Showers of Showers

I am so thankful for all of the great things that people have done for us throughout the pregnancy. We have been so blessed by the outpouring of love and generosity. Some of the greatest fun has been having baby showers...and not just because of the great gifts but because of the time that we can fellowship with our friends. Here is a run-down of the baby showers over the last couple of weeks...Thanks to all who gave gifts and helped host these special events for us.

June 24th: The sweet ladies of our new church, Union Avenue Baptist, held a joint shower for Carie and I after service. These ladies get so excited about babies and even though many of them did not know us personally, they still had a desire to serve and give to us. Carie and I were both blown away by their extreme kindness. Pictures below.

June 28th: Jacob's work held an afternoon cake and ice cream shower for us. They all pitched in to give us a large gift certificate and our pack 'n' play. Jacob is so thankful to work with the people that he does. It was nice to meet the people that he spends everyday with...and you know, they aren't all nerds :).

June 30th: My girls from our old church threw a brunch for me. Some of us still get together for Bible study on Wednesday nights but the others I don't get to see too often. It's great when we can all get back together like we used to. Fortunately, Carie's shower is this weekend so we get to do it all over again. The girls (Carie, Whitney, Kristen and Tracy) did a safari theme since that is what we are doing our nursery in. It was adorable. Pictures to come later.

July 8th: The girls from work held a potluck shower for me this past Sunday. We had some delicious food and a great time. I am so thankful and blessed for the people I work with. Many of these girls do not have babies yet so I appreciate them reaching out to me and doing something a little different. I love it when I can get together with the people I work with, outside of work hours. Pictures to come later.

Belly Buddies

We had SO many gifts to open!!

Lots of yummy food. The tomato sandwiches were awesome. I can't believe I am saying that considering a year or so ago I wouldn't even eat tomatoes!!

Pregnant Friends. Carie, I'm so glad we have gotten to go through this together!!

Yay for my diaper genie. No smelly diapers in Critter's Room.

After all of these wonderful showers I think we are pretty much ready for Critterbug to come. The nursery is mostly done (although I'll continue to add little touches for the next couple of years I'm sure). We have our video camera, our car seat (thank you so much Martha) and our bags packed. Now we just need a baby :) I'm getting SOOOOOO excited and can't wait until the day comes. 3.5 weeks to go....I'll keep you updated.

8 Month Belly

Here is my belly picture taken at 33 weeks. It was supposed to be taken at 32 weeks but we got a little behind and forgot to take it. I am now 34 weeks along and getting bigger by the day. I am going to the doctor every two weeks and my check-ups have been great. Baby is good, blood pressure is good, tummy size is good, weight gain is good...last appointment was 19 lbs. I'm sure I've hit the 20+ mark by this week's appointment...especially with the afternoon Skittles breaks I have been having :). Please continue to pray for me and Critterbug as we are getting very close. Less than 6 weeks!!! God has really blessed us with a great pregnancy and I am so thankful for that!!

Greenville Baby Shower

I am so sorry that I am just now posting about my baby shower that Lauren and Sally held for me on May 19. Things are starting to pick up as we approach the arrival of our baby in about 6 weeks so I need to get caught up and post things as they happen.

So...as I left off in the wedding post, Lauren and Sally threw a baby shower for me for my Greenville friends and for all of my family that was in town for the wedding. It was so much fun and I always enjoy getting caught up with those of you that I don't see that often. Lauren and Sally prepared a nice spread of food...veggies, cupcakes, chicken salad croissants, lemonade, etc. I got many nice gifts...a cradle that Clarence made me with his mad wood working skills, a mobile, a bouncer, a boppy, a baby bumbo, books, blankets, diapers, a play gym, a bath tub, towels, a diaper bag, toys, clothes, bibs, washcloths and MUCH, MUCH more. I am just overwhelmed with all of the generosity and kindness people have shown to me and our baby. Thank you all!!!

Oh...and according to Marsha's very official and scientific ring test...we are having a girl :). We'll see if she's right.

My family in PA got this little penguin outfit for Critter to wear when he comes up for Thanksgiving and it's so cold. You'll probably see some REALLY funny pictures of him later...and possibly on our Christmas card for '07.

This is a scary picture of me with red eyes but I wanted you to see my cradle that Clarence made for me. My task this evening is to start the pad that goes in it. I will show you the finished product. In this picture, it was not yet stained so it looks even better now.

My best pal Ryina. Ok, her name is Ryan but I like to call her silly things.
Me and my little cousin Samantha. I think she was a little bored at the shower but she sure is excited about the baby coming. She looks like she could be my daughter in this picture. In fact, she is starting to look very similar to the way I did when I was her age...even has matching freckles.

