Announcing......

Goodbye work..... hello motherhood

Last Thursday was officially my last day working at Next Challenge.  Next Challenge is a private speech pathology clinic for those of you who don't know.  I was originally planning on sticking it out one more week (today would technically be my last day), but I was really starting to feel run down, and decided it would best to finish a week earlier... Especially if little Ella decides to make her appearance early.  I need to get rest while I can! 

According to my due date I am now 36 weeks, however according to her size/development she is closer to 37/38.  At our last doctors appointment the doctor did her usual scan... and yep our little munchkin is still growing strong.  I think she is anxious to come out and meet her parents.  ;)  The doctor also did a scan to estimate her current weight... and she is 6lbs already.   I couldn't believe it!!!  We are either going to have a little chunkster, or maybe she is just really long.  haha Either way is fine with me, as long as she is healthy.  Plus who doesn't love fat rolls on babies.  :)  Because of her size, and my small frame the doctor is considering inducing me a week early.  That means I only have 3 more weeks to go, unless she comes on her own!   How exciting.  :)    

A few weeks ago we had a work party and went bowling.  We all wore crazy socks (as you can see below).  I absolutely love the group of girls I work with, and I'm really sad to be leaving them.

The Next Challenge gang

Did someone swallow a bowling ball?

Preggo bowling

They also threw me a baby shower on my last day, and spoiled me with lots of adorable gifts for Ella.  I love what I do, and I'm really sad to be leaving the Next Challenge team... but also really looking forward to my new chapter of life as a mum.  Not long to go now! 

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day to all the wonderful moms out there!  I wanted to wish a very special Mothers Day to my wonderful mom.  I am so grateful to have such an amazing mother.  She has raised me to be the person I am today.  Now that I am having a little girl of my own, I hope to pass on some of the knowledge and values that my mom has passed down to me.  I strive to be a mother that my daughter will grow to look up to, just like I have with my mom.   My mom is one of the most caring, compassionate, hard working people I know.  She is constantly serving others and a true example of Christ.   I love you mom with all my heart!

This mother's day has really opened my eyes to the importance of family.  My Grandma passed away this past Wednesday.  It was anticipated... She was sick for a long time and although she put up a good fight, her body gradually became too fragile to hold on.  It was heart breaking to hear of her passing, especially being so far away from home.  I was however able to find some comfort knowing that my grandma was in a better place and finally at peace.  It made me so grateful for my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and my understanding of life after death.  Although I didn't get to spend time with my grandma before she passed away, I know that I will see her again soon.  I also know that she is in heaven with my grandpa.
It is a bitter sweet time of life... as I watch someone so dear to me pass away, I am also anxiously awaiting the arrival of a new life.  I like to picture my little Ella in heaven waiting alongside my grandma before she comes to earth.  I know that my grandma is watching over us.  I am so grateful for family.  I am grateful that I can be sealed to my family forever, and that no matter what happens in this life we will be together.  There is nothing more important in this life than family.        

I love you grandma