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You are here: Home / family / baby / {Baby Bump — 32 week update}

{Baby Bump — 32 week update}

January 13, 2013 · 43 Comments
Filed Under: baby, what I wore

outfit details: sweater + owl tank, Target | skinny jeans, Motherhood Maternity | boots, Payless | market tote, my shop | yellow ring, Forever 21

Sometimes I wonder if our dreams are secretly little messages from God. For weeks now I’ve been dreaming that baby is going to arrive early. And on one hand I totally am like, “that’s fine, whatever you want to do God” and on the other hand I’m like, “ummmmm…?”

I’m not quite sure how to process that, if that were to be the case.

Of course whenever baby arrives it’ll be perfect, because everything He does is perfect. But there’s still a part of me that isn’t quite comfortable with it. Maybe these dreams are simply reminders to do my best, get what I can done, and then relax/enjoy the wait.

I’ve finished 32 weeks and am now starting week 33. Insert deer in headlights look. SO. CRAZY! And speaking of dreams, I’ve not had one “baby girl” dream and one “baby boy” dream. I’m officially confused ;)

Yesterday we drove up to Santa Barbara — me, the mister + our pup, and had such a fun time. Thanks Lisa + Alissa for all the last-minute text recommendations!!! It’s so fun to visit new cities and walk around in the sunshine, just like last weekend. Loved yesterday!

We’re slowly crossing off our baby to-do list: earlier this week I hung some more art on the wall, and I washed a bunch of baby clothes + put everything away. We’re still talking about names. We are ridiculous. Friends… give me some tips. How many of you had baby names picked out, and how many of you “just knew” once baby was born?

As for how I’m feeling, and if I’m honest, I’m a little uncomfortable. I’m scared I’m going to wet myself anytime I run after Bauer or get in the car {don’t laugh, ha!} and sleeping at night has become sort of a game. And I’m losing. Which is why I’ve been taking a nap every afternoon ;) Bauer + I are walking every day and it’s so so refreshing to be outside in January with just a sweater + a cowl from our shop. I am so thankful we have such fabulous weather. It makes it easy to forget it’s really January because it’s anywhere from 50* to 70* outside, buuuut, I don’t let it confuse me for too long.

Happy Sunday friends, and here’s to hoping I’m able to get in to the doctor this week for a routine check-up. We’ve been having some “issues” with our insurance. But I haven’t lost my cool… yet :)

What are you hoping for this week? xoxo

[PS. some of you have commented about my cravings for ice meaning an Iron deficiency. Great news, I’ve talked with my doc and she said there is no need for concern {she checked a recent blood draw}. Thank you all so so much for bringing this to my attention, it’s good to know!]

 

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43 Comments
Filed Under: baby, what I wore

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Comments

  1. Cindy says

    January 13, 2013 at 3:31 am

    Hang in there! You’re on the home stretch!! All these dreams and concerns are totally normal and your mind/body’s way of preparing you for the little one. (especially the interrupted sleep you’re having). From what you’ve shared with us, you seem to be doing great on your personal check-lists and it’s so nice to read you and your DH are spending quality time together -which is super important- before the little one comes. Keep enjoying this new experience and best wishes for continued happiness!
    Blessings to you all :)
    Cindy

    Reply
  2. Mummylala says

    January 13, 2013 at 4:22 am

    Oh positively glowing as always! I delivered my twins at 32+ weeks due to my placenta not being able to give them both what they needed, they were not even on the growth chart so they needed out. This early can be scary, but we were blessed to have relatively healthy preemies. Weighing in at 1.4 and 1.8 kg neither needed assistance breathing. And only spent 4 weeks in special care to grow and learn to feed. God knows your babies birthdate already and it’s all in His hands. :) also on the dream thing, I dreamt I was having twins before I found out I was expecting, 7 weeks later found out was indeed twins at our dating scan. I was convinced in my dream they were boys, yes they are, 14 months old now and crazy and healthy and huge! But with my daughters I dreamt opposite often too, I couldn’t decide which to believe, even doubted the scan and had to check when both were born too. Haha.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 13, 2013 at 9:48 am

