The Nursery!

Its finally done! There was a ton of do-it-yourself projects that went into the room. Including my bedding which was made by my lovely best friend, Stacy's sister (and I think mom). We had to do neutrals in the apartment so we painted 3 walls tan and one wall darker tan. It is a very peaceful room! I love it. All it is missing is our little girl!

Doctor Update

I promised I would share an update from the doctor. Nothing too exciting going on with baby girl. She has dropped and stationed at -1 and I can breath! Other than that I'm not dilated and about 40% effaced. Doctor puts her right at 7 lbs if I go full term- sounds perfect! I've stopped gaining weight which the doctor doesn't seem concerned about and I'm enjoying!

I go again on Thursday. I will be exactly 37 weeks and considered full term! YIPPEEE

And apparently her beautiful handmade bedding is sitting at our house waiting for her (we've been dog sitting Tess at my parents all week). This should complete the nursery! Except I'm trying to get her talented aunt to paint some cute little wall decorations. So excited. Its such a relaxing, peaceful room.

to my darling husband

this is kinda mushy gushy- but its a tribute to my sweet husband.

Dear Kellen,
When we found out we were expecting 8 months ago, we were both a bag full of emotions. We were exciting and felt blessed beyond belief, but completely overwhelmed and scared of the unknowns. We had no clue what we were getting ourselves into. You were so sweet and supportive. I appreciate how you came to every appointment you could, the time you stopped at the store to get me a crazy craving, and how you tried to make me feel better about all the strange changes happening with my body. You've been working so hard the whole time we have been married to support first me while in school and now our family. I know your various jobs aren't fun or what you would like to be getting paid for, but you always had a great attitude and work ethic. You should be proud of yourself for that. You have really stepped up as the provider of this family. You have also been a great leader as I struggle in my faith you are there to remind of the simple truths of God's grace and plan for our lives.

Now our little girl is almost here and I cannot believe how much of the family she is already. You tell and kiss her goodnight. She wakes up and responds to you. I think she knows when you put your hands on my belly because she always starts dancing- and just think soon she'll be dancing standing on your feet. I love how when we talk we always says something about "I can't wait til she's old enough to do this or go here..." or we day dream about what she'll like, what color hair she has and all the fun, challenging and difficult times to come. I've gotten to hold and carry this little one for months now, and even though I am very excited to hold her in my arms I might be more excited for you to see you hold your daughter for the first time. I can almost picture the nervousness and joy on your face. You will be a wonderful father.

I truly believe our love for each other is so much stronger than it was before. It was our love and God's love for us that has created this new life. I cannot believe I get to share this adventure with such an amazing guy and friend. As our marriage and family grows, so does our relationship. While I know it will be difficult, I am confident we will both always work to keep our marriage a central element of our family. Thank you for all you do, all you are and everything you are working to improve. I love you my darling husband.

Rain Rain

Rain, rain go away come again another day....When I was a kid, I hated rain. It ruined outside fun and made for long, boring days inside. I didn't understand the necessicity of rain. As I have grown older I have come to appreciate rain but more than that I have come to welcome the rain and storms.

Rain is so necessary. Without it nothing would grow or survive. It cools down the earth when it just seems too hot. The storms bring about a peace- and its always when I need to kick back and relax the most or when I need to focus on getting things done inside the house. They bring about new life, makes everything refreshed and green. I love falling asleep to thunderstorms- it reminds me of God's greatness, his power and his might.

The same is true about rain and storms in our life. As we grow deeper in our faith, I think we come to welcome the rain. We come to learn that without storms, our faith wouldn't grow. Although it may temporary disrupt our plans and ruin our fun, in the end it leads to greener grass. Although the best days are sunny, we wouldn't appreciate them if it wasn't for the rain...

Baby Practice?

I was thinking the other day how raising a puppy is probably the closest thing to you can do to practice for your first child. Here is my thought:

1. In anticipation for the puppy, we went shopping for a collar, a vet, a "crib", had to get puppy chow, toys, etc. Basically before we even had the puppy we had a nice chunk of cash invested in things we didn't even know if we would use.
2. I remember getting Dieter at 8 weeks old. He was 1.8 lbs. I was expecting him to be playful and fun, but he slept all of the time, showed little or no interest in toys and had to be carried many places I went.
3. He didn't sleep through the night for a long time. He woke me up every 3 hours to go to the bathroom. I remember getting excited when I actually got to sleep for more than 3 hours at a time!
4. I almost had to take a "puppy leave". I was doing my internship in Florida at the time and had to run home every couple hours to let him outside to use the bathroom. I was constantly rearranging my schedule to take him to the vets for his monthly visits.
5. He came every where with me- I went to dinner, he went. Instead of a stroller, he fit in my purse.
6. It was an exciting moment when he learned to "sit" for the first time, recognized his name and recognized us.
7. Now he follows me everywhere I go. I trip over him. and if he isn't right by my side I know he is getting in trouble. Which brings me to the point that just as you have to puppy proof you're home just like you baby proof it.

Ha now obviously babies are not puppies. I can't crate my baby, although the pack n play is pretty close to it and there are leashes for children! The reward with a child is so much greater as is the work and responsibility. We are excited to move on from raising a puppy to a little girl. But perhaps all those teenagers on Muarry should try raising a puppy first ;-)

On a more serious note, baby girl and I are doing well. We are 35 weeks now. Its so crazy how fast time flies. On the 12th we are one month away. I keep thinking she will be early. I am scared and so excited too. The heat is the biggest struggle. I have been feeling much better since my doctor switched my medicine- wonder if all the heartburn will be a sign of hair! I am still working 35+ hours a week. It has lead to mild swelling and what I call "sausage" toes. I go on Monday to see if I am dilated or effaced at all. I have been having a lot of braxton hicks and I am almost positive she "dropped" because I look different, feel more pressure in my bladder, and am more comfortable as far as my ribs and breathing can go. I'll update Monday after my appointment!