One more month!!!!

I am thrilled this is my last month until Anniston's arrival! The flip side is thinking that I could possibly carry her for another whole month- that seems like an eternity! Either way, we truly don't have long and the anticipation is driving me a little crazy. It doesn't help that the doctor tells me that she could be born at any time and would be fine...that doesn't give me much motivation. I'd rather him say that something else needs to develop so I'm more driven to keep her in longer- as if I have any control in the matter:) This was week #2 for our birthing classes and wow ...we were in for some educational surprises for sure! Our sweet teacher did notice Derrick's scared to death look on his face, but he was a trooper for sure. The best part is when we got the mats out- of course when I came back from the restroom my precious husband had our one pillow propped behind his back..This whole pregnancy thing must be tough on our husbands. LOL. Derrick did put the base of the car seat in the car already and he's encouraged me to pack a bag- so I know he's anxious too. Next week we will meet with our Pediatrician and Tuesday go for the 36 week appointment. As for me, I'm having major difficulty bending ...but other than that ...just pressing along. I'm praying constantly for a healthy baby and can't wait to see her sweet face.

34 Weeks and Birthing Classes!

We are getting closer and closer...yet it seems still so far away. I'm so excited about Anniston's arrival and we both think the reality is starting to set in. As I look around my great room, I see a stroller, pack-and-play, cradle 'n swing, and infant carrier and she's not even here yet! Yesterday, I had two different people tell me they were expecting a girl and then surprise it was a boy. Wow, if God changes his mind on this...someone has a lot of pink to get rid of! lol!

This has been such an exciting month. Jason and Tiffany got married last weekend and I'm so glad that we were able to make it ....as my swelling has increased...I was a little concerned. It was a beautiful wedding! Bella turns 2 this month! I can't believe it! Carrie said Curt was crawling- I can't wait to see! My friends from Church gave me a baby shower and I found out that two of my friends are expecting! God is so good.

Okay, for the funny part...We started birthing classes. I took the breastfeeding class on my own and realized how much I didn't know. It was 2 1/2 hours long and so helpful. Derrick did agree to do birthing classes as long as they didn't fall on Monday night softball games...lol. So last night we were off to our first of a five week Tuesday night session. Yes, five weeks! Anniston may be here before we even finish! I just wish that I had a video camera on Derrick the entire time. Of course, they show videos and give lots of useful information and talk about breathing etc. I'm not sure if he was more scared or me! My favorite Derrick quote was "If you have a choice between riding a pony or driving a car...what crazy person would rather ride a pony?" Obviously, he was referring to the planned natural birth verses meds. At some point, another man in our class asked if he could help the doctor deliver the baby and how to make certain that was in he and his wife's birth plan. I wish you could have seen the look on my husband's face! Overall, we had a great time. We go for our 35th week appointment next Tuesday and think they may do an ultrasound. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers during this special time.

Hackleburg Baby Shower!

Our baby shower in Hackleburg was so much fun. Thank you to all my friends and family who helped host it!!! Anniston received so many precious things and we are so thankful! I am 32 weeks and have another check up tomorrow... I can't imagine getting any larger at this point, but I'm scared that I will. My baby belly gets in the way. I was loading the dishwasher a few minutes ago, and when I leaned over it pushed me back up! Oh my, this is getting out of control. After my doctor's appointment last week, I have felt much better. I go back tomorrow and hopefully the whole anemia thing has gotten better. We are getting so ready for her to be here. Derrick has put together the pack and play and swing and her nursery is finally looking like a nursery! She still isn't very active, but I do feel her occassionally. I'm starting to get curious about the whole birthing thing. I really think I've blocked it out of my mind to ease my nerves, but I'm definitely curious. Please pray for us...as I hear daily...our lives are about to change! I just pray that she is growing and getting more healthy everyday.

Derrick's Birthday & Nine More Weeks

I'll start with the good- Happy Birthday to Derrick! We celebrated his birthday over the weekend! It was bitter sweet Friday night because we were talking birthdays and goodbyes with Nick leaving for training. Bella & Anna Kate came along ...our two precious nieces ...so that was fun! On Saturday morning, we had a birthday pancake breakfast and it was so sweet. We took Anna Kate for breakfast in town and she dressed as a princess (wore the crown, earrings, rings, necklace...the whole nine yards!) Too cute! Overall, I think Derrick enjoyed his birthday and ice cream cake (yes Bruster's made his cake- not me).

As for the pregnancy, I guess I couldn't stay feeling good for long. I have some major swelling going on in my hands and feet and I cannot sleep- ugh! I know she'll be worth the pain, but this is definitely not fun. Things are really strange..My BP has dropped significantly and oddly enough so has my temp...I guess it's better for it to be low than high. At church this morning, I thought I was about to faint so I'm thinking possible anemia again...who knows. I'm counting down the days! I'm so excited for next Sunday...my family and friends are hosting the Hackleburg shower...I can't wait! Also, Anniston is finally moving around more!

First Baby Shower!!!

My sweet friends...Amanda, Tiffany, and Tracy had us a baby shower for my friends and co-workers in Madison/Birmingham this weekend. It was so much fun! Anniston is already so loved. She is ready to go on her first boating trip with her adorable new swimsuits! I didn't even know they made clothes this cute for a baby... She was showered with some really great gifts. I am posting a few pics from Saturday!

As for the doctor visit update, we went back on Friday and she is coming right along. I'm now on two week visits and Tuesday I'll be 30 weeks! My swelling has increased, and the doctor says I have to put my feet up more. That's somewhat difficult to do when I'm always running around, but I plan to start trying or I may have to go up another shoe size!

4D Ultrasound!

What an exciting morning! Anniston is doing great! She's so little! We were able to get a great video and some great pictures. Derrick & my mom went along for the big event. We finally found out why she doesn't kick me very hard yet....one she's so small, but the tech said I have an anterior placenta - basically she's hiding out underneath the placenta and with some babies it's opposite so you can feel them more. The sweetest thing happened (and I could feel it too) ...she was about to wrap up our session when Anniston got the hiccups. It looked kind of painful, but it was still sweet. We just stared at the screen! What a blessing- to watch your baby on the screen for over 30 minutes! Today, her heartbeat was 149. I posted a couple of pics for everyone to enjoy. She's still playing with her feet! How sweet!

It's March..and you should be here in May!!

I woke up this morning (after sleeping for at least a 4 hour stretch) and was like OH WOW it's March and we will have you in May! After not finishing my test last night until 11:58 - due by 12 (nothing like procrastination) ...I didn't think I would be excited this morning...but actually thinking about you getting here helped me get through the day. This was a big weekend. We got your baby bed and Derrick put it up yesterday. It's so beautiful... and he hung window treatments in your room. It's actually beginning to look like a nursery! When I get the bedding..I will post pictures. I can already tell the downside to this month is going to be work clothes. I've just about acquired a decent amount of dress clothes for work and I go to get ready today and nothing seems to fit all over again. The upside is your 4D is Wednesday...I can't wait! Just to see you again..will be so exciting. I just pray that you are healthy and growing like expected. Will update after appointment this week. 12 Weeks to go!