Nursery Painting Completed

When I mentioned I wanted to paint our nursery with something fun and different, Josette from my Sunday School class told me about Cheri from our church. I heard she had painted numerous nurseries of other church families and hired her without seeing any of her work. I am not normally so trusting as I have my own design ideas and worry others don't see my vision. I am glad I trusted Josette and Cheri and let her do her thing. She made my nursery even cuter and more whimsical than I could have even imagined. It has a hint of Mary Engelbreit whom I have always loved! Marcus wanted clouds and I wanted flowers and together they just worked out! I had the "You Are My Sunshine" sign made from an artist in Tyler that I met at the Leander HS craft fair. I think it is the perfect sunny combo to our clouds. Cheri painted that spot with my sign in mind.

Above her changing table, are the baby photos of Marcus and I framed and ready for Abby Lu's baby picture. I can't wait to see her chubby little cheeks in that frame!

Finally, above her bed, we placed another ledge to serve as a window box since I just couldn't find a clean white window box in any hardware store. It matches the other wall nicely and will have more usage in the future. The bunching of flowers above her bed makes for a great focal point.

I can totally understand all my friends who commented they just wanted to go and sit in their nurseries. I love the room and am so glad to have it almost ready to go! I just need remat the baby pictures with something more colorful and get her changing table pad and covers and the pretty stuff will be all set!

Pretty in Pink

This morning I went and got a pedicure and opted for a nice pink knowing it could be the last pedicure before my baby girl is here!

I took a picture of my feet to show everyone that at 37 weeks, they still look normal! All of my shoes fit just fine! My ankles also look normal, but are covered because of the inability to shave well!

He Went To Zales....

Tonight after dinner I received a very special present- blue topaz earrings in honor of Miss Abigayle's December birthday. Now, I just need to make it through a few more weeks of pregnancy and the birthing process to deserve these beautiful earrings.

Thank you Marcus for the present, but more than that for being the kind of man our daughter can look up to, learn from, and strive to find one day. I couldn't ask for more.

Home Sweet Holiday Home

With Abby coming soon, it is a tree free year in the Jenks' house; however, I couldn't let the season go by without some decorating. It was fun to pull everything out and decide what should go where in the new house!

Relaxing Thanksgiving

Being 36 weeks pregnant at Thanksgiving can make for a very difficult or very relaxing holiday experience. I am very lucky to have had family come over for lunch, bring most of the food, and then leave by naptime!

Dad, Jacque and Midge (Jacque's Mom) joined us about 10:30 Thursday morning and brought turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberries, and broccoli rice casserole. It was cooked, warm and ready to go minus a little carving from the men.

On Wednesday afternoon, I had prepared three easy desserts and prepped the dressing ingredients by pulling everything out and chopping the veggies. Thursday morning, Marcus made the dressing and we popped the rolls in the oven shortly before lunch.

Everyone helped set the table- it was so nice to use our formal dining room in the new house for a holiday meal. It is what you expect to happen in the room. It was enough space for all of us, the side board held the desserts nicely and we could all see the football game on TV!

While lunch preparations were finalized, Midge and I both relaxed talking about the baby, the new house and the latest in her world. Here she is checking out my maternity scrapbook which is almost complete- yea!

Thanks Dad, Jacque, Midge and Marcus for giving me a low stress, super yummy Thanksgiving. I appreciate it!

Picture of Week 36

Here is a picture of my ever growing profile taken on Thanksgiving morning. I have a scrapbook page of every other week and I have surely grown!

We are really getting to the point where she could come and it would be okay. I hope to make it to December 15th- we have a baby shower left, I have one last hair appointment and a couple of holiday parties that I hope to make. Beyond that, I feel pretty ready.

My reading has shifted from being pregnant to being a Mom. I am now reading about scheduling, feeding, etc. It is exciting and overwhelming. I know my maternal instincts will kick in and that I have all of you to call and ask questions of. Thank goodness!