      @Mummylala, Oh that’s hilarious, doubting the sex and needing to check when born :) That will probably be me. Even though we aren’t finding out I know I am going to be so so surprised once Zack announces the gender :) And thank you so much for the positivity — yes, God does know the birthdates. xoxo

      Reply
  3. Ashley says

    January 13, 2013 at 5:31 am

    Oh my word. Most precious belly ever!!! And as for names….we just picked it and stuck with it. But I’ve had lots of friends who had a list of names and waited to see their baby first before they decided!! Can not WAIT to find out who the little peanut is in your belly:) love you and happy Sunday!!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 13, 2013 at 9:49 am

      @Ashley, Why is this so hard for us??? haha. LOVE YOU! xo

      Reply
  4. Mariah says

    January 13, 2013 at 6:14 am

    I changed from “fairly comfortable” to “not really comfortable” around 34-35 weeks. It’s not a fun switch, but it does mean that things are going they way they’re supposed to!

    As for names, we have about 6 girl names and 8 boy names (all first, very few paired up with middles!) and we’ve got no idea. I’m hoping once we meet the kid, we’ll be able to decide on one. HOPEFULLY! or else the hospital won’t let us leave ;)

    Glad you’re doing well, though! And if pregnancy dreams come true, my sister bought me a diesel-powered hay wagon with a canopy for my birthday, and we’re going to cruise it down the interstate later…

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 13, 2013 at 9:50 am

      @Mariah, Oh my, I am dying!!! Dying over your dream come true!!!!! :) ha ha!

      Reply
  5. bianca says

    January 13, 2013 at 7:37 am

    When I found out I was pregnant, I wanted a girl and had a girl name picked out and everything..and the life threw me a curve ball and the ultrasound revealed a boy! I didn’t have any names or any thoughts of names and wasn’t sure what to do with a ‘boy’ LOL. But after a while, it came to me!

    You look absolutely adorable!!! Besides all day sickness, sleeping was the worst!

    Reply
  6. Evie from St. Paul says

    January 13, 2013 at 7:40 am

    So glad you had a chance to get up to beautiful Santa Barbara, the place of my birth and the county I lived in for 28 years :) And enjoy your warm days! It is only 5 right now in the TC…brrr!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 13, 2013 at 9:54 am

      @Evie from St. Paul, Hi Evie! OH it is so good to read your comment :) Santa Barbara was beautiful!!! I can’t handle how everywhere we drive it’s a beautiful, picture-perfect scene. Ahh! If you have any suggestions for places we must visit I won’t turn them down ;)

      Reply
  7. Crystal says

    January 13, 2013 at 8:03 am

    I’m 34 weeks with a sweet little boy! This is baby (and boy) number 3 for me! And I’m thrilled! Sleeping is very uncomfortable for me, so I totally relate! I have a lot of hip pain. I am completely unprepared this time so far, but by baby #3 you realize you can kind of wing it if you don’t have every single little thing! Clothes, diapers, a place to sleep and mommy for food is good. :) Hoping you have a great end of your pregnancy!

    Reply
  8. Paige Borda says

    January 13, 2013 at 8:26 am

    You look great, Maggie! You radiate so much joy! Your little bundle will be so blessed <3 We knew we were having a girl so it was easier not having to decide on 2 names- I still don't know what will happen if we ever have a boy! haha! But we just picked a name and stuck with it and after a couple days it just felt right and became her name!
    As for end of pregnancy discomfort, I saw a Chiropractor several times in my last weeks and it made SUCH a difference. It made me so much more comfortable and helped me sleep! They have a special technique (called The Webster Technique) that gently moves your pelvis/hips to their proper position which gives baby more room and gives you some relief. It's supposed to help with delivery too! Properly aligned hips = more room for baby to squeeze out! :) Might be worth a shot if you're feeling really uncomfortable. Worked WONDERS for me! Good luck on the last couple weeks! Can't wait to see pictures of sweet baby Whitley!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 13, 2013 at 9:56 am

      @Paige Borda, Ohhhhh I shall look into that! Thanks dear! :)

      PS. Every time I see your name I think back to our cheerleading days together… hehe.

