It's the last day of January and I am so excited. Sometime over the next 2 weeks I am bound to meet my baby girl.
I have been struggling with anxiety about her arrival and have been working on trusting God to bring her into this world at the perfect time and more importantly, at the perfect weight, which is what I'm most anxious about.
It doesn't help that I've fallen into the swing of things back home. We are completely unpacked, organized, baby ready etc. so I've run out of things to do to occupy myself. I've gotten pretty good at keeping my house clean, the laundry done, and meals planned so that doesn't take long, and I'm down to the last few episodes of the only show I watch while Ryan is at school.
I'm not sleeping very well as I believe allergies are giving me a sore throat and my wale belly makes it very hard to get comfortable enough to fall asleep so napping or sleeping away the time isn't really an option for me either.
I need some things to do to get my mind off of this final stage of waiting! You would think I'd be practiced at waiting for my baby after our long journey or fertility issues but the home stretch has been the most anticipated.
Today I think I have filled the majority of what would be a long school day with all sorts of chores and tasks so that the day not only goes by quickly but also so that everything is done and ready for the weekend!
I'm thinking we may have a little super bowl party this week so I can survive the game with another woman who cares about it about as much as I do. LOL.
Well, I'm off to the grocery store! Here's to February and good things to come!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
My Thoughts...
- I am 24 now, and that's pretty hard for me to believe! LOL
- Sometime in the next 20 days or so I'm going to become a Mommy. WOW!
- This place at the end of my pregnancy where all the preparation is done and there is only waiting left is rather surreal. I've run out of things to do and I look around at my house and imagine my little girl here with me and it's just crazy.
- I can't wait to hold Hannah Kate for the very first time. I imagine the moment often.
- I hope she comes before her due date or that she just isn't quite as big as they think she will be.
- I have another appointment Wednesday. Hopefully we will get a better idea of how much she is really growing in a week, and maybe some good news on when she might show up!
- I already feel so protective over my baby. I love her so much already it's overwhelming to imagine how I will feel when she's in my arms for the first time.
- I can't wait to see Ryan hold her for the first time, to see Ryan see her for the first time, his reaction etc. I'm looking forward to it because I know it's not quite the same for the husbands during a pregnancy, but once they can see and touch their baby, the rest of the world just seems to fall away.
- Though I could have 3 weeks left before she comes, I have her car seat installed in the van, my hospital bag is all packed and I'm prepared to head out on a moment's notice. (although, I know it doesn't happen instantly like that.)
- Dog food is expensive for 2 big dogs. We switched brands to a cheaper Walmart bag that's a way better value, and the transition gives the dogs nasty gas.... yuck! At least they should get used to it within a week.
-We filed our tax return and Thank You Jesus! It is a little more than we expected so we should be able to pay off all our debt and take car of our van, which needs an oil change, new tires, inspection and registration stickers, as well as some other things but we will do what we can.
- I could pretty much live in my new PJs. I have gotten so big and uncomfortable here at the end of this pregnancy that most clothes feel restricting and these are super soft and abundantly stretchy so my big whale tummy can stick out as much as it does without feeling restrained. LOL
- I love our church. I'm really enjoying this sermon series. And I look forward to small group every week.
- I am so grateful for my Dr. I forgot how long is typical to wait at an appointment with the actual doctor but I'm still so grateful that we have had such great care and that we can really trust our medical team in the coming weeks to prepare for the birth of our baby.
- January is almost over. I'm looking forward to February!
- Sometime in the next 20 days or so I'm going to become a Mommy. WOW!
- This place at the end of my pregnancy where all the preparation is done and there is only waiting left is rather surreal. I've run out of things to do and I look around at my house and imagine my little girl here with me and it's just crazy.
- I can't wait to hold Hannah Kate for the very first time. I imagine the moment often.
- I hope she comes before her due date or that she just isn't quite as big as they think she will be.
- I have another appointment Wednesday. Hopefully we will get a better idea of how much she is really growing in a week, and maybe some good news on when she might show up!