I found a blogger named Kelly in Arkansas who could be my best friend. She loves the same things I do and is expecting a little girl a few weeks after me who she also waited a long time to concieve. I read her blog on ocassion and a recent post said some things I have thought, but couldn't put into words.

What I AM scared of - TERRIFIED actually - is being her MOM! I worry that I won't do the right things or start her off right from the beginning. That I'll mess something up from the beginning and never be able to reverse it. I'm scared I won't make all of her childhood memories perfect. That I'll forget things like leaving cookies out for Santa or making traditions just for our family or carving the perfect pumpkin. I'm afraid I'll forget to take pictures that I wanted to take. I'm afraid I won't praise her enough and help her to have a good self esteem or that I'll praise her too much and make her a spoiled brat. I'm afraid I'll cross the fine line of wanting to give her the WORLD and teaching her that we already have more than we need. I'm afraid I'll want to shelter her from ever experiencing rejection or failure but I won't equip her to know that life isn't fair and she won't always get everything she wants. I'm afraid I'll dress her up like a princess every day and won't remember to tell her that "pretty is as pretty does" and that kindness is more important than looks any day. I'm scared of her getting hurt. I'm scared of feeding her too much or not enough at first. I'm afraid that she'll be that child that teachers and Sunday School teachers see coming and say to themselves "Oh dear - here comes the Jenkins girl". ha! When I was younger and not even married (and maybe even last year) - I had ALL the answers on how to be a good parent. ha! But now that I am about to be one - I feel like I know nothing.

Some of these are a humrous exaggeration, but overall I really feel like parenting is a balancing act and I hope Marcus and I can find the right balance. I hope that just being aware of these issues gives us a fighting chance for success!

Time to be Thankful!

I love Thanksgiving.... the smells, yummy food, football, cooler weather and the beginning of the holiday season. It is also so easy to overlook Thanksgiving as Christmas lights are up, music is playing, and red sparkly bows are in every store front. Makes you wish there was a little more time between the holidays so that we could enjoy the quietness of Thanksgiving a little more.

Marcus and I have so much to be thankful for this year. I didn't want to let the moment go by..... our health, a roof over our heads, a happy marriage, the ability to put food on the table, jobs that we love, answered prayers, unanswered prayers, family nearby, an evergrowing circle of caring and loving friends, and above all a loving God who provides it all for us to experience.

I hope you also are blessed this Thanksgiving and enjoy the time with your friends and family before rushing off to bed to awake at 3:30 AM to be certain and get the best deal on the hot new item this year. :)

Week 36: Crenshaw Melon

This is like the jicama, what the heck is a crenshaw melon (and how the heck did it get in my belly)? hehe!

As of this weekend Abby Lu is full term. It is such a relief and blessing to know how close we are. I know the things you worry about as parents change constantly, but it feels good to know that we have almost made it full term. So many women don't get that relief. I still pray for them and hope to share in their full term celebration one day.

We spent a good part of the weekend preparing in case full term is all Abby Lu was waiting to hear before making her big arrival. We washed all of her newborn and 0-3 month clothes, her towels and washcloths, blankets and burp cloths. Dear Lord, please don't make her a boy. We'd be in big trouble!

We also pulled out our suitcase and began packing for the hospital. We had started a list when watching birthing videos to try and eliminate forgetting something important. Now, the suitcase is open and we are adding items. When I first saw it in our bedroom I asked Marcus if we had a tripped planned and was really confused since I can't travel. He reminded me of the trip we are taking soon, to the hospital!



from Baby Center:
Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position. But if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.

Favorite Maternity Photos

Kristi took these great photos of Marcus and I earlier this month. after reviewing them, I chose these three as my favorites and had them framed in a black collage for our bedroom. It is such a special time and will remind us of how wonderful awaiting our baby girl is.

