A gift

As most of you know, I am the youngest of three children. I often enjoyed my role as the baby of the family, but there were times it wasn't as fun. One time, for example, was when my older brother and sister made up a song about how I was only worth $0.99. It sounds really cruel. Kids can be harsh, can't they? But, it stuck with me all these years and it probably keeps me grounded when I need it most. We'll chalk it up to a life lesson. I promise I'm not bitter.

Let me explain. We didn't grow up with much money. In fact, we were pretty poor. So, that forced you to be resourceful with things. Most of my clothes were hand-me-downs from my sister and there were always brand-name things we wanted, but would never own because we simply couldn't afford them. Also, there were many toys my mom couldn't just go and buy upon our request. One of those toys was a Barbie car. I always wanted one and never had one. It wasn't a priority so I just didn't get it. Incidentally, I used a shoebox for a Barbie car. I thought it was clever. My siblings thought it was dumb and added that to a verse in the song about me only being worth 99 cents. 

I guess at some point I told one of my friends this story. Fast forward several months later when she tells me she has a Christmas present for me. I open this:

That story about me not having a Barbie car stuck with her and she wanted to be sure I didn't go my entire life without one. I love it! I will share it with Nola one day, of course. What I really love about this is that it represents so much more than a toy. 

First of all, it shows she actually listened to me. I know I'm personally guilty of being in such a hurry at times that I don't truly listen to what the person is saying. I physically hear them, but am not actively listening and participating in the conversation. How thoughtful of her to listen, remember and think of me months later.

Also, I've said since I became pregnant with Nola that "I want to give her everything she needs, but not everything she wants." As a child, I didn't need this Barbie car. I needed food, shelter, love, etc. I received those things, but I did not receive everything I wanted. So, I found myself thinking many years down the road. I'm at the store with Nola and she's begging me for something she thinks she needs. I hope this car will be a reminder to Dell and I to never spoil her with things, but only with love and attention. Because I think I've turned out alright and I know she will too. 

Thank you

A special thanks to my friends, family and co-workers for all the fabulous gifts. You all have surprised Dell and I with your love and support beyond what we ever imagined. Thank you so much for everything you have done to help us prepare for our new little one and for showing her love already. Here are a few pictures from some of the showers and some to prove she's going to be a Thunder fan:

December 17, 2012

I'm exactly one month away from my due date. I feel like this pregnancy has gone by so fast and I can't believe it's coming to an end. I'm ready and not ready at the same time. I'm excited to see her sweet face, hold her hand, snuggle with her and see Dell with his baby girl. But, it's crazy to think that literally everything is going to change from the moment she's born. I know we'll have challenges and things will be hard at times, but I also know it's going to be worth it. I think my body is ready to have this baby. My feet are swollen, my weight is climbing and my back is giving up. I know I will miss feeling her move in my belly and always having her with me wherever I go. And when she's here at least the sleepless nights will be spent holding her instead of just tossing and turning trying to get comfortable (someone can remind me of this when I'm complaining at 3 in the morning one day here in a couple of months). If I'm being honest, I'm scared and very anxious about this new adventure, but most of all I'm excited and feel very blessed to experience it.

 35 Weeks

 Her face at 32 Weeks

    

December 6, 2012

We went to the doctor today and had a great visit. Our little girl has a tiny bit of hair already and is quite the little chunk. She's measuring almost two weeks ahead, and she's in the 75th percentile for growth. The little hungry caterpillar already weighs 6lbs 2oz. She's going to be a big baby, just like her mama. I won't tell you what my doctor said to me as a joke, but it made me cover my face in horror. I have 6 weeks until my due date, but I'm hoping she comes out early ... happy, healthy and smaller than a 9lb bowling ball. 

November 20, 2012

We had an appointment this morning and were so excited to see how much baby Nola had changed from our previous appointment. Last time we weren't able to get a good picture of her face because her hand was in the way, so our doctor gave us a nice shot of her bottom. Dell wasn't amused. So, I had been talking to Nola and asking her to show her face at the next appointment. We just love seeing her. So, she did. I can't get the pdf to upload here, but trust me when I say she's adorable.  She's weighing about 4lbs 4oz, which is apparently right on average for her age. It was a great appointment and we're going back again in two weeks. I can't believe how close it is.

However, on the way in to see the doctor, I saw something that I have not forgotten about. As we pulled into the parking lot, we saw a woman crying hysterically and the husband comforting her. I don't know her story, but I know her pain. It quickly reminded me that not everyone is coming to that building and leaving with good news. I was her several months ago when I received the news of the cyst and thought I may never be able to have biological children on my own. I was her in Arkansas when we lost the last baby at 8 weeks. I haven't forgotten what it feels like to receive disappointing news, instead of the happy news of a growing, healthy baby. I wanted to hug her, to let her know that she's not alone in feeling sad and that it's normal to be upset. I started to cry just thinking about her heartbreak and knowing that, even if I did hug her, there's nothing I could've said to make her feel better. So, I just silently prayed that God would give her comfort and peace to help with whatever she's suffering through. And that I would never lose my sense of gratitude for my situation. I am so thankful to be where I'm at today.  

Maternity Pictures

November 7, 2012

Things have been very busy lately and I've not done a good job of keeping up with the blog. We have been building our house for months and the end is drawing near. That's one thing that keeps me up at night. While I feel truly blessed to have this opportunity, it has also been painful at times and I'm ready for it to be settled. Growing up, and even as I got older, I never imagined being able to build a home, so I am grateful to be in this situation. But I have mixed emotions about it all. Since moving back to Tulsa, we have been staying with my sister and her family for the past year and a half. In reality, the situation couldn't be better. We literally thank God for them and the way they've opened their home to us all the time. It's such an unselfish thing to do and it could've been very painful for everyone involved, but it hasn't been. Not at all. We have two (and a half now) humans + two dogs living in ONE bedroom and sharing a bathroom with all our necessary belongings. In total, there are four adults, two children (with one on the way), three dogs and five vehicles sharing a house, a refrigerator, a pantry, parking, living room, kitchen and everything else you can think of. It's not normal, but it has actually worked for us. I think we're beyond lucky we all get along as well as we do and we've managed to stay friendly throughout the entire process. 

And, as much as I can't wait to have our own space, settle in, spread out and get Nola's room ready, I do realize I will miss the crazy living situation we had at the Corbin house. I've spent so much time lately focusing on how great it will be to have our own place, but I can't deny the fact that there are things I will miss about living with my sister. 

Some things I know will miss:
Coming home after a bad day to a greeting by my nephews
Hearing the boys play together downstairs
Having Gavin bring me my mail or the paper upstairs
Helping each other cook Sunday night dinner  
Always having my sister there to talk to
Seeing Chris and Dell bond over sports
Hanging out in our pajamas playing games, telling jokes or whatever
  
Some things I'm looking forward to: 
Unpacking and arranging both new and old things, furniture, etc.
Getting the nursery set up
Having a fridge and freezer to ourselves
Not sharing a bathroom sink
Parking in a garage this winter
Lighting the fireplace and putting up a Christmas tree
Sleeping in a comfortable bed, not on the floor
No train noises in the middle of the night
    
 I'm sure there is more to be added, but that's a start. To Starr and Chris, we can't thank you enough for what you've done for us. We love you and are so glad we'll still be close.