Dinner from friends and new accessories

Thank you to my dear friends Rachel and her mom, Kim for dinner tonight. She knew my energy level is slowly going downhill and brought us our favorite meal, Chillis, and on the perfect day when I didn't even have the energy to get ready! Rachel, her mom, and her family have been so wonderful to me during my pregnancy. When I lost my first in February '07, I will never forget the special bracelet that Rachel gave to me with a Bible verse on it. Her family was there for me and so great, and tender towards me and Chad during our challenging time. Now over a year later, she is still continuing to be supportive constantly writing me notes and checking on me. Thanks to my sweet girls for treating me and Chad. I haven't felt like cooking for so long, and this made me and Chad's day for sure!

The girls also brought over some crafts I had Kim make me, (I can't post some of them because they are a surprise for someone that reads my blog). I had requested that Kim make me a bow holder for Avery and look at the amazing outcome...simply adorable. She is SO super talented and I just love her work. I put a "few" of Avery's bows up... we would have to have 10 of these to hold all the bows I have made for this girl! But this is perfect!

Some other accessories that we hung tonight were from one of my newest friends Melissa. Melissa is precious and blogs too! I have mentioned her before, but her hubby and my Dad work together at Wal-mart and we were introduced through them. I was so glad she got to come to my shower, and here are some adorable frames from her. They look fabulous in Avery's crazy fun room, and add such a spunk. Thanks Melissa for the great gifts!!!!

After dinner I managed to get to Target with Chad. I had several things to purchase on our gift cards, along with a few duplicates to take back. I bought my "hospital" outfit and Chad and
I just sat in the dressing room and laughed while I tried them on, stumbling around and looking like a "big mamma"... I'm so glad I can laugh with my hubby, we just made fun of each other and it was so fun! I felt like a grandma at first, but these babies are cute, comfy, and that is ALL that matters! I bought some cute star slippers that match perfectly and a robe to go with. I am all ready! We bought our pack and play tonight, along with our bouncy seat, humidifier, baskets to hold bath stuff, children's Tylenol, nipple shields, (so exciting), nipple cremes, crib sheets... and more- we managed to spend about $450.00... but THANK GOD for all the gift cards! Avery should be ready, minus her monitor and the stroller set which we are purchasing on Saturday at Babies R Us.

We have a busy weekend planned... starting tomorrow we have a funeral to attend for a very dear friend and customer of my brothers. His friend died last week and was hit by a car while on his motorcycle. He had several children. The funeral is at 2:00 tomorrow. My brother is a Paul-Bearer and I know it's going to be a very hard day for him. My brothers name is Aaron and his friends name was Randy Morris. Please say a special prayer for Aaron but more importantly for Randy's family. Funerals are so sad. Chad and I talked tonight about things we want to start doing for others and to each other, that someday if we passed away we would say "I wish I would have done this more"... we talked about that tonight and it touched my heart. Little hugs, words of encouragement... I always like to give others that kind of love because you don't ever know when their last day could be and you would regret not having that special something said to them before they died. Makes me sad thinking about it! Im a hugger and would always remember hugging people before they passed, and that is why I love to hug others so much!! I would aways know I hugged them and gave them that special love from me.

Saturday I am spending the day with my sister in law Tiff who is one of my best friends. She has been wanting to have a girls day a couple more times before Avery is born so we are going to a nice lunch and a movie! I'm really looking forward to spending time with her! Then Saturday night Chad and I are heading to Joplin for some final shopping and dinner at my favorite Italian place there. I can't wait!

35 weeks and dialated 1 cenimeter!!!

I woke up this morning with a contraction. OUCH! I have been having Braxton Hicks on and off throughout the pregnancy but this one this morning was different, longer, and more painful. It lasted for 5 minutes and I haven't had another one since. My appt was at 1:30 and was yet another painful experience for me. Dr. H examined me and sure enough I was dialated to 1 cenimeter! YIPPEE! I had tons of questions for him, and he was so patient with me. I told him to bare with me since this was my first and I had not a clue what I was about to be going through, and what all of these aches and pains were. He so kindly reassured me that Im supposed to be in pain down low, and it's all normal. I can barely walk and waddled like a duck into his office, hehe! I do have to say that the exam was nothing but uncomfortable. I almost kicked him in the head because of the pain and wanted to jump out the window. Again, this is my first and I had never experienced an exam quit like that. After breaking out in a sweat and wanting to cry, he assured me it would be okay and reminded me of the end results, and again reminded me that I was 1 cenimeter and was making progress. We are thinking around the first of June, possibly earlier... he said to be prepared anytime, you just don't ever know. So the bags are getting packed before the weekend and Chad and I are finalizing some shopping for Avery. We still need to purchase the carseat/stroller set, bouncy seat, & the pack and play... and because of the amazing generosity and gift cards we have been sent, we are able to do just that! Oh and thank you to my friend Lindsay K, we received her pink boppy seat in the mail today, so much fun!!!!