A special shout out to Kristi's husband Ben who has magical powers that can make me look better in photos than real life. Thanks for loaning me your editing skills!

Junior League Christmas Affair

Saturday morning, my friends Tabriah, Brandi and I went downtown for the annual Junior League Christmas Affair. It was packed with people, pretty things and little girl gear galore!

I am proud to say I only bought Abby Lu one thing- check out this super cute wire dress cut out made for holding bows. It is painted white, pink and green which looks perfect in her room. Plus, they had displayed it with red ric rac and ribbons that I have used in her room. It was meant to be. Here it is displaying all of her hair bows.

I also bought Christmas presents for friends and family and myself a few treats. It was lots of fun!

Love those Red Raiders

So, everyone in Texas has heard about the TTU football team and our offensive skills. We like to score, a lot. Well, check out our basketball team. They can score too!

Preview of Abby Lu?

Marcus' Mom sent us an 8x10 of Marcus as a baby to frame along side my baby picture for Abby Lu's room. We are amazed at how very different we look as babies and can't wait to see if Abby Lu looks like either one of us.

Here is a possible preview of our little girl...

(above) Deanna Gayle at 3 months old

Marcus Wayne at 3 weeks old

Marcus and I had a long discussion last night that I look like my baby picture and he totally doesn't look like his. All of his features seem to be different. I'm guessing since his is so very young, he developed most of his features we know today after 3 weeks. On mine, Marcus joked that you can't miss my big ears, my big forehead and my smile. I'm sure that was all said in love.

Anna's Work Shower

Yesterday, Marcus joined my office for lunch to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Abby Lu with my co-workers. I work in an office of 10 people total, so we are all pretty involved in each other's lives. It is much more like a family than an office- the good and the bad of a family!

Look at this cute monogrammed in *diamonds* onesie for Abby Lu. It even has a ladybug which I just love and is made from a local gal here in Austin!


We also received two big buckets filled with all of the little things that baby needs around the house- hangers, cabinet locks, place mats, rear view mirror attachment, toys, clothes, sippy cups, bath thermometer and much much more. Plus, they placed it all in the buckets I am using in her nursery.

Plus, an experienced Mom in the office bought us our bouncer (I hear it will be a lifesaver) and a man in the office ventured out on his own to buy sweet baby girl clothes. Wow!


In addition to great gifts, we also had yummy food! They were so kind to bring in one of my favs- Double Dave's pizza rolls with salad and chocolate chip cookie cake.

I am very blessed to work in such a great supportive office and to have such wonderful friends from it.

Insurance Policy

So I have decided that we are going to take part in a core blood storage program. This is a new thing, and up to very recently, the list of things that core blood could remedy was fairly light...but now, even some forms of cancer can be cured with core blood. See some videos here.

This is neat science, and a chance for Abby to have an insurance policy against some genetic diseases that could be treatable.

You know, I hope that I am throwing away money...I hope that we never ever see any return of investments. I hope that I look back and realize that there are hundreds...thousands of dollars that I simply give away so someone can have this insurance policy ready. I will know though, I won't have a life altering "coulda shoulda" moment down the road.

Isn't that the wish for all insurance policies...that its wasted cash...?

Marcus

A Little Practice Session :)

So yesterday afternoon I am sitting at work and I start to feel uncomfortable. It is expected at this stage, so I keep working. The uncomfortableness does not get any better. I feel like I need to pop my upper back. As it worsens, I become short of breath and begin to get really hot. I squirmed around in my chair, walked around the office, used the restroom and nothing seemed to help.

I called my girlfriend Andrea asking is this what it feels like when she kicks me in the ribs. Not thinking, I realize the tall Andrea probably had a mansion with lots of room for her daughter. I can only offer a small studio apartment. Having a short waisted Mom is no fun for Abby Lu. Andrea did recommend I try laying down to get her to move. I went down to my car (thinking laying on my office floor would be gross and may become my permanent locale) and laid across the back seat. Nothing. I then got in the driver's seat and reclined trying to stretch out my torso. No go.

