It’s official. Now that I’m at #30weeks, I feel like I’ve hit the homestretch of this pregnancy. Our little guy will be here before we know it and I’m starting to actually feel ready. Eric and I spent a good part of our weekend putting together stuff for the baby. We assembled our pack and play, organized our baby clothes by age, and got our stroller and car seat ready to go.

Never in my life have I ever looked forward to something more than becoming a mom. I look back at my childhood and have the happiest memories of all the adventures I had with my family and it gets me so excited to create similar experiences for my own kids.

I remember summer afternoons spent at Tower Road Beach, digging holes to reach China, collecting sea glass, and swimming with my brothers and sisters. One of my mom’s favorite places is the beach and she loved spending time relaxing there with her kids. On the weekends my dad would join us and I loved splashing in the water with my family.

We went on lots of road trips and saw tons of different places in the country together. My parents would throw in a Harry Potter book on tape and we’d be transfixed by the story and the scenery around us. I loved our family adventures.

We were always encouraged to be creative and play. I remember rainy days and thunderstorms meant arts and crafts in the basement with Mom. I loved watching her paint and trying to copy her ideas. We’d sit together listening to music, often Natalie Merchant and 10,000 Maniacs, and get creative. Rainy days always became creative days and maybe that’s why I still enjoy them so much. They bring back memories of making dolls out of clay to constructing a theater out of our playroom.

Ever since I was a little girl playing with baby dolls, I imagined having a little ones of my own. I had names picked out for my future children by the age of 8, and when The Sims computer game came out, I became obsessed with designing homes and creating families. I loved playing make believe and house.

Yes, I have always dreamed about being a mom. I’m not sure if it’s because I come from a large family and grew up bossing around 4 younger siblings, or because I’ve always been a kid at heart, but taking care of someone and starting my own family traditions has always been a dream for me. I love kids. I love how the little things bring them so much joy and how easy it is to remember the simple pleasures in life through a child’s eyes.

What I look forward to most about being a mom is going through this next chapter in life with Eric and creating memories for our children filled with love and adventure. I can’t wait to show my kids the world, dance in the kitchen with them, and teach them how to ski and play hockey. I can’t wait for Christmases at home, getting up early to start breakfast and coffee before the kids are allowed to come down, and then listening to Bing Crosby as we start our day and open presents. I’m overjoyed with the idea of building a doll house, reading in bed, and snuggling with little humans who are a mix of E & Me. I’m so excited to watch them discover the world and see their exuberant faces light up with each new experience.

Yes, I’m really looking forward to this next chapter indeed. I’ve looked forward to it since I was a little girl and it will be here in 10 weeks!

*photos by Eff Jay Photography

*these photos were taken at 25 weeks of pregnancy!*

30 weeks pregnant Austin Blogger austin mom blogger motherhood why I am excited to be a mom why I can't wait to be a mom