Im good now... home, but in pain still. I have propped the good ole feet up and talked to everyone I know on the phone this afternoon so it's made my day go by fast. We have Bible Study tonight and Im excited to see all of our friends!

Being lazy feels awesome for once

Do you ever just want to sit around and do NOTHING for days beyond end? Well, welcome to my world the past 2 days. Mom, if you are reading this don't get upset- as I know she would be SUPER embarrassed at something I am about to say... (haha)
....I haven't washed my hair since Sunday! Yes, Sunday! I have however taken several baths, sometimes twice a day just to relax. As my pregnancy is coming closer to the end, (tear), I find myself dreading the shower each morning, and the time it takes for me to dry, curl, and fix my hair. Due to the exhaustion of last weeks festivities, getting ready for friends to come into town, preparing myself for Avery, finalizing her room, putting up all her stuff, keeping the house clean, laundry done.... I have felt like doing absolutely nothing and by gosh, deserve just that. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a girl that is on the go. I like sunlight, friends, lunch dates, dinner dates, candles, driving around, shopping, just being out! I am not a home body, and I hate to be still and do something like read books. In fact, I have never finished a book in my life. I have gotten SO close, sometimes 10 pages to the end of a book and get bored and ADD and have to stop. So this week, during my lazy time and relaxation while I am waiting for diva to arrive... I am going to start the Twilight series and yes, read that dang million page book. I have heard so many great things about this book and my sister in law finished it in literally a week, while reading on her lunch breaks... so I am going to sit here ALL day one day and read.
...Anyway, I did nothing Monday, and now it's Tuesday and the curtains are STILL closed. My feet have been up ALL day, each day and I have enjoyed catching up on tv shows and watching Lifetime movies, along with the Baby Story on TLC from here to there, but I get all emotional and have to turn it. Considering I have spent the majority of my pregnancy on the go, I think these last 5 weeks I deserve to do NOTHING. I do plan to walk at night with Chad to push her delivery along quicker, if she's ready, but that's it! People ask me how I look so good and haven't gained a ton of weight, or swelling (thank you, much appreciated), and I honestly think it's because I didn't sit on my butt my entire pregnancy. If I had a job I probably would have been sitting in front of the computer all day. When I got laid off in January I vowed to not allow myself to be a couch potato and stuff my face just because I was pregnant. I haven't watched what I eat hardly at all, but the getting up, taking a shower, and getting out the door, shopping and getting ready for Avery's room is what kept me going and exercised. I honestly think I got more cardio getting in and out of the car more then I ever would have walking on a treadmill at the gym. Literally from January until now, I was out the door by 10:30am the latest and sometimes didn't come back home until 5:00! I would have friends calling me telling me to sit down and relax. It was funny then, but not so much now. Now I say "Okay, okay, I will sit". Carrying a 6 lb baby in your lower belly is a lot of pressure and now I wish I just had someone to push me into the car, and out. But unfortunately during the day I don't... so I think I am stuck! I never understood why woman waddled so funny until I started experiencing that horrible pelvic pain. After much reading, duh, my bones are shifting preparing for Avery to come! So yes, I do have that funny waddle now. OUCH, and I am SO uncomfortable!

With 5 weeks left and a doctor appointment tomorrow, I am anxious anxious anxious. The past few days of relaxing has been awesome because I have had such a great opportunity to bond with Avery. Being still allows me to feel her like I never have before. Today you could literally see her foot push over my belly to the side of my ribs. And yes, it hurt like heck! But I enjoy the little kicks and punches. I have also been able to track her hiccups which are now twice daily, where as when I was on my feet all day I couldn't. So the bonding has been nice and I have talked to her constantly. Life is so good. During the quiet sometimes you realize things that you never would have before. I'm realizing that I have a few short weeks with my husband, a few short weeks of ME..... and have been trying to just take all of that in and slow down. Haven't cooked, nothing! I challenge all of you guys and my friends to just take a day for yourself (or 2) and chill, relax, do nothing! Don't even wash your hair! It feels SOOOO good.....!!!!

I will have some 35 week pictures up tomorrow and you know I will freshin up for those, and my doctor appointment... stay tuned for updates!

My colorful, most amazing BABY SHOWER!