      Reply
  9. Diana Foree says

    January 13, 2013 at 8:31 am

    My two girls didn’t have names for almost two days. WE couldn’t decide. Then we decided on Kristy Renee and Lynsey Patrice and never regretted waiting to choose. The names fit them perfectly. Can’t wait to find out what God is blessing you with and their name! Hugs

    Reply
  10. Torrie G says

    January 13, 2013 at 8:59 am

    I craved ice my entire pregnancy! I ate cups & cups of it literally up until I gave birth and haven’t had any since, haha. And sleep as much as you can now & enjoy it! You’ll look back on it with longing once you no longer sleep longer than 4 hours at a time between feedings ;)

    Reply
  11. IsassSara says

    January 13, 2013 at 9:02 am

    Names can be tricky, you don’t want to “copy” others, yet you want something…cute, not too trendy, not too old fashion, or trendy or old fashion! Sheesh!
    The only advice I give is think of being an adult, going for a job interview and say ” Hi my name is …”
    Would you want to admit your name is Bleu or Apple? How about Roxy or Guber?
    Ok you get the point. Some names are ADORable baby names, but don’t translate well to adulthood.
    Now last test: holler that name at the top of your voice, would you be embarrassed doing that in a place full of people? Someday you might have to, you could get a “runner”. Those kids that run every chance they get and their crazy moms calling them through the store…
    Do you have a special draw to any names? Start there.
    I was sure we were having a boy first, so we picked Matthew. I was shocked when the ultrasound showed girl and we were back to the drawing board!
    Then it just came to us. Perfect and sweet and melodic…Nina Elizabeth. We had it picked before seeing her and it fits her perfectly. The kids often ask what would my name be if…? I’ve never had them say I wish my name were…
    As for my second babe; I knew from the moment I saw the bean he was a boy. I even said out loud “hello little boy” and the tech said ” oh we can’t tell yet, you are only 8 weeks along. You can ask again at 20 weeks.”
    So when the time came and all the grandparents and hubs were there the question came ” do you want to know what you’re having?”
    ” it’s a boy.” I said softly.
    The tech looked at me surprised and smiled and my MIL asked ” What? What did she say?”
    Rob said “she hasn’t yet.”
    And the tech said ” Mom, what is it?”
    And I called out ” it’s a boy!”
    Since we had a Nina, we couldn’t quite agree. I wanted Cooper and Hubs wanted Nicholas.
    His best friend name. I liked Nicholas but a cousin had just had a baby and named him Nickolas. So I didn’t want others to think we copied…sigh.
    Then Rob just said we are thinking of Nicholas and his mother from that moment on told everyone the baby was Nicholas. Cooper was out. ( Rob would tease me with my choices; T…is the kid that eats glue. A…is the kid that picks his nose. Cooper is hockey equipment and they will call him pooper Cooper! Parker is a last name!) I couldn’t win.
    In the end my son won, yes their are tons of Nicholas/Nick’s but he is a total Nick and its a good name for every stage of life.
    Names are personal, IMO, keep it private until after you name the baby and it is on the birth certificate. Everybody loves to give their opinion, then again maybe some people should have got some input because Cash and Zarha are not names I would give to friends, or pets let alone Children. (Family memeber chose these) and yes, everyone DOES call him Cash MONaaaaay. (Rolling my eyes)
    I hope I did not offend you if Zarha and Cash were on your short lists or Bleu or Apple or Pugsliegh…
    Whatever you choose it will be perfect for your babe! I promise, even if it takes others a few times saying it outloud to get it. 😀

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 13, 2013 at 10:01 am

      @IsassSara, SARA! OH my word I can’t stop laughing… I can totally relate with everything you are saying. And the comment about having a “runner”, oh my word so so so funny. What if that’s us??? ;D I guess that’s why we have Bauer, he can be the designated child finder, ha! I loved all your tips!!

