The Waiting Process...

So, I've discovered recently that the hardest part of pregnancy is the last couple of weeks where you spend everyday waiting and wondering when your baby is going to come. I think it's driving me a little crazy. My mom even came into town thinking for sure the baby was coming soon, but that was day before yesterday and still no baby. It turns out I had some virus or something. Let's just say there's been lots of cramping and lots of quick trips to the bathroom. I'm starting to feel a little better today, but still no baby. I think the most concerning thing is that she won't come this week when my mom is here, and then she'll have to leave, and then I'll have her next week without my mom here or Cor's mom. (Cor's parents will be gone all of next week.) This shouldn't be troublesome, I know lots of people do it without anyone to help, but I was just looking forward to having the help. I'll admit I'm a little scared. I've never had a baby before. But I'll be okay. And next week is Cor's spring break, so he'll be home the whole time, and that's comforting. Anyway, if you were wondering what's new...nothing. Just waiting. And everything will be fine.

Our Hofman House Heartbreak...

So... we recently came to a conclusion about the whole stay at home with baby dilemma. Pretty much, if we buy our house, yes, the one we've put all that time and heart into, I would have to be working full time, and so would Cor. If not full time, pretty darn close. So, after much prayer and contemplation...and tears...we decided that the most important thing to us is our family, and especially the little lady who will be coming into our home. Plus, we'd like to be able to finish school sometime in the near future. If we choose to buy the house, we'd be working a lot more and that would seriously cut into school and family time. And, we just know it's most important for Hadlee to be home with mommy most of the time. It was a super hard decision to come to. We're now in the process of apartment hunting. We need something more family ready. Preferably two or three rooms with W/D hookups and, if at all possible, the dishwasher I dreamed of and still want so badly. The house is getting so nice too. It makes me cry every time I go and look at it. I'll be a big mess when the painting and carpet and all those good things are done. Mostly when I walk into the room I always pictured as Hadlee's knowing it won't be. It's very, very sad. After it's finished, Cor's parents will sell our beautiful, wonderful house. We'll be able to put a little in savings then for future emergencies, or even a future down payment. Someday, when we're done with school and making more money, we'll buy another house. Maybe we'll like it just as much, or even more. I hope so. For now, we're making a better choice for our little girl and our family. Unless, of course, any of you out there in blog land want to donate a huge down payment to the Hofman House fund so we can still move into the house. Seeings how that is most likely NEVER going to happen, we're resigned to the fact that we've made one of those famous adult decisions. It stinks being grown up sometimes. But life is still good, and soon our baby girl will be here and it will be even better.

Still no baby...but getting closer!

So, I'm at app. 35 weeks now, which means I could go any time really. Doctor's say it's best if baby waits until after 37 weeks, so that's all I'm hoping for. I feel like it's impossible for any more baby to fit inside of me! Sleeping is getting very uncomfortable. Plus, I'm so excited I could pop! Or hope to anyway! This past weekend my grandma Linda and Kelsee threw me a baby shower back in my old stomping grounds. Let's just say baby Hadlee has ENOUGH clothes! She will be one well dressed little girl! We also got most of the other things new parents could ever hope for: a swing (that goes both ways, how exciting!), a bouncer, a pack-n-play, a beautiful bassinet, an umbrella stroller, a shopping cart cover, car accessories (car seat protector & shades), a soother toy for her crib, some really pretty blankets, a boppy, a hooter hider (thanks Kels), some essentials like diapers and wipes, some baby towels, and a few other, much appreciated, things. I'm not sure what else we'll need, or if there are any more baby must haves, but hopefully someone will read this and let me know. As for Cor, he's still chugging along in school, and work, and finishing the house. They'll start dry wall this week! YYYAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!! I need to get more pictures up! It looks more house-like with the insulation in the walls. We'll hopefully get to move in soon after the baby comes. Also, I'm still trying to solve the dilemma of how to stay at home with baby and still make a decent income. I REALLY REALLY want to stay home, especially the closer it comes to getting her here. We do need to pay bills though, so I have to find a solution that will make everything work. If anyone can help, please give your advice. Well, have a fantastic day, or week, or however long until I post again! Pray for a safe (and not too far off) delivery!

Pictures of our Life

Our wedding day - click here

Our Cancun Honeymoon - click here

The Making of Our House - click here for album 1 or click here for album 2

Check regularly for more pictures and posts of our ever exciting life together!

Here goes nothing...

Well, we're at 32 weeks and counting until that BIG day when Hadlee is born! We decided, after looking at Kelsee and Levi's blog, that we needed one too. That way all you lucky people can keep up to date with our crazy life and, pretty soon, the first of our crazy clan of kids. ( I already told Cor if he'd have 3 I'd be willing to have the other 3.) Anyway, right now the newest developments are: Hadlee loves daddy's voice. She almost always starts kicking and wiggling when she hears him. She also loves warm baths, music, and when mommy talks to her. She doesn't like heart monitors. Every time we get to listen to her heartbeat, she kicks at the monitor. She just doesn't have enough room to share right now! As for mom and dad: I'm still working every morning with the crazy two turning three year olds at ELC. They're my little monsters, and good training. I also see the physical therapist three times a week, the chiropractor and massage therapist once a week, and my nurse/midwives once a week. I attend any baby steps classes I can. I try to stay busy. Cor is going to school, working at Big John's with his dad, and finishing our house with his dad. He's a very busy boy and I'm so grateful for all he does for our family. He also takes very good care of me. Especially since my back injury makes the simplest little chores hard. I look very forward to the day we're in the new house with a dishwasher!!! AND A BABY!!! Anyway, keep visiting for updates, and as soon as baby comes, we'll have TONS of Hadlee photos for you all to enjoy.