Someday I'll run again . . .

I was on the treadmill for exactly 9 minutes and 23 seconds yesterday when my baby girl woke up crying. Jace was already by my side bugging me that he was still hungry (even though I'd just given him a granola bar and a twizzler), so I decided to call it quits.

This morning, I thought I'd take a different approach and loaded both kids into the double stroller. It was somewhat sunny (by crappy Washington standards), and I bundled them up pretty good, so I was feeling optimistic about the whole idea.

I should have been happy with my 9 minutes yesterday, because today we only lasted two minutes.

That's right, count 'em up: One. Two.

The wind kicked up, I could hear my baby girl sucking in her breath, and the clouds were moving. All not good in a state that has already far surpassed its average monthly rainfall. So we turned right on around and came home.

At this rate, I can expect to be back in shape sometime in 2014.

Little Miss Hallie Ann

Here she is--our little beauty. Hallie Ann (rhymes with Sally) was born on April Fool's Day at 3:22 AM. She weighed 7 lb 6 oz and was 19 inches long. We're crazy in love with her.

My friend Cassia took these photos when Hallie was 7 days old. Cassia does great work. You can see more of her photos on her website--Paper Moon Images.

39 weeks and counting

Make that 39 weeks and 2 days. Pregnant. Which is more pregnant than I have ever been. Aubrey and Lincoln were both born at 38 weeks, 6 days; and sweet Jace came right at 38 weeks.

Since I first learned I was pregnant last July, I've anticipated a mid-March delivery. I knew full well what my due date was (April 4), but there was no way I was going to go full-term. Not me. It's not how my body works. I always go early.

Surprise, surprise.

To further cloud the mystery of my still-pregnant state, my body is not showing the usual signs of being ready to boot this baby out. Our baby girl is entirely too comfy-cozy in there, despite how completely UNcomfortable I am.

I've done all kinds of stuff to try to bring on delivery. Walked, ran, jumped on my mini trampoline, eaten spicy food, eaten fresh pineapple, climbed stairs two at a time (once in the nursing tower right before my appointment), bounced on my exercise ball, and a few other unmentionables (that which was obviously a man's idea and has been perpetuated by folklore).

None of it works. I was a believer before when I actually delivered babies early, but not this time. Walgreens can keep their castor oil--I already know it wouldn't work even if I tried.

So for now I'll do the best I can to enjoy these last few days (let's hope it's only a few days). And when my sweet Hallie Ann finally decides to show her pink little face, I'll be more thrilled than ever to welcome her.