June 18th | 4 years

I met Garic my freshman year during winter term. I remember him coming to class late, and having to sit next to me on the front row. Over those next three weeks we became friends, good friends actually. He had just gotten back from his deployment with the Marines. I had an instant respect and fondness of him. He was likeable. Class was over and we went about our ways. That following fall semester I joined my sorority. I also had another class with him. Naturally, we sat next to each other. We bonded all over again, and wondered why we didn't stay in touch. He kept trying to set me up with his little brother. I was unavailable and uninterested. In a nutshell, I was still with my high school boyfriend of (on again off again) 6 years. I know. Enough about that. After We broke up, he tried harder. He's persistent. Anyways,  he gave up on trying to set us up after two semesters of failed invites and somewhat convincing arguments.

A year passed. I moved on. And one night, my sorority sisters talked me into going to a cookout. And if you read my blog, you know that's where I met my now husband. He was persistent, too. I can still remember him telling me to give him a call later. Lol, I don't call boys. Mama taught me that. Jokingly, I said "I only know one person that's a Sigma Nu, and he's not even here to vouch for you." He asked who it was. I said Garic. What do you know, he's Garic's little brother. I laughed. God, you work in mysterious ways.

Shortly after we began dating, Garic passed away. It's been four years. Four years of missing our friend and brother. This day is always hard. But the days in between are hard, too. There honestly isn't a day that I don't think of him and wish he were still here. You see, he loved life. He embodied what a friend is supposed to be. He was honest to the core, and loyal to a fault. He laughed hard, loved hard, and fought hard. He helped my husband grieve the loss of his mother. He guided him through his first years of college. He was a shoulder to lean on, and he had your back. I grew up that day. I saw life differently. I saw people differently. Losing someone like that will do that to you.

So badly I wish he were here to share this time with Pat and I. I wish he could meet my son. I wish he could love him, and teach him, and encourage him only the way Garic can. He would've been the best uncle. Four years seems like a lifetime ago. But at the same time it feels like yesterday. So, here's to celebrating a beautifully impactful life. Here's to laughter and friendship. Here's to you, Garic.


It's been a long day without you my friend, and I'll tell you all about when I see you again.

31 Weeks

Size of Baby: the size of a pineapple!

Gender: Sweet baby BOY!

Fun fact: He has had the hiccups twice this week! I always questioned, "How in the world do you crazy mommas know that the baby has hiccups?!" Everyone said, you just know. And let me tell you, you just know. It was so funny/cute.

Movement: By far the best thing about pregnancy, and it makes it allllll worth it.

Sleep:  I slept sooooo good last night. I only got up once. What in the world!? I needed that sleep after our crazy weekend!

Workouts: Elliptical/Walking Lila. I am noticing being able to do less due to the whole not being able to breathe thing!

Maternity Clothes: Same.

Symptoms: Just an overall sense of being exhausted. But I will take it!
   
Cravings/Aversions: nothing really

Missing Most Cool weather! haha!

Nursery: Matress, check. Monitor [that we wont need for awhile], check.

Hubby: as said the last few weeks, and especially true this week... the real MVP.

Best part of the Week: Saturday was full of celebrations... we partied with the coolest 3 year old on the planet at his birthday party. Mom and I attended a wedding of a girl I have known since I was 12 and she was 9. We also celebrated Caroline's big 2-5 at dinner later that night, where we laughed hysterically about whoopee cushions and why people aren't Jesus. Long story, haha!

Can't Wait For: Tonight: our first baby class!! Ahh!! I am nervous and excited! Saturday my grandparents come in. Sunday all of my dearest friends and family are getting together to celebrate baby boy at my shower!! I am so excited to be around everyone!!

30 Weeks

 

 Helllllloooo Belly.

Size of Baby: the size of a cucumber!

Gender: Sweet baby BOY!

Fun fact: He's now strong enough to grasp a finger. My gracious I cannot wait to see those little fingers.

Movement: this boy loves to move. Just when I think I can't be any more miserable, he kicks and I realize it is all worth it and I wouldn't trade that feeling for anything!

Sleep:  I actually slept great last night for a first this week, however I think it's time to get rid of the pregnancy pillow. It was great for awhile, now it just annoys the heck outta me!

Workouts: Elliptical/Walking Lila. I did run a little this weekend, which felt soooo good at the time. But, made me extremely sore.

Maternity Clothes: Same. Loving my "maternity belt"... It really helps with the back pain I have.

Symptoms: The bump.com says it best...  (minus the swelling-- I am not really swollen any where yet). Heartburt, discomfort, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping/fatigue, and hormones. Check.
   
Cravings/Aversions: nothing really

Missing Most: being comfortable and being able to reach all the way into our top loader washing machine, ha!

Nursery: Picking up the mattress soon, it is on sale this week!

Hubby: the real MVP.

Best part of the Week: Hearing baby boy's heartbeat on Monday!

Can't Wait For: Busy busy weekend this weekend, I hope I can make it! We start our classes next week, and I am so excited/nervous!!