Almost time

Baby will be here in no time and everyday I think...I just want to update the Blog at least one more time.
Who knows what will come next, but for the last few months, summer has been fun and full of making memories with our boys. I wish I had pictures ready to go, but they are not ready...So here is a brief journal of the things I recall about our summer for now.

The latest baby/doctor visit news:
We had a sonogram today (June 30). He's already a big boy- estimated weight, 7 lb 9 oz, measuring like a 37-38 weeker. We are still planning on his arrival being sometime after the 20th because of my due date. I'm praying for July 22 because that would be the same birthday number as KT, August 22. I'm also realizing that we now have June, July, August and September birthdays....our middle is March. Next week Dr. H will examine for any labor signs. Thankfully everything looks healthy today!

Funny thing at the doctor's office...Kevin and the boys were with me today because we wanted to check out the hospital. While waiting in the exam room Kevin entertained the boys by turning off the overhead lights and playing with a flashlight. After pretending to be in the ocean and discovering things like a whale (the exam chair), an octopus (me and Lincoln), a star fish (Dad), the boys proceeded to make shadow puppets on the wall. Then, the doctor came in and spent the first few minutes showing Preston his shadow puppets: a dog, a rabbit... and Preston also returned the gesture by making a duck, a crocodile, and a whale with a blow hole. After that, I'm not sure who was there to see whom.

Summer Happenings
Starting with Memorial Day weekend, we headed to Dallas to spend time with Mamaw and Papaw (my parents). The boys were there to play and eat and play and eat, and that is just about what they did. We made it to our favorite spray park in Lake Highlands. We made it to church and out to lunch with one of our favorite people, Martha. We saw other friends who are expecting the same time we are, except this is their first baby. And we spent just enough time in Big D to remind Preston of where he was born and grew up until he was 3. His memory proved to be strong. My favorite reaction from him was how impressed he was with Preston Road. He couldn't believe how many Preston signs were along the road, and remained a little confused as to why his name was posted everywhere, even if the road was named Preston.

We soon left Big D and made our way across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and finally to the Alabama coast. Fort Morgan, near Dauphin Island and Gulf Shores, AL, was our final destination. Our good and generous friend Crystal invited us to join her for several days at her Beach House. The scenery was beautiful, the weather perfect, friendship fun, and it was a great way to spend one lasting moment with our two boys, my sister and our friend.

Before settling in at Fort Morgan, we stayed one night in New Orleans. I had never been to NO and since the hurricane I have wanted to see what all of "the fuss" was about. Kevin found a great hotel, Place D Armes, just off of Jackson square (Historically the location of the first boys school in New Orleans we read). We took the boys out for some sea food at Bubba Gumps, and then rode the Soiree home. Our little Knights absolutely loved the adventure. Our driver kept getting "lost", so we spent a good hour in the buggy...a real taste of old time travel for an 8-month pregnant lady. The next morning we enjoyed some authentic New Orleans coffee and beignets...the official State Donut of Louisiana. A great time for the young and old. And in case you are wondering, yes we did take our precious, innocent boys out, but not down Bourbon Street.

So, we spent the rest of the week at the beach. We had fun Sea crabs, boogie boarding, and all that comes with beach combing. That brings us to June. And after recovering for a week. The kids went to Veggie Camp at Church and I spent time getting "organized" for our list of home projects for the summer, due to be finished before the babies arrival. June also included swimming lessons for Preston and many afternoons at the pool for the three of us (me, Lincoln and Preston).

Kevin had a weekend adventuring with two other friends/dads/madmen (just kidding). They spent three hot days hiking and camping around Big Bend National Park. They have pictures to prove their brute, and also a video with the sound of a mountain lion in the distance. The important note is that they came home in one piece. I'm sure Kevin would be happy to share more details at some point. He brought the boys home a great book featuring the animals native to that area, including many that he saw. The title: "I Howl. I Growl." Preston, at Library time this week, blurted out that his dad had brought home a book with the face of a Mountain Lion. I don't know how that fit into the cowboy book that Miss Constance was reading, but he was very proud; and I love knowing his stream of consciousness at any point.

My mom was generous with her time in June and spent more than a week with our boys and also helping me. Kevin and I left for a conference in Galvestone one weekend, while she entertained P and L. Then we rescued her and she was able stay and prepare for our new one washing all sorts of baby clothes, blankets, burp clothes, room furnishings...and kept food in the house. It took two of us to manage everything, and so I really noticed when she had to leave me "by myself".

The light at the end of the tunnel is very bright and we are counting down the days (where as before Preston was counting down the weekends) until Kevin T #3 arrives. The boys like to talk about my "big belly", more like enourmous belly and I'm not sure who will be prouder, Pappa or Big Brother Preston. He is really getting the hang of being a big brother. I'm excited for him, but worry a little about my baby Lincoln. He knows something is swelling, and if it's like the beach waves, he would rather be at the pool. We will really have to help him adjust and he might be the one who needs a doll to push around in our boy blue play stroller!

Have a Happy Fourth of July Celebration. I plan to make strawberry cake and watch Kevin and the kids ride the Lincoln float in the Comfort parade. Our flag is flying. I thank God that he has given us a land of peace, especially as we have children growing up in such a wild world. Thank you to our service men, women, statesmen and women, and to those who "get freedom"-- understanding that freedom comes with responsibility. May we all be devoted to preserving this priceless gift for those who come with us and for those who will come behind us. God Bless Us All Who Seek Him.