Back..whew!

Back...whew. July 21, 2009


So about 2000 miles and 12 days later I'm back in Florida! I visited mom in Hendersonville (near Asheville, NC) and then drove to Winston-Salem to see the in-laws. From there I rode with them to Wilmington for a wedding of some dear friends. It was a wonderful weekend, far from restful though! We got to spend time with our former "small-group" (bible study) that has exploded all over the map. We saw the Stratton clan of 5, who've been in Longview, Texas for the past three years; The Tuckers, who've been in Billings, Montana for the last year; The Hunters, who've been in Atlanta, Georgia for the last two years and the now "Craigs" who just got married and will be living in Tennesee. It was such a fun experience getting to spend time with all of our friends. Everyone was excited to see the growing belly and Alexis nicknamed it "Buddha".



"Buddha" and I did alright on the trip--however, I'm really glad that I won't have to be in a car that long again while pregnant! During the long drive, Josh and I discussed baby names again and I think we've settled on one. This news probably doesn't really make anyone all that excited, considering we've promised to keep it a surprise until he arrives. At least my stress about it is gone! :)

Letter to my Mommy, by Aunt Kelly

Letter to My Mommy

Aunt Kelly helped me write you a letter



She bent down to your middle so she could hear me a little better.



So, sit back and pop another Pringle



And never mind that obnoxious lady at Ingles.



For I am only ONE, not TWO



And these things I already know about you:



I know that you’re smart and you are witty



And my suspicion is that you’re kinda pretty.



Because how else did I end up in you’re tummy?



It’s not like you’ve just been eating a bunch of yummies!



I like how you sing and I giggle when you cuss



But these little lips won’t tell, that would be unjunst!



After all the work you’ve done for me, it wouldn’t be very sweet of me



To say anything unkind, you might just spank my little behind!



So sorry for the little scare early In my stay,



But I’ll have to make it up to you some way.



Maybe I’ll come just a few days early,



And that would make up for it surely!



Those little spider veins will go away,



But the worry lines I’ll give you are here to stay!



I’m worth it though



And this you must know…



I’ve loved every minute of being your son



And the love I will have for you has only just begun.



So pack your bags and get ready for the 1st!



Labor is not as bad as everyone says it is…



It’s WORSE!

Baby Shower

baby shower! July 11, 2009


Saturday was the day of the shower which began with my mother baking some delicious quiche among other goodies! My sister arrived with other yummy treats that she stayed up way too late baking...then the other ladies who were giving the shower arrived with their portions. The food was absolutely delicious!



The guests arrived shortly after...it was wonderful to see so many friends and family who were there to support and share excitement with me. It was true outpouring of love...



We began opening gifts with my sister reading a little poem that she wrote from the baby's perspective. It was too cute to describe, so I'll share it with you in another post. Mom took a few pictures of the event, so when she emails them to me, I'll post them.



Many thanks to all my friends and family who were there, and to the ones who couldn't come, you were missed. Thank you all for the wonderful gifts. I'll post some pictures of the adorable outfits we got as soon as I get them. Special thanks to my sister, Kelly, for all the time, effort, money and thoughtfulness she put into making the shower beautiful!

Are you SURE you're only having ONE?

Are you sure you're only having one? July 10, 2009


I flew in to Greenville/Spartanburg, SC (45 minutes from mom's house) on Thursday evening and mom picked me up. We spent a few hours shopping together (which is surprising to you all I'm sure) and then drove home. Friday was spent hanging out and preparing for the shower. I got to see my nephew Jackson a good bit that day, which always makes me smile...



Something that NEVER makes me smile, however, is getting insulted. I was picking up some things from Ingles (a grocery store in the Carolinas) with my sister when this woman came up to me and sweetly said, "When's that baby due?" I smiled back and gently rubbed my belly. I replied, "October 1". She smiled and then looked puzzled. She counted on her fingers, "July, August, September, October." Then she looked at my belly and said, "oh dear, you've still got quite a ways to go! Are you sure you're only having one?"



I was stunned. I almost didn't know what to say. I think I just smiled and said, "yes, that's what they tell me" or something along that line. I was so mortified that I started to cry! Who in their right mind would say such a thing to a pregnant, overly-emotional and obivously large woman!?! I don't get it!!! Grrrrrrrrrr!

I Passed!

I'm NOT a diabetic! Hooray! July 08, 2009


Well the news is in, and I PASSED my 2nd Glucose test! Yippee! I'm so glad I don't have to worry about counting carbs and watching sugar intake!



I visited my OB today and she said everything was great! I saw Dr. G today and I liked her. I will rotate through the three other doctors there (all female) and then whomever is on call the day I go into labor will deliver.



Next check up is in 2 weeks! Can't wait to hear that heartbeat again! I'll try to post a new belly picture for 28 weeks as soon as possible...

No news...

no news is good news...I guess July 06, 2009


Well, haven't heard back from the doc's office yet about the glucose test...hopefully that means that my ability to process and break down sugar is normal after all and I'm not really a failure! :) I go back to the doctor for my routine visit on Wednesday. Let's hope I get good news!