6 more weeks!

I'm 34 weeks now... 6 weeks until the due date. But only 3 weeks until she's full term. I don't know why I should still feel so surprised that I am pregnant. Are most moms used to the idea by now? I promise sometimes I wake up at night and think, "Oh my GOD, I'm pregnant!". It makes me smile every time.

We go back to the doctor next Monday, and then he'll start checking me at the appointment after that - at 36 weeks. So, I'm on the once a week schedule starting next week. I know she is growing! In fact, I'm pretty sure she's running out of room. She keeps a foot under my ribs and punches my bladder at the same time. Her movements are different, which started to freak me out the other day. But I've decided it's because she just doesn't have the room to cartwheel anymore like she had only a few weeks ago. I'm starting to get things together for the hospital, just in case. Still left to do: get car seat installed by someone who knows what they're doing, wash her clothes, sheets, etc, and continue to pray for a safe delivery and healthy baby.

My closest friends and family threw me a baby shower a few weeks ago, and it was insane! I was so overwhelmed at the number of people who came to celebrate with us. It was humbling. I don't think I ever really had a chance to slow down and focus... just laughter and smiles the whole time. And food... good food. We got some great gifts, really she is not lacking for any THINGS. She now has more clothes than will fit in her closet. The pictures on this post were from that day - taken by my favorite photographer Suzy, who happens to be my first cousin.

When we first found out we were pregnant, we got so many well wishes and heartfelt tears that I joked to Ken that this pregnancy felt like a community service project. But I really do feel that way. So many people have been invested in this and wanting it for us, that I feel like we are ALL being blessed. I promise to share as much of her as I can.

Baby Shower

Yesterday was my first baby shower. I've spent a lot of time over the past several years not loving baby showers. My work girls knew this, and they did an awesome job of making it so special for me. The decorations were all green and natural... birds nests, ivy, slate, candles. They even had a tree to plant in honor of Day Frances. The food was awesome, and even the serving dishes matched the whole "natural" theme. I was a little worried that this group was going to make me play cheesy games or do something embarrassing, but they pulled through without any high jinks. Thank you for that!

Here are a few pictures from the shower. The first is the table they had set up at the door. There were note cards that people could write a message to Day on and hang from the tree. There was also a bowl of stones that had sayings on them like Happy Day, Day Dream, Wonderful Day, etc. Those were for people to take with them. Isn't that the greatest idea? The center pieces on the tables were birds nests on slate with quotes about daughters all around. The cake was homemade and delicious. Then I included one picture of me and my Baby's Daddy opening presents. Well, me opening presents and Ken drinking coffee.

Not to diminish anyone's efforts or gifts, but one of my favorite things about yesterday was the Life Prayer that Kate wrote for Day. Kate has done a few of these for other new babies, and I was hoping she would be inspired to write one for Day. Seriously, she could commission this work and retire. They are truly beautiful. I couldn't even read it through the first time because of tears. (click on the image for full size)

Here I am with Mom reading it...

Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for. Our lives are full. We are healthy. We have families and friends that love us. We have a home and a happy marriage. And best of all, we have a baby girl coming in February!

The day before Thanksgiving, we had our 29 week appointment and did the 4D ultrasound. You can see her face! It is so amazing. I had imagined she would look just like me, but I think I'm having to adjust that idea now... she is definitely Ken's baby. See for yourself. The middle picture is Ken, and the last one is me. Of course, I couldn't find a baby picture of me at 1 week with my eyes closed. Just saying.

Here's the belly progression:

(I look a little rough, but putting up the tree is a stressful event at my house.)

And one more of me and Caston...

Still a GIRL

Good news... She's still a girl! Not that I was too worried. At the sonogram yesterday, Day worked her mouth the entire time. She was sucking, sticking her tongue out, swallowing... I think she might have even been trying to talk to us. Ok, maybe not, but she never stopped with the mouth. We saw and listened to her strong and healthy heart beat, watched her clench her fist (uh-oh), and she even crossed her little ankles for us... the little priss pot. The technician saw her stomach and said, "That looks great! She's eating well." I had to explain that yes, she is. We both are. Everything was just like it should be. I'm still measuring right along with my due date of February 8. She weighs 2 lbs 3 oz right now.


FACE:

FOOT:

ANKLES:

Day Frances Ivy

The top one is her first photo - at 12 weeks. The others are at 18 weeks, when we found out SURPRISE... IT'S A GIRL!! The third photo is her point passe (ballet position). My favorite so far.

Always Growing

At the start of this year, I ran across a quote from one of my favorite artists, Brian Andreas. It said, "Maybe I don't want a Happy New Year. Maybe I want an intense New Year with a lot of growth experiences & I had to admit I'd never thought of that." That stuck with me and became my mantra. Well, this our year for both - growth AND happiness! After over 5 years of wanting and trying and praying for a baby, we are PREGNANT! So, literally, the year has already been full of intense growth experiences. I'll do my best to share with you all of the joys, lessons, and discoveries along the way.