So, I became that pregnant lady and called my doctor. The nurse told me she could not diagnose me over the phone and to come to the office for peace of mind. I went there quickly and called poor Marcus who must have ran out of his office and sped the whole way there because he showed up within minutes of me. The PA checked me out, confirmed the baby's heartbeat was good and hooked me up to the monitor to measure contractions. As expected, I did not have any contractions and my body did not show any signs of moving toward labor.

I felt much better after about 20 minutes and know that if it happens again that it is not reason to be alarmed, the baby is okay. Since I was there, this appointment replaced my scheduled appointment for Friday. Our next appointment will be in the month of December!

Week 35: Our Honeydew Melon

Abby Lu now weighs as much as a honeydew melon, which I suppose is heavier than a cantaloupe. Who knew!

Tonight we will learn how to care for our newborn baby girl at a Baby Care Basics class offered at the hospital. We will learn about bathing, feeding, holding and other newborn needs tonight. It will be fun to focus on her more than the process of getting her here!

At church on Sunday I was told that it looked like I had dropped. Scary thought! I definitely am still growing and feel much more pressure in my hips and lower abdomen than I have before. We'll see what the doctor says when we go back on Friday morning. Still no word from her on the anemia.

Yesterday during lunch, Marcus and I bought diapers, wipes and too many clothes at Babies R Us. I asked him to join me to help me show restraint and he was horrible. She has 4 new outfits and a Texas Tech cheerleader outfit thanks to our little trip for just diapers. We are in so much trouble!

from Baby Center:
Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

Friday Night with Kiersten

Marcus and I love to babysit for our friends. It gives us practice and saves our friends money. Friday night, Tabriah was in a wedding, so we watched 11 month old Kiersten. She is a hoot-0ne of the happiest babies in the world. She had lots of fun bouncing around the living room, laughing at Matt's robot (which would scare most kids), and eating Marcus' credit cards.

We really got to experience a full night- feeding, bathing, and the bedtime routine. It was exhausting, but enjoyable.

Whenever we watch someone else's kids, we always play a little game and "red raider" the child. It happened with Bella and Mackenzie in recent times. Unfortunately, we forgot our RR gear at home, but Marcus did manage to teach Kiersten how to spell T-E-C-H during bath time.

Good work Marcus!

Co Sleeper Bassinet

I think one of the most difficult choices new parents make is where their newborn will sleep- a bassinet, their crib, a moses basket, in the bed with their parents, where ever they can! In all of my readings, this choice can set up a pattern that can be hard to break later.

After hearing from some other new Moms and researching the options, Marcus and I decided on the co-sleeper. It is a bassinet that converts to a playpen, but the unique feature is that it can "attach" to the parents bed. This dropped arm on her bed will allow us to feed and care for Abby Lu without getting out of our bed. This is very important is we end up with a C-section or in the winter when it is cold!

I think it is a great compromise and hope it helps us to get some sleep while knowing she is safely sleeping nearby.

Tis the Season

Oh yes my friends, we are close enough to Christmas to do a little blog maintenance. Visit The Cutest Blog on the Block to check out their fun holiday backgrounds.

Althought I love me some red and green, I opted for a little pink christmas this year in honor of our special present coming this holiday season.

Best Advice.... thus far!

I have said numerous times on this blog what wonderful friends and family I have. Getting the advice of so many women who have children, have struggled to have children, or want children one day and are preparing now has been a God send. You think you are ready and know so much and then a silly question is asked and you realize how very little you know.

Luckily through lunches, showers, emails, texts, and this blog I have received so fabulous advice! Two pieces of advice really stuck with me and Marcus and I have implemented them into our lives. I wanted to share them for all of you.