Saturday was my Baby Shower. WOW, is all I have to say about this shower. It was one of the most amazing, breathtaking moments that I have had in my life. I can't explain to you how surreal it is to first, be having my first child, and second to walk into a room that was designed for me and my soon to be bundle of joy. I was completely shocked at all of the surprises I had been anticipating to see for 6 months. My girlfriends have been planning my shower for that long, and I haven't been able to know a single thing that went on. My hostesses deserve lots of kisses!

When I was first escorted from the car to the door and saw how cute the porch itself was decorated, I new that I was in for a huge surprise when I opened that door. The tables were decorated in all of my colors; pink, green, turquoise, and orange with a splash of zebra as my accent. The food table had so many amazing goodies, and several of my "favorite" foods. And the cake... amazing. From the look to the taste, it will forever be my favorite cake. It was vanilla on the top layer and strawberry on the bottom. The girls also had a candy table set up in the kitchen that were all of my colors, along with all of the punches and drinks! I love detail... and this shower was very detailed.... I loved how they had cranberry's in the water. It was such a nice lovely touch. I especially loved how they designed every little detail down to the giveaway gifts where every guest got to take home a goody bag with candy that was set out on the table, along with a wallet size picture of my belly. My best friend is very talented and took pictures of me when I was 7 1/2 months pregnant, and then utilized a lot of the pictures for guests to take home. The pictures were also displayed on a board where each guest was to write a note to Avery. It was so fun reading them, I even cried. Almost everything was accented with zebra ribbon and it added such a nice touch of class, and of course fun!

I opened SO many amazing gifts from SO many amazing people. It's so neat to see how much your friends truly care about you, and want to share these special moments in life with you. We got everything!!! Too much to name, but enough to keep me busy Monday morning in her room going through everything. I know one thing, this little diva will be wearing a different tutu everyday after she is born! Ha! She got SO many tutu's and cute things that were monogrammed... I just sat in her room today and starred... WAY TO CUTE!

So to close, I want to thank each and every friend that follows my blog for the love and support that was put into this day. I believe in "THANK YOU" whole heartedly and appreciating those who take the time in life to show you that they love you and truly do care by their acts of kindness. I know showers aren't easy and cost efficient so I am so appreciative of every little second, and penny spent. Oh yes, and thank you to all of the great people that have continued to send gifts in the mail. We are continuing each day to get packages randomly and gift cards... so I haven't forgotten about you guys. Enjoy the pictures!!!

MUCH LOVE!!!!!!!!

4D Ultrasound, Bows, Showers = BUSY!

Yesterday was amazing. My heart was fluttering so fast as we entered the doctor's office as I anticipated getting the first look at my babies face. The experience was amazing to say the least. She wasn't wanting to move a lot, she was asleep most of the time. We kept trying to poke her a little, and I had to turn positions quit a bit. Her head is very low. Her back curves to the left of my belly button and her little booty is above my belly button. Her legs and feet are to the right of my belly button, so her feet were on her head a few times. Poor girl! I felt sorry for her. That CAN'T be comfortable. We received a DVD and a disc with tons of pictures, so I immediately went to Wal-mart and had tons developed so we would have them. She looks so different in each one, but then I really notice certain features in others. She definitely has a mixture of mine and Chad's lips and I think has his nose... although it's very hard to tell because of all the fluid, placenta, and umbilical cord. She was beautiful. Simply, beautiful! We gave each of our moms a gift. I got them a frame with a picture of her ultrasound in it so they would always have a picture of their grand baby before she was born. They loved it!

She was smiling a little here, so precious:
Making "kissy" lips:

Just chilling on this one:

So after running around preparing for company yesterday, I sat down to rest my feet and make some bows! I am making fun bright springy one's right now for spring/summer. I am really into making them, like I said... cheaper and way cuter to do your own little design. I made several for my friend Allisha's baby and took those to miss Ryleigh Kate who will be sporting one at my shower tomorrow. I was so excited to see she loved them.

Speaking of, my shower is tomorrow! I am so stoked that I can't sleep. Chad keeps wondering why I am up so early before him... and I just tell him I'm so excited I wake up and can't sleep. I anticipate my best friends arrival, and seeing all of the glamour that went into this shower. It's so fun to get all your friends & family together, mingle, eat, and open presents. I can't wait to see what our little Avery will get. There are so many things we still need, but we are just moving along nicely and have quit a collection going. I can't wait to add all of those final touches in the room Sunday after the shower is over. It will all make it so real when we are putting those final things together. But, I must say I'm completely ready for her minus my bag for the hospital. I am afraid that she could come anytime, although I am sure I have a full 6 weeks left (5 weeks next week, YIKES).. My belly literally grew an inch overnight, and it's bulging down low... and itches like no other!!!!! I lather up with lotion alot!

...We are going to get me a nice hospital outfit, something very comfy and soft, and then I need to make Chad a list in case I go into early labor and can't get everything packed in time.