Family Wedding Pictures

Here are some nice pictures of my family after the wedding. I promise to get the baby shower and my belly picture on here soon. I've been busy, busy lately.

Ahhh...I'm so behind!!

I think it’s about time I get caught up here. I don’t have many pictures to include yet so I’ll add those later. I’m looking forward to having computer and internet at home one of these days so I won’t get so behind.

So what all do I owe you? The Wedding, Baby Shower, Beach Trip, Child Birthing Classes and as of Saturday 8 month tummy photo. To save you from too much reading, we’ll start with one at a time. Hopefully I’ll get caught up. Since I don’t have any plans any time soon, I shouldn’t be missing out on any newer posts.

The Wedding…

Well, as you all know, my dad tied the knot with Martha on May 19th. Jacob and I drove to Greenville on Thursday evening and even after a stop at KFC for a mashed potato craving and then the gas station for TUMS, we made it in record time. The next morning I don’t remember what we did…I guess just hung out. That afternoon I went with dad to pick up the wedding cake and then had my hair cut by my old hairdresser. She started cutting my hair back when I was in elementary or middle school. Then that evening was kind of crazy trying to figure out where all of my family was since they were coming in from PA and WI and WV and everywhere else. We got to spend a little time talking with them but then headed to bed. I’m really glad they all came down for the wedding. Saturday morning we got up and got ready for the wedding. I hung out with daddy for a little bit while he got ready and then we went to the church together. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful and perfect. The flowers were gorgeous and the pastor’s sermon was perfect. Dad and Martha even made it through without crying (I on the other hand might have sniffled a little). After the ceremony we went to the lunch reception at High Cotton. The food was yummy as was the cake…mmm I love wedding cake. I am so happy for my dad and Martha and look forward to sharing in years of happiness with them.

After the wedding festivities were over and dad and Martha headed to Atlanta to leave for their honeymoon we went to my first baby shower…but that’s the next blog so you’ll have to wait!

I've attached a few pictures that Martha sent me that her boss took. I'll get some more from Jacob one of these days. I haven't even seen the ones that he took!!

I'm So Proud of Jacob!!!

Thanks for all of the prayers for Jacob's big test he had a few weekends ago. He got a letter yesterday that he passed. He also received A's in both of his classes so he still has a 4.0 for his Ph.D. Way to go buddy...I'm so proud of your hard work. And I sure hope Critter gets his academic drive!

7 Months, Last Trimester!

I'm finally getting around to posting my belly blog (picture taken about 1.5 weeks ago so I am twice the size now...or at least feel like it). I can't blame it on Jacob though because he gave me the picture a few days ago and I am just now posting it.

It's hard to believe that I am in the last trimester and only have about 2.5 months remaining. Now, those of you who have never had a baby are probably thinking "If she is 7.5 months and still has 2.5 months, that doesn't add up to 9 months...that's 10 months!" Indeed, the way they calculate a pregnancy is including the 4 weeks leading up to conception so a full pregnancy is 40 weeks...or 10 months. I have exactly 10.5 weeks remaining and it is coming oh so quickly!

I'm feeling pretty well but just this week I have been extremely exhausted and a little uncomfortable. My belly is so tight (and I still have lots of growing to do) that it makes me feel weird. It's all worth it thought because Jacob and I love Critterbug so much. On Sunday night we put a bagel on my stomach and watched him kick it around and then the next night we "played" with Critter. He'd stick his foot (or elbow or hand or booty, who knows) out and we'd push on it and then he'd move it to another spot. We did that for like 10 mins and Jacob was laughing and having a grand time. He's going to be a fun daddy.

Anyway, I gotta get to work. I'll fill you in about Daddy and Martha's wedding (which was beautiful and perfect) and my baby shower when I get a chance. And we leave for the beach on Friday for almost a week...I can't wait for a little vacation. I even got my swimsuit in yesterday so I'm ready to go.

Going to the Chapel!!

This is the big weekend that we have been waiting for...Dad and Martha are tying the knot on Saturday and I can't wait!!! Jacob and I leave this afternoon for Greenville and are so looking forward to the fun times with family and the "induction" of a new family member!! Please pray for me and Jacob as we drive tonight and please pray for all of my family traveling from up north and pray for Dad and Martha as they finish up all of the last minute details and travel on their honeymoon. I am so thankful for all of the prayers that God has answered leading up to this special time in dad's life. You're such an answer to prayers Martha!!!

