37 Weeks and Counting

It is so hard to believe that we're at 37 weeks already. Summer school is ending for me tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited about the arrival of Leah. I am looking forward to a relaxing week with my sister-in-law and other girlfriends during the next week, while Chad is busy at Parade Camp.

On the baby front, everything is continuing to go really well (knock on wood). We had our appointment yesterday and heard all good things. Her measurements from her sonogram were all on target, she is about 6 lbs. They did a "Baby In Utero" test and she scored 8 out of 8. :D They were able to test and see that she was breathing as she will in the outside world. Pretty impressive! I am measuring at 1 1/2 cm and 50 % effaced. So things are looking good. We could have her within the week or in 3 weeks.

It is mine and Chad's wish that we are able to wait for God's hand to take action in her arrival. As much as we want her to be here, and as much as we've been tempted to induce early, we know that God has it under control.

So as we begin the final stage of pregnancy and the beginning stage of parenthood, please pray for the safe and heathy delievery of Baby Leah. It has truly been a blessing and an incredible journey so far. I can only imagine the impact and love she will bring to our families.

We love you all!

The Final Countdown

As I am typing the title, "Final Countdown"....the Rocky Soundtrack is running through my head. Fitting I think!
We have made it to the weekly doctor's appointments with ease. I was officially 36 weeks yesterday and had a successful visit with the doctor. I am measuring at 1 cm, soft, and the baby's head is down low. I am hoping that those are all good signs of Leah coming on her own and a little early. Leah had a strong heartbeat and continues to squirm throughout the day.

As we countdown to the arrival of Leah, we are busy getting everything ready. Her nursery just needs a few more hours of work and our bags are MOSTLY pack. Chad's job is to update the music on the IPOD and I need to get the phone tree and e-mail tree started and finished.

Beyond getting ready for our little girl, I am teaching summer school and Chad is writing his "Book" for the marching show and preparing for Parade Camp. I hope that baby Leah gives her daddy a great present....and comes early. That way he can get out of parade camp! :D

Thanks to everyone who leaves a post, e-mail or phone call. We are so appreciative of everything and can't wait to celebrate Leah's arrival.

It's Been a Long Time

I first off have to apologize for the long delay in updating the blog. Things have been very crazy in Texas. School ended with state testing, taking 75 fourth graders on a three day field trip to San Antonio, and the usual chaotic activities at the end of the year. I, of course was focused on earning a little extra cash, so I am now in summer school for the next three weeks or until the doctor says "stop". Sigh.....

All that, along with getting ready for Leah's arrival has kept us VERY busy. I officially have 5 weeks to go today. I am 35 weeks pregnant. CRAZY! I know it's hard for some to believe, but this truly has been a blessed and enjoyable pregnancy.

I had a good time this weekend with my parents visiting. They were able to help us get organized, do massive amounts of baby laundry, and clean up parts of the house. Four people can do a lot more than just two. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Baby Leah is doing great. At our last appointment she was roughly 4 pounds and in position. Everything looked good and we will start our weekly appointments next week.

Although things are supposed to becoming more confined with space, she is still our active little girl. I rarely get a good jab, but I am constantly feel "the waves" of her little parts. It is truly amazing. Sleep is officially becoming harder and I am looking forward to sleeping on my stomach once again, but I keep reminding myself that it's a good sign.

I will post pictures tomorrow. I have to share the nursery, the growing belly, and the Baby Shower of the century that was thrown by my students and their families. All I can say is that I was a basket case!



Beginning of June ....34 weeks pregnant.



One of my student's mothers made this beautiful and perfect sign for Leah's room.



A glimpse of her room...



Another glimpse of her room...notice that we still have some organizing to do with her bookshelf. There are more nursery pictures to come!!

Braxton What??

28 weeks and counting.......

As I approach my 29th week, I am gradually beginning to experience some of the blessings that come along with pregnancy. Up until this point it has been a piece of cake. Overall, I still have to say it has been very enjoyable and a true blessing to experience.

Yet, last week I believe I experienced my first Braxton Hicks contraction. Kinda scary when you're not sure what it is. Along with the "runners stitch" from hell, I am also beginning to experience these lovely "stop you in the middle of a conversation shots of pain" near my underwear line.....something about round ligaments and things growing. OUCH! Not what I was expecting. This all is happening at a good time considering I will see my doctor a week from today and I will be loaded with questions.

On the flip side, Leah continues to grow and make me laugh as she flips and pokes around. Her room is slowly under way and I hope we can finish the furniture this weekend. I am so excited to meet Baby Leah and filled with mixed emotions about getting that far. I have a feeling I will be updating this blog more often now that we're in the last 12 weeks!

Shower at the Tea Room

A huge thank you to the hostess' of the year - Cari, Lindsay, and Missy!
Cari and Lindsay made Leah the best diaper cake with goodies galore!

Saturday was an amazing and emotional day all wrapped in one! My fantasitc sister-in-law, Missy, and two of my dearest friends from church, Cari and Lindsay, threw me a baby shower at the Tea Room. It was perfect! I was overwhelmed with the great response from family and friends and the obvious love everyone has for Baby Leah and our family. We had a great time and Miss Leah has the best wardrobe at 25 weeks!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special occasion - Chad and I truly appreciate all of your love and support.

Dancing Party!

Over the past few weeks - things have started to change. My baby belly is growing bigger than a bump. Here we are at 24 weeks!

Same profile s hot with her hand by her face...again. The two bright white spots are bones in her other hand...so they tell me!

I love this picture - you can see both of her hands up by her face!

Baby Leah at 19 weeks - this is her good side! :D

Little Miss Leah has decided to begin her dancing! As we approach our 25th week appointment on Friday, I am happy to say that Leah is a dancing fool! She has been moving so much more lately and I LOVE it! Chad has been able to feel her several times and I hope that other people will soon be able to enjoy this milestone with us.

I am trying to get caught up on pictures...so enjoy the belated pictures of Leah and her momma!

Things have been very exciting for us for the past few weeks. On Friday, March , we went in for our 20 week sonogram. Chad and I were confident for a long time that we weren't going to find out the sex of our little one. However, after much thought, we decided to find out. We asked the sonogram tech to place the picture in an envelope. During the appointment, we got to see everything. We saw the profile of the baby's face and body, hands, arms, feet, knees, legs, heart, kidneys, and the umbilical cord. Everything looked great! Our little one was very shy and didn't want to reveal if it was a boy or a girl. Finally after one last try, the sonogram tech quickly moved the screen away from us and began typing. In our minds, we were thinking it must be a boy, but we wouldn't know until dinner.

We decided to celebrate the news over dinner, Red Lobster. After a long wait it was time to dine! After we ordered our meals, I handed the envelope to Chad. As he opened the envelope, I took a few pictures. He concealed all emotion very well sealed the enveloped and passed it back. As I pulled the picture out, I was surprised to see "I am a girl" on the picture. We were so thrilled and elated with emotion. We would have been pleased with either a boy or a girl, but a girl was slightly higher on the wish list.

Leah Rae Ann is our little girl and we are very excited to reach new milestones over the next 20 weeks.