A Child's Angel

The story below was passed onto me from my Grandma (Lilah's Great-Grandma Cwik). Since I will eventually be turning our blog into a book, I wanted to make sure I had this precious keepsake down.

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A Child's Angel

Once upon a time there was a child ready to be born. So one day she asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God replied, "Among the many angels, I chose one for you. She will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

But the child wasn't sure she really wanted to go. "But tell me, here in Heaven, I don't do anything else but sing and smile, that's enough for me to be happy."

God smiled. "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you every day. And you will feel your angel's love and be happy."

"And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me," the child continued, "if I don't know the language that men talk?"

God patted her on the head and said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

The child was sad. "And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

But God had an answer for that question too. "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

The baby then turned to God and asked, "I've heard that on earth there are some bad people, who will protect me?"

"Your angel will defend you even if it means risking her life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore," the child continued warily.

God smiled on the young one. "Your angel will always talk to you about me and will teach you the way for you to come back to me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from earth could already be heard. The child knew she had to start on her journey very soon. She asked God one more question, softly, "Oh God, if I am about to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

God touched the child on the shoulder just before she departed and answered, "You will simply call her Mommy."

Big Brother, Dread...

is already starting to try to take over his little sister's things!

I started washing all of Lilah's things this weekend. While I was folding all of her blankets, Dread took it upon himself take over and make her blanket his own.

And, here is just a random photo I took of our sweet boy the other night surrounded by just a few of his toys.

UAB Baby Shower

My wonderful coworkers threw a baby shower for me and Lilah! We got some of the sweetest gifts and I have to say that Lilah is going to be a little fashionista! Seriously, this girl already has a better wardrobe than I do!! On top of some very cute outfits and shoes, we also got a lot of functional items like diapers, wipes, onesies, gift cards, and a Bumbo seat.

Thank you so, so much for everything!!

36 Weeks

How Far Along: 36 weeks

Size of baby: Crenshaw melon (not sure what that is!); She should now weigh almost 6 lbs and more than 18 1/2 inches long

Total Weight Gained/Lost: Don't know about this week and don't want to guess! I'll find out the exact gain on Monday (my next Dr. appt)

Maternity Clothes: Still, yes!

Movement: Still feeling strong and frequent movements!

Sleep: I'm continuing to sleep well. We've been so busy lately so I think that's helping! I do wake up about twice a night with no problems falling back asleep.
What I miss: Being able to paint my own toe nails. I just realized tonight how hard this task is to do by myself!! Looks like it's pedicures from here on out if I want my toes to be painted! Either that or I may need to see what type of nail polish skills Jep has!

Cravings: Chocolate Icecream-Ben and Jerry's Phish Food has been a recent favorite

Aversions: None

Symptoms: Feeling a lot of anxiety lately! While I couldn't be more excited for Lilah's arrival, I am terrified of the actualy delivery!! Jep and I were able to tour the birth suite at the hospital during our Preparing for Parenthood class and reality totally set in. Although I'm feeling anxious, I know the experience will be totally worth it in the end!!

Highlights from the week: Reaching the one month countdown until we meet our little girl!!

Donate Today!

As many of you may already be aware, the fight to cure Cystic Fibrosis is a cause that is very close to our family's heart. Our sweet niece, Ollie, was diagnosed at just 5 weeks old with CF. This weekend is the Great Strides Walk--the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest fund raising event. Please consider donating to the cause by clicking on the Great Strides widget on the top, right of my blog. Any size donation is greatly appreciated!!

I'd also like to send a huge thank you to all that have donated so far!

35 Weeks!

How Far Along: 35 weeks

Size of Baby: Honeydew Baby! Over 18 inches long and approx. 5.25 lbs
Total Weight Gained/Lost: 26 lbs
Maternity Clothes: Yes and still sick of my wardrobe selection!
Movement: She's still moving around a lot. She also responds a lot when her daddy talks to her and pokes her to get her moving- it's so sweet!
Sleep: Sleep is still good-I'm waking up once or twice during the night but not having any trouble falling back asleep.
What I miss: One of the things I miss is just being able to do things without having to remind myself to slow down a little. For example, I have to remember that it may take me a little longer to get from point A to point B. Or, it may be a little more difficult to walk up that flight of stairs nowadays. :)
Cravings: Nothing really in particular.
Aversions: None

Symptoms: Getting hot easily!! I'm usually one that is always cold. However, these days that is not the case. While all of my coworkers are still using their heaters in their offices, I'm the one with the fan blowing.
Highlights from this week: So many highlights from this week and the week before!

Since I didn't post last week I have to mention the fun visit I had with my wonderful friends, Ellen and Lindsey. They came to visit for a girl's weekend. We had the best time!! We went shopping, got pedicures, went out to eat, and boy did they spoil little Lilah!! She's one lucky girl to have such sweet aunts! (I'm so disappointed we didn't take any pictures from their visit--I guess we were too busy having a good time to stop and take at least one picture!

*Thank you Ellen and Lindsey for an amazing weekend! Wish we could get together more often!!*

As for this past week, the highlight was a weekend visit from Lilah's Grammy and Grandpa (my parents.) It's very clear that they are beyond excited for their first grandchild! They did not come empty handed--they brought Lilah lots of fun surprises! We had a weekend filled with preparing for Miss Lilah's arrival. Dad and Jep were the assemblers-they put together her dresser, a shelf for her room, the stroller and Pack-n-Play while Mom and I were the shoppers! :)

*Mom and Dad-We can't thank you enough for everything!!! Can't wait to see you again in about a month!*

*Lilah is one spoiled girl!!

And one more highlight from this week...

Cute Dread Story: Earlier this week, I was sitting on the couch after dinner with my feet up on the coffee table. This is usually the time Lilah is most active. She was really moving a lot so I pulled up my shirt a little so Jep could see her moving all around. Dread jumped up on the couch too and laid his head and paw right on top of my stomach. It was so sweet!! He is going to be such a protective big brother!

33 Weeks!

*Note Dread trying to get in the picture*

How Far Along: 33 weeks
Size of Baby: Honeydew Baby!

Total Weight Gained/Lost: 22 lbs
Maternity Clothes: Yes, and I'm getting a little tired of my maternity wardrobe but I don't want to buy anything else because we're getting down to the end. So, I'm trying to get creative with cardigans and jewelry to mix it up!

Movement: Lots of movement throughout the day. And, I've also been feeling her hiccups--it's so cute!

Sleep: I wake up about once a night and can get back to sleep pretty quickly.

What I miss: I've started missing wine again this week. That first glass after she is born is going to be amazing!

Cravings: Cheese fries

Aversions: None
Symptoms: Heartburn! Last week was the first time that I've ever had Tums and I have to say they are actually quite tasty! They taste like candy!

Highlights from this week: The start of the month of May!!! It's a little crazy to think that sweet Lilah will be here next month!! And, Jep and my 2 year anniversary on Monday was another highlight!

2 Years Ago...

It's so hard to believe that it's been 2 years since Jep and I were married. Wow, time has flown by! It's been another great year for us. And this past year has been especially special because we found out that we were going to be blessed with a new addition to our little family of three!

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband!!
I love you!

And, I do have to brag for a minute...Jep and I aren't able to spend our anniversary together since he's away helping with the tornado relief efforts. Something I'm so very proud of him for!!
However, he still managed to surprise me BIG TIME! I came back from my lunch break to these....

2 dozen yellow roses--MY FAVORITE!!!!