On a side note: Last weekend we had a great time visiting with Brad and his friend Eric. We ate a lot of food and went to the park and they did some tours and such while I worked. Brad was very disappointed that I did not have a mu mu to wear. He thinks that's what pregnant people should wear.

Critterbug also turned 28 weeks (that means 7 months!!!). I can't believe it's going so fast. I feel great and am looking forward to the last 2.5 or so. Critter has moved beyond kicking and is now into full blown aerobics, tumbling and gymnastics. I get tickled multiple times throughout the day as I watch a large mass move across my stomach from one side to the other. The best is when we are laying in bed at night. We'll just watch it go back and forth. It's pretty bizarre. I'll put the tummy picture up when Jacob sends it to me.

Anyway, see some of you this weekend!!!

The Solemates Snag Highpoints 28, 29 and 30!!!

As I alluded to in previous posts, Jacob and I took a trip to the Midwest, namely Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota, to get some highpoints. We have to get the easy ones while I’m a pregnant chick so we seized the opportunity to fly to Minneapolis and drive around a few states. We flew out on Thursday, April 26 and arrived fairly late in the evening. After renting our peacock blue PT cruiser, we headed towards the highest point in Wisconsin. Jacob drove us a couple of hours until we found a hotel and called it a night.

Friday morning we drove a little longer and made it to Timms Hill, the highest point in Wisconsin. After trekking the 300 or so yards to the fire tower, we snapped our signature pose and headed back to the car. We then drove to the highest point in Michigan which was a little tricky to get to. We didn’t have exact directions and forgot the coordinates to plug in our GPS. We drove for a while on a road that seemed to be taking us there, only to get as far as we could in the PT cruiser. We needed 4WD and certainly didn’t want to risk getting stuck. Fortunately we passed a truck and they gave us better directions. We turned around (costing us about an hour) and found the correct way to the HP. We made it to Mt. Arvon, the highest point in Michigan close to dusk. After about a 1/3 mile hike, we took our picture and headed back to the car. We had just enough sunlight left for Jacob to get some nice pictures of the bay in L’anse. The bay was still frozen even though it was 60+ degrees. Pickings were slim for dinner so we dined at Subway and got a hotel and went to bed.

Saturday morning we hit the road and headed towards Grand Marais, Minnesota. It was a gorgeous drive. The entire drive the road was hugging Lake Superior. We passed many parks and a few lighthouses and other roadside look outs. We made it to the parking lot for our hike to the top of Eagle Mountain sometime early afternoon. We hiked 7 miles roundtrip and it felt great. The weather was amazing and Critter enjoyed the walk, I think. You gotta get ‘em started young! After our 3 hour hike we drove back to town and found a hotel. We showered and then went to dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Sunday we droved back to Minneapolis so we could fly back home. Fortunately we were not too rushed so we were able to stop at a few places for some pictures. Overall, we drove about 18 hours in 3 days but we snagged 3 highpoints and loved every minute we got to be together. Our next highpoint adventures will be in October when we take Critterbug to the highest point in Delaware and New Jersey and to visit our friends Tonya and Jason. We can’t wait to do these things with him/her.

Timm's Hill, Highest Point in Wisconsin 1951'

Mt. Arvon, Highest Point in Michigan 1979'

The slushy bay in L'anse, MI

Reflections on the Bay

Sunset on the bay

Eagle Mountain, Highest Point in Minnesota 2301'

Pond along the trail to Eagle Mountian. We were in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Another Pond in BWCA.

Grand Marais, Minnesota

Lake Superior's Coast

Hiccup Hiccup

Yesterday Critterbug had the hiccups and it made me laugh. I'm pretty sure that's what it was and I was in a meeting and it tickled.

Today I had a doctor's appointment and it went really well. I never did post about this but last week I had to go in and have another glucose test done because I failed the first one. I was a little anxious this week waiting for the results and praying that I wouldn't have gestational diabetes. I got the results today and they were negative. Yippee...that means Critter and I can still enjoy sweets every so often :). Thank you Jesus for protecting us! Critter's heartbeat was 150 bpm and I gained a pound and my blood pressure was 118/70. Just for those who are keeping up. Based on the websites I read, Critter is about 2.5 lbs and 16" long at this point. Only about 5 lbs and 5" left to grow for an average size baby. Wow...it's going so fast!!

Jacob and I had a great time on our trip to Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. I will post about that when I have some pictures to go with. He is so swamped with his big test that is this weekend so please pray for him.

My brother and his friend are coming tomorrow and I am looking forward to that.

