God Bless America and Our Little Acorn Squash

Happy 4th of July, Folks! 

Let me be the wet blanket here...I'm not one to go crazy over Independence Day. 

Yeah, I enjoy a good fireworks show, I love the cookouts, and the sparklers...but with it being so close to our anniversary, the past 7 years of Red, White, and Booms just haven't been the same as they were when I was growing up. 

Side Note: Travis and I first locked eyes the summer after our high school freshman year during our town's fireworks display only to then meet that following school year in gym class :) Cue the "aww's".

However, I'm realizing this year is different. 

I think it has a lot to do with where we're living now. 

Living in a neighborhood where sometimes you don't even feel like you're in America makes you appreciate your homeland that much more. We are surrounded by people who seek refuge in America because their home country wasn't safe, whether from war, religious persecution, or just because they are looking for a better life for their family. We hear stories all the time about what life was like in my country and can't help but be thankful for our country. 

This past week I've thought a lot about the blessings of America, the fact that our forefathers wanted a place of freedom for all, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and a place where we could worship our God openly without having the threat of persecution and even death on our shoulders. 

While I believe 'Mmerica can be over glorified a little too much at times, I am so grateful for this place I call home and thankful that God led us to stay right here and is allowing us to see our country with a new set of eyes. 

So God bless America, Land that I love!

Anyways, who wants to talk about Independence Day when all anyone wants to see is a bump, right?! 

How far along? 29 Weeks

Total weight gain: 21 lbs

Maternity clothes? Most of the time...found 3 non-materninty tank tops at the Gap for only $5 each and bought them in a large so I'm pretty stoked about that! 

Stretch marks? Nope J

Sleep: Not so great 

Best moment this week: Celebrating our 7th wedding anniversary. Even though we didn't do much it was still lovely, especially knowing this will be our last one alone :)

Miss Anything? Sleeping!

Movement: Several times throughout the day and night. My new favorite past-time is lying on my side and getting to see and feel her move--the joy of the day :)

Food cravings: Hot dogs! I'm so excited to eat one at our baby shower cookout this weekend! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Gender: GIRL!!!

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks, especially when I have to pee really bad...which is every couple hours lol

Symptoms: Back and rib pain like none other! Braxton Hicks, peeing, shortness of breath, and my forgetfulness has been horrible! I forgot a friend was coming to visit, an appointment with the insurance company, and to pay a bill!

Belly Button in or out? Outie!

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!

Looking forward to: Spending our weekend with family and close friends in Ohio for our first baby shower!!!

Enjoy the 4th! I know we will with our neighborhood booming all night!

snapshot from the 4th of July, 2008