- I already feel so protective over my baby. I love her so much already it's overwhelming to imagine how I will feel when she's in my arms for the first time.
- I can't wait to see Ryan hold her for the first time, to see Ryan see her for the first time, his reaction etc. I'm looking forward to it because I know it's not quite the same for the husbands during a pregnancy, but once they can see and touch their baby, the rest of the world just seems to fall away.
- Though I could have 3 weeks left before she comes, I have her car seat installed in the van, my hospital bag is all packed and I'm prepared to head out on a moment's notice. (although, I know it doesn't happen instantly like that.)
- Dog food is expensive for 2 big dogs. We switched brands to a cheaper Walmart bag that's a way better value, and the transition gives the dogs nasty gas.... yuck! At least they should get used to it within a week.
-We filed our tax return and Thank You Jesus! It is a little more than we expected so we should be able to pay off all our debt and take car of our van, which needs an oil change, new tires, inspection and registration stickers, as well as some other things but we will do what we can.
- I could pretty much live in my new PJs. I have gotten so big and uncomfortable here at the end of this pregnancy that most clothes feel restricting and these are super soft and abundantly stretchy so my big whale tummy can stick out as much as it does without feeling restrained. LOL
- I love our church. I'm really enjoying this sermon series. And I look forward to small group every week.
- I am so grateful for my Dr. I forgot how long is typical to wait at an appointment with the actual doctor but I'm still so grateful that we have had such great care and that we can really trust our medical team in the coming weeks to prepare for the birth of our baby.
- January is almost over. I'm looking forward to February!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
And the Mommy anxiety sets in...
Today at my OB visit I found out that my baby is being considered full term even though we are only 36 weeks.
She is in the 84th percentile and she measures closer to 38 weeks old in some of her growth measurements. According to the technology we have (which is not 100% accurate, I know) She is measuring 6 pounds 14 ounces already! My doctor is pretty sure we will have a 9 pound baby on our hands by her due date.
This may not seem like a big deal but let me just say; as I first time Mommy, this is a VERY BIG deal!
I'm pretty anxious about the birth as it is because I'm a planner and I had several things laid out in my head that no longer look as though they will be that way. Birth plans never are I suppose...
At this point I am PRAYING that we are one of the lucky few first timers that has an early labor. I know it's not likely but I was nervous enough about having a drug free birth before I found out our little girl is likely to be 9 pounds full term.
Most of my other anxieties are typical of the last few weeks before a baby is to arrive. How I will do, what to expect, when it will happen, if I'll be ready etc.
I'm very excited to meet her and my goal for now is to focus on God and being at peace and just thinking about the joys of finally getting to see this precious gift I have waited so long for!
She will be SO worth it, no matter when she comes or how much she weighs!
She is in the 84th percentile and she measures closer to 38 weeks old in some of her growth measurements. According to the technology we have (which is not 100% accurate, I know) She is measuring 6 pounds 14 ounces already! My doctor is pretty sure we will have a 9 pound baby on our hands by her due date.
This may not seem like a big deal but let me just say; as I first time Mommy, this is a VERY BIG deal!
I'm pretty anxious about the birth as it is because I'm a planner and I had several things laid out in my head that no longer look as though they will be that way. Birth plans never are I suppose...
At this point I am PRAYING that we are one of the lucky few first timers that has an early labor. I know it's not likely but I was nervous enough about having a drug free birth before I found out our little girl is likely to be 9 pounds full term.
Most of my other anxieties are typical of the last few weeks before a baby is to arrive. How I will do, what to expect, when it will happen, if I'll be ready etc.
I'm very excited to meet her and my goal for now is to focus on God and being at peace and just thinking about the joys of finally getting to see this precious gift I have waited so long for!
She will be SO worth it, no matter when she comes or how much she weighs!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Exciting!
So, last night was our first night in our new small group. And... We loved it! We are both super excited about having a place to belong.
We will celebrate 3 years of marriage next month and this is the first time we have really felt like we are in a church that can be called our HOME with people who are genuine and Christ-Like!
