Small Things. Great Love.: Birthday, Valentine's, & 36 weeks

It's been a great week so far!! We had a fabulous time with Madeline, Darryl, Caleb, my Mom, Dad, & Becca in Temple celebrating Caleb's 1st birthday. I can't believe my precious little nephew is already 1 and so big!! He's walking like a champ and showed everyone what a big boy he was by not taking his morning nap on Saturday. :-) Despite how little sleep he got, he was in fine form, laughing, playing, eating cake, opening presents, and flirting with everyone who came to celebrate. He's also quite a ham in front of the cameras, too...just like Rebecca used to be!! When we arrived on Friday evening in Temple, Darryl was still at the hospital, and Madeline & I needed to run a few errands, so we left Matthew at the house with Caleb. I think he was a tad nervous, but did great with Caleb and he needs the practice!! :-) Saturday morning, we all got up and started birthday prep. The rest of my family came into town and helped finish up before all the guests arrived. Caleb loved being the star of the show!! Matthew and I went to Mass with my mom, dad, & Becca, ate dinner with them (while Madeline & Darryl went on a Valentine's date), and then we headed back to San Antonio.

I woke up Sunday morning not feeling all that great...I'm pretty sure I overdid it on Saturday, but try telling a Bowles woman to stop (that's what Matthew says...Madeline & I get it from our mother, who got it from her mother, who got it from HER mother!!). My back was hurting, my hands and feet were swollen, and I was just exhausted. So we ran a few errands around town and then came home and watched a movie....we had a great time just being together.

Monday I had planned to make Matthew a Valentine's dinner and I ran out to the store to buy some of the supplies. At about 4:30pm, Matthew showed up at the house (which is SUPER early for him!!), and said he wasn't feeling well (I think HE overdid it too!!), so he took a nap and did not wake until 7:45pm. I decided to postpone our dinner and grab something out instead. Tuesday we was feeling much better so I made our special dinner of chicken parmesan (the meal that won his heart!) and chocolate dipped strawberries. He brought me chocolates and we exchanged cards...we never do Valentine's up big, since I feel like it's Valentine's all the time with my husband (see post below :-), but we like to still celebrate.

Otherwise, I've just been spending my time getting ready for Liam's arrival! I'm trying to keep organizing, sorting, and arranging. I think I can say with some certainty that I think he's "dropped"...but I could be wrong! I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, so we'll find out. This week starts my weekly visits to the doctor. Everything seems to still be going well! I'm having lots more aches and pains, especially in my legs and rear end...I think he's positioned himself comfortably on several nerve bundles down there! :-) Otherwise, he's still moving and shaking!

Enjoy the pictures from the week!!
Love,
Courtney