Pregnancy and Nursery Update

I went to the doctor last Tuesday and everything is going really well. The doctor wasn't worried about my swollen ankles and feet because my blood pressure was good and so were my protein and sugar levels. I guess I'm just one of the lucky ones who's prone to swollen hands and feet. Baby's heart rate was 146 and her measurements on are track. I'm becoming very anxious to meet her although I want her to keep growing until she's ready. I can't believe Steve and I will officially be parents in 7 weeks!

Steve and I spent a good chunk of yesterday working on the nursery. I began by cleaning out the top rack of her closet to allow more room for her things that won't be used for a while. I also unpacked, cut tags off, and washed all the recent baby clothes we've received. Then, Steve was determined to unload and move the second dresser into the room all by himself. I was praying that he didn't hurt himself as I'm not much help with lifting. He got it into the room safely and without injury. Thank goodness! Then was the task of arranging the furniture. After rearranging three times, it's complete! We think it looks pretty good and now all the room needs is some wall decor. We're going to stay away from painted designs so we don't have to repaint the room in a few years. Now we have to decide what we'll hang on the walls to add to the room. If you have any ideas, please share! Here are some photos of what it looks like thus far. Enjoy!

And another one!

It's safe to say we've been spoiled with four baby showers thus far and another one was added to our count this past Wednesday! Steve's coworkers organized and hosted an amazing shower...I was completely blown away. Luckily, I was able to leave work early to be part of this special event. The shower consisted of:

1. An adorable diaper cake. 2. A delicious cake and punch.

3. A hilarious game. Steve was blind folded and had to taste eight jars of baby food and guess what they were. The entire game he thought I was blind folded as well and was tasting the food but little did he know, he was going it alone! There were several moments of gagging...it was pretty funny and he was a good sport about it.

4. Gifts. I couldn't believe how generous everyone was. One of the best gifts was our travel system! It feels comforting to know we have a car seat and stroller if anything were to happen early.

Thanks again to all Plaza staff members! Steve and I are so grateful for the time and effort you put into this. We appreciate you!

Minnesota Baby Shower

My mom hosted a baby shower the day after Thanksgiving. Even though it's not customary for the grandmother-to-be to organize and host the baby shower, she wanted to show off her beautiful new home she and my step-dad moved into at the beginning of November. It was wonderful seeing my dear family members and a few friends. Bean and I felt very special. Mom~we appreciate the time and effort you put into this special day. LOVE YOU!

Grandma is excited to meet Bean!

A Crib Made with Love

Soon after we found out we were expecting, Steve's dad offered to make the crib for the nursery. We gladly accepted his offer and after several months of hard work, the project was complete! We saw the finished product over Thanksgiving and were at a loss for words. Keith did an amazing job and this is a gift that will be cherished forever. Thank you so much!!! One day, we hope our grandchildren will sleep in it. Check out the detailed craftsmanship. He is one talented man!

KC Baby Shower

My dear friend Angela hosted a baby shower for Bean and me today. Everything was fabulous! We are so appreciative of the time and effort she put forth and everyone who made it. Here are a few pictures...enjoy! Thanks Ang!!!

How cute is this cake????

Where Oh Where Can Little Rose Be?

Can you spot Rose in Steve's pile of clothes?

Dirty clothes are definitely more comfortable than carpet alone. :) When she curls up like this we call her "shrimp." She's too cute! (Don't worry...the rest of our house isn't this messy.)

30 Weeks

Here is a pic of little Bean at 30 weeks. You can definitely tell she (and I) are growing. :) The last week and a half I've been EXTREMELY irritable/moody. The smallest, most insignificant thing can trigger my fury. I feel so guilty because I have everything to be thankful for and nothing to be upset about. I haven't had any patience at home or at work. I've been a bear to my students so they're probably wondering where their real teacher has gone and if she is coming back. I've read and heard this is normal in the third trimester. Hopefully my body will get used to the hormonal surge so I can be Jenny again. In the midst of all this, Steve has been wonderful and I'm positive he misses his happy wife. Send positive thoughts my way!

