Bittersweet

We are officially five days away until I can hold my heart and soul in the flesh and blood. Lord knows Ed and I can't wait to meet this baby girl. We anxiously await this joyous occasion even thought our hearts are sad. Ed's mother, Kammie passed away this week.

Though she was sick for sometime, and the outcome was inevitable, her passing hurts. Even if Kammie was the polar opposite of my own mother, I have come to know this: Your momma is always your momma. Ideal or imperfect, overbearing or absent, a child will always have the want, need, and longing for a Momma.

I know I am having a baby, but the realization that I will soon be a mother is still very foreign to me. I am selfish. I don't want to share my husband. Even though these are my initial thoughts, I believe God has instilled in me a motherly intuition to have faith and know that He is about to show me a whole new level of sharing and loving.

*Shalayne

To You, IWALYAYWABM...+1

Conversations with 5-7 Year Olds No. 3

"Wesley, what do you want to be when you grow up?"

" The Governor of Tennesee."

"Wow, Wesley, that's awfully ambitious. What will you platform be, healthcare, education, what?"

" Ummmm, country music."

Nothing Beats the Sound of Round

Engines and motors have never been my thing. I used to drive a fun sports car, but I can't tell you anything about what was under the hood. Maybe it's because I do not have one ounce of mechanical inclination in me, or maybe because I hate loud noises. I'm bet it's a combination of both.

This is slowly starting to change. Tucked in a hanger on the Ed C. Mayfield ranch is a machine that produces an incredible, heart stopping, makes- me- wanna- pump- my- fist- in- the- air, LLLLOOOUUUDD engine roars one has have ever heard. It belongs to this beauty:

That's a 1945 Boeing Stearman,

450 Horse Power, Pratt & Whitney Radial Engine

I love this plane...but from a safe distance. I also love my 8+ months big ole belly. :)

Ed doing what he loves

I know the editing of the photos is a little dramatic, but I was inspired by old, silent, sepia toned movies...and King Kong. ( I don't know folks, that's just how my brain operates.)

This plane has been on the ranch for the past two years. Have I flown in it? Noooooo. Just when I think I'm ready to finally climb into the plane, My sweet doctor said no, not a good idea.

It's ok. I derive much joy watching Ed take off and fly over me. He did try to induce early labor by performing aerobatic stunts. I know he went to school to learn how to maneuver these stunts, but this was the first time I've ever seen him actually execute them. I had a slight heart attack watching him Crazy Eight, Hammer Head, and Spiral out of the sky. I shouldn't worry, I know he is an amazing, capable, and very safe pilot. (I'm proud of you, ecm <3)

In baby news, Grandma Rosa has informed me that my baby will be two weeks early. I believe her. There are just some things wise old Mexican women know that the rest of us don't. The school children love to touch my stomach. They are very inquisitive and sweet about the whole thing. They ask when I will bring the baby to school. I think they are just as excited as I am.

I am very thankful for the amount of energy I have considering my job description. I teach 10 P.E. classes a day. So far, I have played, stretched, and exercised almost everyday with the kids. I do sit down in a chair even thought I may feel fine. My legs and feet are swelling horribly. Sometimes I over do it, but I'm trying to be better at recognizing how much is too much. I know I'm expending a lot of energy during the day because at 8:30P.M. I am down for the count!

Exciting changes are taking place with in my family. Especially for my Parents and my cousin Audra and her husband Grant. * Congrats on the Winging, Grant! Ed, myself, and possibly a screaming baby will have to make the 16 hour flight to Japan for a visit sometime! Audra, good luck at the triathlon! I want to see pictures!*

Love,

Shalayne

Converstaions with 5-7 Year Olds No. 2

"Coach Mayfield?"
"Yes, baby?"
"You used to be skinny. Now, you're....just...fffff fff fat."

"Well, that happens to ladies when they have babies. Do you think I'll be skinny again once I have my baby?"

"No. I don't think so."

Conversations with 5-7 Year Olds No. 1

"Miss Coach Mayfield, you has a pregnant?"

"Yes, yes Mario, I has a pregnant."

Hi Baby,

I can't believe God chose me to carry your little heartbeat under my own. I think of you all the time. Sometimes when you dance inside of me, I swear I can feel you little hands reaching for my own. I'm doing my best to be patient. But, you can come home as soon as you'd like, as long as you're good and ready.

I wonder if you'll have your daddy's nose? Maybe, you'll have your daddy's eyes. God, I hope so. Will you be an old soul, too?

This world is crazy. No matter what happens, you'll always have the quiet under the trees, the peace of the cool waters rising from the Earth, and two chests who beat only for each other and you to lie your head upon.

I love you, Sweet P

Love,

Your Mama

Presley, Pumpkins, & Pictures

It's back to school for me! This is a busy week of inservice and preparation for the new school year. This is what I have to look forward to in the next couple weeks:

First day of school

Pep Rallies and Football games

Girls trip to the River

September 1st officially starts the holiday season for me. (Ok, I won't lie. There is a Fall flower arrangement and pumpkin decor sitting in the entry hall. I am doing everything possible to hold out until September to make pumpkin bread.)

My baby shower

Presley's last ultrasound

Presley's arrival in October!!!

God is so good.

In baby news, I feel great and my doctor says baby is doing great, too. My blood pressure was a little high at the last appointment. The school nurse is going to help me check it everyday once school begins. No big deal. If it's high, I'll just rest for a while and drink lots of water.

Presley does not like the nurses' heart beat machine. She kicks it off every time a nurse tries to take her heartbeat. She continues to move non stop at bedtime. I call this Presley's "Cheerleading Practice".

The cute couple below is Kyla and Josh. They are engaged to be married this Summer. I took their photos at the BEAUTIFUL Canyon Ranch. This is one of the most well managed ranches I have ever been to. Can you believe these blue eyes? Gorgeous!

Love,

Shalayne