Thoughts on Turning Thirty

Yesterday, I turned 30 years old. At a time when many women begin celebrating the first anniversary of their 29th birthday, I am proud to say I embraced my birthday and the new decade it begins. Maybe it is because I have been so preoccupied with other things that I haven't had time to be concerned about my age, or maybe it is because that finally, at 30 years old, I feel I have found my place in life. Have you ever wanted something so bad that you're afraid to talk about it or admit it because doing so would leave you too vulnerable to the pain of defeat? I have. For a long time, I hid behind a tough facade focused on getting an education, building a career, and collecting tokens of success, while what I've really wanted all along is to be a wife and mom like my mom. Since finding the right someone to marry seems to be an incredibly difficult thing in this world I was afraid it might never happen for me. If I didn't admit that is what I wanted, then I could never be disappointed. I am so glad I hung on to my secret wants, for now I have a wonderful husband and a beautiful daughter who I love very much. While I have reached many goals in my life, none have been so great, or as challenging, as becoming a wife and mother. "What is next?" I ask. Who knows. Maybe becoming a skilled photographer. Maybe an accomplished chef. I have the rest of my life to work at it, and this time, I won't keep it a secret. Whatever may come, I do know that at least one time, I helped create something truly great. Thank you Ryan for helping me.

...simply beautiful...

...one week...

I can't believe Laci is a week old already. She has already changed too much. She is working on a little double chin and chunky thighs just perfect for squishing. She is the sweetest thing on earth and I am so lucky to be her mommy. All I have to do is smell her sweet head and I can't help but smile...even after an almost sleepless night and being pooped on. Does that mean I'm a real mom now that I have been splattered with baby poo...at 11 o'clock at night? I think so.

...satisfied with a full tummy...

...sleeping in Great Grandpa's bassinet.

Still holding up after 74 years of babies...

...our little family...

Plumping Up

We're working on plumping up those cheeks.

Looks like it's working so far.

Laci Michelle Edwards

August 18, 2009

7 lbs 3 oz

19 inches and completely perfect

The Last Belly Shot

So this is me last Thursday, August 13th...overheated, swollen ankles, and wishing that I didn't have so many errands to run. I was convinced I had at least two weeks to go, but someone else had her own ideas.

This is what has happened to me over the past five weeks since my last picture. To be honest, I must not pay much attention to my mid-section because I was quite shocked when I compared photos. Maybe I was just in denial.

Since my last post I have been generously showered with baby gifts by my amazing family and friends and I am feeling as ready to be a parent as anyone could be in my position (not very much at all). The best part is I actually have diapers and a carseat, which I have determined to be the two most important items needed as a parent. A carseat because the hospital won't let you leave without one, and diapers because, well do I really need to explain?

And since I haven't really been feeling ready for the whole delivery part of the process, Mother Nature sent her own, shall we call it "encouragement," to get this baby out of me. No need to adjust your computer monitor...yes those blobs are attached to the bottoms of my legs and are able to morph into various shapes depending on how I choose to squish the water around. I have a new found appreciation for flip flops.

I am told that someday, very far in the future, and long after I meet the challenge of childbirth, they will resemble feet and ankles again. I am currently in doubt, but a girl can dream, can't she?