I can’t say finding time to get on my blog and write is an easy process. As values, priorities, and attentions shift — my eyes look at the pile of unwashed dishes in the sink, or the quiet hurl of our chihuahua throwing up on our bathroom rug. Needless to say, sitting down and writing down my thoughts has seemed overwhelming. Even now. What do I have to write about, and where do I start this catch-up?

Let’s bring it to the pregnancy. Since I updated the blog last I have hit my final trimester and have embraced the wide-stepped pregnant waddle as my get-around. This pregnancy is going great, and compared to my pregnancy with Finley, I have nothing to complain about. No nausea, no aversions (except watching people eat meat off of a bone. ie: chicken legs, wings: barf), no signs of trouble. If I’m getting used to anything lately, it’s the constant — and I mean CONSTANT — swirling and twirling from this boy. The kid moves 24 hours a day, which brings my two complaints: lack of sleep, and sore muscles. The last couple of days I’ve felt the return of that barely-pregnant exhaustion. Even after resting during Finley’s nap I’m yawning mid-conversation and laying my head down when I get the chance.

Finley is grasping the idea of an all-new family member, and routinely gives the little guy big hugs and kisses. We’ve started implementing baby boy’s clothes and details to Finley’s room, since based on space the two littles will be sharing. Which honestly, I love the idea. Lots of my childhood memories stem from bedtime books with my siblings, and late night stories together. Fin is growing up so fast (so cliche, but so true!) and has a Pacific Ocean sized vocabulary. This means Ron and I have capped off our slippery lips and tried hard to be better examples vocally .

I am gearing up for the new addition as well — preparing my heart and mind and eyelids for domination. My motto this time around is to set low expectations and ask for help when I need it. Two things I did terribly wrong the first time around. I’m feeling lots of pressure this pregnancy (as in, my under region), and thinking it has a lot to do with the fact that my muscles have been used once before. My aches and pains are tolerant but definitely dull and constant as I lead into these last few months. Therein brings my joy to have this baby and start the process of getting back into shape, and slowing down my trips to the bathroom. Those happen about 1234567891011213 times a day.

A big life shift will be becoming a full-time mom: with no outside priorities. As of right now, I work as an assistant editor for Oregon Bride Magazine, but have put in my notice that this will be my last issue. It will be sad to step away from the magazine, but I feel confident this choice is the best for me. I’ve already felt a burden lifted as I’ve slowly been getting less work to do. It’s a great feeling.

Ron is still working at Corban University, and has been promoted to being their Director of Graphic Design. We’re attending church in Salem on a regular basis (a first for us), and going to a couple small groups on the side. Trying our best to get immediately grounded in Salem, we’ve been making progress with building community around us. It does feel strange being back in Salem, and I do find myself missing the amenities of Portland, but it feels very right to live here and we are adjusting well.

I do see myself making major strides in life lately — being grateful for small things and finding sublime in the mundane. Ron and I have geared down a new lifestyle that is “living within our means” and it has been a learning transition for both of us . It’s funny how having a lessened ability to do/pay for/experience makes a grateful heart for when special moments and times do come along. I’ve been documenting how God has been providing for us and it has been astounding to see it happen day-to-day.

I wish I had an updated gallery of photos to share, but I really do lots of Instagram’n  – so feel free to peek and follow my photos if you want up-to-date check ins: http://instagram.com/brittanynoellecox

As for now, I have cinnamon rolls raising, and swedish meatballs cooking (from Ikea. God Bless all things Ikea besides furniture). Fin and her Daddy are jumping on the bed and I can hear her yelling “BLAST OFF!” before she is thrown to the pile of blankets. They have too much fun together, and with all their rough-housing, I think a little boy is going to fit right in.