Nursery Sneak Peek...

Because I just couldn't resist the cuteness that is the crib skirt my mom made....

And the quilt we made...

And what LP will wake up to every morning...



Honestly, custom bedding is the way to go. There is no way I could have found anything this cute in the store :) Though I am slightly biased....

My First Shower...

This weekend our friends Christy and Brea hosted my very first baby shower at Brea's new house. It was so much fun and was so good to see some great friends! Even Amber traveled from across the state with the girls....a feat in and of itself :) Even though we had some sickness and other obligations come up at the last minute for people, it was still a great time. Doug and I were overwhelmed with the generosity of everyone! LP's room is filling up more than it even was before. Such fun!! Here are some pictures from our excitement...

Opening gifts with Ava's help...

Me and the wonderful hostesses

My niece Lauren helping me out with gifts as well...

Doug and Staci Go Green...

I have so much to post about right now...I may break some records!! This weekend, our friend John sacrificed some time to stand in line and get us a composter at the Environmental Fair. Not only did he get us one, he got one for my mom and my sister! What a guy :) Anyway, they were having a truckload sale and we got a heck of a deal on a really nice one. Doug and I are trying to do all we can to go green at our house and reduce our carbon footprint. We already recycle like crazy, use compact fluorescent bulbs, plan on cloth diapering, got rid of our gas guzzling SUV, and use a reel mower. Why not compost, right?? Anything for Mother Nature :) So here's a picture of our newest family member...until LP gets here!

Photo Shoot

Doug and I had our belly photo shoot last night. We were a little nervous because there was a wind advisory here. It was super windy but our photographer scoped out some calm places in George Wyth. Doug and I really wanted our pics outside in nature and boy were we in nature!! I wish we could have videotaped me crawling around. I got deep in and was up on logs and laying in brush. Doug claims the pics are amazing so I'm hoping this is true!! Whenever we get them back I'll be sure to share!

On labor progress...I have an appointment tomorrow. I've been having tons of contractions every day. Doug and I are just thankful for each additional day we make it because it's one less sick day I have take now and gets us one day closer to Christmas break. I'd like to take as little time as possible with no pay!! Doug is carrying his cell on him now because as the doc says "It could be any day now!" I think that freaks him out more than it excites him!!!

What a difference a year makes....

It was a year ago that I was having an MRI to check on some fertility problems. We'd been trying for months and months and my doc could find nothing. The MRI came up inconclusive and we were left with more questions. More tests, more meds, more waiting.

I can't believe that's where we were just 12 months ago...and now we're here! A few weeks away from having a baby! It almost seems surreal at times and as the days inch closer and closer it's gets even more unbelievable!

Oh, what a day for reflection!

35 and 35

I'm 35 weeks with 35 days left!! I cannot believe that it has come! I kept talking about my 35/35 and it seemed so far off. Doug and I are working on getting everything organized at home. I try to be a big help and then I start to swell and have to sit with my feet up. Then I help some more and repeat the process. It's entertaining to say the least! I had a doc appt. yesterday and have started thinning out. I'm 50% effaced right now. Doug and I are just happy something is happening. Hopefully that means this baby won't be overdue...though I know I could sit here for 5 more weeks at 50% :) Hopefully this weekend we will finish the nursery up. We have our first shower on Sunday so that should add to the chaos! We also have belly pics coming up and baptism class. It's going to be a busy 35 days!!

Baby Hiccups...

just crack me up!! LP has had them so much lately and I laugh everytime she gets them. Doug is totally entertained by the whole situation. Last night, as he was reading one of his pregnancy books, he informed me that when she has the hiccups, it means she practicing breathing. Look at him sharing his baby knowledge!! So at least we know she's practicing breathing a lot...hopefully that doesn't mean she's coming in the next week or two! There's way too much going on...if baby comes, we will definitely have some schedule changes to make!!

On another interesting note, there is speculation that hospitals are going to be restricting visitors to newborn babies due to H1N1. If enforced, only immediate family would be able to visit. Along with that, no children under age 14 and no elderly would be allowed in. I told Doug they better not keep my mom away!! I think I'll have a breakdown if I can't see Mom after I give birth!!

Craft Time!!

I have so many things to post right now....the nursery is very near completion and my mom brought me the crib skirt she made. Let me just say it is the cutest thing ever!!! I've also been saving the quilt for when I post the whole nursery. But for now, I will show you what my mom and I made this weekend. Taggies are all the rage in the baby stores. If you don't know what this is, it's like a soft, little blankie with a bunch of ribbon along the edges to imitate tags. Apparently babies like to chew on tags! So we saw one at a craft store and decided we could do it....and for a fraction of the price. Guess what? We were right :)

34 Weeks!!!

Yes...my belly is big...I'm embracing it :)

Go Panthers!! 33 Weeks!