A few weeks ago, my PEO sister Meg who lives in the Dallas area told me to be sure that Marcus and I spend the last few weeks holding hands. How sweet is that! I know that we will be more in love when Abby Lu gets here, but our hands will literally be full with a car seat, diaper bag, and all the other things babies need. I can't forget how nice it is to just hold my husband's hand.

Last week at lunch, my girlfriend Andrea told me the best advice she got was to install a dimmer switch in her daughter Abbie's room. It allowed for them to change her diaper in the middle of the night without the harsh glare even a soft lamp provides, but also serves as a night light when she is older. Marcus installed the dimmer last weekend and it gives the room such a soft lighting that I could imagine our sweet girl sleeping in her crib.

Thank you Meg and Andrea and all of you for giving Marcus and I words of wisdom!

Doctor's Appointment: Week 34

This morning Marcus and I met with our doctor for our 34 week appointment. Here are the highlights:

• Reported no sweeling in hands or feet- so far my shoes and my wedding ring still fit.
• Blood pressure was normal
• No weight gain since our last appointment- I am still sitting at 18 pounds. Since Abby gained over a pound according to normal ranges, I consider this a major victory!
• Heartrate was "perfect" at 154
• Still measuring 1 cm/1 week ahead of schedule, Dr. Neyman thinks I have a lot of amniotic fluid in me which is causing her to move more than normal and also cuasing me to measure big. Lots of fluid is a positive thing.
• The new birthing center will open this month and will have wi-fi meaning Marcus can blog her first pics or our updates for everyone directly from the hospital.

I also gave blood this morning and should hear something back late tomorrow or Monday on the anemia. We asked a few more questions this time to fully understand what I am facing. They measured my red blood cell count when I was first pregnant and it was 13.1. Anything about 12 is normal. My tests since then have been 9.3 and 9.6. We need to get it back up to above 12 before I go into labor.

Still Anemic

I just spoke to my doctor's office and my anemia has only improved slightly. They are concerned and that is making me nervous. So, starting today I will take 2 iron pills per day and will take them with a Vitamin C rich liquid, like OJ to help with absorbtion.

Tomorrow, I will be giving more blood and this time they are doing a more intensive anemia test to look at the multiple causes of anemia and determine which one is affecting my levels. I may then have another course of action to follow. We will retest in 3 weeks and if I have not shown improvement, I will be sent to a blood specialist.

They also gave me permission to take 2 Flintstones chewables instead of the pre-natal vitamin. I so wish I had been given this option by my doctor 34 weeks ago. I have a real aversion to swallowing pills- both physically and mentally. I need to suck it up for my daughter and get through this so that she is healthy. I would appreciate your prayers that I remember to take them, follow through with it and don't suffer the negative side effects!

Nursery Update

My girlfriend Alison is a wonderful decorator. We have very similiar styles, only she is more daring than I am. She mixes things up more, is less symmetrical, and plays with modern and rustic in ways I don't dare.

She has ledges/shelves in numerous rooms in her house and they always look so randomly perfect. I wanted to do the same, so she has been counseling me via email about what to add and do to my shelves and I think I stumbled upon the combination of color, size and shapes that I like.

I bought the picture frames (which need sweet baby pictures in them), but the remaining items were gifts given to Abby Lu from her many friends and family. Thanks to Susan, Carrie Jo, Alison, Elizabeth, Debbie, Amanda, Lisa, Jan and Kathy for the goods to make my shelves perfect!

11-11 Presents

Marcus bought me presents for 11-11! Wow, I need to celebrate the 11th day of each month :)

Here are the clues I was given and the presents:

Something practical- my birthing ball

Something I haven't gotten "in a long time"- roses

Something fun- a teenage mutant ninja turtle? Marcus picked up my new license plates yesterday afternoon and the NJT letters immediately made me thing of a NinJa Turtle. So, we decided we should rename my car after one of the turtles. I decided I liked Donatella best. So, he picked me up a little Donatella turtle to ride in the car with me.

