36 weeks-1 month to go!

We have one month to go and Momma is ready! Baby is growing fast and getting big. It is so fun to see Mommy's belly move and the movements are much bigger. Baby is in a great position so we are thankful that all is looking good for our home delivery. I have had some minor blood pressure issues and swelling, but otherwise it has been a good 3rd trimester. We greatly appreciate your prayers as we look forward to the safe arrival of Baby Shiflet #5. I must admit I am more frequently asked the question about boy or girl and honestly I have no clue. It seems strange as I had a good idea and was right with Emily and J.Michael, but this one is remaining a mystery to me. Many of the indicators of boy or girl point to boy, but I am not convinced. It will be a wonderful surprise when he or she arrives. I am excited about this too. It has been hard to plan for this one as I am a pink or blue person, but having to wait has helped me to be more focused on necessities which is good. I am sure there will be a pink or blue explosion as soon as the baby is here and what fun that will be too.

As for names we have some names we are going back and forth on, but decided we would wait to announce the name when we see his or her little face...just to be sure it fits. :) David and I have enjoyed the blessing of being pregnant and talking through names.

Walking along with the kids through all these pregnancy stages and seeing them so excited to have another sibling...a baby around the house. Kathlena and Andrew have been practicing with their dolls and it has been so sweet to see them care for and learn to nurture through play what will soon be their real brother or sister that they can help with. I am sure there will be some difficult days of adjustment, but those will be teachable moments too as we learn and grow together what it is like to be an expanding family. Trusting the Lord to grow us all as we trust Him with the size of our family.