      Reply
  12. Erin says

    January 13, 2013 at 9:04 am

    We went to a private 3D ultrasound clinic to find out the genders of my children. We always had a name picked out before for a boy and a girl, and from the point we found out, that`s what we called them. The second time, we had a hard time choosing a boy`s name, and I told my husband to put his top 5 names on paper, I would too, and then we`d trade and see what the other had written. I had Brady on my list (which was my secret favourite) and as soon as he saw it, he decided on that one. My first son is Nathan (which mean God`s gift, which was so fitting) and I didn`t think the name Brady had a meaning, since it`s pretty new. I found out recently (he`s almost 4 now) that Brady means `broad-chested,` which is actually a little insane because we `ve always thought he`s built like a linebacker, where Nathan is tall and lean.

    Reply
  13. tahnie says

    January 13, 2013 at 9:14 am

    a name will come to you, and it will be perfect.

    promise! :)

    xoxo.

    Reply
  14. Alice says

    January 13, 2013 at 10:05 am

    Once I’m pregnant I’ll probably come here to search the archives for your pregnancy posts. :) I don’t have any advice, sorry, but if it makes you feel better I was born 5 weeks early and I turned out alright. :)

    Hope you sort everything out with your insurance. (Luckily we have a totally different health care system here, so I’m always covered and don’t have to worry about it.)

    xo,
    Alice

    Reply
  15. Genevieve @ Turquoise Gates says

    January 13, 2013 at 10:41 am

    Our first two names were easy – Katrina after my sister my mom lost at 24 weeks when I was 5, and Caleb after the little boy that made Aaron and I fall in love. But after that, we struggled! We had a LOOOONG list of boys names we liked, but kept getting girls! Number two was named before she was born, although we struggled with the middle name. And number three – our good friends were pregnant with twins and due a month before us and STOLE OUR NAME! (It wasn’t their fault, we hadn’t told!) so we were back to the drawing board at 25 weeks. I went into labor at 26 weeks and they didn’t think they could stop it, so we had an ultrasound to check on the baby and I asked to find out the gender (the only time we did) because if she were born I wouldn’t see her for at least 2 days since she’d be helicoptered out to a bigger hospital. When we saw her on ultrasound, a name came to us and it stuck. We called her that for the rest of my (bedrest) pregnancy!

    My son (the last) we had his name picked out from the beginning, but I began to question it half-way through my pregnancy and we went into the delivery room (which only lasted 5 minutes!) with a list of names. But when he was born, the original name just fit perfectly, and we ended up staying with that.

    So I guess we’ve done it both ways! There is a really cool baby naming website that we used – it suggests names similar to the ones you like but maybe haven’t thought of. That’s where we got girl #3’s name: http://www.nymbler.com/

    Reply
  16. Nikki T. says

    January 13, 2013 at 10:43 am

    With our daughter we had our name picked out way before she was even conceived. With our son none of the names we kinda of liked seemed just right. He was born and we sat there and chose his name. He ended up with a name that wasn’t even on my radar (I had my husband check online to make sure we spelled it right) but it fits him perfectly. Don’t worry a name will come to you. I even know a few people who waited until their children were a few days old before they came up with the perfect name. Good luck and enjoy you new adventure.

    Reply
  17. Molly Anne says

    January 13, 2013 at 10:51 am

    Hi Maggie!

    My friend always has a girl name picked out and a boy name picked out and they REFUSE to tell anyone what it is until the baby is born. She says that way no one can really comment that they don’t like the name because the kid is already branded with it (so to speak). Although I’m sure that wouldn’t stop some people. Speaking of being rude I’m impressed with how you handle rude comments!
    I also had a friend who used like…adult diaper type things during her last stretch of pregnancy. Not the full on diapers, but she didn’t trust her bladder not to be too squished. :)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 14, 2013 at 12:27 pm

      @Molly Anne, Oh sheesh, you saw that? I eventually had to remove it. It was going no where good, and fast! xo

      Reply
  18. Karen says

    January 13, 2013 at 12:25 pm

    Oh my gosh! Only 8 weeks to go! Where did the time go! I have three amazing children. Two boys and one girl. My first born is Benjamin and his name was influenced by a little boy that I was helping through Hospice. My second was my daughter and her name is Eowyn? Can you guess where her name came from? My third is Joshua, a name we just both happened to like.

    I am so excited for you. We waited 8 years before our first was born. Exciting times for you. Your going to be a great mom. I can’t wait to hear the good news!