Our church is going over the sermon series in small groups which happens to be on marriage. Last night's discussions were really good and HILARIOUS! The couples in our group are sweet and respectful towards each other but amusingly honest about their marriage. Everyone seems very real and without "The Mask Complex" so to speak. Meaning they realize that a small group is about honesty and growing in spiritual maturity and no one will grown if they can't admit their faults and or struggles.
It's a very naturally comfortable group for us because we know the host couple and the lead couple and we like them both a lot.
We are so blessed to have a place with God's people again! :)
In other news, we are definitely progressing in getting closer to delivering this baby. I love reading week by week what's going on with my body in preparation. I find God's plan for this aspect of life fascinatingly detailed and complicated. :)
I just got a 10% off an entire purchase from Target for whatever is left on my registry and I was about to place a rather large online order with a gift card anyway. Now I'm really excited.
We will definitely have everything we NEED (except for the mattress, I'm still working on that.) for Hannah Kate right away but I would LOVE to have her stroller and Ergo carrier as well. Those can wait and I can be patient.
Money is tight, my hubby's job is stressful and every budget meeting is a little sad and disappointing. This is the first time I haven't had a job for a significant amount of time and with our precious gift on the way we know it won't change much for a while.
I can say that this is the toughest we've ever had it financially, and yet I find myself more content and at peace than I ever have been before. I know my God will take care of our family, we are grateful that we have a roof over our head, food on our table, and that Ryan has a job. We are close to family and in an amazing church. Money doesn't make us happy. God provides our joy and I am so grateful for my husband, my daughter and all that God has blessed us with.
And I am even thankful for this hardship as it reminds me the material things are not where we gather joy. God has granted us a whole new perspective on life this year and we are not letting go of it! God is SO good! :) We are SO blessed!
We will celebrate 3 years of marriage next month and this is the first time we have really felt like we are in a church that can be called our HOME with people who are genuine and Christ-Like!
Our church is going over the sermon series in small groups which happens to be on marriage. Last night's discussions were really good and HILARIOUS! The couples in our group are sweet and respectful towards each other but amusingly honest about their marriage. Everyone seems very real and without "The Mask Complex" so to speak. Meaning they realize that a small group is about honesty and growing in spiritual maturity and no one will grown if they can't admit their faults and or struggles.
It's a very naturally comfortable group for us because we know the host couple and the lead couple and we like them both a lot.
We are so blessed to have a place with God's people again! :)
In other news, we are definitely progressing in getting closer to delivering this baby. I love reading week by week what's going on with my body in preparation. I find God's plan for this aspect of life fascinatingly detailed and complicated. :)
I just got a 10% off an entire purchase from Target for whatever is left on my registry and I was about to place a rather large online order with a gift card anyway. Now I'm really excited.
We will definitely have everything we NEED (except for the mattress, I'm still working on that.) for Hannah Kate right away but I would LOVE to have her stroller and Ergo carrier as well. Those can wait and I can be patient.
Money is tight, my hubby's job is stressful and every budget meeting is a little sad and disappointing. This is the first time I haven't had a job for a significant amount of time and with our precious gift on the way we know it won't change much for a while.
I can say that this is the toughest we've ever had it financially, and yet I find myself more content and at peace than I ever have been before. I know my God will take care of our family, we are grateful that we have a roof over our head, food on our table, and that Ryan has a job. We are close to family and in an amazing church. Money doesn't make us happy. God provides our joy and I am so grateful for my husband, my daughter and all that God has blessed us with.
And I am even thankful for this hardship as it reminds me the material things are not where we gather joy. God has granted us a whole new perspective on life this year and we are not letting go of it! God is SO good! :) We are SO blessed!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Hannah Kate's Room
I'm so excited about this room in our home, I venture in there for a little sit down and just soak it all in at least once a day. :)
Back before we ever even knew we would have trouble getting pregnant I knew I wanted my first little girl's room to be themed with red poppies.
