Giving Thanks

As the extended Thanksgiving weekend winds down, I am sitting here putting off writing lesson plans for the week. 

I thought I would share the things I am thankful for. 

1.  I am most thankful for my family for all of the love and support they have always given me.  Without them, I don't know who I would be.
2.  I am thankful for the love I share with Jose.  He is an amazing person and will be a wonderful father.
3.  I am thankful that I have a precious, healthy baby boy growing inside of me.
4.  I am thankful for my job.  I know so many are struggling with employment and feel blessed to have a job that I love going to every day. 
5.  I am thankful for all of my friends-near and far, old and new. 
6.  I am thankful for you, dear reader!

Jose and I on Thanksgiving before I went to my brother's house and he went to his friend's house.

What are YOU thankful for?

The Baby Shower

First, I want to say thank you so much to my wonderful shower hosts!  Kelly, Sara, and Megan- You did a wonderful job of making this day perfect for me and Jackson. The food, cake, decorations, games, and hospitality made the day enjoyable for me and the guests.  I know you spent so much time, heart, and money to make the shower the best.  I love you very much for everything!!! 

Sara, Kelly, Me, Megan

Second, I want to thank the gracious family and friends that joined us Sunday and truly "showered" us with gifts.  Your generosity will definitely help Jose and I be more prepared for bringing our baby boy into the world.  It would be a long list if I tried to mention everything I opened.  Let's just say that Jackson now has a car seat, motion soother, bouncer, sling, swing, bath tub, lots of adorable clothes, shoes, books, bedding, bath time goodies, and other necessities to get him started. 

For now, all of the gifts are piled (neatly of course) into the dining room of my tiny one bedroom apartment.  I really can't wait to move into a 2 bedroom apartment with Jose so we can start building Jackson's nursery.  I know it will be too cute!  I look forward to putting all of this good stuff to use when Jackson gets here. 

I have put together a slideshow of some of the pictures taken at the shower.  If you want to read captions, you will have to scroll over each picture.  Don't pay attention to my facial expressions- I didn't pose for any of these pictures!

I have the best friends and family anyone can ask for!  THANK YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING!!!!

29 week check-up

I went to the doctor yesterday for my 29 week check-up and glucose test. I was confident going into the appointment but a bit nervous about drinking the glucose juice! So many people told me that it was disgusting and difficult to get down.

I was quite surprised... when I took the first sip, it really tasted like super sweet orange soda. I actually thought it was tasty. I had 5 minutes to drink it but I think I downed it in less than one. I had to wait an hour for them to draw blood. In the meantime, I had my appointment with the doctor.

Dr. Dutton said Jackson and I were doing really well. When she listened to his heart, she smiled and said, "It sounds perfect." Perfect is just what Jose and I wanted to hear!!! I asked the doctor about which way Jackson was laying because I feel him all over the place. She really dug into my belly, feeling for his head and rump. She said he was laying horizontally, but he is still small enough to shift around. Based on my belly measurements, Jackson seems to be growing just right. :)

I was concerned about my weight gain. I gained 8 pounds since my last appointment!!! She said that is more than average for one month, but my overall weight gain is in the normal range. I need to be a little more aware of how much I am eating - thank goodness the Halloween candy is gone! I also ate out a lot in the last month, so I need to get back to cooking for myself.

She and I talked for a good five minutes about getting the H1N1 vaccine. I have been going back and forth about it for months now. The office had about 20 shots left and she strongly encouraged me to get it. She wanted Jose and I to talk it over and decide before we left. We went back to the waiting room to wait for my bloodwork and talked it over. We finally decided it was better to go ahead and get than risk getting H1N1 and getting sick.

So, when I went to finish the glucose test, they vaccinated me. I'm actually relieved to have gotten it. I get so scared when I think about all of the little ones in my class that have been sick and the one that was hospitalized. Just pray that there are no adverse effects for the baby. More than anything, I want him to be safe and healthy.

Ya know, those lab techs need to practice their vein finding/blood drawing skills! She bruised me up pretty good in my left and right arms trying to get my blood. I won't know the results of the glucose test for a few days. She said they would call if there were problems. Let's hope I don't hear from them!

OK... I'm off to watch a Christmas movie. It's not even Thanksgiving, but nothing gets me in the mood like a corny holiday flick!

Baby Shower Invitations

My sister, sister-in-law, and best friend have been working hard to plan my baby shower for next weekend. I am extremely excited about it! I hope that all of my family and friends are able to attend. I can't wait to see everybody (especially my friends from EKU that I haven't seen in a while!).

I absolutely adore the shower invitations. Kelly, Sara, and Megan did such a good job on them and I wanted to share them with the world.

This is my favorite part... It says,

"Diapers, bibs, bottles and more!

That's what typical showers are for.

But this one has a bit of a twist.

We are building a library; please assist!

Instead of a card, please bring a book,

Anything from fairy tales to "How to Cook."

These are for Baby Jackson to use,

Whether for enjoyment or helpful clues.

On the inside, please do inscribe,

Any message you would like to provide."

Aren't they adorable? Thank you to my favorite people for doing this for me. Jackson and I love you all very much!

I hope to see everyone next Sunday!

8th month, already?!

I can't believe how fast this pregnancy is going. My weekly email update let me know that I finished my 7th month and am now in my 8th month. Jackson will be here in less than 3 months. How wonderful is that?

I have left you with a picture of the bump. Just ignore the terrible hairdo. It's a lazy Sunday!

I'm off to fill out report cards and plan lessons for the week. :)

Belly Button Business

OK, so my belly button is weirding me out. About a week ago I noticed it looked and felt a little funny. Obviously, my belly is stretching but I didn't think that I would feel the tugging so much around the navel.

I went to the experts, other moms, and asked if it was normal. According to each person I asked, thier belly button was funky during pregnancy too. Some even said their "innies" became "outies." I looked it up on the internet, of course, and every site said the changes in your belly button during pregnancy were normal. Many women tape their belly buttons to make them flat. I don't think I will go that far!

Oh well, I'm going to have the doctor check it out at my next appointment to make sure it isn't a hernia or anything (which I'm sure it's not). It's better to be safe than sorry.

I'm off to lather my belly in cocoa butter lotion!

Touching base

I have been a slacker with the updates lately. That's mostly due to lack of news, a hectic schedule, and laziness during my free time! I just wanted to touch base with our wonderful family and friends that follow the blog. Jackson, Jose, and I are doing well.

If movement is any indicator, this precious little boy is going to be quite an athlete. Jose and I joke about what activities he will be involved in. Jose says no to "gaysball." I told him that in my family, he will definitely give baseball a try. My aunt has already bought him a glove. :) Jose says he will play soccer. I think he is already practicing his kicks. Anyways, can't he play both? I doubt he will be a basketball star, as both of Jackson's parents are 5'5". Football seems a little too scary for mommy! And if Jackson wants nothing to do with organized sports, then that will be alright, too.

Until next time... we love you, dear readers!