    Hugs,

    Karen

    Reply
  19. aimee says

    January 13, 2013 at 12:51 pm

    Names are so hard! We didn’t have the name picked out for our little guy – we had a few ideas but weren’t sure. We also didn’t “just know” once he was born. But we did eventually (a couple hours after his birth} give him a name. And now – a year later – I couldn’t imagine him with any other name! Don’t stress too much.

    Reply
  20. libby says

    January 13, 2013 at 2:57 pm

    We have 6 kids (4 bio + 2 adopted) and we chose names before but there is no right or wrong way :) With our 4th bio daughter I really wanted to wait & meet her. We had a list of about 5 names but her 3 big sisters had their hearts set on one name and so we just let them choose. The name suits her down to the ground! GL & just know whatever name you choose will be perfect for your family.

    Reply
  21. libby says

    January 13, 2013 at 2:59 pm

    Oh…and I was pg 4 times with girls and dreamed only of boys so, who knows! lol!

    Reply
  22. Michele says

    January 13, 2013 at 3:14 pm

    You look adorable! (We met in shuttle on the way to Allume) Sleep & feeling like my son was using my bladder as a trampoline was the hardest part esp the last few wks! Enjoy it all & soon that sweet baby will be here. Blessings

    Reply
  23. Jennifer says

    January 13, 2013 at 7:42 pm

    We had names picked out before our first two babies. (We didn’t know the gender with either.) We didn’t have names for sure for our last two babies. It seemed like more pressure to me to decide the name after they were born because I felt like I should know what they looked like. Babies just look like babies to me. :) Good luck with the insurance – even when you have good insurance it can be frustrating.

    Reply
  24. Megan says

    January 14, 2013 at 4:56 am

    Oh girl, I totally get it. in the middle of my 21st week with second baby and I am totally and officially uncomfortable already! My hips don’t lie….they hurt! I tried a snoogle type pillow for sleeping (DIY) but I need to tweek it before I can tell if it works or not. And I already have cankles. Geesh.

    I wanted to share with you something I heard in church yesterday morn that hit so close to home for me and maybe for you as well. A woman was sharing one of her personal trials in life and it was about their baby being born at around 31 weeks. She at first had a hard time understanding why this had happened. She was a do-er and a planner (her own words) but this was out of her control. God has our days numbered. He knows the 1st day (outside the womb) of your sweet one’s life because it is in HIS plan! The ultimate devotion of God is shown through trusting through trials. Such a good lesson and one I needed to hear yesterday.

    Love reading about your life. Keep it up.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 14, 2013 at 12:26 pm

      @Megan, It’s been a interesting balance for me, learning to be more relaxed/free spirited but also being responsible/planning. I can see how both are good qualities to have :) Just like the last few years, I know whenever God chooses to bring this baby into the world it *will* be the most perfect time. Thank you so much for your sweet comment Megan! xoxo

      Reply
  25. Evie from St. Paul says

    January 14, 2013 at 8:04 am

    The Central Coast is breathtaking beautiful. February is the best. After the winter rains the hills green up making it look like yards & yards of green velvet have been laid on them with a sprinkling of wildflower color – stunning. The Santa Ynez Valley just east of Santa Barbara is the perfect setting. You will see vineyards, miniature horses, lavender fields, Danish windmills, olive trees, mountains, rivers, Lake Cachuma and much more. Your trip won’t be complete until you get to Los Olivos, my favorite little village. If you let me know far enough in advance we could meet at the Los Olivos Cafe for lunch and then browse the succulent gardens at Woeste’s! My favorite outing!

