The Final Week

 Leggings: Nordstrom | Top: H&M | Flannel: Old Navy | Shoes: Target | Hat: Nike 

Saturday  morning, I was finishing up packing the few remaining items in the hospital bag while Liam was eating breakfast. 

Mooooom? When is my baby brother coming? A question we all want to know.

I don't know, bud. Hopefully soon. I'm so excited! Are you?

Yes! I want to hold him and give him toys. But not big toys, wittle baby toys. Cause he's a baby. I don't want to be a big boy, I want to be a baby. I don't waaaanna grow up!

I want you to stay little too, while trying not to shed a tear.

Last night he brought me Love You Forever to read to him before bed. I literally only got through the first two pages before I started crying. Hormones, amiright? Luckily, he wanted to read it to me and made up his own story as he flipped through the pages.

I have one week left until my induction date and I'm savoring it up. Liam has been extra cuddly and sweet and I know he's going to be the best big brother. Though I'm swollen and incredibly uncomfortable, I'm loving the family time we've had. I think we're all feeling excited and impatient and more grateful than ever.

Texas Bluebonnets and a Due Date

Spring in Texas is a glorious time. The weather is warm (this week has been in the high 80's), bluebonnets are blooming, and the humidity hasn't spiked yet. Don't blink or you might miss it! This spring I'm especially grateful as our little rainbow baby is due to come any day now. We are feeling the excitement and anticipation in our house as we wait.

I had my weekly doctor appointment on Monday and we got to see our bashful boy. It seems he wants to surprise us with his face as we have yet to have a successful profile view. He does have cheeks for days and the perfect pout. And perhaps that ol' wives tail about heartburn and babies having hair is true. Turns out, he has a head of it and even has a patch of longer strands. 

The biggest news was the he's no longer breech (yay!) and he's 8lbs 8oz. Let's take a minute here and reflect on this. I am 37 weeks carrying an 8.5lb babe. 

Alright then.

Needless to say, my doctor is not allowing me to go to 40 weeks; that's just asking for a 10 pound baby. So our due date was moved up a week (still doesn't feel soon enough). I am 1cm dilated which is progress for Stover women. Slow and steady is our game. We don't do labor naturally and getting to 1cm took doctors half a day with Liam so any progress is encouraging! I'm counting the days (4) til I'm done with work because holy F E E T. They definitely reflect that I'm carrying such a big boy.

Around this time last year we shared the news of our miscarriage and it's incredible to think that one year later we would be waiting for our baby to get here. He is a mighty God and I just can't help feeling joyful at His goodness. 

A Mini Bumpdate

Sweatshirt: Target | Jeans: Target | Slides: Target | Sunnies: Ray-Bans | Bag: Catherine Malandrino

A few things to note as I waddle my way into these last several weeks of pregnancy.

• These pictures have made me realize it's time to retire this sweatshirt (at least in public). I think it's done all the stretching it can do. But if you're not carrying a basketball with you everywhere you go, this is quite possibly the softest thing you will ever put on your body. Which is why I say "in public" because I just don't care if the bottom of my belly hangs out around the house.
• BH contractions have hit on the reg. At least one an hour and later in the day I'll have 4-5 an hour. Never enough to actually be of any use, just the riiiiight amount to make me utterly exhausted. Is that even possible? Speaking of contractions...
• Those jeans I so proudly could still fit into at 33 weeks? Well that is no more. Shoulda kept my mouth shut.
• I've never been one to contour my face every day as my makeup routine is pretty simple. But these days, I need all the extra help I can get because #fatface. I've never used so much bronzer in my life as I have this last month. This one from NARS is my favorite if you're curious.
• I finally got my life together and started buying what I needed for my hospital bag. Purchasing this bottom spray brought me right back to labor REAL quick. That post-partum life is a doozy.

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To My Sons

Robe: Pink Blush Maternity, c/o

I have loved your father for nine years and we've been friends for twenty. He's been a part of my life more than he has not. We have quite the story, him and I, that one day we'll sit down and share with you. 

I can't help but think God knew the world needed more men like him and that's why He gave us two. Our story began when we were ten. Kids who enjoyed petty conversation over McDonalds nuggets or a Starbucks latte. When he told me he loved me and that he always would. We loved deeply as oceans and continents separated us. Dozens of flights, countless emails and phone calls sealed our love and then we wed amongst the ocean breeze. 

Him and I and also you.

I have many hopes for you both.

My greatest hope that you come to know His redeeming love, the power of His grace and that you grow in His wisdom. I pray you love deeply, caring about this broken world and all its people. I hope you are kind and compassionate, full of grace and humility. The world changes when we love, really love, those who are in it. Don't be selfish and please don't be safe. I beg of you. Love is uncomfortable but it's simple 1 Cor. 13:4-8. 

Find someone who ignites your self-worth. Be the kind of man who is patient, forgiving, and apologetic. Display these often. Who doesn't belittle, who encourages his wife to be strong and courageous. Who sees her worth and capabilities. Be the man who calls her out but doesn't use her flaws against her. 

Compassion. Grace. Gentleness. Self-control.

Love someone who stands behind you. Who gives you a standing ovation for small victories. Someone who is willing to move mountains and stand in the valleys with you. Love someone who is courageous and makes you brave. Love someone that makes you better. Find a partner who respects you. And most importantly, someone who has surrendered to His free gift.

Love each other hard. Unconditionally. Unprovoked. Selflessly. Dangerously. 

Marry your best friend. Someone you want to stay in the room with. Who boasts with pride when spoken of you. Laugh together. The kind of laughter that makes your belly ache and your cheeks sore. Be silly together. Enjoy the little moments like conversations over McDonalds nuggets and a Starbucks latte. 

I do not say these things lightly. I know them to be true. For I found them in your daddy.

Styling the Bump: Third Trimester

Jeans: Target | Tee: Asos | Cardigan: Target | Boots: Target | Scarf: thrifted, similar

As my pregnancy progresses, I definitely have fewer options and a version of the one I'm wearing here has gotten me through. It's amazing how much bigger my bump has gotten this pregnancy than with my first but I've learned how to dress without spending too much money.

Aside from pants, I can get away with buying tops and dresses one or two sizes bigger. However, because I'm tall I still have to be a bit choosey as some things, though they fit, aren't long enough. Asos, Old Navy and Target have been my favorite, inexpensive retailers to find clothes. They still have plenty of on-trend options but they won't make you go broke in a day.

My style has simplified the further along I get in my pregnancy. Having neutrals and basic pieces that can be styled in various ways helps me to grab something quickly in the morning (especially for work) and not feel like I'm wearing the same thing every day.

Things to shop for:

Stripes
Stripes are a neutral in my opinion and that's the name of the game! They're flattering and classic and depending on your style the options are endless.

Basic tops

The foundation to any outfit. I usually pick my top first and having several basic tops is crucial. I can style one top into five different outfits which is essential!

Skinny Jeans (I have a distressed pair and non-distressed pair that is perfect for casual Friday at work)
They are so versatile which is really what you want during pregnancy. Find the fit and style that work best for you, whether you want distressed or not, full panel or side panel, etc.

Bodycon dresses - emphasize that cute bump!
Typically I'm not a fan of tight dresses and prefer a looser fit but pregnancy makes an exception. At a time when you're already feeling large, it's nice to really emphasize your curves and your belly.

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