Flashback: Easter

I didn't get these pictures posted around Easter because we had a little camera snafu and I had to wait until they were edited. We had the camera set on tungsten which compensates for too much indoor lighting. Since we were outdoors and no indoor lighting was involved they turned out blue. You know what a blue pregnant girl looks like?? (Think Willy Wonka when Violet turns Violet). Anyway, Jacob did a little photoshop action and they look A LOT better. Enjoy!!

Cute Family. Next year there will be 3 little dressed up monsters in the picture!!

A Very Pregnant Easter.

What a Cutie!!!!

Yesterday was my 6 month check up and because my doctor was still in surgery they let me have an ultrasound to check the heart rate. So…I got a free ultrasound and got to see my sweet baby’s little face. I have to keep looking at it every two seconds because it makes me smile. Wanna hear the crazy thing?? I had so hoped and wanted an ultrasound but I knew there was no reason to get one…so I prayed that maybe I could have one and God answered my prayer. You may think that is silly but it just shows me that God hears our big prayers and our little prayers. Critterbug’s heartbeat was 143 this time and I gained 7 pounds. Gulp. Oh well…apparently he went through a big growth spurt and is more than 2 lbs himself. I won’t have the diabetes test results for another couple of days but thanks for the prayers for that.

Jacob and I leave tonight for highpoints 28, 29 and 30!!! We are going to Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. More on that when we return!!

My Big Fat Pregnant Belly

I know you are anxiously awaiting this “belly blog” so here are some shots from 2 weeks ago of my 6 month tummy. Things are going great, except I think I am growing an inch a day. Ha. I’ll be waddling before you know it.



Wow...I can't believe I am posting this picture...but as long as I don't have stretch marks, I better show it off. Ha.

Family Visit and Birthday Fun

Sorry I didn’t update last week. Some weeks are just busier than others!

Two weekends ago, Daddy and Martha came for a visit and we had a great time. Unfortunately the weather was kind of crummy but we had a great time anyway. They arrived Friday afternoon about the time I got home from work. We quickly went for some grub at Soulfish Café and then came back to indulge in my yummy Strossner’s birthday cake (even though my b-day was still a few days away). You can’t bring a pregnant girl a chocolate birthday cake and make her stare at if for 4 days. Critter must have liked it because he wiggled and squiggled (as he does A LOT these days) while we played Mexican Train. Martha even got to see my stomach move on one kick.

Saturday we woke up and had pancakes and then went to see the Peabody Ducks do their morning parade. That’s just the silliest thing. After that we went to my work for a bit to finish up the invitations for the big wedding that is coming up. Then we hit Rendezvous for some yummy barbeque. After eating too much, we gave Martha a tour of Memphis and headed back to the house. I think we were all pooped. We then played some more Mexican Train and ate some more cake.

Sunday we went to church and then after church they had to say good-bye. That sure was sad. After they left, Carie and Chris came over and we played Settlers of Catan and finished off the birthday cake and played spades and watched The Amazing Race. It was a fun afternoon.
Then…my big 25th birthday was on Tuesday, April 17th. Thanks for all of the great gifts and cards everybody!! I got some moolah to go towards our “Critter Cam” and a pair of Danskos and a craft table and a maternity shirt. Jacob took me to dinner for sushi because I was having a sushi craving. Mmmm…sushi is yummy.

Critter also turned 6 months on the Saturday Dad and Martha were here. Sorry I don’t have the picture yet. I left it at home. I'll try to do multiple updates to get caught up.

Me with my Strossner's Birthday Cake!! It was deeelicious. Also notice that I have made the switch to contacts!! Going on 3 weeks now. And...here is a glimpse of our kitchen that is oh so close to being finished.

Daddy working hard at LRK on his invitations. I found out where I get some of my anal tendancies and perfectionism from. Thanks Dad!!

Daddy outside of Rendezvous. It really is in an alley. You gotta pass like 3 smelly dumpsters to get to it.

Waving Goodbye. Notice my new Dansko shoes from Sally (even though my pants are tucked in them. Ha!)

Pregnant as a Peacock

Isn't that the saying??

Anyway, I've had this "interesting" peacock shirt since I worked at the GAP in high school and always joked around about how I wanted to wear it when I got pregnant so that I could watch the peacock grow. So I wore it this week. This girl at work just thought it was too cute and had to take some pictures (yes, I felt awkward posing at work for a picture). I'm not a big fan of having my picture taken by myself these days because there is just no "normal" way for a pregnant girl to pose.

And those who think this shirt is hideous...don't worry, I only spent about $3 on it.

Things I am excited about today...

Daddy and Martha are on their way to visit for the weekend...yippee

Critter will be 6 months "old" tomorrow...yippee

My birthday is on Tuesday...yippee

Trivia

Q. What do Critter and a pound of sugar have in common??

Give up??

