What My Younger Self Didn't Know.

 It's funny to think back now to my younger self.  The little dreamer.  The girl that had high hopes to have children one day, and to be lucky enough to be called "Grammie" too.  Another weekend to reflect on the quote about the days being long but the years short. Shopping in Target looking for pacifiers that aren't made in China.  Or sizing up crib sheets and curtain lengths. Showed each other diaper sizes comparing what ones we think she'll use the most of first. Wipes should be made with water, and again, not in China. So many details we worked through.  Preparing for a baby. 

Staring at my baby as she struggled to put her shoes on over her ever-growing belly.  Listening to her talk while losing her breath as the baby is really pushing up on her ribs at this point.  Making her favorite breakfast each morning hoping she could slide out of her office to eat and nourish herself first. Staring around their home they've made quite the nest of. Watching her move around their home baby-less just knowing within weeks she'll have her heart outside of her body for the rest of HER days.  

Last weekend was grammie-mommy nesting mode.  Giving her my ideas, while listening to hers. Checking out the way clothes and "Swaddles" are made now. 

If someone could have told me this would unfold.....

That my baby would be preparing....

For the biggest most beautiful life choice, yet the hardest chapters. 

She had a baby shower given by Liz, her mama-in-law at a Tea House in San Juan Capistrano to celebrate the baby with her college Sorority sisters and roommates. Her sisters she "Studied" abroad in Italy with. The many memories those girls built together. 

From this...Italy/Germany/Spain.....2016

To now.....2024

A few married, a couple engaged getting married this year, a baby on the way, and one more secretly waiting to announce next. EEEEKK!! 

While nesting Kali's room tackling ideas of what goes where, the laughter ensued reminiscing of our soccer days and the many many hours we'd travel to fields and practices, to now be sorting onesies by color and size.  

Life....

MY baby....

MY little girl....

From those days....

To these days....

The days come and go.  We're officially on baby watch.  I have my little bag packed to offer what I can if given the chance when she's laboring. We're tucked away in the Arizona desert just hours away.

 Mama might be miles away but I will make it happen when the time comes. 

Until then, we take twigs. We give our labor of hands in love.  I encourage her during these last tough belly super full weeks. lol.

The bad back aches will subside.  The memory of the movement of the baby will subside, but she's lucky enough to feel life.  The Grace we've all been given. 

I'll never claim to be a fitness mom or model, but I'll always stand up with it comes to the word Motherhood.  It's my biggest pride and award in this life. Becoming a grammie is an extra bonus. 

Navigating this new chapter with love, patience, and lots and lots of gratitude....

Hope everyone is doing well this fine March weekday....

I miss my girl. My friends, and the salty air. But this season is so beautiful..

These are the days.....

What I didn't know was my mid-life would be so beautiful. 

Thank you, Jesus!

This Mama Lisa