Memories, memories, memories!

It has been a while since I wrote last. This past week, Sam, Mary and I went to Coronado Island with my family. It was our first whole family vacation since I was a little girl. To say I was looking forward to it would be an understatement. Sam had no idea what he was in for. He was the only husband that went. I am so glad he put up with all of us Paris women for a week. I couldn't have imagined it without him. We made such special memories with Mary and my family. There was a lot of beach time, a lot of talking about what to do (coordinating 9 women and two toddlers is difficult), Sea World, late night games, and unlimited laughs with Macee and Liam. Half of the family stayed at Hotel Del Coronado and the other half (us) stayed at Glorietta Bay Inn. We walked back and forth quite often! It sounds strange, but for the first two days I didn't think of Mary in the same light. Everyone we were with knows about her (obviously), and loves her. I didn't have to worry about her or worry about someone asking questions. On the second day, when I realized this, it made me so happy. For two whole days I felt like your normal, pregnant woman. I didn't worry, think, stress, anything... I just enjoyed her. I sure wish I had more days like that. There are so many stories I could tell about our family vacation, but truth is, the chaos and stories of joy are much better in person! Below are some pictures that capture special and fun moments of our wonderful week on Coronado! 
I don't understand why I can't get them in chronological order! Oh well. :) 

These two brought so much joy to our week. Mary loved the time with her cousins even if they didn't realize she was there. 

The beautiful Del at sunrise on our last day. 

Liam Monster...He wanted off the plane already!

This little girl has my whole heart. I LOVE hearing her call me "JoJo".

The biggest pizza ever! This picture doesn't do justice. 

At Sea World... Macee put the hats on us... and then wouldn't smile. 

Melts. My. Heart. I can't wait for him to be a daddy. 

We also wanted off the plane! Liam wasn't alone... 

Since returning home two days ago, I am back to having to face reality. I go back to work this week. I am both super excited and dreading it. I can't wait to meet my new class, but I also know that my body will have a hard time getting through each day. Today, I also made it to the third and final trimester. I am having a hard time realizing that our journey with Mary is coming to an end. I love her so much, I can't imagine not having her with me...in me...anymore. This journey has been the hardest thing in the world and it has seemed to drag on... but now it's all coming to an end too quickly. Such a weird place to be. I never want this to end. This week is a big week for our little family. Monday, we have our next ultrasound. The doctors didn't expect me to make it to this one. I can't wait but yet am dreading the appointment. I can't wait to see how big she is. I can't wait to see her. I'm so worried though, it's never easy hearing everything that is wrong with your baby. We are also going to talk about her lungs this time... please pray I have had enough fluid for her lungs to develop. On Tuesday and Wednesday, we are meeting with the head neonatologist at both of the hospitals where we can deliver. We will hear what they have to say about Mary and make sure we are all on the same page for her birth. We will do tours of both L&D floors as well. After this week, we will pick the hospital where we will deliver her. Then Friday is my next appointment with the regular OB. My blood pressure has been pushing limits lately and now my feet and hands are very swollen. We would love for all the prayers we can get this week. It will probably be an emotionally exhausting week. Thursday (the only day we don't have an appointment) is "Meet The Teacher Night". It will be a long day, but a nice break from "reality". Saturday we are scheduled for our maternity pictures. What a week! Life is never dull in the Krause House. Every day is full of memories for our little family with our precious and perfect Mary.