Thursday, February 28, 2013

First Baby Shower!!!

Little late on this post but what a wonderful weekend in Charleston two weeks ago! It was our first baby shower given by the lovely Gorham ladies. Ellie and I were able to share the celebration with her Aunt Stephanie and cousin Jaxson. It's not only been fun to be pregnant with my sister-in-law so we can share stories, complaints and joy but having our baby shower together made it even more special! I can't wait for our little ones to grow up together so close in age.
At the shower, there was a onesie-making station set-up for everyone to make cute onesies and socks for baby Ellie and Jax. The thought and creativity put into them was just an added bonus we brought home with us! The babies have some adorable homemade clothes now! I will say that Steve's favorite was made by his cousin Leslie who painted a 'Super Z' onesie with plans for me to sew on a pink cape. He can't wait for Ellie to wear it----even requested one for himself, haha.

Steph and I joined in the fun to make our own onesies....


...and the finished onsies made by the mommas!


After the shower, we had a girls' night at the beautiful B & B where the shower took place. The B & B was gorgeous and the time with the Gorham ladies made it even better! We snacked on junk food (the babies were craving it of course!), played cups (which Steve's cousins kicked our butts in!) and played board games---a perfect girls' night!


Proud of the newly-developing bump! I think it gets bigger each week...


Among the many generous gifts we received from family and friends that day, I must admit to a few favorites....
My mom gave me some very special items from my own childhood. She had saved a few pair of shoes and socks---with my big feet it's hard to imagine them ever fitting me! She had also saved the bonnet I came home from the hospital in, which Elizabeth will now be able to wear when she comes home from the hospital as well. The condition of them is impeccable. It's hard to believe that after 27 years something so tiny could mean so much. My own thoughtful mom wanted to save something special to her and pass it along for her granddaughter. Words cannot describe what a precious gift she's given us. Maybe one day Elizabeth will be able to do the same with her own daughter.




We were so thankful for everyone that came to the shower, both near and far, and the time we were able to spend with them all! Each day I am reminded of the loving individuals we are blessed to have in our life and anxious for them all to meet our beautiful little girl.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Hellooo bump!

We're officially six months pregnant and officially have a baby bump! I'm loving actually looking pregnant now (though I'm sure I'll regret saying so in a couple months when I'm miserable huge)! Steve teased me this morning when I got ready for church and put a skinny belt above my bump. He asked, "Are you wearing that just so your stomach is more obvious?" Well, duh! :)



We picked up our crib and dresser yesterday, which is very exciting, even though we're still not sure where we'll be setting it up. Either way, it's a huge step in preparing our little girl's nursery.

I saw the nurse practitioner last week and she says everything still is going great! Elizabeth has a healthy heart-rate---she was moving around some during the doppler check and it was really neat to hear her do so. She's an active girl! I was finally up a substantial amount of weight, which surprised the doc but she was happy with it---even increased my desired weight gain! If they only knew that all that weight was over a two week time and not the entire month! That weight and this hunger came out of nowhere!

Steve says Ellie is coming out grounded and in debt. She still is pretty stubborn about him feeling her kick. I'll put his hand where she kicks and he leaves it there for several minutes without any movement. Typically the moment he moves his hand away, she kicks again. I find it entertaining. Steve, not so much. Someone told him recently that she may be comforted by his hand on my stomach and that's why she's calm. I think it made him feel a little better :)

Next weekend I have my glucose tolerance test. I'm told it's not fun and the drink it gross. Either way, to me, it just means more blood being drawn---not my favorite activity. So far the blood testing has gone well but since I typically pass out giving blood, Steve gets to take me. It's really sweet how protective he has become of me in the last several months.

In about two weeks we have our first baby shower in Charleston and I'm very excited to share such an exciting day with my sister-in-law Stephanie!



How far along: 24 weeks
Baby size: cantaloupe
Current Weight: 140 lbs (17 lbs gain)
Maternity clothes? - officially can't button them so started with the 'belly band' and liking it
Sleep? - off and on---still up a couple times for potty breaks
Best moment: picking up our furniture
Miss anything: caesar salad still and wine
Movement? active girl! LOVE feeling her kick! 
Anything makes you queasy or sick: nope
Showing yet? - yes!
Gender: GIRL
Labor signs: no
Wedding rings on/off? -  on
Mood: excited
Looking forward to: Charleston baby shower next weekend