There have been quite a few differences so far between my pregnancies with Everett and Beatrice. E was busy, busy, busy and I felt him move constantly. He sat right out front and I only got that pregnant face in the last weeks from about mid-July to when he was born in early September. I wanted to wear earth tones, eat watermelon, and make jewelry. I felt great, until of course the very end when I just felt HUGE and ready. I was to put it delicately, very romantic, and had lots of energy.
My baby girl is quiet. She assures me of her presence, but not in the constant manner of her still busy brother. When I do feel her move, she is quite delicate and while I know she is tiny, it feels more like a kitten than a boisterous puppy. I feel enormous and have felt huge for weeks. I am carrying her much differently and nothing seems to quite fit. And to make things more interesting, my face, neck and arms look pregnant. You know, full or broad--not quite like me? Food is iffy--still. Something will sound appetizing and minutes later it is completely unappealing. Every morning I wake up with the distinct and sudden urge to throw up, if I stay in one position it passes eventually. I am tired and sore and have contractions all the time. Never in my life except perhaps as a very young girl have I liked the color pink, yet, now I am attracted to it not only for baby clothes but for me as well. I have thrifted two pale pink sweaters, a hot pink sweater, and a rose pink dress in the last month! I worry about this little girl, but at the same time have a peace that is overwhelming and lovely.
Hmmm. It is funny to compare these experiences. I suppose it is God's gentle reminder that this little one is a unique and special gift. It also helps me to cherish my energetic, bouncy, boy because it showcases how one-of-a-kind he is too. I feel so very blessed. And I am so thankful for the opportunity I have, I certainly haven't done anything to deserve it.
Russ's basket has the snickers and razors, not the most creative, but I think he still enjoys getting one on Easter morning. The fuzzy rabbit with the pink heart is for Miss Beatrice. Everett helped pick it out and will hopefully bring it to the hospital when little missy makes her grand entrance.
There is something so symbolic and perfect about eggs. And they look beautiful all together in the pot. We boiled 18 to dye this year, Everett's very first experience with Pas and technicolor chicken ovums.
I know my mom has a picture of me about the same age dying eggs in our little house in Western Kansas. I still remember how exciting it was and how hard to wait. Everett wasn't as interested in the dying process as I thought he would be, but every time we brought one out he said "WOW, eggs!"
Don't they just make you smile? I love the crazy bright colors so much. This time of year I am ready to burn all my black and grey and dress like an Easter egg. Of course this year, I am roughly shaped like one too! Unfortunately, our Easter weather wasn't very pleasant so we didn't really do an egg hunt. We did go over to my grandparent's for cinnamon rolls and coffee though and that was delightful. My only regret is no pictures of us in our Easter finery. I love getting dressed up and the boys looked so very handsome in their new khakis and striped shirts.
Just look at that concentration. Perhaps we have a future chemist on our hands? With this little boy who knows!
And I can't resist one more picture of those luscious colors. Unfortunately, I am not a huge fan of boiled eggs so it has been up to Russ to eat most of them, thankfully he is a good sport. 