It's significant for several reasons: 1.) Because her Daddy's favorite past time is gardening, 2.) Because some of her Mommy's fondest memories are of singing at the Poppy Fest in Georgetown, and 3.) Because ever since we chose that theme for a girl, God has used red poppies to encourage me in some of the most sorrowful of times.
Now the room is just about complete! All that we need now is a mattress and sheets! (And I need to do all her laundry!)
But this is our special Hannah Kate's room! Beautiful, bright, and full of joy!
Back before we ever even knew we would have trouble getting pregnant I knew I wanted my first little girl's room to be themed with red poppies.
It's significant for several reasons: 1.) Because her Daddy's favorite past time is gardening, 2.) Because some of her Mommy's fondest memories are of singing at the Poppy Fest in Georgetown, and 3.) Because ever since we chose that theme for a girl, God has used red poppies to encourage me in some of the most sorrowful of times.
Now the room is just about complete! All that we need now is a mattress and sheets! (And I need to do all her laundry!)
But this is our special Hannah Kate's room! Beautiful, bright, and full of joy!
The clothes line of tags above the closet is special. Each tag has a prayer, blessing, or message for Hannah Kate from a friend or family member. We have extra tags and clothes pins for when people come and visit us either in the hospital or at home after she is born. We will continue to add to her clothes line until everyone who wants to has gotten the chance to write her a tag. This is such a neat idea and really hits home has the name Hannah means "blessed" and reading all of these tags and hearing some special prayers and blessings over Hannah Kate at my shower pleases my heart so much. My daughter is already covered in prayers and blessings!
Last night Ryan said "One more month and our daughter will be here." Then he looked at me and laughed asking "Are you ready for her to be out?"
I must confess, while I will never complain about being pregnant due to how long I've waited and wanted it to happen, these last five weeks are proving to be the most uncomfortable. I have a very short torso and my baby is gaining about an ounce a day and I can feel my body stretching and growing heavier and more cramped and it's not the most comfortable thing in the world, but also, I'm just getting impatient to meet my little princess! So Yes! I'm ready for this little bundle of joy to be here.
I'm hoping for a Valentine's Day delivery! That would give Ryan a 3 day weekend to be at home with us and we wouldn't have to use all his vacation for the whole rest of the year.
I have a doctor's appointment a week from today where we get to see an ultra sound of Hannah Kate, get an idea of how much she currently weighs and how much she is projected to weigh about the time she is due. From then on out its a visit every week to see how we are progressing and when we might expect her to arrive! This is where things get exciting! :)
This weekend is Ryan's birthday and his mom is coming in town! I'm excited, it will be so much fun!
Today I am working on a special home made birthday gift for my hubby, doing my usual daily chores, planning out meals and a grocery list for tomorrow and tonight we get to go to our new small group that we are both so excited about! It's a good day. :)
Monday, January 14, 2013
Many, Many Blessings!
Confession: I may or may not have had a piece of red velvet cake for breakfast this morning! However I followed up with a healthy smoothie. (It's a good thing Ryan ate so much of it last night, now it's gone and neither of us will be tempted.)
Mmmm... Red velvet cake is one of my favorite desserts and it was the prize of the spread at my GORGEOUS baby shower yesterday!
Here is a recap!
This is the LOVELY spread we thoroughly enjoyed!
My Mom made the bedding and my sister's put together the diaper cake as my gifts! There was a precious clothes line with messages prayers and blessings over Hannah Kate and a special time of prayer where my mom, Vicki, and Miss Donna prayed over Hannah, Ryan and I. These last two things really touched my heart! What a special thing to include!
I Met these girls in our neighborhood when I was 8 years old! We still see each other at graduations, weddings, baby showers etc. But we are all grown up now.
My Lovely Mom and Sisters did an AMAZING job on this celebration! I couldn't be more blessed! It's been a long road to this point, and Ryan pointed out last night what a critical part of our lives this journey has been. Not only does our struggle and wait for sweet Hannah Kate sweeten and intensify our joy, but it is our flag to cling to in life's upcoming battles when again we find ourselves waiting or walking through tough times. Our God has always been faithful and will continue to be so.
