Second Baby Shower

Today was the second baby shower; this time it was with my dad’s side of the family. My cousins Niki and Lori, along with Grandma Betty, had put together the shower. I honestly didn’t know how well it was going to be, but to my surprise everything turned out great. My Aunt June and cousin Michelle came in from Panama City just for the shower. I really appreciate the fact that they came into town for the shower; I really didn't expect it.

We had a light lunch of sandwiches, fruit, and veggies.



We played a game of Jeopardy (with nursery rhymes) that Lori created. It actually turned into a combination of Jeopardy and Family Feud. We had to pick teams so it was me, my mom, Aunt Joan, and Grandma Betty on one team and the other team was Aunt Mary, Niki, Aunt June, and Michelle. At one point, there was a heated argument between the teams. Everyone else kept saying it’s only a game and let’s keep going till we finish it. Nevertheless, I need to brush up on my nursery rhymes because I didn’t do so well.




After that game, we opened gifts. I got a lot of cute clothes, burp cloths and blanket for baby Emma. Again your Nana went all out and got way too many gifts. I already know that she is going to spoil you rotten, more so than she already has (and you're not even here yet!). Here are some of the gifts I received:








The gift that made us all laugh!


The cutest burp cloths!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

While at work today I had a lot of other staff in the building tell me how good I look for being so far along in the pregnancy. I had one guy ask if I was about four months along and when he found out how far along I really was, he was shocked.

Michael and I got to my doctor’s appointment early today, which I thought would have been a good thing because we had so much to do this afternoon. It didn’t go according to plan, which it never does. My OBG-YN listened to your heart beat, which started at 142 bpm but then rose to 155 bpm. She took my belly measurements and said that it was perfect, along with my blood pressure. Again everything is looking good and we will go back to the doctor in about three weeks (a little longer since dad will be in Washington DC in two weeks).

After the doctor’s appointment, Michael and I had an appointment to take a tour of the labor and delivery area at the hospital. The receptionist was very polite and was asking all kinds of questions regarding our pregnancy. I’m glad to know that when it’s our turn to have the baby, all the necessary paperwork has been filled out and all we will have to do is get to the room to get you here. We then went on the tour of the maternity floor with Dianne. We started out in the labor, delivery, and recovery (for two hours) rooms. We also walked around the floor to look at the other rooms, the nursery, and the NICU. It was also comforting to know that a pediatrician, OB-GYN, NICU staff, and anesthesiologist are on site in case of an emergency. It just seemed so real taking the tour, like I can’t believe we will be there in about 50 days!

And So The Fun Begins

After Michael and I got home from the baby shower with a car full of presents, we decided to put together a few things. We started with bouncer. It looks so simple, but it was so confusing (even when reading the directions, that didn’t seem to help). While at times Michael was ready to throw the bouncer off the deck, but we were somehow able to complete the project. We also put together the pack n play. Again, Michael thought it was going to be simple, but boy was he wrong! At first, we were doing good following the directions, but then we got lost and the pictures were no help either. Sometimes, it’s just better to guess until you get it right. At least, that’s what we did and we think it’s safe enough for Emma.

After the projects were complete, we added batteries in them to get the dogs familiar with the sounds that they will be making. They were a little confused at first and wanted to sniff everything. That’s fine, just as long as they don’t think these are toys for them. It was so funny watching the girls go up to the dolls in the rocking chair, because they haven’t seen anything like it before. Cali went right up to the dolls and began sniffing them, but Lexi was a little more hesitant and sniffed from further back. I wish I would have recorded it because it was so funny.

Michael and I also took one of the dolls to pretend it was Emma; that was interesting. I think the girls were just curious because there was a new scent on the doll, but they did good when we told them to be gentle with baby Emma. Cali became quickly disinterested in the doll and just laid next to me. I think when Emma arrives, these girls (well at least Lexi) will be protective of her and us. Now I hope they actually act this way when she arrives; only time will tell.


Michael about at his breaking point.


Taking a break to catch up on some tv.


The finished product, the bouncer.


Michael trying to figure out what to do next.


Somehow we got the pack n play put together.

Look at these tired pups: it was hard work watching us struggle to put Emma's bouncer and pack n play together.

The First Baby Shower

Today is my brother's birthday. Greg and his girlfriend Jill came into town on Friday so they could be here for his birthday, as well as for the first baby shower. Aunt Kathy, along with my mom and grandma, had been planning this shower for the past couple weeks. Aunt Kathy made a diaper cake that was filled with all kinds of goodies (rattles, spoons, toys).

