3rd Trimester

Cody feeling Morgan moving the night before our baby shower.  26 weeks.

A lot has been happening in all of our lives and it seems as if the days keep getting busier and busier. By the looks of our home it appears a baby might just be living here sooner rather than later.  A few weeks ago I wrapped up refinishing Cody's bassinet and moved it into our bedroom with a matching night stand and bookshelf I have also refinished for Morgan.  Our friends and family who have graciously offered to let us borrow baby equipment have slowly been dropping things off and filling our once empty spaces.  We are quickly preparing for family member #5!


Every few days I let my curiosity get the best of me and check on Bridget to see how she's doing. And every time she still has an upbeat and comfortable reply of feeling great.  At 26 weeks she had her gestational diabetes test which she passed easily after having some nervousness about it.  I think the anxiety came from the forward thought of what the next phase of testing would look like should she have needed it.  Which is very much warranted because the next test is 4 hours long.  No one wants to go through that!  But no worries for Bridget, her blood sugar was perfect.  She also met with Dr. West after that which was quick and easy.  Everything is going so well, she is measuring normal and is having very few pregnancy side effects, besides a few Braxton Hicks contractions every so often.  I'm so happy she isn't miserable because I do not know how I could be so far away from her if she were feeling poorly. B might actually have more energy than me right now, she's been redecorating her home and chasing 3 busy and sick kids.

The day after our last appointment Bridget and her husband Shawn drove up here to Bozeman for our baby shower. They were shocked to meet about 60 of our friends and family!  😀 My wonderful friends Hannah and Chandi put on a co-ed morning brunch baby shower where we once again had an outpouring of support and love from our friends and family.  It was wonderful to have Bridget and Shawn here so everyone could meet them. The night before our shower B and Shawn came and hung out with all of us while we were decorating. Cody and I were able to sit with B for awhile and also feel Morgan moving for the first time.  That was such a special moment for us. Cody and I were so busy at the shower talking to everyone and opening gifts I didn't get many pictures.  But take my word for it, it was perfect, we have amazing people in our lives and Bridget was a hit! We've had a lot of fun testing out our new baby gear on Dodger too.  He thinks he's getting spoiled right now, he has no idea what's in store for him.  😃

Hannah, Me and Chandi.  Thank you so much for a wonderful shower!

My Mom and I

Cody and I opening our 1st shower gift which was from Bridget and Shawn.

Bridget and Shawn taking in all of our friends and family!  Grandpa Mark is sitting in the left corner of this picture too!

The diaper trike Chandi and her Mom made for our shower.

Diaper cake our friends Brad and Ashley made for us.  Yep, Brad said he helped.  😂

Cody and I, Thank you to everyone who attended our shower

Dodger trying out the Mama Roo that Grandpa Mark and Grandma Karyn spoiled us with!

Bridget's gift to me 💗💗💗

Once we brought everything home from the shower and started putting it away, everything really started falling into place and the feeling of this pregnancy being upon us became substantially more apparent.  It's hard to establish a feeling of pregnancy reality when it's not in your face (or body for that matter) on a daily basis.  It seems every minute of every day I am contemplating some form of parenting and this upcoming delivery.  I am feeling so fortunate to have this opportunity to experience this surrogacy journey with Cody and Bridget.  I'm lucky and I know it, to have 2 older daughters that have taught me more about myself than I could have ever dreamed and we are on the cusp of another daughter that will lead me through an encore chapter of my life I didn't see coming until a few short years ago.  I was younger when my girls were being raised, full of energy, still learning about myself and life's lessons.  I looked forward to the next milestones for them and celebrated each time they became a little more self sufficient.  In light of preparing for a new baby I often think of Jaiden and Olivia as babies and how I wish I would have slowed down and soaked up all of those tiny moments for seconds longer than I did.  The epitome of what parents wish they would've done once their kids have grown up and established their independence. I've made huge efforts the last couple of months to be present and savor these teenage years (while very trying some days) with Jai and Liv, because before I know it I will be missing these as well.  Morgan is already bringing a new perception to my life that I was missing out on and teaching me that there are still things about being a mother I can do better and learn.  It sounds absurd but in a sense having the opportunity to be a mother again at an older age is giving me a second chance at parenting.  Not that it was done wrong the first time- my girls are incredible- now I have the opportunity to parent with experience, cognitively savor each stage and be still with passing time. I'm excited to watch Cody become a father and experience the unconditional love that comes with parenting.  I'm also looking forward to watching him learn as he goes and being his greatest support.  I find myself reflecting and daydreaming while counting my blessings on a daily basis. I could actually take that even further and say on an hourly basis. My heart is humble and beaming.

24 Weeks

26 Weeks

28 Weeks

29 Weeks

26 Week movement

29 Week Movement

We are almost to 30 weeks now, into our 3rd trimester and the OB appointments will start becoming more frequent.  We have an appointment next week that I will travel down to for the night.  I get a warm feeling when I know Mo and I are in the same town.  I am also excited to feel her move now that she is much bigger and stronger than the last time at 26 weeks.  Over the last 5 weeks Bridget has been sending video's of her kicking up a storm at night when everyone else is going to bed.  She's going to be an energizer bunny just like her Daddy...and I can not wait!  Speaking of anticipation I am ending this blog, laying in bed with the girls sleeping soundly looking at the clean swaddles sitting on the newly added changing station in our bedroom that are waiting to be used...each night we are a little closer.

That makes for a good night.  🌛

XO
E