This celebration was more than a Baby Shower, it was a shout of victory! It's hard for people to understand how important this part of the journey is because the hard part is over. But celebrating the victory and giving thanks to God is the best and most important part of the journey!
No we are not hurting anymore! We are not in sorrow or anguish waiting on the Lord to show us what His plan is for us! We are rejoicing with Thanksgiving that our Heavenly Father has answered our prayers, listened to our cries and blessed us with the most precious gift I believe He gives to His children (Outside of salvation of course.)
These blessings prayed over my daughter mean so much to me because these wiser, older mommies really do get it! We celebrate our victory in finally getting to this point but a new journey begins as we seek Christ in how we raise her and pray that above all, she comes to know Him as her savior.
Again, what a special celebration of a long awaited answered prayer! I couldn't be more pleased or more blessed and I cannot explain how meaningful it is to me that our faithful God and prayer and blessing were such a key part of this celebration.
We have about five more weeks to wait! And based on the information we got at our birthing class on Saturday, we probably won't be going too far past our due date, especially if Hannah Kate takes after her daddy in the baby weight department.
But my prayer is that she comes on her own, and I wouldn't mind if she were our little Valentine! :)
Mmmm... Red velvet cake is one of my favorite desserts and it was the prize of the spread at my GORGEOUS baby shower yesterday!
Here is a recap!
This is the LOVELY spread we thoroughly enjoyed!
My Mom made the bedding and my sister's put together the diaper cake as my gifts! There was a precious clothes line with messages prayers and blessings over Hannah Kate and a special time of prayer where my mom, Vicki, and Miss Donna prayed over Hannah, Ryan and I. These last two things really touched my heart! What a special thing to include!
This celebration was more than a Baby Shower, it was a shout of victory! It's hard for people to understand how important this part of the journey is because the hard part is over. But celebrating the victory and giving thanks to God is the best and most important part of the journey!
No we are not hurting anymore! We are not in sorrow or anguish waiting on the Lord to show us what His plan is for us! We are rejoicing with Thanksgiving that our Heavenly Father has answered our prayers, listened to our cries and blessed us with the most precious gift I believe He gives to His children (Outside of salvation of course.)
These blessings prayed over my daughter mean so much to me because these wiser, older mommies really do get it! We celebrate our victory in finally getting to this point but a new journey begins as we seek Christ in how we raise her and pray that above all, she comes to know Him as her savior.
Again, what a special celebration of a long awaited answered prayer! I couldn't be more pleased or more blessed and I cannot explain how meaningful it is to me that our faithful God and prayer and blessing were such a key part of this celebration.
We have about five more weeks to wait! And based on the information we got at our birthing class on Saturday, we probably won't be going too far past our due date, especially if Hannah Kate takes after her daddy in the baby weight department.
But my prayer is that she comes on her own, and I wouldn't mind if she were our little Valentine! :)
Monday, January 7, 2013
34 Weeks
In an effort to keep our electricity bill low, we have been living without heat. It's kind of cozy, actually because it's not so cold outside that it makes it miserable inside. We wear warm clothes and do things like climb under the covers with the iPad to write a blog. :)
Im actually more tolerant than Ryan is. He decides when it's time to turn on the heat, which doesn't bother me because I'm home more than he is so we are still saving money. My bun in the over keeps me comfortably warm. Lol.
Speaking of... We are 34 weeks today! Only 6 more weeks until we meet Hannah Kate. We are so excited! Ryan and I added lettuce to our porch garden yesterday when the sun was bright and warms and we sat outside and talked about how we can't wait to hold and snuggle her and feel the extreme difference between the love we already have for her and the overwhelming love we will discover when she is actually here!
We are both aware of how different life is with young children (thanks to fostering) and are really focusing on going into these new changes prepared! Luckily for us, our church is right on track with that. We just started a new sermon series on marriage that wraps up about Valentine's day! We are strengthening the foundations of our family by drawing closer to each other, God, the scripture and wise people at church.