One more thing before I go... I want to thank all of the sweet friends from near and far that have sent things in the mail for Avery. We have gotten gift cards, burp clothes, monogrammed hats... you name it! Yesterday we got the most adorable hat with her name monogrammed on it in pink. It's such a cute little floppy hat and will be great for camping! It's her new camping hat and she will camp in style! So thank you to all of our dear friends and supporters of miss Avery Elizabeth!!! ;) Lots of love!

8 Things Tag....

My friend Rachel tagged me on this fun little game, so any of my fellow blogger friends, join in and do it too!!!

8 things I am looking forward to:

My little Avery Elizabeth
Going into labor
Having my body back
My baby shower this weekend
Seeing my best friend
Eating lots of good food
Finishing up "nesting projects"

8 things I did yesterday:

Went to the doctor
Drove to Ft. Smith
Picked up our Baby Bed
Went to Target
Ate Mediterranean food for lunch
Took a nice warm bath
Watched American Idol
Put together the baby bed and bedding

8 things I wish I could do:

Eat less
Walk more
Clean (really clean)
Run a 1/2 marathon
Organize pantry
Get up earlier
Drink a Starbucks coffee everyday
Have a few Krispy cremes...

8 things I watch on TV:

American Idol
90210
Biggest Loser
The Hills
Sandra Lee Food Network
Regis and Kelly
Dr. Phill
Amazing Race (sometimes)

8 people to tag:

Melissa
Kelly
Tara
Lindsey
Emily
Andrea
Sarah
Taylor

Happy Thursday!!!!!!!

FINALLY... it's COMPLETE!

Friends & Family-

I am happy to say that my baby girl's room is finally complete, the bed portion anyway which was the most important to me. I chose a simple bed because everything else is so crazy and bright. I wanted something that wouldn't over shadow the bedding. Minus a few pictures in frames that are currently being developed, a chair that I am purchasing this week from an antique shop, and covering with some extra leopard fabric...along with tons of rug options that we have to choose from... I can officially check this off my list. It's literally been 9 months of pure bliss putting this together, and I have to say that I love EVERY second of the preparation. It all paid off and was the dream I had for my girls nursery and much much more. I always picture it to be this way, bright and cheerful like I pray she will be!

With my shower coming up on Saturday, I don't know how I am going to squeeze everything else into this room! HA! I have tons of shelving above my closet and more hanging space so that is a plus... but man, we are getting full already.
Having your first child is such a blessing. My days and nights are consumed thinking of this girl... what she looks like, how she will sound, the way she will grow up. It's just all surreal to me, especially because I am hitting the end stage and could literally have her any day. I am experiencing some lower pains very badly and Braxton Hicks quit often. My food intake is hardly any at this point, (thought I would NEVER say that). I can't breathe! I visit with the doctor on the 29th to see if I am dilated, so keep your fingers crossed. Although I LOVE being pregnant, I am ready to see her beautiful face and kiss those adorable feet that kick me so swiftly in the ribs each night. It's not pleasant, but worth each ache & pain.

Today we were supposed to get a 4D ultra sound but something happened at my doctors office and they confused today with Thursday. So we are now going at 10:30 in the morning. I took a few swigs of Mt. Dew before I went in, and then had her bouncing all the way to Ft. Smith to get the bed. I was hoping she would have bounced for the ultra sound, but maybe we will have better luck tomorrow. I'll try some more "dew" before I got back in and maybe she will have a little party in my belly for us!

My amazing Birthday!!!!

First, thank you to all of my friends for the phone calls and notes today on facebook, texts, etc! They each meant so much to me! It was so good to talk with everyone! ;) I started off enjoying lunch with a friend of mine, Kim. She treated me to a nice lunch at Mi Mi's and then we went shopping and bought shoes! FUN ONES! Thanks Kim for treating me to lunch and for the beautiful flowers!

This evening Chad, my sister in law Tiff, brother Aaron, and mom and dad all went to BoneFish. One of my favorite places. We ate pedifores and had a good time! We always do. Mom and Dad gave me some money, Tiff and Aaron gave me this awesome apron and candle that I have been wanting so badly, and Chad surprised me with a 4D ultra sound tomorrow...

Speaking of, I am 34 weeks! We go in to the doctor at 10:30 to watch her bounce around, and see her precious little face. We are getting tons of pictures with our package along with a video so stay tuned for the excitement. I was tickled when I opened this gift from Chad... it was a complete surprise, and he set it all up himself! He even took the day off work tomorrow so we could do this and get Avery's bed from Ft. Smith! Yes, we will have pictures tomorrow night, the BEDROOM will be COMPLETE---- PRAISE GOD!