The Last One

Today was the day for my last baby shower, so we can officially get ready for Baby Girl to arrive! Debbie and Abby hosted a shower for Lindsay before she had Jackson... well, they were supposed to host one, except Lindsay went into labor the day before, so we spent time in the waiting room calling all the guests to cancel it. And they graciously hosted one for me this morning :)

Nelson's mom and sister drove in from Houston and Lindsay flew down from Southlake last night. I was so glad they could come celebrate with us! The shower was a yummy and super cute brunch shower at Debbie's. We had fruit and breakfast casserole and pigs-in-blankets and, of course, cupcakes. It was fun chatting with all of our family and family friends, sharing stories about my pregnancy thus far and what we look forward to about Baby Girl's arrival. We got so many adorable baby clothes, diapers, wipes, and the rest of the items on our registry.

And of course I failed to snap any pictures, but Nelson's mom remembered to take some - yay! They decorated the house so cutely.

Lindsay loves shopping for girl clothes so much more than boy haha :) As evidenced by the multiple outfits she's gotten already.

Just some of the guests. Alice, Amy, and Leanne:

Olivia, Dani, Sophia, Brenda, Liz, and Candy:

After the shower and unloading everything at home, I went and picked up Lindsay for our much belated girls weekend. Last summer, we talked about how she would be done breastfeeding Dean in July and we should do something fun for a weekend. This was going to happen in Scottsdale before the plan at work changed and Emily joined me, and then we tried to find a weekend in November or December, but the holidays quickly got in the way. This was our last chance to spend quality time together before Baby Girl arrives and I would then be the one to have someone latched to me.

We started off by seeing the progress on our house - exciting, I know. But she hadn't seen it at all yet, and I wanted to show her how everything was coming along. You could really get a better visual since the drywall is up now. Afterwards, she and I went up to The Domain to walk around and shop, get massages, and have dinner. Lindsay and I rarely spend time together just us, especially now that she's in Southlake. I feel like we talked non-stop... no, we did :) We talked about what's happening with the boys, pregnancy, Baby Girl, marriage, work, life, etc. She did a little shopping while I looked at things I won't be able to fit into for a while. And I took breaks with all the husbands / dads on the couches. And took regular bathroom breaks. The 90 minute prenatal massage was AMAZING, and the conversation continued afterwards, with the inclusion of Cheryl.

It really was a fantastic day spent with all of my favorite people. I felt so loved, but most importantly, I once again saw how loved Baby Girl is. I can't wait to introduce her to all the family, friends, and those who will be such big parts of her life in just four short weeks! <3

Another one bites the dust.

And by "one", I mean baby shower :) We went to Houston this past weekend and had a co-ed joint baby shower with Nelson's friends and all the WAGS, for both us and Matt and Candice who are expecting a baby boy just a few weeks after us. It was the best baby shower for this group, especially the guys, because they don't want to do anything like a shower.

Anne, Bonny, and Taylor hosted everyone at Bonny's (and Andrew's) house. It was a potluck brunch, so lots of yummy food for this pregnant girl who needs to eat a good breakfast these days! We all hung out and caught up on life, which was absolutely perfect. The girls obviously talked about babies and kids, and I'm sure the guys talked about how life is over once you have kids and how great bachelor life is. It's extremely rare that we get to see everyone at once, and I know Nelson enjoyed talking to all the guys, as I did the girls. They're such a wonderful group of friends we're so lucky to have in our lives, and I can't wait for them to meet Baby Girl!

Mackenzie joined the pregnant mommies for a pic :)

All the girls! It's really depressing to me that you can't tell Candice, in the buffalo plaid, is pregnant, let alone in her third trimester. Ugh.

And the entire group!