We have started a new Bible reading plan to read through the Bible this year and are working on a special prayer plan. We needed to choose a new small group this semester as Ryan goes to school on the night our last small group met. But I see that as a blessing because especially when the small groups are going deeper into the sermon series on marriage, I prefer to learn from older wiser people whose lives reflect the biblical picture for marriage. I think we have found the perfect group to go to and we know and greatly respect the leaders and already know one couple.
This is a huge blessing to me as its been nearly 3 years since Ryan and I really felt connected and cared for in a church group (and not for lack of trying) and we both have high hopes for this group.
My sweet husband is planning a special joint birthday celebration for us this months as a sort of, last hooray before Hannah Kate arrives. It will encompass both of our birthdays, Valentine's Day, and our 3rd Anniversary. I'm very excited to see what he is planning.
I'm also super excited about my Baby Shower this Sunday! My sister really knows how to throw a party and knowing that she is the brains behind it all and my moms handy work is a part of the decoration... I know it will be splendid!
I or someone else will take great picks so I can brag afterwards!
Im actually more tolerant than Ryan is. He decides when it's time to turn on the heat, which doesn't bother me because I'm home more than he is so we are still saving money. My bun in the over keeps me comfortably warm. Lol.
Speaking of... We are 34 weeks today! Only 6 more weeks until we meet Hannah Kate. We are so excited! Ryan and I added lettuce to our porch garden yesterday when the sun was bright and warms and we sat outside and talked about how we can't wait to hold and snuggle her and feel the extreme difference between the love we already have for her and the overwhelming love we will discover when she is actually here!
We are both aware of how different life is with young children (thanks to fostering) and are really focusing on going into these new changes prepared! Luckily for us, our church is right on track with that. We just started a new sermon series on marriage that wraps up about Valentine's day! We are strengthening the foundations of our family by drawing closer to each other, God, the scripture and wise people at church.
We have started a new Bible reading plan to read through the Bible this year and are working on a special prayer plan. We needed to choose a new small group this semester as Ryan goes to school on the night our last small group met. But I see that as a blessing because especially when the small groups are going deeper into the sermon series on marriage, I prefer to learn from older wiser people whose lives reflect the biblical picture for marriage. I think we have found the perfect group to go to and we know and greatly respect the leaders and already know one couple.
This is a huge blessing to me as its been nearly 3 years since Ryan and I really felt connected and cared for in a church group (and not for lack of trying) and we both have high hopes for this group.
My sweet husband is planning a special joint birthday celebration for us this months as a sort of, last hooray before Hannah Kate arrives. It will encompass both of our birthdays, Valentine's Day, and our 3rd Anniversary. I'm very excited to see what he is planning.
I'm also super excited about my Baby Shower this Sunday! My sister really knows how to throw a party and knowing that she is the brains behind it all and my moms handy work is a part of the decoration... I know it will be splendid!
I or someone else will take great picks so I can brag afterwards!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
January 1st 2013
It's a new year! And the year that our baby will be born! We are currently 33 weeks along so only 7 more weeks until we get to meet Hannah Kate! It feels even less far away now that I can say she will be here NEXT MONTH!
In about a week I have another OB appointment where I hope it will be confirmed that Little Girl has turned head down, like a suspect. Just two days after that Ryan and I have our Birthing Class Workshop and the following day is my baby shower! :)
A weekend later will be Ryan's birthday, and then OB appointments happen weekly in anticipation of Hannah Kate's arrival, then it will be my birthday and before we know it, February will be here and we will be just a few weeks away from meeting our baby girl!
Hannah Kate's room is GORGEOUS already but I'm waiting until we have the mattress, bedding, window treatment, and changing pad that will complete the room before posting pictures. I LOVE my rocker, LOVE the furniture and the wall decor, it has come together more beautifully than I imagined.
