Westerman's World

As this weekend nears its end, I am trying to comprehend that this is our last weekend before Caroline arrives! All week I have felt like I should be doing something "historical" or monumental to mark the end of an era and the start of a new one.... It was a good, peaceful weekend, and Scott and I spent a ton of time just reveling in Luke and how amazing he is. He is so smart and seems so old to us now-- and I'm sure even older once we see him next to Caroline!

I have pretty much accomplished everything I had on my to-do list before we go to the hospital. I spent time today working on her baby book and the journal I am keeping for her. I looked back through Luke's stuff, too. It is so amazing how far we have come from being brand new parents without a clue! I am really looking forward to somewhat knowing what we are doing this time around. At least the "fear" factor of feeling out of control and not knowing what lies ahead will be lessened-- I hope! I'll never forget feeling so depressed that my life was over, that things would never again be normal, and that I wasn't sure I was doing anything right! Yes, I am sure some of that was the leftovers of a traumatic delivery, two blood transfusions, anemia, lack of sleep, and hormones-- but it was also just an entirely new experience that I wasn't really sure how to cope with at the time. Now I know what "motherhood" is about-- I know my life will never return to "normal", but that's just fine-- it becomes even better than you can imagine.

So, we head into the hospital at 5:30 am on Tuesday, February 28th. Caroline Mae Westerman will make her debut sometime soon after 7:30 am. Please keep us in your prayers! We are very anxious to meet her-- finally! This pregnancy has seemed much longer than Luke's-- probably due to all the anxiety, stress, and two months of bedrest. I don't think I will fully realize what a miracle she is until I see her, hold her, hear her.... It is just SO hard to even take in. Also, please pray that we don't have any complications this time around. I'm not afraid, but I just pray that I don't end up having the same blood loss after this surgery. Thanks to all of you who have continued to cover us with prayer through this entire pregnancy. It means more than you know!

You know me-- I will post photos of Caroline as soon as humanly possible! I can't wait to have her first pictures uploaded into my computer!!

We live for monumental moments like this, don't we? Graduations, engagements, weddings, births... Moments in time that will forever shape and change our worlds as we know them. It is such an incredible process, isn't it? I know the Lord and His angels rejoice with us in these times.

Scott and I had a wonderful Valentine's Day! We went to Fleming's-- an incredible steak house here-- with two other couples. Fleming's is our favorite spot, but it is SO expensive that we are lucky to go two or three times a year. We usually go on our anniversary or to celebrate (being pregnant!) or for Valentine's Day. It was a great night and so fun to sit around and catch up with old friends. We have all known each other since college-- during our wild and crazy dating days! Now we are all married with kids! It is so amazing to see how far we've all come. Praise the Lord that we all are still in great marriages!

While we were eating dessert, country music singer Leeann Rimes came in with her husband Dean and their entourage and sat down right behind us. Nashville is such a cool town in that respect.... I think stars are generally treated "normally" here without all the paparazzi and fuss. That's probably why Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman hang out here so much rather than in LA.

Anyway-- when we were getting up to leave, I noticed that Leeann looked at me, turned to her husband and then started whispering. I can only imagine what she was saying, but probably something along the lines of "She is HUGE!" Or, maybe she was saying she'd like to start a family of her own... Who knows?!? But, I thought it was funny that she would end up whispering about me and not vice versa!

On this Valentine's Day, I can't believe how blessed we are! We have a great son and a daughter on the way. I still love Scott madly, and after 13 years, he is still my best friend. I am so happy to be going through life with him and sharing all these wonderful times together.

Thanks, Lord!

We shipped Luke off to my parent's yesterday. Scott had to be gone to Denver overnight, and I just didn't think I could handle 48 hours of non-stop Luke... at least not with just over a week to go before Caroline arrives! I was also getting sinus-y-- which makes me tired and draggy. We knew he'd have fun with Pa Bob and Ma Betz and that they enjoy keeping him. It has given me a chance to get some last minute things done on my to-do list as well. They'll bring him back Saturday.

We are getting very excited about Caroline's arrival! It is still so hard to believe that we have made it to this point! As much as we feel "prepared" this time around, I am sure our worlds-- and Luke's-- are going to be rocked! Even so, I am thankful for the chance to relive the beautiful chaos an infant brings.

Thanks, again, Lord!

Last Saturday was a big day! To kick things off, the ZOE Girls had a baby blessing for me and Caroline. It was so wonderful to be surrounded by family and friends who have been with us every step of the way through this entire ordeal with our pregnancy. Every person in the room had been involved in some way to help us through-- whether it was by bringing food, coming to entertain me, taking Luke when we needed someone to watch him, or just simply praying. There were many tears, Scriptures, and times of sharing. It was the perfect way to celebrate her upcoming arrival, and it gave me a real sense of peace and closure.... I am ready for her to arrive now!

These are photos of Scott and me on our 2nd birthdays! Looks like we had the same cake, icing, and candles-- except mine was square!