Thanks for celebrating my lucky day with me Marcus!

11-11

11 has been my lucky number since I was in junior high and fell in love with Isiah Thomas of the Detroit Pistons. Today, I still consider it my lucky number as variations of 11 (22,33,44, etc.)appear in numerous parts of my life- DL number, SS number, Passat license plate, etc.

Today, being 11-11 is my lucky day. Let's hope something good comes out of today for me or one of my friends!

I Got Tagged... Where Was I?

1 minute ago: Marcus and I were laughing at a Wal-Mart Bingo card on another blog.

1 day ago: I was home sick- taking iron and pre-natal vitamins without a large glass of water is a bad combination.

1 week ago: I was watching Monday Night Football and rejoicing in my victory.

1 month ago: I was just back at work from our trip to Hawaii. Boo!

3 years ago: I was frustrated that God didn't want me to have a baby. (I now know his plan was much bigger than I could imagine at that point)

5 years ago: I was a manager for the first time and learning all that entails. Still so much to learn!

7 years ago: I was a newlywed, a new Aunt, and just starting my career.

10 years ago: I was newly engaged and not nearly as in love as I am today.

I tag Stormi and Caroline!

Week 34: A Cute Cantaloupe

This week Abby is the size of a cantaloupe. I would agree that she has gone through a major growth spurt in the past couple of weeks. I feel like my skin is working really hard to hold her up! This week we have a doctors appointment on Thursday and our second birthing class that night. There still seems to be so much to learn. In the next few weeks, we will begin packing our bag for the hospital, develop our phone/email tree, purchase a birthing ball, and I'll finish reading the "What to Expect When You Are Expecting Book". I'm amazed we have made it to this stage and excited for the next 6 weeks.

from Baby Center:

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

Family Shower

On Saturday, Mom and I drove to Ingram, Texas for my "family" baby shower. My Dad is the youngest of 8 and I am grandchild #18 of #19 on that side of the family. Needless to say, we have a big family on my Dad's side.

I tried to get a group picture of some of the family in attendance. Note, the men were in the man cave in the back of the room watching football until the end when we snapped the photo.

The shower was held at my Aunt Nell's home, the same living room where my wedding shower was held almost 10 years ago. I can guarantee you Aunt Nell has hosted 20 or more events like this in this same living room. It feels like home.

Mom and I in the living room. Mom spoiled Abby with many gifts including a rolling suitcase for her many trips to see Nanny.




Along with Aunt Nell hosting, my cousins Kristi and Susan (in photo with me above) and Kristi's Mom Mary Evelyn hosted the shower.






After having some wonderful food, we played games including guessing what candy bar had been melted inside a diaper. Look at this! Wow, I hope Marcus likes changing diapers!

We also started Abby Lu's college fund as everyone dumped their spare change into her piggy bank and then guessed how much money we had collected and unscrambled letters to guess popular baby items. Lots of fun!

I was blessed with some wonderful gifts for our baby girl, including this onesie that says, "I am not a boy!" I was with very little hair for a long time, so it is possibly she'll be confused with a boy for a while.





Although Kyleigh did not join us, she did send gifts including this pacifier with all kinds of bling. Kyleigh likes anything with glitter and gave Abby a cute little dress and picked out a pair of Levi's with rhinestones and glitter all over them!

Tiffany, my sister, came to the shower as well. She obviously has been shopping for her niece for a long time. Kyleigh has her own opinion about everything she wears, so I think Tiff had fun picking out clothes on her own!

It was fun to open so many outfits and imagine our daughter all decked out for the next 2 years in outfits picked out for her by her loving relatives.

Thanks for everyone for coming and for welcoming Abby Lu into the family!

Much Cuter than Your Little Pony

Last week when Texas Tech played Texas, a Tech fan had a sign claiming, "Colt? More like My Little Pony!" We found that sign hilarious.

