Last Vacation As a Family of Two

We are spending this week at the beach...our last vacation as a family of two. We had planned to go to New York City, but found out at the last minute that the apartment we were going to use (a friend of Eric's) does not have air conditioning. Not a good plan for a 7-month pregnant woman who needs naps and cooling off periodically. So, we made some last minute arrangements and have had a VERY relaxing time at North Myrtle Beach. So far, we've had some great meals, some great alone time, some great walks on the beach...and I've had some GREAT naps. :) The little chickie has been moving a bunch, so I can only assume she can tell how relaxed mommy is. I've posted a picture taken on our balcony...30 weeks TODAY!

Glucose Screening

Well, I had my one-hour glucose screening during Monday's appointment - and found out today that I failed it by ONE point!  So, I'm going back on July 30 for a three-hour screening that can actually determine Gestational Diabetes.  I don't have any of the symptoms that indicate any problem, have not gained much weight respectively, and have been feeling good, so we're keeping our fingers crossed for a good result.  I'd appreciate your prayers.  To be safe, I guess this means no cheesecake while we're in NYC next week.  Oh well.  :)

Holy Third Trimester, Baby!

Ok, so just this minute I realized by looking at a pregnancy calendar that we just entered the third trimester.  Can I just say HOLY COW?!   I'm feeling a little bit overwhelmed all of a sudden at how much there is left to do.  We don't even have the crib purchased yet!  Where has the time gone?  It seems like just yesterday that we were telling our parents the good news. 

I must say, though, that I think my body certainly believes it's the last trimester.  I'm starting to have a little bit of a hard time heaving myself out of bed, feeling a bit larger every day, and the wish for a mid-day nap time is creeping back from how I felt the first several weeks.  And, can I just say among friends, that the stretch marks on my belly will now and forever be not so fondly referred to as my "momma battle scars."  But don't fret, baby girl, I wear them proudly.

Now, despite the panic over my to-do list and the changes going on in this alien body of mine, I can't describe the amazing realization that in just about 13-14 weeks we will have our little girl with us!  God willing all will go smoothly and we will all be healthy, but we will actually get to MEET her.  No more, "I wonder what she'll look like" and "I can't wait to get to know her."  

I have so much enjoyed having her all to myself during this pregnancy.  Me and momma's girl.  I better savor that while I've got it.  I have a feeling once she's here she'll be all daddy's. :)  *Sigh.*  And so it begins, the parent's mantra, "Where has the time gone?"  

Our First Baby Shower

Today, my co-workers at the church threw us our first baby shower.  It was SO much fun!  We played a cute game of "guess the baby food" which had everyone guessing the flavors of jars of baby food that were missing their labels.  Then, as the guests of honor, Eric and I had to taste test each one to confirm the flavors...scary!  :)  HaHa.  Here's Eric doing some tasting.

We had a light lunch of yummy appetizers and fruit.  Perfect for a hot summer day.  The cake was made by a church member who owns her own bakery.  TOTALLY ADORABLE, and tasted even better than  it looked.  Take a look at the cute creation.  

We are so blessed to have such generous friends.  We received a bunch of great gifts to help us get the nursery started.  I got my Bobby - yeah!  We also got several blankets, our infant carrier (the kind that lets you "wear" the baby around), some cute rattles and toys, books, gift cards, the humidifier, and several other cute stuff.  I'm so lucky to be part of such a wonderful church family AND staff. 

Away We GROW!

Baby girl and I are now at 25 weeks.  Oh, how times flies.  I realized it has been awhile since I took some pictures, so here are two for you (Belly Shots #5 to the right).  For fun, I included a shot from above - so you see what I see...NO FEET!  I am starting to feel like I'm getting a little bigger every day.  I actually had to do an old "heave ho" move the other morning to get out of bed.  Ha!  It's incredibly hard to believe that we only have around 15 weeks left.  Holy cow!  More to come, soon.  

I'm Nesting!

We've all heard that mothers-to-be go through a "nesting" phase when they want to clean, organize, make things - generally prepare for the baby.  Well, I believe I'm there.  I'm going to admit something here that might be hard for some of you to believe (and not so hard for others), but I can tend to be somewhat of a procrastinator - especially on the weekends.  Chores, blah.  Laundry, blah.  Yard work, double blah.  

Well, in two days time I have gotten more done than I ever thought possible.  I've cooked some treats, cleaned the entire downstairs, done the laundry (from start to finish!), scrapbooked five pages for the baby's book, AND (drum roll, please)...have hand sewn two burp cloths.  I completely expect some of you to doubt the truth behind this claim, so I have proof.  Check out the picture of the burp cloths to the right.  Cute, right?!  I might even try a matching bib.  

I've got a whole list of other baby crafts and goodies I'd like to tackle.  With the weather as hot as it's been I need lots of indoor projects to keep me occupied.  A side note - it was 100 degrees today in Greensboro.  Ugh.  Some of the crafts on my list include custom-shape cut out bath time sponges, mini lamp shade night light, thank you cards, felt children's book, decorated wooden letters (baby's name) for wall of nursery.... to name a few.  I'll post photos as I make my way through the list. 

Let's just hope this nesting phase continues long enough to get some of this stuff done!

Quick Update

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday for a quick check-up.  And when I say quick, I mean 20 minutes in and out of the door!  Usually we wait longer than that just in the waiting room, so it was a nice surprise!  Blood pressure was back down around normal (yeah!) and have gained just a few more pounds - still right where the doc would like me to be so I'm pleased.  Other than that, he measured my belly for the height of the uterus - which now reaches well past my belly button.  WOW, huh?!  Baby girl's heartbeat was nice and strong.  She's been kicking up near my belly button now, which is cool because it's starting to get easier to feel from the outside. 

That's about all to report for now.  Just cruisin' right along.  We go back to the doctor July 2, then two weeks after that for the glucose screening.  Oh - and some of you have been asking.  We've registered at both Target and Baby's-R-Us.  Love to you all!