Me...34 Weeks?!?! Better Start Packing

D, you will be happy to notice my hair is actually down :)

Husbands can be sneaky with cameras.
And the hair is back- and look I am wearing jeans. How crazy is that!
Almost there- no that face is not on purpose

There we go! The background of the rustic dock and crane was a stretch for my taste, but it is working for now and can always be cropped or photo shopped away.

I am now 34 weeks. I am simply amazed that in 6 weeks we will be seeing our daughter. She has been really busy as of recently, and I have greatly enjoyed all her sweet "dancing" as N calls her kicks and squirms. I love feeling her move. There are times that she is really moving a lot and forcefully and by the time N comes around to feel a second later the show is over. I do wonder if it is the sound of my voice that makes her stop. We have been playing Brahms' Lullaby to her. It was my favorite as a child. Many say that babies at this age can remember music. So I thought it would be a fun idea to see if her reactions to it are different than to other similar pieces.

All of a sudden I noticed that strangers were complimenting me on my wedding bands. The thought crossed my mind that it was because I just cleaned them. I mentioned it to N, and his explanation was that more people are inclined to check to see if I am wearing any now that I am toting around a baby belly. Anyone think that makes sense? Since baby, I have been extra careful to always wear them even though they are less comfortable to wear these days just for that reason. I have seen pregnant women wear their rings around their necks. I am not there yet, but I completely understand.

I gained two new commenters last post!!!-- and I plan on keeping them. hint. hint. Thank you girls! And to all those stealth readers out there, I would love to hear from you too even if you just want to make fun of my hair or smile.

About Baby

Our first Christmas together 2006


The tree in our hotel lobby

I love the simply way it is decorated
We actually went to the movies on Christmas day. Muvico is the best. Notice the shorts? That's Florida for you.


Next month we will be celebrating our 2nd anniversary, and it has only been since March of this year that we have been living in our own place. I was really looking forward to decorating our house for the holidays this year and building our own family traditions. We were married the day after Thanksgiving 06, he was deployed Thanksgiving 07, and Thanksgiving 08 I will be eight months pregnant. Yes, it would be possible to go all out for Thanksgiving for the two of us. But that really does not sound enjoyable or sensible to this very pregnant one. Going back home to be with family would be an option but just not a wise one being so close to my due date. So, instead of starting our own tradition or going back home to the traditions of our families (who are by the way spending Thanksgiving together without us) we are doing something completely different but really great. We will be spending it with our church family.

Our first Christmas together 06 was spent all by ourselves in sunny Florida honeymooning. It was absolutely great but certainly did not feel like Christmas. We actually went to the movies that day and ordered room service. Our second Christmas 07 was spent completely apart on opposite sides of the world as he was deployed. I was really looking forward to finally starting our own traditions, decking the halls, listening to the best of Christmas music, and actually taking an overly cute picture this year to send to family. And then along came baby... She is due the 10th of December, yet she could easily be late a week or more. Do I really have the energy to decorate? and do I really want to spend the money on that when she is coming? My imagery of the day has turned from a made up woman in a red dress with curled hair dishing out pieces of pie to a brand new mother recovering a week after delivery just wishing for the five minutes and the strength to take a shower.

All of this uncertainty has drawn me back to the reason for the season- a BABY! Christmas is truly about God humbling Himself to be made into a helpless baby to save His people from their sins. and This Christmas as I take care of my own baby- I will not be able to forget why we celebrate this holiday and how amazing it is that God would choose to become such a helpless, messy and fragile being.

This Christmas might not have the sounds, sights, and smells of a traditional Christmas, but what better tradition could there be than having a new baby just in time for Christmas?!

Getting Ready for Baby

The Nursery- Thank you to so many of you for all the wonderful gifts. Anyone want to help put away, clean, and organize???


As it is this moment. I am not sure if we are leaving the crib in that spot and the chest and dresser are still missing from the room.

The crib from this

To this- Thankfully we did not have to put it together ourselves, and yes it is time to move the diplomas.

The closet- with games, uniforms, and weights

After hard lifting- not on my part. Can you see the indentations on the carpet?

To our sweet daughter's closet. I still need to vacuum it, and most of the items in there will be finding more permanent spaces someday.

This past week I have been making progress with the nursery. I am no where near finished, yet I am thankful for all the work I got done this week and hope that next is also a productive week.

In My 30's

30 Weeks




I am now past the 30 week mark and love being so close to seeing our baby girl. Last month the nursery furniture came, and last week we put together the cradle. It seems like I am taking the tiniest steps towards getting everything together and in its place, but we will get it all together eventually.

Finally the Beach

From last year

Yesterday N and I went to the beach together for the first time this summer- well rather this year because we are now in autumn. How odd is that especially considering how close we live to a popular beach destination. I think that well sums up how this summer has barely felt like summer to me. I suppose with being sick, then going to Europe for a couple of weeks, traveling back home, and nesting for baby- life simply got in the way of summer. I was really glad we finally went yesterday. The weather was beautiful with clear skies, lower 80’s, and no wind. So there we were lounging on our large towel reading with one of us resisting the great urge to lie on her back surrounded by several retired couples. It was lovely, and we learned that those who go to the beach after the season are rewarded with free parking :)

Church Baby Shower

I felt so loved to be showered with love, support, and gifts by our new church family. It was a dual bridal/baby shower- actually my idea, and I loved the way it turned out. Thank you all so very much!

First Baby Shower

Decorating in Action

Yummy Cake... I want another piece

My Sister-in-Law

I just love handmade gifts.

Last week, I traveled back home for my baby shower thrown by my mother. I had a really fun time decorating with a dear friend beforehand and enjoyed seeing so many friends during the shower. Thank you so much for all who came to support us and gave us such lovely presents.