There was a little family medical emergency this week to where Michael’s mom and grandma were not going to make it to the shower. Thankfully, everyone is doing okay now, but I know they really wanted to be part of the shower. There will be more showers and they will have plenty of opportunities to visit with Emma once she arrives. Here is everyone that attended the shower: Grandma, mom, Jill, Aunt Kathy, Aunt Patty, Aunt Betsy, Jackie, Laura, Jessica, Isabella, Mrs. Hoog, Meredith. Mrs. Ragan, and Mrs. DeWert.

Emma, you received a ton of cute clothes, books, and necessities for your nursery and everyday living. Things are starting to come together and you will be here before we know it.


The cake creator and I


The diaper cake


My grandparents and I


My mom and I


The yummy desserts


The family table


Opening some presents


Still opening presents


Look at all those presents! Baby Emma as well as her parents are very appreciative of all that has been given to us.

Photo Shoot

So tonight Michael and I decided to have our own pregnancy photo shoot. I wanted to get some pictures taken, but we just don’t seem to have the time or the money to get it done. At least this way we are in the comfort of our own home and could take as many pictures and poses as we wanted. We took a few pictures and these are the ones we liked the most:

We Found A Pediatrician!

So today we found your pediatrician! A co-worker had referred us to Winghaven Pediatrics; a facility that wasn’t on the list given by my doctor. I was told that we would like this facility because it was newer and the staff was really friendly. So we kind of had good expectations going into this meet and greet, but still we wanted to get a view for ourselves.

I got off work early to go to the appointment, only to sit in traffic and arrive late to the meet and greet. While in the traffic I called the pediatricians office to notify them that we were going to be late, but unfortunately they were at lunch so I had to wait until our appointment time to call back to let them know. I made sure Michael was outside and ready to go so that I could swing by and pick him up then continue going. We weren’t really sure where we were going, but knew it wasn’t that far.

Finally we made it to the appointment and the staff was very understanding, even saying that they heard there was an accident on the highway (so they know I wasn’t just running late). We had to fill out some paperwork about our family medical history, pregnancy info, and just basic information. Our first impression of the facility was that it was very nice; there was a well room separate from the sick room, a kids table/chairs, some toys, and everything just looked nice. Staff was very helpful and friendly.

We were taking to a patient room where we met the doctor. We asked our few questions we had because most of the other questions were answered on the internet and the brochures given to us. She did give us some tips we hadn’t heard from other pediatricians. For instance, her thoughts on car seats, cool mist humidifier, and daycares. I liked her comment, ‘you will know when it feels right so go with that feeling’. Something else I thought was different at this facility was the fact that they will see kids all the way through college. I had to laugh because that was Michael, which there is nothing wrong with that.

When Michael and I walked out of the appointment, we both looked at each other and said “this is the one”. Now we need to notify the doctor that we would like her to be our daughter’s pediatrician and we will be good to go for when she arrives. Something else to mark off the list of things to get accomplished before Emma's arrival.

Another Doctor's Appointment

Today was the start of the every two week doctor’s appointments. This time we didn’t have as many questions so it was sure to be a quick appointment. When I first arrived and did the usual routine, I found out that I have only gained two pounds since last visit. I think my total weight gain is about 15 pounds. That’s not too bad considering how much of that the baby needs.

A concern I had was the pain in my back; I think it’s from sitting too long or just the added weight of the baby. My doctor wasn’t too concerned and suggested taking Tylenol, using a heating pad, or getting a massage. Too bad Michael wasn’t in the room to here that one because then he would be stuck giving me massages all the time. I also asked if there was anything else we were to be doing now in preparation for the birth. My doctor had mentioned pre-registering (which I did like months ago), finding a pediatrician (hopefully finding the one tomorrow), and deciding on banking the cord blood.

Also at this appointment, my doctor listened to your heart beat and based on the location (left side of the belly button; when previously it had been on the right side) you are head down getting ready to shoot out. It was a little weird when my doctor was able to feel your head. I put my hands where hers were and could feel a round object, so I guess I was feeling your head. Your dad didn’t want to feel it, but I’m going to try later to see if he wants to feel it then. My doctor also took my belly measurements and said everything is looking perfect.

Well baby Emma, you are heading into the final stretch, the last two months. It still seems like just the other day when we found out we were going to have a baby and now the time has almost come. It’s so exciting!