because I know you have all been sitting around waiting to hear what I've been up to...

So how has your March been? Mine has been full of activity. And, void of blogging. Did you miss me?

March began here with 2-3 inches of snow. My hubby and son enjoyed it immensely while I ventured out only briefly to photograph the occasion. My ski pants no longer fit and I've had some back issues, so playing out in the snow this time was not to be. Plus, my balance is a little off and falling would not be a good thing.

The end of last week through now has been quite warm (70's and low 80's) and sunny. I refuse to run the AC yet, but you can bet that the fans have been full speed and the windows open. Jackson and I have pink faces from playing outside. We've been out with friends everyday at the playground, or kite flying in the backyard.

I discovered this weekend that this warm weather was going to be problematic on many levels... First, it means I have to shave more often. Which is getting increasingly more difficult. I really do hate shaving. In college, a friend who will remain anonymous (NOT ME!) also hated shaving and decided not to shave the entire winter - which is long in the NC mountains. She showed me her legs on multiple occasions. There are no words for the grossness! She finally had to 'give-in' when she signed up for a swimming class. Thankfully, she didn't take those hairy beasts to the pool!

Wow, I digress.

Second, I have not painted my toe nails in oh, 5 months or more. I realized this on my way out the door to church when I threw on some open toe shoes. I rushed to paint them. This also is a difficult reach and the paint job is ridiculous! And thirdly, my legs are that eery translucent white. Normally, this is remedied by a little sunless tanning lotion. I'm not afraid to admit it - I use it. Only enough to give me a slight shade of non-blindingness. I'm not looking for the golden goddess look! The problem this year is that Drs typically don't encourage using it while preggo. It just hasn't been studied enough to see if there are any negative side effects for the baby. I plan to ask my Doc more about it at my next appt. I can't do the long pants thing until she comes, that is for sure! My dermatologist doesn't want me to ever "intentionally sun bathe". What's a girl to do?? Any out there heard differently about using the lotions?

Other than some wild weather extremes, we have been on the go non-stop it seems. There have been cook-outs with friends, playdates, house projects, and of course March Madness is upon us. (Did you know my 'Heels finished the season top in the ACC? And, will get a top seed for the NCAA tournament coming up. It has been a fun season to watch and we just pray we can hang on and win the 'big dance'.)

I'm officially in the 3rd trimester. Just 2 1/2 months to go (or so). Hannah is getting the hiccups and kicking up a storm. Jackson thinks my rippling belly is funny. Had my first Braxton Hicks the other day. Oh joy.

Hannah's room is a disaster. I'm sorting through years of boy clothes to get ready for the consignment sale. They are all sorted by season, then by size. Now I'm in the middle of the tagging. I'm anxious to purge these, and really need the money to go towards clothes and equipment for both kiddos this summer. Plus, it would be nice to unbury all the cute nursery stuff.

Our church threw a shower for my dear friend Anna yesterday. She and Tim, who is on staff at The Bridge, are about to leave on their 2nd trip to Russia, where they are adopting two precious little children - Ben and Paige. I am excited beyond words for them. Our church has been really supportive of their adoption process and I've been so touched by their generosity! Jackson has had some extra playtimes with soon-to-be big brother Ty while his parents get things ready. Today, as I took both boys up to the park, I listened in on a conversation they had about becoming big brothers. Something like this...

Jackson: My mommy has a baby in her belly. It's my baby sister. I'm going to be the big brother.

Ty: Hey, I'm going to be a big brother too. I have a sister named Paige and a brother named Ben.

Jackson: I have a new big boy room and we painted the other room for my sister Hannah.

Ty: Hey, I have a new room. My sister's room is pink.

Jackson: I'm going to be mommy's helper with the baby. Then, I will teach her how to play ballyball. [a new word he made up for playing all sorts of games with balls]

Ty: Hey, I can teach them how to kick a soccer ball.

So precious! Oh, how I wish I had a recording of that! I was so proud of them both. Their 'conversations' usually only include pirate talk, race car talk, and just silly noises.