    Reply
  26. Christina P says

    January 14, 2013 at 2:32 pm

    With my oldest son I just knew it was a boy before our gender scan and well enough BOY. With my second, O I has this strong feeling it was a girl and didn’t believe them on the first scan when they told me boy, but after 5 more scans and well his birth yup BOY. The mind is funny like that.
    With both boys we knew going into their births what their names would be, but hubs and I are dorks and have names picked out for another 4 or 5 kids (not that we plan to have that many) for whenever more might happen. I mean we were talking names years before the thought of trying to get pregnant entered our minds.
    I will give you a bit of warning the lack of controlling pee doesn’t fix itself upon giving birth. Actually both pregnancies of mine I never peed myself but AFTER I gave birth its a fight to not do it when I have to have to go. It only lasts a few months as my youngest is now 6 months and I haven’t had issues in a while but just don’t be surprised if you accidentally wet yourself postpartum either ;)

    Reply
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  31. Sean says

    March 21, 2014 at 11:40 am

    , I would never give a daughter of mine the name Taffy or Bambi or (ack!) Trinity baeucse I don’t feel those are names she could grow old gracefully with. They just sound cheesy to me. Dr. Bambi anyone?

    Reply

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

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Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomo Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomorrow :) small celebrations like this are very life giving! PS. thinking of starting a zoom book club — I need more sisterhood in my life. 👏🏻📖
The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are turning. The tea is calm. 🖤☕️🧺📖
Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
We’re driving home in the dark of the winter nig We’re driving home in the dark of the winter night after a beautiful, hard & intentional couple of days working on a project ✨I’m committed to work on this this year; 2021 is already great. 🤩🤐😘
Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last 3 months. I’ve had more anxiety than ever, and it’s seriously putting me on my knees in prayer —almost daily. My mind and chest aren’t unfamiliar of the attacks, but the grip it’s had on me since September has been so strong. The attacks are painful. But... Worship music has been one of my main healers. 🎶I know God is close to the broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18), and singing this truth really soothes me. Social media has been a big trigger for anxiety for me. I don’t want to “miss out on my life”, which is why I’ve hugely stepped back in posting and scrolling. 

One song in particular comes to mind:

“We step into Freedom. 
We step into all you have for us.” -Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson

There IS freedom from the anxiety attacks. For me: music, scripture, eating healthy, vitamins, rest, crying, prayer, honesty — these things help tremendously. Also getting up and MOVING when my anxiety sits on me like a boulder, that helps too. 🖤

Another soothing truth is from the end of Psalm 34:19 — “many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the lord delivers him of them all.”

Seriously. Thank you lord. Thank you for music and for rest and for the words in your book. I need them. I need You. I need Your freedom. I trust you’ll deliver me.
Nearing the end of my “20 letters in 20 weeks” Nearing the end of my “20 letters in 20 weeks” challenge. Many stayed in Michigan, but mail was also sent to Colorado, Texas, California, Indiana, and Arizona. I loved this personal exercise! I have just one question: who will be my pen-pal for 2021? ✏️💌
We piled in the car this morning for a nature walk We piled in the car this morning for a nature walk. When I finally walked out and sat down, they shouted, “THE QUEEN! EVERYBODY CHEER FOR THE QUEEN!” (yes, they really call me that...☺️💓☺️)

I brought our basket of mittens and gloves and hats. The older two brought RC cars. Bauer the dog came along; we had a wonderful time on our walk.

The afternoon was harder, but overall the day was sandwiched between two really sweet time slots.

Bedtime tonight was wonderful. We read two chapters from our read aloud and Max lost another baby tooth.

This job I have, it really wears me down AND fills me up. It’s a constant take away AND fill up. Even when the moments feel so fitful, I know the story is rich. 

🕯🌙 Hello, sweet slumber. You’re carrying my babies away to a peaceful land. Goodnight, my children. Goodnight.

#motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodissanctifying #naturewalk #michigan
There’s a woman on Instagram I check on every co There’s a woman on Instagram I check on every couple of weeks because she is so sparkly & cheerful. She shares little pep talks, she wears fuchsia lipstick. She says, “like so, like that” when she’s explaining something. She’s a hoot. I love the joy that bursts from her eyes when she talks. In her own unique ways, her perspectives pull back the fog I often find myself in. I’m a weary mama, and her energy and gentleness feels nurturing, though I haven’t met her... I would love to meet her. 👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼I’m inspired by the snippets of life she shares online. Thank you, Tabitha for sharing your light. 🕯💓💄🌿@iamtabithabrown
What has kept you and your home busy as of late? F What has kept you and your home busy as of late? For us, it’s this…

The sound of Julia Robert’s calming voice is playing in the background of our playroom. Yesterday we finished another read aloud, Charlotte’s Web, so today my children are watching the movie. Knowing in-detail the lessons they are learning, along with reading books together, definitely adds to the joy of motherhood; the joy of teaching my children and being with them for so many hours each day. We experience so much together. Even when things feel chaotic at home, when I can’t call something by the correct name they still long to be near me and work alongside me. Tired has been a dear companion to me for the last seven years, but my children are gentle with their responses.

