Baby April!

I'm 23 weeks pregnant now (more than halfway!) I can't believe how time is flying! This trimester is a little easier so far, I'm definitely bigger but not as tired or nauseous, YAY! I've gained about 15 lbs. and still able to run, although I've slowed considerably. My longest runs now consist of 4-5 miles at a 9-9:30 mins. pace. A little frustrating but I keep telling myself "it's ok"! Mason and Noah actually have gone on a few runs with me. They hop on their bikes and that makes for a really fun run. Noah can last about 2.5 miles and Mason makes it the whole jog with me!

Last week Ron felt baby girl move for the first time. I LOVE that! I find his arm on my belly constantly throughout the night trying to catch some movement. I really do love being pregnant. I know that's weird to say, it's not like I like getting fat, less sleep or piercing back pain. I definitely don't like the increased bathroom trips or the gagging/dry heaving from certain smells. I love how I feel closer to God when I'm growing life inside me. I feel closer to the spirit (yes I cry a lot more and that's really annoying. I'm not a particularly emotional person but I do find myself a lot more sensitive and sappy.) I think the spirit speaks more clearly to me. I notice tender mercies more frequently. For example Sunday mornings can be a little rough with out Ron's help at home. This morning my kids listened to me and got dressed and ready for church relatively argument free! That in and of itself is a small miracle, I'll take it and be grateful for it! Lately Mason has been a lot more tolerant of eye patch therapy. We have struggled with this for months, it's constantly a battle. But the past few weeks he has been really good about it with minimal complaining and NO screaming. These are all small things but little moments I'm noticing the Lord's hand in lightening my load.
I love feeling life inside me move and spin (yes this girl spins! I've seen it on the ultrasound). I love witnessing my families excitement and sweetness towards my growing belly. Most of our conversations revolve around after "Baby April" comes. This is a sensitive subject in our home. Me and the kids are all calling Baby girl April. Ron isn't quite on board with the name just yet. Either way she is "Baby April" because I'm due in April. Not sure if that's for sure her name but for now I'm happy to call her that.

Mason had a lot of fun being my photographer the other night. He just kept snapping pictures so I just kept posing! I think he did pretty good!