We’re at the point of pregnancy where I can barely eat a full meal for the discomfort, leg cramps and fatigue are on the daily agenda. I’ve packed a bag for us, a bag for Anna, and I brought the infant car seat down from the attic. Hello, 36 weeks.

Anna’s current obsessions include “strawbs,” swinging, “music time” and learning new moves on the trampoline. My mom bought her a Toniebox and it’s been the most fun.

The most profound thing I’m learning and practicing in motherhood is communicating to Anna when we’re together that there’s no place I’d rather be than with her. My phone isn’t more precious, the laundry will get done, that book will get read. My actions signal to her that she has my full attention more often than not. I’ll never regret that choice.

Our neighbor has a donkey we named Georgie upon moving in and this week we treated him to apples and carrots. I offered Anna an apple slice to give him and she chucked it over his head.

In a recent email newsletter, I shared a new brand I really like: Sunski. I picked up a pair of their blue light glasses because I wear them when I’m working (#graphicdesignerlife) and really dig them!

Every few weeks I hop on my personal Instagram account and spend 15 minutes unfollowing accounts. It isn’t because I don’t like that person anymore or don’t have time for what they’re posting, but my goal is to get it down to real-life friends and stranger-souls that stir me in meaningful ways to love Jesus, life and others more.

Grateful for these words: “Our skin may be different shades, but our flesh all feels the same. God, help us not lose sight of our shared humanity. Help us not forget to feel on behalf of another. May we absorb the sting, carry the ache, and move closer. Help us, Jesus. Help us.”