Baby Showers and Blessings

I’ve been way behind on my updates!  August has definitely kept me busy.  Between baby showers, baby classes, and baby prep it’s been a wonderful and exciting month.  I had the best baby showers.  The first shower was thrown by some of our great friends in our hometown and the other by my amazingly creative sister.   I was blown away by the amount of love and support that was shown to us!  I couldn’t believe the adorable baby gear we received! 

The First shower at First Christian Church August 5th:

 

Second shower at Sardis Chapel, thrown by my sister.  August 18th.  A baby bookworm theme!

 That adorable little guy is my sweet nephew and I was so happy to get several pictures of my grandparents.  And, yes, I'm wearing the same dress. What can I say, I'm frugal.  Thomas' book shelf is definitely well stocked now!

Pregnancy has been such a wonderful and precious experience for me.  I was surprised to discover that I’m one of those crazy women who enjoys being pregnant, despite looking like belly-zilla (and no this doesn’t mean we are planning on getting pregnant again right away).   Don’t get me wrong, there have been PLENTY of moments that I’ve complained about burning ribs, heat flashes, and insomnia (to name a few).  And, lets not forget that whole pukey blur of a first trimester (or should we?).  But, I understood in the beginning that this opportunity was a huge blessing that should be treasured, valued, and loved.  God taught me this lesson in a not so subtle way.   So, I vowed from the start to never wish away this experience and to understand that it’s not to be taken lightly.   I know for certain that tomorrow is never promised.  Working as a grief counselor, and from my own personal experiences, I’ve seen far too many tragedies to deny or ignore this truth.  I try and work to treasure each day I have with my child.  I want to take moments to bond with him and to focus on what is really happening to me.  I fail many MANY times, and I often catch myself worrying about the future, wishing he was here, or missing the freedoms of my former independence.  Focusing on the positive and ignoring the negative is not always easy, but it’s something I want to continuously work at (in all areas of my life).  One thing is certain: He is already incredibly loved.   

Well, hello lump! Yep, that is directly looking down.  

Baby Thomas is doing great! He is measuring two weeks smaller, but my doctor said this was fine and told me it would mean an easier delivery (I’ll take all I can get!).  But my weight, sugar, blood pressure, and every other measurement that they take are right on track.  John and I have spent the past couple of weeks getting everything ready for him.  We are so close to being done!  I’m hoping to spend the next four weeks enjoying my last month of being pregnant, spending lots of quality time with my amazing husband, and seeing our friends as much as possible.  I know September will be just as wonderful as August has been! 

How far along? 35 weeks.  35 and 4 days to be exact.  32 days left until D-Day!!!

Total weight gain: 27 lbs

Maternity clothes? Still wearing comfy, cotton dresses.

Stretch marks? Still none yet! Lets see if I can make it one more month.

Sleep: Getting better, I think.

Miss Anything? Not really

Movement: Lots of movement.  Big lumps sticking out and twists and turns

Food cravings: Pizzzzzaaaaa

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Gender: BOY!!

Labor Signs: None yet.

Symptoms: Ouchy ligament pain and hot flashes.

Belly Button in or out? Hanging on!

Wedding rings on or off? on

Happy or Moody most of the time:  Content, peaceful, and happy!

Looking forward to: Finishing the last details of the nursery and getting all of our baby gear