The Nursery

The nursery is (almost) complete! There are a few small items I can think of that we still need, but for the most part, I would call it done. Its amazing how one room literally took us four months to complete. I am really happy with the outcome, and am anxious to give the room an owner.

Below are a few before and afters...

And a couple of bonus photos of the finished product, just for fun...

More to come, we assembled the stroller last night and I snapped a few shots of the process. Hard to believe we are doing the finishing touches already.

32 Weeks

Wow, time is flying. 

The above picture was actually taken last Sunday (Easter). I had gone with my family to Mike and Jamie Willard's house near Colton for lunch and an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. There were tons of kids, delicious food, and lots of good company. Dave had a prior commitment so was unable to join me, but he will be there next year (helping with the baby :)).

I am officially 32 weeks tomorrow and really cant complain too much. I'd say the biggest challenges (besides my huge stomach) are sleeping at night and the need for a nap during the day. If I can sneak a 30 minute nap in, I am in good shape. I went to the doctor yesterday and everything is looking great. The baby's heart rate is 129 and its growing like crazy. Our doctor did a quick ultrasound to make sure the baby's head was still down, and to give us a little peak. Fortunately, the baby is still in the correct position, so we are just on cruise control for the next two months. 

Dave is on vacation this next week, so I took the week off as well. We are hoping to get lots of chores done around the house and put final touches on things in anticipation of the baby's arrival. I'm really excited to see how things go, and more excited to find out if there is a little girl or boy in there. Im still thinking boy (especially after hearing the slow heart beat yesterday), but Im ready for anything. 

Until next time...

28 Weeks and a Wedding

(This post is slightly overdue...oops!)

Kyle and Amy got married! Their wedding was on St Patrick's Day in Des Moines, and the weather was unreal. It was in the 80s with sun, what a blessing for a March wedding. The wedding was beautiful, Matthew played an incredible solo on the piano which moved many people to tears, he is so incredibly talented. Lauren and Matthew both gave great speeches and the rest looked smashing in their bridesmaid /groomsmen gear. Hard to believe they are married already...seems like they just got engaged! We are incredibly happy for them. Rumor has it, they may be moving back to Sioux Falls, which means more quality time spent together, something Dave and I are both huge fans of. 

Dave, Helen, and I returned on Sunday. We made a quick stop in Omaha for Zio's pizza and spent quite a bit of time admiring the 'old feel of Omaha' ;), and then drove to Sioux Falls. We were all exhausted from the busy weekend and happy to be home.

Third trimester

I had been away for a girls weekend to Minneapolis, when I returned home I was welcomed with this bright cheery bouquet of flowers with my milestone reminder. Wow, time is flying! I had anticipated this being a long 9 months, but in reality, it has moved along quite quickly. It was so nice to come home to flowers. This is a habit Im hoping wont soon be forgotten. 

We had an ultrasound last week to reevaluate the location of the placenta, as well as a regular OB appointment. Everything went great. The placenta has moved and the baby is 2lb 9oz, placing it in the 52 percentile. The Perinatologist placed me in the 'normal' or 'boring' category, something I have not been in in nearly 18 months. When he said this I felt like the word 'normal' bounced around in my brain for a good 3 minutes. And then it sunk in, what a great feeling. I can sit back and cruise until the baby is here. The OB appointment also went well. The heart rate was 138 this week and I passed my glucose test. I now go in to see the Doctor every two weeks. 

Im hoping to finish up the nursery in the next couple of weeks. Ill post before and after pictures as soon as I do. 

One of the Lucky Ones

The crib is complete!

We picked out the crib several weeks ago and waited until we were both ready before purchasing it. I was so excited to see it all come together, but had plans with some girlfriends, so thought we would get to it the following day. Much to my surprise, when I returned home from my dinner plans, I found the crib completely assembled. I was thrilled! It looked great. I couldn't have asked for a better surprise.

I have a great man on my hands.

Our baby is so lucky to have a daddy like Dave. He is patient, kind, smart, curious, and humble (among many other great qualities). I often reflect on Dave's life and my perception of it. I cant imagine how it has changed in the last 3 years. He had been a man on his own for so long, doing things according to his own agenda, on his own timeline, here is is now, prepping for a newborn. It is hard to believe he will turn 50 two weeks before the baby is due. I will say first hand, he has handled the changes quite well. He is so accommodating and (usually) has a smile on his face.

I dont say it enough... I love you, Dave, and cant wait for this next adventure.

Here are a few pictures of Dave hard at work:

Big Bump!

Ugh, belly pictures, something I have completely dreaded throughout the pregnancy, but my lovely sister keeps insisting I take a few here and there. I hate to admit it, but she is right...I know I would kick myself if I ended up with no photos. So, above is a shots of my belly at 6+ months. Wow, six months already, I cant believe how fast this is going.

Everything continues to move along as planned, I had my 24 week appointment last week and I am measuring right on. The baby's heart rate remains right in the middle of the acceptable range at 145.

We have started to make some big nursery progress as well. Dave painted it a few weeks ago and we ordered the glider on Monday. We have a crib picked out and plan to purchase it this weekend. It felt to me like Dave was dragging his feet a bit on the bigger purchases, so I backed off and decided to follow his lead, I knew he would come around in his own time. Like clockwork, he felt the baby move last night for the first time, so now guess who is anxious to buy baby furniture!? Yep, he came around...I knew he would ;).

Thats about it for now...will update when I have more.

Surprise shower on Captiva Island

Jill, Suzie, Becky and Leanne

I have the greatest friends, I am so lucky.

I flew down to Florida a couple of weekends ago to meet a few college friends. We were all in the mood to get some sun, and Florida turned out the be the perfect spot. We were on Captiva Island, which was very quiet. This was actually perfect for us considering two of the four us were pregnant. Leanne is 7 weeks ahead of me and is expecting a girl in April.

After dinner on Friday night we congregated around the patio table and the girls surprised me with baby gifts and cupcakes. It made my weekend. They had several of the items shipped to my house, which made coming home and collecting the packages really fun.

Thank you to Leanne, Jill, Stacy, Emily, Maggie and Becky! You are the bestest friends a girl could ask for. I cant wait for our next get together, you all mean so much to me.

Leanne and I with the "gender neutral" cupcakes..