Well, due to several complaints about not posting enough belly shots during my 3rd trimester, Rich has remedied the situation!
We spent a few minutes in our backyard this past weekend to get some 36-week-pregnant photos to document my ever-expanding belly!
Let me first mention that we are super excited because the amazing Nathan Holritz will be doing a maternity session of Rich and I later this week, so keep your eyes open for those photos in the next few weeks! We are thrilled about that session, because it will involve both of us as we are expecting little Alana and, to me, that is so much more meaningful than photos of myself, solo!
Alana is growing and is very active, especially when I attempt to go to bed each night! Her movements are simultaneously comforting and very uncomfortable! We are wondering if this is typical prenatal movement, or if she is going to be a particularly active little one! My mom tells my stories of my own babyhood…apparently I was a very social, happy baby, but wasn’t too snuggly! I was always “on the go,” and didn’t appreciate sitting still for any substantial amount of time. We shall soon see if Alana exudes the same spunk!
This photo below demonstrates my pregnancy belly button, which Rich thinks is hilarious and quite unappealing! My friend Steph made me feel better by telling me how cute and precious she thinks it is! I will just be thankful to regain my pre-pregnancy stomach…normal belly button and all 
And my Lucky jeans are just calling to me from their untouched shelf in my closet!
I like the symbolism of the photos below because we are at a huge transitional time in our lives right now. All we have known in our married lives is each other. All we have shared has been between the two of us. And it has been absolutely wonderful. And now, in the near future, so much will change. We are looking ahead, wondering what the journey will hold for us; very excited but also unsure of what this new time will bring. It is a thrilling but pensive time!
I know the photo below doesn’t show my belly, but it does a pretty good job showing our excitement to meet our little Alana! We are so ready to hold her and look at her and tell her that we love her!
I find it so eerie not to know when I will go into labor, especially since I am a “planner.” I find it a little disconcerting that there are no guarantees about when and where! I could be driving, sleeping, shopping, blogging, and I just won’t know until the time comes. Strange to think about, but I am getting used to the idea.
And for crying out loud, I do not want to be in public when my water breaks! I mean, can’t we women maintain some amount of dignity during this bizarre time in which our bodies go crazy and we have all kinds of intrusive exams and tests done and we can’t even sneeze without, well…nevermind. Sometimes the absurdity of it all makes me just laugh out loud. I guess it’s all very beautiful in a humiliating sort of way 
And I guess it’s always better to laugh at ourselves than to take things too seriously! Maybe it’s one way in which God prepares us for the daunting, challenging, and oh-so-humbling task of parenthood.
Have you heard about how pregnant women are more apt to clumsiness in their third trimester? Well, have proven this statistic! Yesterday ALONE, I managed to fling yogurt on myself (hair included), then I proceeded to trip over some wires and sprawl myself onto the ground, and then spill water all over my kitchen floor!
I plan to pack our bags for the hospital this weekend, have the car seat installed, and perhaps finish up some baby laundry so that Alana’s crib will be ready for her when she comes home. D-day is less than four weeks now!
We will be sure to keep you all informed as the next few weeks unfold, and in the meantime, please be praying for a safe delivery and a healthy little Alana Mackenzie!
We love you all!
You are so cute!!!
Well, it’s been over 31 years since Richard was born but I still remember the feeling of apprehension and wonder of the impending birth. Feelings would go from anxiety to euphoria and places in between and I never knew what would be the trigger point! You’d think with his being my third child, I’d be an old hand at it. Not quite. True, with two other boys keeping me distracted, Richard’s impending birth didn’t occupy my thoughts 24/7.
You are facing a most wonderful event that words cannot express the true weight of the experience. As you know, you and Alana (and Richard) are in our prayers and more so as the time approaches!
Love you.
Mom S.
You look amazing mama:) So glad I got to see your belly! I miss you and can’t wait to see pics of your beautiful little Alana!! Praying for a safe and quick delivery.
Love you
Lisa
Heather,
You look so beautiful! Alana is lucky to have two wonderful parents!
Jamie
I swear! You so do not even look pregnant…You look hott! I am glad that you are happy and healthy and feeling well. If clumsiness increases when I get pregnant, then I might need a straight jacket to keep me safe. I run into things all of the time, drop things, stub things, kick things, etc! I am going to be one bruised pregnant lady! I love you so much and cannot wait to see Alana’s precious face; that is, assuming that she gets her looks from me. Otherwise we are in trouble
You are the most beautiful, glowing pregnant woman I have ever seen. I love and miss you dearly. Know that I pray for you and Alana every time I think of you…that is a lot!
Heather,
You are so cute! i think the last 4 weeks are the hardest- all the anticipation and you are just so READY!!! But, your time will come soon enough, that is certain! All women eventually have their baby…
Liel kept one foot up under one of my ribs and I was so uncomfortable those last few weeks…now I remember it fondly, but then it was a bit of a nuisance.
I think Alana will be active and intellegent (and creative) like her 2 parents. You guys have so many wonderful traits to pass on, and I’m sure she’ll get them! We can’t wait to meet her!
We love you guys!
Sara for the Arnauds
Hello, Beautiful!
Great photos, Rich. You captured that feeling all of us moms-to-be have….wondering, hoping, waiting….
Mom
I’m so glad we got to see the belly before we come up. She doesn’t look quite ready…:) but I know YOU are ready! Alana looks like she’s going to be quite a bit more petite than you or Amber….(lucky for you)
Love you guys, and you’re right. Your lives are about to change forever. But you’re ready.
Don’t look back!
look at em, so cute!!
i have to second amber…you really are the most beautiful, glowing pregnant woman…and i’m not even your sister! you should be a babycenter model; motherhood is already suiting you wonderfully. rich, i know it isn’t hard to make heather look beautiful, but you have some serious skill–phenomenal pics! i hope you guys always feel a measure of the happiness you captured in these moments. can’t believe your bags are getting packed already!! we’re praying…
So FUN! I do love your belly button. Mine never did that so I am always so intrigued by big juicy-fat momma belly buttons!
We cannot wait until she gets here!