A. They both weigh the same!!! (and are probably the same sweetness)

That's right, according the charts, Critter reached the 1lb mark last week. At about 8" long from crown to rump our little buddy is growing big. His size should double this month!! Although, we certainly would not want this and pray for continued safety...Critter could, with LOTS of medical attention, survive outside of the womb.

Thanks for all of the prayers as he continues to grow into a big, healthy baby!

Critter Kicks Jacob

This past Friday night Jacob got to feel Critter for the first time. It was really exciting for both of us. We had just gotten in bed and Critterbug thought it was time to wake up (something tells me things aren't going to change when he enters the world). He was very active and I told Jacob he could probably feel it. So he put his hand on my tummy and Critterbug kicked Jacob several times in a row. Then we both watched my stomach move. It was funny and we were like little kids giggling about it.

Unfortunatly for Critter, now Jacob wants to feel it more often so he keeps trying to wake him up. I told him that wasn't very nice and that if he wakes Critter up when he's sleeping once he comes he will cry and not be very happy.

The Good Shepherd

“I am the Good Shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” John 10:14

My accountability girls and I are currently doing a study by Jennifer Kennedy Dean called The Life Changing Power in the Name. It goes through the book of John and breaks down all of the “I AM” statements that Christ makes. “I am the Bread of Life,” “I am the Light of the World,” “I am the Good Shepherd,” “I am the Gate,” “I am the Vine,” etc. Last week’s lessons were geared towards Christ being the Good Shepherd and it touched me a lot, especially since it is Easter season.

I’ve never really thought about the meaning of Christ being the Good Shepherd until now (other than the visual image of Jesus with a lamb around his neck) and it really is such a beautiful description of our relationship with Him. A good shepherd protects His sheep from thieves and wolves. He keeps them from going astray. He searches for them when they are lost. His sheep feel at peace in His presence. And you know what else? Sometimes the shepherd lays down His life so that His sheep don’t have to die. Isn’t that just a comforting realization??? That Christ is my Shepherd and I am always protected. He laid down his life for me so that I might be saved from the ultimate thief.

On another note, I am reading a book for leisure called Unveiled by Francine Rivers. It is about Tamar. Francine Rivers, who is one of my favorite authors, has a series of short novellas about the 5 unlikely women who changed eternity (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary). They are historical fiction in that she uses the facts from the Bible as her basis but then fills in with other information as she feels appropriate and accurate to the day. One quote I really liked related completely to what I was learning about the Good Shepherd in my other study. Isn’t that amazing how God can teach us the same thing through many different means? Basically, Judah is talking about his evil son, Er, and how he doesn’t want Er to inherit his sheep and land. Here is how Judah describes Er as a shepherd…

“Judah wished he hadn’t returned to his house so quickly. Far better had he returned to his flocks and seen to the animals that Er too often neglected in his absence. His eldest had handed the full responsibility over to Onan after three short days! Er was a fool and useless as a shepherd. He had no love for the sheep that would one day belong to him. The boy stood by while wolves ripped open the belly of a defenseless ewe, then ran the predators off to become one himself. Er took pleasure in delivering the deathblow to a prized ram. Then he roasted and ate the meat!”

Aren’t you glad that God leaves us with a Shepherd that loves us so much and never leaves a substitute to take his place?

Some other thoughts that relate to Easter…You know, obviously, that this is my first Easter as a mother and though I don’t really know much about my child other than that he/she lives in my womb and kicks around and relies completely on me…I love him/her with my whole heart already. I can’t imagine giving this baby up for the world. And I can’t imagine how God felt giving up his only son so that selfish, sinners could live. And His son was perfect. I can assure you that mine will not be perfect (although probably close to it). I just really appreciate God’s sacrifice to me this year more than other years in the past.

I hope you enjoy your Holiday weekend and remember what a BIG deal this holiday really is.

Happy Easter…He has Risen!

Habitat for Humanity

This past Saturday Jacob and I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity alongside some of the people I work with. It was a nice cool morning with afternoon showers that ended our day early. Most of us spent our time painting trim but Jacob and Stewart helped by hanging siding. It sure was loads of fun. This house is for a family of 5. They will no doubt be changed by this experience in their lives.

Painting Trim.
Helen.
Yea, I look constipated...not sure what this face is all about.
My boss, Paige.
Group Photo. (L-R) Jacob, Stewart, Stewart's Wife Laurie and their daughter Kelsey, Becky, Helen, John's fiance Katie, Me, John, Paige's Wife Kelly and Paige.