The rest of the weekend was spent being with Nelson's parents and having lunch with my dad. When we were packing up to leave, it was so surreal that we were getting ready to have our last trip home just us. This was our last time in Houston before having Baby Girl. I was sitting on the couch as Nelson loaded up the car and thinking about how it's kinda sad and scary, but then realized life will actually be so much better <3

Celebrating with our Nearest and Dearest

This past Saturday, our small group threw a little shower for me and Nelson to celebrate Baby Girl. We're the third couple in the group to be pregnant and we've always done something for each one, so it was fun to finally be the guests of honor :) Jenni and Trevor decorated their house so cute and made sure the desserts were on point. I could not have been more impressed with the s'mores and cupcake varieties <3

It was Jenni and Trevor, Allison and Bino, Meagan and Tyler with Malachi, and David. Unfortunately Val hadn't been feeling well, so she didn't want to spread anything. We ate a yummy BBQ dinner and played a really fun game! It was telephone-pictionary. Everyone had the number of little pieces of paper as there were people. You thought up a baby-themed phrase (mine was "Shhh! Don't wake the sleeping baby!") and then you passed the stack. That person read the phrase and then drew it. Then the stack passed, again, and that person saw the picture and then wrote what phrase they thought it was. And so on and so on. By the time it got back to the original author, it was totally wrong. We all had a really good laugh going through each card and seeing who good / terrible people were at drawing.

They were also all so thoughtful with their gifts, a mixture of things we'll need and some homemade things from the heart :)

We can't wait to bring Baby Girl into such a wonderful group of friends, and know that they will all love her just as much as us.

And just because I love documenting the movement, here's a really good one :)

Happy 4th Birthday, Jackson!

How was this picture taken four years ago?!?!

This past weekend, we drove up to Southlake to celebrate the boy who made our whole family a hundred times better. Our very own Baby J turned four! (Below picture with neighbors Scarlett and Coleson)

The party was at a trampoline park and everyone had fun jumping, including my dad and Patty. Oh, but not me; trampolines are a no-no for pregnant ladies.

Dean wasn't a jumper, but enjoyed walking around the whole place :)

After some pizza, the cupcakes were brought out and everyone sang happy birthday to their favorite person - well, the Armstrong's and Liggett's favorite person.

We opened presents, played with new toys, and sang a couple more times!

The weekend was very much like our other Southlake weekends, complete with maximum play time, catch-up time with Lindsay, and not as much sleep as I'd like. But I wouldn't have wanted to do anything else this weekend than spend time with Jackson. The past four years have gone by so quickly, and Nelson and I are lucky to have such a close relationship with Jackson. He has lots of energy, but is one of the most thoughtful and sweet little boys. He loves his family just as much as we love him <3

And when we were leaving, I told him that the next time he saw me, my tummy would either be even bigger or the baby will already be here. The smile on his face was unforgettable, and he exclaimed, "Cool!" I couldn't agree more, Jackson!

32 Weeks Down, 8 To Go!

Welp, we're officially in the single digit weeks left! There's still so much to do, it makes it stressful if we think about how little time is left. But I cannot WAIT to meet her and hold her and kiss her <3

My appointment was fairly uneventful, and I just saw the Nurse Practitioner, Jen, as Dr. Cowan was in surgery that day. Baby Girl's heart rate was around 140 bpm and my fundal height measured exactly 32 centimeters. I made a comment to Jen that, yes, I was feeling her moving all the time, but I had no idea how she was laying in there. She told me to lay back and felt around, and she thinks Baby Girl is already head down with her back along my left side, bottom up by my left ribs, and then arms and legs going over to the right. Let's hope she stays that way!

We had our breastfeeding class, too. Nelson was so sweet and came with me, and I didn't tell him that Emily said Grant didn't and that there weren't many husbands in the class. Luckily there were about four other dads there, so it wasn't too awkward for him. It was pretty informational and I think we both learned a lot, including what flat and inverted nipples look like (with pictures to help). 

And a birthday picture at 31 weeks!

Mom's Take at Week 32: Nothing really new to report since week 28. I'm still working out and doing what I can - RPM, Body Pump, and the elliptical. My right hip flexor still gets pretty sore and tight, and it seems to have gone a little more into my hip, so I just have to be cautious not to overdo it. Baby Girl is moving quite a bit, too, but they're biiiiiiig, slooooooow movements. She isn't really into making the quick and jerky movements. I'm really enjoying taking video of her moving, as you can tell :)

Dad's Take at Week 32: Nelson's officially in his own nesting mode. He's checked out two books from the library, one about how to get babies to sleep through the night and another titled "Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know" <3 Other than that, he knows it's happening and is helping me get things ready around the house. He seems to be saying less negative stuff and freaking out. I guess that's what knowing you have two months until your life is "over" does to you!

