Abigail’s Baby Shower

 

Sunday we were so blessed with a beautiful baby shower for our third-born by our amazing church family (specifically our Young Adult Sunday School Class). They did a great job decorating (“pink-ing it up”), served some great finger foods, and definitely went over the top with gifts. We got a swing and bouncer seat, two of the large items we wore out after Andrew and didn’t bring with us in the move. We also got plenty of diapers—all sizes—and wipes, and lots of cute clothes. We are so blessed and we are most certainly ready for Abigail’s arrival (we’re praying for this week although it will probably be more like 2 weeks) any day now!

That is a box of all wipes. I think 800. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many wipes.

One person was thoughtful enough to get Andrew and Leah a goodie bag. They had toys to keep them entertained the whole shower, which was during nap time, by the way.

Don’t really have a picture of all the gifts, but this is some.

 

And this is the motherload of diapers & wipes.

Week 37

At my latest dr.'s appointment, I was pronounced "a fingertip" dilated, with a softening cervix, and baby is head down. (By the way, I have seen the same doctor, Dr. Fisher, the past few appointments, and she is quickly becoming my favorite in the practice. Of course, you never know which will be on call when I deliver.) Dr. Fisher made this all sound insignificant, and I realize I can be dilated for several weeks, but it gives me hope that the time is coming very soon, and I'm well on my way to a natural birth. I also had gained 5 lbs. since my last appointment 2 weeks ago, which is more than my entire 1st trimester altogether. I imagine its all in my grossly swollen feet and legs. I have a feeling that will be the hardest weight to lose once it's all over.


I had my final shower at work Friday, and I felt so loved and appreciated. I got gifts from probably 15-20 different people! My supervisor had decorated the conference room so nicely, everyone had brought in food for lunch, and there was even a pretty cake. She also made me a diaper cake with tons of useful items on it. It turned out to be a lot of fun. I took one final shopping trip for baby stuff on Saturday. Actually, it was really the first time I got to shop for the baby myself. I had tons of gift cards and a few more things I needed to get, so I let myself go in Babies 'R Us and in Walmart. I think I can honestly say we've spent very little on this baby ourselves. I think the only real purchases we've made were things to improve the nursery: paint, fabric for curtains, and a glider. What a great thought to know that our little one is so well-loved and prepared for.

I also stocked up on some household supplies Saturday- things I don't want to have to worry about running out to get in the first few weeks after the baby arrives. I know life will still be going on and stores will still be open, and other people will be around to help, but I feel better knowing I have necessities available without having to go out. I also attempted to start packing a hospital bag, but it seems fruitless when a) I really can't pack any clothes, because I need to wear them between now & then; b) we live so close to the hospital that I could send Brett or someone else to get things if necessary; and c) Does anyone really have to leave for the hospital in that huge of a hurry anyway? So I at least have the diaper bag (oh, yeah, I did buy that with our own money and I'm excited about it!) packed for the baby and a few other things.

Any day now, little one-- you can come any day. We're all so excited to meet you!

36 weeks (August 12, 2008)

Not pictured are the stretch marks on my rear. :)

The diaper cake from my work shower. I forgot to bring my camera to take any other pictures.





















The dresser in the nursery, with the changing pad all set up & drawers filled with clothes!















The bookshelf Brett stained to match the crib (and it looks awesome!)

Baby Shower #2

Yesterday was our second baby shower, held at our home church, Creedmoor Rd. There was a great turn-out! Everyone had been telling me for weeks how excited they were about this shower (especially all the older ladies-- there hasn't been a new baby in our church in a couple years). My mom got to come down & my brother & sister-in-law made it, also. We had great food and fellowship, and we were definately showered with gifts! This time people did much better with buying off the registry and I'd say 75% of the items we got were off our registries. I really feel much more prepared for this baby now & we only need a few more things, but really she could come any day and she'd be just fine.

We got one big gift that about 10 or so of the older ladies all pitched in together to get, and that was our travel system-- the stroller/ car seat/ carrier combo. Though I still think it is huge and will take up most of my trunk, I'm really excited about it. My sister-in-law Chela has taken a class in installing infant car seats and so she helped us install that one and the other one we got from the Pregnancy Center. I rode around a little while yesterday with the actual seat in place in my car, and oh how much more real that made it seem. Soon we will have a living breathing human being in that seat!

A pink bunny centerpiece, blocks as decorations, and a yummy cupcake tree!












My family!

33 weeks pregnant

See more pictures on our photo website!

Baby Shower #1

This past weekend was my first baby shower, at my parents' church in the Outer Banks. They are such generous people, especially since most of them barely know me or Brett! We had a great time, playing games that my mom had prepared (even Brett said he enjoyed them and he was the one who had to pin a diaper on a stuffed bear!). There was great food, and of course, some great gifts. I think I am finally starting to feel more prepared-- at least as far as "stuff" goes-- for this baby. Mostly we got tons of blankets and clothes, some diapers, lots of bibs & socks. I don't know why I spend so much time on my registries, seeing as how the only thing we got off those was a baby monitor-- actually, two baby monitors-- I will be taking one back to Target. Brett's mom sent money for our crib, which will arrive at the store in 7-14 days! Now I have a lot to sort through, wash & put away, but I'm finding that to be almost therapeutic for me.

The weekend with my family was also great- sharing time around the dinner table & playing games and relaxing on the beach. I haven't gotten much sleep the past few nights. Being in a different bed didn't help, but even in my own bed, I'm waking up every hour with achy legs and a backache. I hope I don't have 11 more weeks of this! Otherwise, besides the incessant heartburn nearly every night, I have no complaints. The dr. said baby is growing perfectly in every way.










A diaper cake-- cute & practical!

















Cool baby monitor














pink baby clothes!

















Diapering the bears
















Family portrait session at Mom & Dad's house