💞💬More on my blog! #maggiewhitleydotcom
It’s the season of perpetual hope. 🎄✨📖Of It’s the season of perpetual hope. 🎄✨📖Of books that shape our minds, of anticipation, of creative projects that mar our kiddos clothing (but morph our memories into beauty). Oh right! There are cookies cooling on the counter — gotta go! ✌🏻
Keeping my hands busy (making wooden bead garland Keeping my hands busy (making wooden bead garland for our tree; link posted to Stories) and my mind inspired (watching HGTV). I really enjoy the quiet of the evening after a full, rich day. God is so kind to give this to me today. What have you received today? 🎄💫📿
This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergra This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergram from October, from one of our many fall adventures with the kids. We had so many fun day trips, I don’t even remember where this was taken 👏🏻⭐️. I’m gonna guess Cranbrook Gardens.
This morning I sat on the front porch and read my This morning I sat on the front porch and read my book & drank coffee. The birds were with me, nearly a hundred of them. Fluttering from rooftop to treetop to hiding inside the bushes. So beautiful and calm. Mother culture... the path to joy in motherhood & homemaking.
Well kiddos, we had a great summer together! 🥳👏🏻🛴⛱🍦🤸🏼‍♀️🎨🎹🏊🏻‍♂️🧺🎠📚📺🍿🌿🌷☀️🚲

Thanks for coming along with me to the pool, nature trails, the park, hosting friends in our backyard, reading adventures, popcorn & movie night, art, planting flowers, planting a garden, bike rides, neighborhood walks, lake swimming, and supplying the ice cream truck w/ roughly $84 this summer. 

I loved our time together! 🥰🧒🏼👩🏻👧🏼🧒🏻

And the great news is this: we have autumn to enjoy together, too! 👏🏻🌾🍃🍂 so thankful.
Even if you don’t have students learning at home Even if you don’t have students learning at home, these ten “field trip” ideas will give your day a boost. 

When your mind feels foggy, step outside. When your home feels too small or too big, step outside. When the bickering is loud or your internal criticism is high, step outside. 

Give yourself (and your family) the joy of an adventure away from the home. 

🌾Visit my blog for the full post, link in profile or #maggiewhitleydotcom
It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of time these days to craft a letter when I wash dishes, take my kids on a walk, or take care of our garden. All that silence, it makes my internal monologue even louder 🤣. 

Many times we are out & about in the neighborhood and I think, “oh the flowers surrounding your porch are lovely!” Or, “wow” (to the elderly man) “you have such a great smile, thanks for sharing it with us!” Wouldn’t it be great to jot that down in a card and send it through the mail as well?

We are always in need of community & kind words! 🌷💬

I remember many years ago, when nearly pregnant with another baby and our personal finances were THE PITS, my best friend came over with $500 cash. Just to bless us. She also included a personal note. Of course, I’ve always known how special personal notes are, but this card really meant so much.

And so I’ve decided as the year-end nears: wouldn’t it be nice to send a letter a week for the final 20 weeks we have left in 2020. Me thinks so 🙂. 

Community & kind words: I’m coming for you!

PS. wanna join me in sending 20 cards by Dec. 31?
🖤working on our school room, mid-process update 🖤working on our school room, mid-process update! this wall is inspired by @mygrandparentschair 👏🏻 

I saw her feature in a recent issue of “Better Homes & Gardens” and I was all 🤩🤩over her foyer. I’m using 1/2” black masking tape (mistake-making friendly) instead of paint, also renter friendly. 

Working on this project has been so good for my mental health. Doing > worrying.
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devotionals written by Maggie:

the (in)courage Devotional Bible:
Proverbs 14:1 and Lamentations 5
31 Days of Prayer for the Dreamer and Doer:
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