A Shower Sans Pictures

This past weekend, my "running mom" Anne hosted a shower for me and Baby Girl, and all my best friends came to show us love. I had so much fun talking with everyone, laughing about Nelson's wish for me not to eat sweets, and eating yummy food that I didn't take a single picture. Oops!

Anne got a precious Baby's First Year book and a pink Polaroid camera. It's an adorable way for me to document all the things to look forward to over the next year!

She took a picture of each girl (except Beth, who expertly avoided this step) and posted it in the book. Then they each wrote words of advice or encouragement to me :)

Baby Girl and I went home with some thoughtful gifts that we can't wait to set-up, use, and wear <3

Oh, and what did Nelson do this weekend? Go to a gun range with his gym and practice shooting. In other words, watch out future boyfriends of his daughter ;)

Showering Baby Girl

This past weekend, I had my first (non-surprise) baby shower in Houston with family, Nelson's mom's friends, and some of my own :) I really just enjoyed having everyone in one room, talking and laughing and eagerly anticipating the arrival of Baby Girl. But the shower itself was a lot of fun with some cute games, not to mention the food was all delicious (Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets <3) and I went home with some pretty good loot.

While everyone arrived and chatted, they were given a diaper to write a note on for me and Nelson, and a little card with sentences to finish for Baby Girl. I haven't finished reading all of the notes to her, but I know I'll love rocking with her in her room and reminding her that those who love her hope she becomes whatever she wants in life - there is no limit, or isn't afraid of trying new things, or to be a fun as her mom and responsible as her dad. As for the diapers, I read them all aloud and selected my favorite, which was Irene's that read, "Remember you wanted this" haha! Another fun game was a breast milk cooler bag full of small, random goodies. Ladies put their hand in to feel around and had to guess what was inside, and Lindsay won this one!

The last game we played was a way for everyone to see who knew me and my decisions best. They all had little cards that they completed (see below), and then I had a big card for each answer and held up my choice. This one got pretty intense as it brought the competitiveness out of some people *cough* mom *cough*.

I opened so many wonderful gifts from everyone, and am excited to put it all to use! We got the carseat, so I think we're technically ready now since that's all we need in order to leave the hospital ;)

We got an awesome A&M / UT blanket handmade by Michelle Rice. I think the side facing up will vary depending on who's using it ;) And Diana said she just couldn't resist getting the precious A&M dress onsie <3

I made it my goal to take a picture with every person that was there, and I almost got it! Unfortunately Kaitlin had to leave early for work, and I somehow missed my own mom haha :) Oh well...

My wonderful hostesses: Diana, Suzanne, and Valerie

Grace, a wonderful friend since my senior year of college <3 And I wouldn't have met Nelson without her! We've experienced so much by each other's side, and I'm glad this is another one!

Irene, Nelson's cousin:

Leanne, soon-to-be nǎinai (!), and Nhi Cmerek:

Aunt Lindsay - eek!

Shelley, Laynie, and Lexi:

Aunt Ellen <3

Patty's daughter Christy:

Debbie :) I hadn't seen her in forever!

And Patty!

I also set everything out when we got home. It was so fun seeing everything all in one place :) Not pictured: the high chair that didn't fit in our car and we had to leave in Clear Lake, or the stroller my mom gave me that we decided not to take (thank goodness since we had a packed car home) just to bring back.

That night, we had a pre-birthday celebration with my dad, Patty, Peyton, my mom, Lindsay, and Nelson's parents at Pappa's Seafood. It was fun being with everyone and eating my favorite chocolate cake <3

As soon as the candles were lit and everyone started singing, I mistakenly said, "Shhh..." so they got even louder. You can see the embarrassment by the look on my face - sheesh.

I had such a wonderful weekend full of family, laughter, and love - both for me and Baby Girl. I have some more showers coming up over the next few weekends, and this just has me even more excited to keep celebrating her upcoming arrival!