The End is Here

Things have been wrapping up quite nicely, if I can even say that.  We made it to the end of the semester for A & M, Steve did really well again (we're thanking God tremendously for this because it was probably his hardest semester yet), we've got our checklist done and we even somehow pulled off the birthday party for Isaac.  Tonight we'll spend one last night together as a family of six and then we'll put everyone to bed at the grandparents'.  Tomorrow morning, bright and early, this new little person will come into the world.

I probably won't sleep a wink.  I never do.  I don't particularly care for the whole planned part of having a c-section.  I much prefer the spontaneity of labor.  It's much more exciting.  But living and having my baby live, just seems more important than my preferences in that area.  So I'll go with it.

 I'm really hoping that all will go smoothly so that I can have this baby in my arms right after he's born.  I've only gotten to hold one child after birth and that was Caleb, who was my only vaginal birth.  I've been told that if all goes well, I can hold this one while they sew me up.  Last time I couldn't hold Elliana because she went to the NICU for breathing issues, despite being 40 weeks.  I'm just about 40 weeks with this one-this weekend I would've been.  I always beg my doctor to let me carry to the end to get the baby nice and strong.  (Most of the time with c-sections they take them early).  So I'm praying he's ready.  Yet, I'm also trying to hold the desire to be with him quickly post-birth loosely.  God gives as He pleases.  If it doesn't happen, it will be okay.

We still have no name for the poor boy.  We have had so many other things going on that we just simply haven't decided.  But we will, pretty quickly, I'm sure.  All of our other children have names.  I'm sure we'll figure it out.

 Yesterday we celebrated Isaac's birthday a little early.  We started off with a birthday breakfast of Monkey Bread and I have to report that our entire family polished that sucker off.  I could not believe it.  There wasn't a crumb left.  I don't know what I'm going to do in the coming years.  I'm going to have to start making multiple things!!  We then did a quick run over to Gilroy to get Steve some new shoes at the outlets.  Our boys love to play at the Arby's there because it has probably the best play area structure I've ever seen. So we did that.  After naptime, we got ready for the party.

We kept it simple.  We ordered pizza, invited just Dads and sons and I made boxed cupcakes with frosting from the tub.  We ate to our hearts' delight and then all of the boys went out to play baseball right across the street.  It was seriously a blast.

Even the Dads got in on the action.

For all you need is a plastic bat and some determination to transport you back to your childhood!!  I wish I would've gotten pictures of all the Dads.  They were so adorable, I mean very manly, to watch!  Especially mine....ha ha!  Look at how handsome he is!

Here were all the players in last night's game.  Every single one so stinkin' cute to watch.

There were a few little breaks the littler ones took to draw in the dirt with the bats.

And the sisters that showed up to cheer on the game, got in their own fun too, playing in the dust and having a marvelous time.

I loved watching each of the boys, so determined to get their own moment of glory.  For that's how baseball is.  You have to go up to bat and try and make it all into something!

My third son kept running to third base first with the biggest grin on his face.  I can still see him running.  And since my oldest is so in love with baseball, it was the perfect thing to do for his birthday.  Now he can rest assured that he was celebrated and not forgotten.

Now his Dad on the other hand....we got him a new baseball glove and he got new shoes...I'm also giving him a baby tomorrow that I've been working on for the last nine months.  Not sure what else I can do.  I think he knows he's loved.

I still won't ever forget, this time seven years ago, on Steve's 26th birthday, when our first little man came into the world amidst such upheaval in our lives.  God has done so much in seven years.  Who knew that seven years later God would be bringing our fifth child into the world at nearly the exact same time.  I wonder what the next seven years will hold.  By the way, look at that slide into home plate!!!  Isn't that so adorable!!

For now though, I'm content that we've made it this far and I know God will be with us as we make the transition to a family of seven.

The happiest of birthdays to my amazing husband and firstborn son on Sunday.  Tomorrow we'll add another to the party and end up with a birthday run of three, all special, irreplaceable and totally unique.

See you all on the other side and thanks for keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers.