited to actually have a back yard to play in soon!