Now, after coming off a game where we "ripped" (thank you Yahoo Sports!) Oklahoma State, nobody is talking about that little pony, but our cutey Graham Harrell.

His father, a HS football coach said, “The amazing thing is that [Texas Tech] doesn’t beat you by getting into weird formations or going into motions and trying to manipulate you into getting into certain coverages. They show you the same thing each week and throw the same passes. They haven’t had any new plays or formations for five years. They just go out, do what they do and beat you. It’s just straight execution.”

Congrats to our 10-0 Red Raiders! We can't wait to see you tackle Oklahoma in 2 weeks!

Thank you CFA

Oh yes my friends, the holiday season is here and time for everyone to do their best take on peppermint. Goodbye pumpkin spice, hello peppermint!

It started earlier this week with Starbucks, who has put out their red holiday cups. We'll be seeing those until February. And today, at lunch, I bought a Peppermint Chocolate Chip Shake. Heaven in a cup!

Enjoy yours until January 3, 2009.

Various Things

1. Our sweet precious baby girl has found my bladder. I'd like to have a conversation with her that it is not a pillow, a punching bag or a play toy. Please STOP TOUCHING IT! I went to the bathroom 3 times in 30 minutes last night.
2. We start birthing classes tonight. Dear God, please don't let them make me get in any uncomfortable positions. I am modest. I do not spread my legs or breathe loudly in public. Please help my husband's comments remain for only my ears to hear. While amusing, he can be embarrassing.
3. I have officially gained 10" around my waist. Hard to imagine that will go down quickly.
4. I have to give blood tomorrow during lunch to check on my iron counts. If they are not in the normal range, a serious conversation will likely ensue with my doctor. They mentioned my levels were so high that they feared hemorrhaging at birth and a blood transfusion. Nothing like a blood transfusion to scare a new mom.
5. There will be some "work" done on my pregnancy pictures before they are posted on the blog. It looks like both my belly and my chin are giving birth real soon. Photoshop editing software is my new hero.
6. My body temperature is all kinds of crazy. I went to bed last night in a nightshirt with one leg outside the covers and another leg under just a sheet and light blanket. Marcus on the other hand, was trying to survive in a pair of fleece pants, t-shirt and a flannel shirt. They recommended we bring a sweater to class tonight, I should probably bring a fan.
7. I think I am at the point where planning a meal ahead of time is pointless. I'll think of some food item and then have to have it immediately. I will leave my office for lunch with no idea of where I am going, but I know it when I pass by and I can't get it quick enough.

Just some random thoughts from a pregnant girl -

Anna

Isn't he Sweet!

I'll post more maternity pics later, but had to share this sweet one of Abby's Daddy.

Take A Guess....

I have created an online poll where you can place your guess as to when Abby Lu will arrive, what she will weigh and how long or short she will be! Just click on the orange ExpectNet banner on the right and give it your best shot. We'll be sure to announce the big winner after she comes.

Some things to help you decide:

• Both Marcus and I were of average size when born- around 7 pounds.
• If height comes from parents, I am 5'3" and Marcus is 5'10".
• I am measuring one week early although I have heard conflicting reports about what exactly that means.
• My hips and lower back hurt most of the day. I have been told that could mean she is coming early.
• I have had no signs of early labor so far.
• I have had "practice" contractions twice- both times they were very mild.
• I currently have no plans to do any of the things recommended to start labor early.
• Unless medically needed, my doctor does not plan to induce until December 29th.

Week 33: She's a Pineapple Now!

7 weeks or just 50 days to go! I remember being so excited when I had less than 200 and then less than 100 days to go!

This weekend I worked on my scrapbook tracking our infertility, IVF and pregnancy. I was way behind and did the page where we found out we were pregnant. It amazes me how much the Lord has done for us this year. I am humbled by His love of my family, the care He has taken over my body, and the joy He has given my marriage through all of this. I can't wait to meet His creation, our daughter.

from Baby Center:


This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.