New Members

I can't believe I forgot to blog about this last week. Over the past eight weeks, Steve and I went through the New Member program at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, which is right down the road from our house. We have been attending the church since we moved to Kansas City and decided it was time to make it official and take the next step in our faith journey. The group met every Sunday evening for an hour (sometimes two). We wrapped things up by volunteering at Hill Crest ministries. This organization helps less fortunate families get back on their feet by providing a place to stay for 90 days and teaching them how to manage their finances. Half of our group painted an entire two bedroom apartment and the other half, cleaned and reorganized the main office. We accomplished all this in 4 hours...wow! Then, last Sunday our new member group was presented to the congregation. Of the members, one adult and five children were baptized. The entire process was so amazing and we're both glad we decided to take that next step. It feels wonderful to be part of the Good Shepherd family. :)

Early "Nesting"

The past few weeks I've had bouts of nesting. I can't imagine what I'll be like in 2 1/2 months! Three weeks ago, I painted a second coat in the nursery, and washed all the clothes we have for Bean at this point. Two weeks ago, I washed both guest bedroom blinds in the tub and SCRUBBED until I was blue in the face! They were filthy. This past weekend, I DEEP cleaned the entire house. I even got down on my hands and knees to scrub the floor in our master bathroom. Steve was also recruited to help dust the ceiling fans I couldn't reach. I also washed all Bean's wash cloths, bath towels, sheets, changing pad covers, and burp cloths. Next weekend, I'm hoping to clean the windows (inside and out), mop the kitchen floor, and wash all of Bean's bedding. I'm certain many more things will be added to my "to do" list. :)

Trick or Treat!

Not one trick or treater came to our house this year. I was so disappointed! Luckily, we went to our friends house later on and their neighborhood was full of kids so we were still able to pass out candy. Check out our costumes. Steve picked them out!

Can you tell what Steve is? Don't worry, he put on black shorts before we headed over to Scott and Natalie's. :)

Birthday Brunch

We knew this week was busy with conferences and all...and our weekend is booked, so Steve and I decided to celebrate my birthday early. We had the Granite City Sunday brunch and it was delicious! This year, my longest conference day is on the 29th. Go figure! At least we get Friday off...wahoo!

Fall Fun

Last Saturday, Steve and I were invited to a pumpkin carving/bonfire party! I can't remember the last time I actually carved a pumpkin. I chose to mark mine with a scarecrow design. To my surprise, it actually looked pretty good. I think I may have even out-done Steve, the art teacher. :) He decided to carve the score of the ISU/Nebraska game into his pumpkin. I love fall activities like this and we don't get to partake very often because we're usually on the go traveling out of state.

Steve was so proud of his "bonfire" attire. He had on Carhart pants, and his grandpa's jean coat that's insulated with flannel. Perfect.

And There's More!

Steve and I elected to pay extra to have a 4D sonogram session with little Bean. She was pretty cooperative so that was fabulous. The sonogram technician gave us literally 50 pictures! At one point, Bean had both legs and arms up by her face. We're not sure where she gets her flexibility. :) It was so amazing to see her move around and grimace. It makes everything much more real. Enjoy these few pictures of our special girl. You can see more in person the next time I see you! The photo book is always in my purse. Look at her sweet little face.

Her hand is up by her face. Precious!

You can see her legs, elbow, and then her hand on top of her knee.

The technician said she's measuring at 26 weeks which is right on track. As of yesterday, she was 1 lb. 15 oz. The woman said she also has some LONG legs! :) AND...the umbilical cord isn't around her neck anymore. I was so relieved to hear that!

More Pics of Little Bean

We had another sonogram yesterday because the doctor wanted to follow up on a few things. Everything looked great and you can tell she's grown since our last sonogram 5 weeks ago. We were lucky enough to get some 4-D pictures from yesterday's appointment. You can actually see her face! Steve and I decided we'd like formal 3-D/4-D (whatever they do) pictures of her so we go back next Tuesday to get those done. Hopefully she cooperates so we can share more wonderful pictures of her! What a little miracle...I can't stop staring at the pictures. :)

You can see the umbilical cord is wrapped around the backside of her neck. Neither the technician or doctor were concerned.

40th Wedding Anniversary

My mother and father-in-law celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this past June. We wanted to do something special for them and weren't able to do so until this past Sunday. We pulled off a surprise gathering at Steve's oldest brother's restaurant. We had them believing they were attending an immediate family birthday party for Maddie, Zach, and Brian. Neither Keith or Linda suspected anything and were stunned when they walked in the door to see their good friends, family members, and decorations galore! We celebrated with sandwiches from Hickory Park, homemade desserts, a trivia game, and a slideshow of Keith and Linda's journey together over the years. The party was a success!

Can you tell Linda is shocked?

A hug from good friends along with a few happy tears.

Maddie and Me