Surprise Baby Shower

Yesterday, I invited some friends over to see my house, Brenna's room in progress, and to catch up. Little did I know, they had been scheming behind my back to turn the whole thing into a baby shower for Brenna! I was totally shocked. I have never been surprised before and thought it was perfect. The girls brought flowers, appetizers, drinks (preggo-friendly and adult-fun), dessert, and gifts.

Another added addition was the three baby girls that celebrated with us! Marion's granddaughter, one- year old Riley, was a total surprise. She toddled around, being the only walker at the moment, and helped me find all the areas that weren't walking-baby proof. Maeve, 11 months old, was the bow snatcher and ahead in the teeth department. Caroline, our red headed vixen at about 8 months, socialized and visited with all the other girls. I kept picturing my little one that will soon be able to join the party. I can't wait for her to meet the other girls!!

To all the ladies that contributed and schemed, thank you so very much!!

Room Preparations and More

Justin and I realized this weekend that we are down to the single digits on the week countdown. That is truly amazing! It has all gone by so fast. Do I think we are ready for Baby B to get here? NO! I am sure that you never feel completely ready, but we definitely still have a lot on the TO DO list.

We have accomplished the milestone of putting the crib together and Baby B's Ikea shelves are up and ready to be filled. Today, I completed the art pieces I wanted to do for the nursery. Her Wizard of Oz theme is in full swing with ruby slippers, the lion, the scarecrow, and the tin man. Justin asked me which one I thought would be her favorite. He decided the scarecrow, because he was Dorothy's favorite. I asked how he knew that and he said, "She says that she is going to miss him the most of all..." I love my husband! Ha!

Justin had his first track meeting today. The life of being a coaches wife continues... I thought that it was very interesting when I asked him how it went, the only thing he told me they talked about was how he was going to need his own transportation home from out of town meets. I like where his head is! The kids ride a bus and need coaches. His staff (which happens to be made up of some of our closest Athens buddies) made sure that there would be at least one seperate vehicle that could leave if Baby B decides its time.

Below are a few of the art pieces for Baby B's room and the building of the bed. When I get everything complete, I will post more.


Zeus and Odin really tried to help!

Holidays 2009

We had an extremely eventful holiday break! We spent a week away from home, then returned to Athens to move to a new home. I think every minute that we spent out of school was full of activity. As you can imagine, Baby B and I were very worn down.

Justin and I laughed because we defintely are in the stage of life where babies are involved. Within a week, we were able to see many friends and family that we don't get to visit with on a regular basis. Four of these visits included new additions to the families of infants and toddlers. I love babies and enjoy seeing the new parents way of dealing with whatever situation comes up! I learn so much from my friends and there new expertise everytime I am around them.

The family time that we spent was definitely special. We began our visit in Nashville with my mom. When we're together we can't help but look at all the little outfits and plan, plan, plan for our rapidly growing addition! It is beneficial to me to hear her reminise about her pregnancy and what I was like as an infant and toddler. While visiting with Mom, we were able to squeeze in a visit with "My Mary" and her new husband Eric. It was wonderful to see them and show off the belly!

I am writing this during my 1/2 day off for the Glucose test. My time has now run out...I will write more ASAP about our busy, but wonderful holiday!

Crib Purchase

When we were securely in our sixth month, Justin and I decided to register for Baby B's future needs. We had fun at Target with "the gun." I love all the little shoes, baby bottle debates, and super soft everything. Thanks to several of my experienced mommy friends and their baby spreadsheets the process was virtually painless. After Target, we went to the local baby specialty store "just to look around..." and found that they were having a major sale. When we saw the Emily crib and realized it was on sale, we had to scoop it up. Now we have a crib for our Baby B, but lack currently lack the house to put it in. (We will be moving between Christmas and New Years.) For the girl that had her wedding dress before the engagement, I think this is completely appropriate!

Unfortunately, when we went to pick up Baby B's future sleeping space, it would not fit in our car. Justin thinks that is the signal that he needs a new truck. Isn't it always something...Ha!

Wow...This Experience!

Baby B has been quite active and mobile over the last few days. This whole baby inside of me experience is wonderful and crazy. I love the feeling of a little roll or kick or whatever she is doing in there.

Yesterday, when she was particularly fidgety, I was pushing back on my stomach with my hands and found this hard spot above my belly button. It must have been some part of my baby pushing on my stomach! I am amazed! Justin was home and was able to feel it too. His face and reaction was priceless. Feeling that made it even more real for him. I feel bad, because I forget that our Baby B isn't on his mind every second like she is mine. He doesn't get to already feel completely connected with her because of all this movement.

It's a girl!

The first major period of anticipation is now over. We have found that the soon to be member of our family is going to be a sweet, sweet girl. Being the over planners and way too ready for everything people that Justin and I are, we have had our names picked out for years. Our Baby B has now turned into our Brenna Suzanne! We can't wait to meet her!

Justin has been making a small deal about the fact that he was really hoping for a future quarterback to lead his team. The text and facebook messages that came in after the announcement was made, were very funny to us. Lots of people were consoling Justin and trying to convince him that he was going to be fine with a girl. My favorite comment was that he didn't need to worry, because she would be just like the "Remember the Titans" girl. Ha! Everyone has no need to worry. Justin would love a boy at some point, but throughout the entire pregnancy, we have been talking about what it would be like to have a bouncy baby girl. He has been secretly sending me pictures of cute UGA dresses and has been smiling at the little girls we see in public. He is definitely ready for the girl of his dreams!

As for me, I had been imagining our lives with both a boy and a girl. As my mother has always said, girls have it much harder in life. Saying that, I have been thinking about hair bows and monogramming even before I became pregnant. I knew either baby would be absolutely perfect for us, but now I can't imagine it working out any other way. This baby girl is already so loved and cherished, I hope she is ready for all the hugs and kisses people are already lining up to give!

Baby B, is that you?

I have been waiting patiently to start feeling my Baby B. I think that it will give me a sense of reassurance. Over the last two days, when I am very still or after I eat, I feel little flutters. Its like a small, tickling from the inside. I hope this is the baby and not just my wishful thinking! Hello, Baby B!