We have collected quite a bit in the way of clothes and blankets and after our January shower I will be delighted to remove all the tags and hangers etc and do all the baby laundry and put all of her things away in the most perfectly organized way I can think of.
I have loved preparing for our sweet girl and Ryan is amazed at how strong her movements have become. I am becoming a little less comfortable each week as her growth is less and less subtle and much more noticeable.
I'm trying not to pay attention to the numbers on the scale at this point as I know Hannah Kate is gaining about half a pound or more a week. But Ryan did get the garage finished and my new treadmill set up so we have begun working out together and I plan on doing that the rest of my pregnancy and as soon after birth as is safe, and I have the energy for. (I'm going to try to sleep it up as much as possible while my baby sleeps... when and however long that may be!)
6 weeks after my sweet girl is here, once I've gotten used to new life and regained strength etc, I plan on joining weight watchers; and between that and using my treadmill until the weather is nice enough and I feel comfortable taking my baby on walks, I hope to not only lose baby weight but get back down to my wedding weight. (I'm hoping this is less difficult than it has been in the past due to magical pregnancy hormones that I'm praying did away with my PCOS.)
But honestly, all of these thoughts post baby, are just speculation and thoughts to keep me entertained while waiting for Hannah. Once she is here, if I do nothing else but love her, hold her, feed her.... I will be more than content. My heart has longed for her for many years and I have learned patience and long suffering in the time that I waited for her and one of my top goals for 2013 is to enjoy every single stage and aspect of having this precious gift, no matter how difficult or unexpected.
I don't want to take anything for granted anymore but ESPECIALLY my sweet daughter.
I'm so excited for the next seven weeks! And so very blessed and grateful. :)
In about a week I have another OB appointment where I hope it will be confirmed that Little Girl has turned head down, like a suspect. Just two days after that Ryan and I have our Birthing Class Workshop and the following day is my baby shower! :)
A weekend later will be Ryan's birthday, and then OB appointments happen weekly in anticipation of Hannah Kate's arrival, then it will be my birthday and before we know it, February will be here and we will be just a few weeks away from meeting our baby girl!
Hannah Kate's room is GORGEOUS already but I'm waiting until we have the mattress, bedding, window treatment, and changing pad that will complete the room before posting pictures. I LOVE my rocker, LOVE the furniture and the wall decor, it has come together more beautifully than I imagined.
We have collected quite a bit in the way of clothes and blankets and after our January shower I will be delighted to remove all the tags and hangers etc and do all the baby laundry and put all of her things away in the most perfectly organized way I can think of.
I have loved preparing for our sweet girl and Ryan is amazed at how strong her movements have become. I am becoming a little less comfortable each week as her growth is less and less subtle and much more noticeable.
I'm trying not to pay attention to the numbers on the scale at this point as I know Hannah Kate is gaining about half a pound or more a week. But Ryan did get the garage finished and my new treadmill set up so we have begun working out together and I plan on doing that the rest of my pregnancy and as soon after birth as is safe, and I have the energy for. (I'm going to try to sleep it up as much as possible while my baby sleeps... when and however long that may be!)
6 weeks after my sweet girl is here, once I've gotten used to new life and regained strength etc, I plan on joining weight watchers; and between that and using my treadmill until the weather is nice enough and I feel comfortable taking my baby on walks, I hope to not only lose baby weight but get back down to my wedding weight. (I'm hoping this is less difficult than it has been in the past due to magical pregnancy hormones that I'm praying did away with my PCOS.)
But honestly, all of these thoughts post baby, are just speculation and thoughts to keep me entertained while waiting for Hannah. Once she is here, if I do nothing else but love her, hold her, feed her.... I will be more than content. My heart has longed for her for many years and I have learned patience and long suffering in the time that I waited for her and one of my top goals for 2013 is to enjoy every single stage and aspect of having this precious gift, no matter how difficult or unexpected.
I don't want to take anything for granted anymore but ESPECIALLY my sweet daughter.
I'm so excited for the next seven weeks! And so very blessed and grateful. :)
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