April Daybook... or "Nightbook" in my case

Outside my window...

The night! Just the dark air and glistening, wet pavement from some light showers earlier.

I am thinking...
Meal-planning is a major "must" this week. Following through with said meal plans is even MORE important. Somehow Bright Week became "recuperate-from-Holy Week/ Pascha," which means my cooking was pretty minimal. Burgers anyone? Ahh!

I'm also thinking about school again, for V. I'm back to "not ruling out" homeschooling. Sort of nice, yet terrifying. I have no clue what will be happening come fall. Preschool at our church is definitely a strong possiblity, still!

Thinking of S., who is almost 2. And boy, is she ever TWO-- tantrums and everything. Yet, she's so sweet and full of personality at the same time.

I won't lie, I've got labor on the brain, as I've been enduring some braxton hicks lately. Sort of clueless as to how to prepare for this baby. Will he be early like my other two? Will he be right on time, or even late? There's no saying. I've heard that third borns can be quite the wild cards. I know he'll come when he wants to... I'm just a bit worried that he'll pull a sneak attack and decide to drop in at any given moment. Is my life ready to change, topsy turvy, once again with a brand new baby? With a BOY? With THREE kids? I'm not sure! :)

I'm realizing I have a lot on my mind now... I should probably stop worrying and go to bed :)

I am thankful for...

My sweet daughters, my sweet husband, a so-far healthy pregnancy! My extended family and my friends, both of which I got to spend lots of time with this week. Busy, but blessed. :)

I'm thankful that this week I was able to rest a lot and not feel as huge, miserable and pregnant as I felt last week when I was running ragged, busy, busy, busy. Truly, a blessing from God!

From the learning rooms...

My kids are sponges, they seem to be learning all of the time, whether I want them to or not! However, I'm not currently teaching them anything intentional in a formal fashion. Does my Sunday school class count? Today we learned about St. Thomas and read a beautiful book on Holy Week and Pascha :)

From the kitchen...
Nothing, really. The kitchen was unoccupied today; we instead had a marathon day outside of the home with morning Liturgy, a birthday lunch with my mom and family, and then another different birthday celebration for a friend. I think there's a bowl of tortilla chips, growing stale, on our kitchen table. Does that count? Ha!

I am wearing...
My comfy PJ fleece pants, a t-shirt and my black fuzzy slippers.

I am creating...
I was going to sew a purse/ bag. But I might have to put that project on hold and get crackin' on some birthday presents for my lovely girls! Plus, I'd like to complete a quilt for my own sweet Baby Boy by the time he arrives (whenever that may be... supposedly not for another 5-6 weeks, but...)

I am going...
Nowhere tomorrow! YESSSSS!

I am reading...
"Wounded by Love" by Elder Porphyrios. Just a few more pages to go! I HIGHLY recommend it, if you haven't read it already. Skimming through "Birthing from Within", too, for old times' sake. :) Another book I recommend, especially if you're considering natural birth.

I am hoping...
To sustain the joy of the Resurrection in my own heart, and not get bogged down by things that I can't control. I'm hoping to give my girls' a meaningful and lovely birthday celebration with minimal stress and without overspending! Is that possible?

I am hearing...
The hum of the computer monitor. The only sound in this house right now!

Around the house...
Floors need to be vacuumed, for sure! Fortunately, since we weren't home much this weekend, and thanks to my mom's help straightening up the house (she's got mad skills) from Friday evening, my house is relatively tidy.

One of my favorite things..
Baby kicks, soothing hot baths, my girls' hair in braids (too CUTE!!!!!)... oops, just one? :)

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Meal plan. Meal make. Meal freeze? Okay. Enough with the ogre-talk. Nest. Sewing/ purchasing b-day gifts for my babes. Wash crib bedding, get baby crib and infant car seat prepped. Schedule midwife appointments. Job's home for the day on Friday-- yay! Drink plenty of water, get lots of rest and keep this baby cookin'. Brunch with a friend on Saturday! Birthday party for niece right after that! Vespers and Liturgy on the weekend (Happy Namesday to my baby girl S. next Sunday! :D).

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...

I absolutely love this girl. I love this picture. I love her tiny braids :) She's getting so big... no trace of baby in her whatsoever. It makes me kinda sad, but then again, I'm really enjoying who she's becoming. Her heart is so full of love, and she is such a big helper to her mama. She's definitely still a handful at times, but the explosions of drama are simmering down, ever so slightly :)

I hope you have a lovely week! Again, Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!