Hugs & kisses

So since my belly has gotten bigger, all of the kids have been drawn to it.  The girls are always wanting to give the baby hugs and always wanting to kiss the belly.  Ian is such a lovey and has an infatuation with skin to skin contact.  So he insists on lifting my shirt and putting his cheek directly to my belly.  I love that they are interested in feeling the baby when it's kicking me.  Mike and I joked that Ian left sticky notes inside my belly saying "kick here".  In the beginning I was a little embarassed when the kids would do this, but why?  I guess I just didn't want my belly exposed in public.  But then I got to thinking.....who cares.  I have given birth to 3 beautiful healthy children (soon to be 4) so why not be proud?  I don't have stretch marks - I have beauty marks:)

I find their affection all so sweet and it's making me cherish this last pregnancy all the more.  Even tho this pregnancy has been a little more challenging but I think that is because I do more.  Since I work from home there is so much that gets done to run a household (as everyone knows) and get my work done and get the kids to and from school and find time to spend with each of the kids and your significant other - it really does take a village.  Some days, I praise myself when all is done and then some days I don't do as much and completely exhausted.  At the end of the day, regardless of what gets done and what doesn't, I am thankful for my family, friends, health and husband. 

Being on my feet a little more this pregnancy I invested in a belly band.  Seriously?  Why didn't I use this before and why did I wait until this pregnancy is almost done?  It's awesome and it makes it so I forget that I am carrying an extra 20 pounds on my front section.  All in all, I am thankful for this pregnancy and this healthy human growing inside me.  I can't wait for this family of 6 adventure.  But it's ok to feel scared at the same time, right?:)